Appalachian Society of American Foresters By Laws

ARTICLE 1: NAME AND OBJECTIVES

This organization is a unit of the Society of American Foresters (the Society) and shall be known as the Appalachian Society of American Foresters (Appalachian Society) as provided in Article VI of the Constitution of the Society of American Foresters. It shall include Society members who have established domicile within the boundaries of North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.

The objectives shall be:

1. to advance the science, technology, education, and practice of professional forestry in America and to use the knowledge and skills of the profession to benefit society,
2. to provide an opportunity for better communication among the individual members, their regional representatives and the Society.

ARTICLE 2: ACTIVITIES LIMITED TO EXEMPT PURPOSES

No part of the net earnings of the Appalachian Society shall insure to the benefit of, or be distributable to, its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the Appalachian Society shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in Article I hereof. No substantial part of the activities of the Appalachian Society shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation and the Appalachian Society shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office. In the case of written request from a governmental body, committee or subdivision, the Appalachian Society shall provide technical assistance and advice providing the Appalachian Society deems it appropriate to provide such assistance. Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, the Appalachian Society shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by an organization exempt from Federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law) or (b) by an organization, contributions to which are deductible under Section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provisions of any future United States Internal Revenue Law).

ARTICLE 3: MEMBERSHIP

Every member of the Society in good standing is entitled to membership in the Appalachian Society if the member has established domicile within the boundaries of the Appalachian Society. The domicile of a member shall be the member's home or residence, unless the member's place of business and professional affiliations lie within the territory of another state or multi-state society, when, by notification in writing to the national office, the member may establish domicile with said other state or multi-state society for the purpose of state or multi- state society membership. An individual may be a voting member of and be eligible for office holding in only one state or multi-state society, but may become an associate member of any other state or multi-state society. Only voting members, as defined in the Society's constitution, in good standing, shall be entitled to vote on any question before the Appalachian Society. Other members may attend any meeting of the Appalachian Society and take part in the discussions, but shall have no vote. Members of a student chapter shall be entitled to vote on any question before the student chapter.

Membership in the Appalachian Society may be terminated by (1) voluntary resignation, (2) failure to pay dues, (3) expulsion from the Society for unprofessional conduct, or (4) transfer of domicile to another state or multi-state society.

ARTICLE 4: DUES

The annual dues of the Appalachian Society shall be payable from the first day of January. With exception of Student Members who shall not be assessed, dues shall be collected by the Society concurrently with the collection of national dues and transmitted to the Treasurer of the Appalachian Society.

Members who have not paid national and Appalachian Society dues by the date specified by the National Office shall be notified by the Society that they are in bad standing, and thus ineligible to vote, to receive the Journal of Forestry, to be a candidate for office, or to hold office until the dues are paid.

A member who transfers into the Appalachian Society and has paid annual dues in the state or multi-state Society from which the transfer is being made shall not be required to pay additional dues for the year of transfer and shall automatically become a member of the Appalachian Society for the remainder of the year.

New members admitted during the year shall pay pro-rata dues beginning with the quarter after the admission is accepted.

The Treasurer shall remit to each Division Treasurer the amount of dues received by the Society for each Chapter member. In addition, the Treasurer will send to each Division Treasurer some portion of the Appalachian Society dues as determined by the Executive Committee.

ARTICLE 5: OFFICERS

The officers of the Appalachian Society shall include a Chair, a Chair Elect, the Immediate Past Chair, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and such other officers as may be found necessary. Officers shall be voting members of the Society and the Appalachian Society for the duration of their terms. Terms of office shall commence on the last day of the annual meeting of the Appalachian Society and shall continue until the end of the day previous to the last day of the annual meeting of the Appalachian Society in the next succeeding year.

The Chair Elect is elected for a one-year term and automatically shall become chair for the subsequent term. The Secretary and Treasurer will be appointed by the Chair with the concurrence of the Executive Committee. The Secretary and Treasurer may be the same person.

The Chair Elect, upon completion of the term of office, shall automatically become the Chair for the subsequent term, and shall be ineligible for immediate re-election to either office. The Chair, upon completion of the term as Chair, automatically becomes Immediate Past Chair for one term.

