Executive Director’s Report June 20, 2023

Forest Service – Washington DC Update – IRA submittals for U&CF apparently were unprecedented. How in the world will they review all of the applications? Time will tell!

Forest Service Funding – CaUFC, along with the Inland Council, the LA/OC Council, and the Bay Area Council, partnered with PlanIT Geo, Tripepi Smith, Urban Ecos, and Western Chapter ISA to submit our proposal for five years and $5.5M. It is a huge mystery what will happen, and when the Forest Service will notify everyone. If you’d like to see the 39-page submittal, please let me know.

Cal Fire – No real update. Waiting for response form closeout packages and our most recent invoices.

I spoke to Walter Passmore at the CA ReLeaf meeting regarding our outstanding invoices and the two close-out packets we submitted. He inferred he wasn’t hopeful the WCA, Inc. would be paid for the entire grant package submittal, though he had not yet reviewed it. I defended WCA, saying they went the extra mile to address the problems and to solve them to the best of their ability. Walter also shared that he wants to meet with our board at some point this year to discuss what the path forward will be for CaUFC once I’ve left. They are taking the change seriously and want to see that plans are in place for success.

State Policy & Advocacy – We will be following up soon with Amanda Hansen and staff members form Office of Planning and Research regarding General Plan requirements for cities as they pertain to urban forestry, for our second meeting.

It would also be great if we could find more sponsors to support the costs of advocacy. Any ideas?

Conference – We have begun planning with A-Plus Tree for the TreeTopia events in August. The first committee meeting was had, populating the event with speakers and other opportunities underway. Ideas? Dr. Geoff Donovan will be our keynote. Igor Lacan will present, and more. Creating a panel to present on equity issues, urban heat, etc.

Bookkeeping/Taxes/Audit, etc. – no update

Budget – In the “up next” list now

Program Updates – Deb will update you on the Regional Councils’ remaining presentations; I attended the CA ReLeaf Retreat in Sacramento, and also the Mind the Divide team (Davey and us) attended the Ember Stomp event in San Rafael – addressing wildfire, home safety, nature, etc. A fun outdoor event for the entire family.

The Forest Service funded – “Mind the Divide” project events planned for June 26, 2023, in Riverside at the Forest Service Building.

Regional Councils – I sent out financial information to each regional council letting them know how much they each have left to spend by June 30th of their Forest Service funds.

Outreach – Communications report.

Fundraising – I shared the documents we reviewed at the in-person board meeting in March with the April board packet. First committee meeting is scheduled for 6/12 at noon.

Board Meetings – our next meeting will be July 11, 2023, via Zoom at 12 Noon.

Board Recruitment – No update

Wells Fargo Bank Issue – I’ve researched Beneficial Bank, (thanks to Mona Cummings). I’m waiting to hear back from them regarding their requirements and policies for non-profits. I should be able to report on the call.

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