Executive Director’s Report July 12, 2022
Forest Service Regional Update –
No update
Forest Service Funding –
No word on our funding submittal for the Outreach Grant. Our 22-23 base funding goes into effect on 7/1/22.
Cal Fire –
Received a follow-up correspondence from Walter Passmore on June 21, 2022, with stipulations for addressing the deliverables and financial remedies. We responded with an email stating where we are in our review process and that we would be back to him the week of July 5th. We have a team meeting tomorrow, July 6th for a follow-up on the information being collected. Please let me know if you would like to read the CAL FIRE correspondence.
State Policy & Advocacy –
I will be going to Sacramento after the summer recess, but we are working on our idea of working with various agencies and legislators to make U&CF a requirement through the Office and Planning and Research (those responsible for cities’ General Plan updates). Tasha and I spoke with Amanda Hansen from the Governor’s office about this approach and she likes it. Much to do, but has legs, and we can incorporate this with Gordon’s GreenPrint effort, in terms of content, potentially.
Conference –
We are holding the conference at the Westin Rancho Mirage on September 29th-30th, 2022 entitled “Lead with Trees”. The budget is being adjusted based on audio-visual costs. The hotel’s vendor was ridiculously expensive, so we are looking for someone else. Speakers are mostly identified. We need your help securing sponsorships. The Sponsorship Recruitment Document is part of your packet. We have a great committee, and we are holding regular team calls.
A successful conference needs to be our main focus! Please help with our premier event!
Bookkeeping/Taxes/Audit, etc. –
I will give you a “Live” report at the board meeting on our QuickBooks
Program Updates –
CAL FIRE still has our efforts mostly on hold.
The Forest Service-funded – “Mind the Divide” project (UF&WUI) is reaching completion in its first stage and pretty impressively done by the Davey Resources staff. We will schedule a presentation for you!
It would be fabulous to have the councils submit a monthly report to support our reporting to the Forest Service – here’s the link; we can try again! Regional Council Report. Going forward into the new Forest Service Budget year on July 1st – I will be withholding funds to those councils that don’t submit reports, if not monthly then quarterly will work fine. If we cannot demonstrate how the councils are utilizing the money, it makes it difficult for me to ask for more.
It is time we started getting more local events going too (I know many of you are up to stuff). How can I/we help? Let’s talk!
Regional Councils –
I still need to schedule a Zoom meeting with Inland Council and Sacramento Council regarding the Forest Service overview. Please be in touch with me to see when we can make that happen.
Outreach –
New projects coming online soon – Deb will preview them on our call
Board Meetings –
It was brought up that we might consider having Board Calls less often. This should be discussed. I’m thinking it’s not actually prudent in terms of keeping information flow current.
Board Recruitment –
We have a new applicant for a Board Seat – Deb and I have created an online fillable Board Application page. It is ready for use. See if you would like to embellish it further. August is meant to be the beginning for new board member recruitment – forming an Ad Hoc committee. EVERYONE should be looking!
Reminder – board member’s agreement to contribute $500 either directly or through other opportunities (Regional Council members excluded unless they are eager!)
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Hughes