In the event the Chair is unable to complete the full term of office, the Chair Elect shall succeed and complete the unexpired term prior to serving the full term as Chair. Should this occur, the Executive Committee by a majority vote shall appoint a replacement Chair Elect who shall assume the duties of the vacant office until the next regular election of officers. In the event the Chair Elect is unable to complete the term of office and succeed to the office of Chair, the Executive Committee shall appoint an acting Chair to serve until the next election at which time both a Chair and a Chair Elect shall be elected. Vacancies in the office of Secretary or Treasurer shall be filled by the Executive Committee.

ARTICLE 6: DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF OFFICERS

The Chair shall serve as the chief executive officer and is responsible for providing leadership and direction to the Appalachian Society through its Executive Committee. The Chair shall convene and preside over meetings of the Appalachian Society Executive Committee and the Appalachian Society; serve as chief spokesperson for the Appalachian Society; represent the Appalachian Society in the House of Society Delegates (or with the approval of the Executive Committee appoint an alternate to do so); maintain close and productive liaison with the Council member; appoint the Chair of the Science and Technology Program Area (and of other special committees as needed); make those appointments specified under Articles 8 and 9 of these bylaws; oversee proper coordination and communication of Appalachian Society activities; and perform all other duties commonly incident to such office.

The Chair Elect, in the absence of the Chair, shall preside at the Appalachian Society meetings; act for and assist the Chair in conducting Appalachian Society affairs, as may be requested by the Chair; make those appointments specified under Articles 8 and 9 of these bylaws; and serve as Chair of the Education Program Area of the Appalachian Society.

The Immediate Past Chair shall chair the Professional Affairs Program Area of the Appalachian Society and make those appointments specified under Articles 8 and 9 of these bylaws.

The Secretary or another officer as directed by the Executive Committee shall conduct all Appalachian Society elections and referendums which are not conducted by the national office of the Society; keep the minutes of the Appalachian Society's meetings and send a copy to the Executive Vice President of the Parent Society; conduct correspondence; announce meetings; send agenda for meetings to the Executive Vice President 30 days in advance when possible; and perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Executive Committee or Chair. The Secretary shall prepare and present at the annual meeting a report on the Appalachian Society's activities, and shall provide a copy of the report to the Executive Vice President. The Secretary shall report to the Executive Vice President the adoption of and amendment to the bylaws.

The Treasurer or another officer directed by the Executive Committee shall act as custodian of the Appalachian Society's accounting records and accounts; receive and deposit all monies and disburse all monies authorized by the Chair (or Executive Committee) on behalf of the Appalachian Society; and perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Executive Committee or the Chair. The Treasurer shall prepare and present at the annual meeting a report of the Appalachian Society's financial status, including an income and expense statement for the year's operations and a balance sheet as of the end of the Society's fiscal year.

Upon certification by the Auditing Committee, copies of the written report shall be submitted to the Chair and to the Executive Vice President. The Treasurer, in response to an annual request from the Executive Vice President, shall provide all information required by the Internal Revenue Service Form 990 and, if the Appalachian Society has unrelated business income, Internal Revenue Form 990-T. And, in the event that the Internal Revenue Service reporting requirements are changed, the Treasurer shall provide the Executive Vice President the information required on any additional form of the Internal Revenue Service.

The offices of Secretary and Treasurer may be combined and filled by one person acting as Secretary-Treasurer. That person shall perform all the duties prescribed in these bylaws for both offices.

Position descriptions shall be prepared and maintained up-to-date that state the specific duties and responsibilities of each member of the Appalachian Society Executive Committee. The qualifications of candidates for each elected or appointed position should also be described. These include: Chair, Chair Elect, Immediate Past Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, (or Secretary- Treasurer), Science and Technology Program Area Chair, and Division Chairs.

ARTICLE 7: ELECTIONS

Election of officers shall be by letter ballot in October. The ballots shall be counted by November 15.

Nominations made by the Nominating Committee shall be transmitted to the Chair, with a copy to the Secretary by August 15. Nominations by the membership at large, if endorsed by at least 25 voting members in good standing and presented to the Secretary in writing by August 15, shall be included on the mail ballot.

The Secretary shall determine whether all nominees are voting members in good standing, eligible to hold Appalachian Society office, and agreeable to serve if elected. The Secretary shall report to the Chair and Nominating Committee the name of any nominee who fails to qualify. Further nominations, if necessary, shall be made by the Nominating Committee by no later than September 15.

The Secretary shall mail or provide for mailing a letter ballot to each voting member in good standing by October 15. The ballots shall (1) state the offices to be filled, (2) list the names of the candidates for each office in alphabetical order, (3) show the closing dates for receiving the ballots, and (4) be accompanied by a brief factual professional biography of each candidate and a return envelope or post card addressed to the Secretary, someone designated by the Secretary, or the Tellers Committee.

The outcome of all elections shall be determined by a plurality or simple majority of those voting. In the case of a tie vote, a runoff election shall be held within one month. The ballots shall be counted by a Tellers Committee who shall promptly certify the results of the election to the Chair, the Executive Committee, the Executive Vice President, and all candidates for office. The membership shall be informed of the election results as soon as possible.

ARTICLE 8: COMMITTEES

Policies and programs of the Appalachian Society shall be administered through an Executive Committee, supported and assisted by three Program Areas, each comprising a group of standing committees supplemented by ad hoc task forces. Standing committees shall include, but not necessarily be limited to: Annual Meeting; Auditing, Communications and Foresters' Fund; Continuing Education; Membership; Natural Areas; Nominating; Policy-Legislative; Professional Recognition; Registration and Licensing and Tellers.

A. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: The Executive Committee shall consist of eight or nine members as follows: the Appalachian Society Chair acting as Chair, the Chair Elect, the Immediate Past Chair, the Secretary, the Treasurer (or Secretary-Treasurer), the Chairs of the three state Divisions, and the Chair of the Science and Technology Program Area. The Council member for SAF Voting District VIII shall serve ex-officio as a non-voting member.

The Executive Committee shall give overall direction and supervision to the affairs and interests of the Appalachian Society; guide, manage and coordinate its programs; control the distribution and expenditure of all funds; assign standing committees and task forces to Program Areas; and approve the place, date, and program for all Appalachian Society regional meetings.

The Executive Committee shall give special attention to regional policy issues, broad program planning and implementation, operating efficiency, and input to National SAF policy and decision making.

The Executive Committee shall prepare and adopt a charter defining its objectives, organization and responsibilities. It will adopt similar charters for each of the Program Areas and standing committees. Action to adopt or review charters may be taken at any Executive Committee meeting.

The Executive Committee shall approve or disapprove proposed appointments by the Chair, and the Program Area Chairs; advise the Chair on all matters which the Chair presents to the Committee; and act for the Appalachian Society on urgent matters requiring immediate action between Appalachian Society meetings. Executive Committee business may be transacted by mail ballot, but at least one Committee meeting shall be held annually. Any action by the Executive Committee shall be subject to a member referendum upon petition by at least two percent of the voting members of the Appalachian Society.

B. PROGRAM AREAS. Each Program Area shall operate in accordance with its charter. Program Areas shall advise and provide general oversight to standing committees, and to ad hoc task forces, in the performance of their assignments. Allocation of standing committees to Program Areas shall be based on similarity or co-relationship of subject matter of functional activity, and on achieving a reasonably balanced work load for each Program Area.

1. Education. The Chair of the Education Program Area shall be the Appalachian Society Chair-Elect. Other members shall be the Chairs-Elect of the three state Divisions. The Education Program Area shall be responsible for providing broad policy, direction and program review for its constituent standing committees, primarily in fields related to forestry education, public information, and internal communications. Special technical expertise needed to carry out the mission of the Program Area will reside in those appointed to lead and serve on the several standing committees.
2. Professional Affairs. The Chair of the Professional Affairs Program Area shall be the Appalachian Society Immediate Past Chair. Other members shall be the Immediate Past Chairs of the three state Divisions. The Professional Affairs Program Area shall be responsible for providing broad policy, direction and review for its constituent standing committees, primarily in fields related to member development and recognition and to forestry issues affecting the status of professional forestry and foresters. Special technical expertise needed to carry out the mission of the Program Area will reside in those appointed to lead and serve on the several standing committees.
3. Science and Technology. The Chair of the Science and Technology Program Area shall be a member of the Appalachian Society appointed by the Chair for a two-year term (with option for reappointment for one additional term) who has exceptional qualifications by virtue of interest, expertise, and leadership. Other members shall be the Technology Coordinators for the three state Divisions. The Science and Technology Program Area shall be responsible for planning and implementing, through its constituent standing committees, a strong and diverse agenda of activities that will support development of improved community informed about needs, advances and issues in this field.

STANDING COMMITTEES. Each standing committee shall operate in accordance with its charter. Standing committees shall have clearly defined purposes and responsibilities, and shall be accountable to the Executive Committee and the Appalachian Society members for making adequate progress toward the fulfillment of their respective missions. The Chair for the Program Area to which each standing committee is assigned shall serve as ex-officio member of such committees. All appointees to standing committees shall serve for a term of one year, but may be reappointed for one or more additional one-year term(s).

1. Annual Meeting Committee. The Annual Meeting Committee shall consist of the Appalachian Society Chair Elect; the Chair of the state Division in which the meeting is to be held, who serves as General Chair, and who is responsible for the business meeting; a member appointed by the Science and Technology Program Area Chair who shall be responsible for the technology conference; and the Chair of the host Chapter who shall be responsible for arrangements. Other members may be appointed by the Committee Chair as needed.
2. Auditing Committee. The Auditing Committee shall be appointed by the Appalachian Society Chair and shall consist of three voting members of the Society. This Committee, at the conclusion of the fiscal year and at such other times as deemed necessary, shall inspect the financial records of the Treasurer, shall certify the accuracy of the financial statements as prepared by him/her, and shall report the results of the audit to the Appalachian Society Chair and to the membership of the Appalachian Society.
3. Communications and Foresters' Fund Committee. The Communications and Foresters' Fund Committee shall consist of a Chair, appointed by the Chair of the Program Area to which the Committee is assigned, the Chairs of the Communications Committee of the three state Divisions, and the Foresters' Fund Coordinators for the three state Divisions. The Committee shall be responsible for media coverage of all newsworthy activities of the Appalachian Society; shall maintain an effective communications effort within the Appalachian Society and with other organizations; shall encourage the dissemination of information to gain better public awareness and understanding of forestry and the forestry profession; shall be responsible for encouraging and assisting units of the Appalachian Society in developing plans and proposals for projects that will advance Fund sponsorship, and for stimulating appropriate fund raising activities for the Foresters' Fund among Appalachian Society members and organizational units.
4. Continuing Forestry Education Committee. The Continuing Forestry Education Committee shall consist of a Chair, appointed by the Chair of the Program Area to which the Committee is assigned, and the Chairs of the Education Committees of the three state Divisions. The Committee shall be responsible for promoting continuing education activities for forestry professionals, as part of the National SAF's ongoing CFE program. The Committee will be responsible for assigning CFE credits for offerings within the Appalachian Society, for evaluating the CFE activities of Appalachian Society members, and for keeping such records as may be required.
5. Membership Committee. The Membership Committee shall consist of a Chair, appointed by the Chair of the Program Area to which the Committee is assigned, and the Chairs of the Membership Committees of the three state Divisions. The Committee shall be responsible for supporting, assisting, and advising the state Division Membership Committees in their efforts to recruit and retain members in the Society. The Committee shall play an active role in devising ways to improve member services as a means of increasing member satisfaction and minimizing membership losses.
6. Natural Areas Committee. The Natural Areas Committee shall consist of a Chair, appointed by the Chair of the Program Area to which the Committee is assigned, and the Chairs of the Natural Areas Committees of the three State Divisions. The Committee is responsible for identifying outstanding examples of forest cover types suitable for natural area designation; for encouraging the establishment of qualifying natural areas in the Appalachian Society area; for maintaining a registry of such areas; and for encouraging the use of natural areas for research and education.
7. Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee shall consist of the Immediate Past Chairs of the Appalachian Society as Chair, and the Immediate Past Chairs of the three state Divisions. The Committee shall nominate from among eligible Appalachian members at least two candidates for Chair Elect, and obtain agreement from each candidate to serve if elected; obtain from each candidate a detailed summary of his/her qualifications; and submit nominations, agreements to serve, and biographical date to the Secretary by August 15 of each year. If for any reason a nominee is found by the Secretary to be ineligible, the Nominating Committee shall provide another candidate by September 15.
8. Policy-Legislative Committee. The Policy-Legislative Committee shall operate in accordance with SAF Forest Policies, and with National SAF bylaws II A-M. The Committee shall consist of the Immediate Past Chair of the Appalachian Society as Chair, the Immediate Past Chairs of the three state Divisions, and such others as the Committee Chair may appoint as members. The Committee shall maintain liaison and work cooperatively with the SAF Director of Resource Policy and/or other National SAF staff members designated by the Executive Vice President. The Committee shall review and keep Appalachian Society members informed on new or proposed legislation, and on major policy issues, relevant to forestry interests. It shall encourage and assist Appalachian Society Divisions and Chapters in the study of forest policy issues, and shall review position statements referred to or originating within the Appalachian Society. The Committee may recommend and Appalachian Society position on any policy issue to the Executive Committee, and may recommend modification, reaffirmation, or termination of any existing position.
9. Professional Recognition Committee. The Professional Recognition Committee shall consist of a Chair, appointed by the Chair of the Program Area to which the Committee is assigned, the Past Chair of the Professional Recognition Committee, and the Chairs of the Awards Committees of the three state Divisions. The Committee is responsible for identifying and certifying to the Appalachian Society Executive Committee, Society members eligible, deserving and qualifying for Society awards and other forms of professional recognition. The Committee shall also identify and assist in nominating Appalachian Society members worthy of being nominated as Fellows within the parent Society, and as candidates for national recognition from the Society.
10. Registration and Licensing Committee. The Registration and Licensing Committee shall consist of a Chair, appointed by the Chair of the Program Area to which the Committee is assigned, and three others, one appointed by each of the Chairs of the three state Divisions. The Committee shall be responsible for keeping informed on the status of forester registration and licensing laws in the Appalachian Society area, and for identifying and documenting major problems or issues relating to the implementation of such laws. With the help of the National SAF staff member having responsibility, the Committee will provide, on request from interested persons or organizations, information on existing state laws elsewhere in the U. S., including their effectiveness in protecting the public and ensuring quality professional forestry services.
11. Tellers Committee. The Tellers Committee shall consist of three members appointed by the Appalachian Society Chair, living in close proximity to where the Secretary resides. The Committee shall assemble at a time and place set by the Secretary to count ballots and certify the results of elections to the Chair and the Executive Committee.
12. Special Committees. The Appalachian Society Chair, with approval of the Executive Committee, shall appoint any special committees deemed necessary.

D. AD HOC TASK FORCES. In order to respond quickly and effectively to needs and opportunities for Appalachian Society action, the Chair, with the approval of the Executive Committee, shall establish ad hoc, issue-oriented task forces to address emerging problems relevant and important to the Appalachian Society area. These groups shall have specific, narrowly focused missions to study, analyze and report on critical issues, and shall be terminated when their missions are completed. Their findings may lead to the preparation of formal position statements reflecting the views or concerns of the Appalachian Society. Whenever feasible and appropriate, ad hoc task forces shall coordinate with and draw expertise from National SAF Working Groups. Each task force shall be assigned to one of the three Program Areas, as may be consistent with the nature of its mission. Selection and appointment of qualified Society members to serve on these task forces shall be made by the Chair, with the advice and approval of the Executive Committee.

ARTICLE 9: APPOINTMENTS

A. BY THE CHAIR, APPALACHIAN SOCIETY. The Appalachian Society Chair shall make the following appointments, subject to approval by the Executive Committee.

1. Secretary and Treasurer (or Secretary-Treasurer). The Secretary and Treasurer (or Secretary-Treasurer) of the Appalachian Society shall be appointed by the Appalachian Society Chair for a one-year term, beginning on the last day of the annual meeting of the Appalachian Society, and may be reappointed for additional terms at the discretion of the Chair.
2. Chair, Science and Technology Program Area. The Science and Technology Program Area Chair shall be appointed in the odd years by the Appalachian Society Chair, to a term beginning on the last day of the annual meeting of the Appalachian Society. The appointee shall serve a two-year term and may be reappointed for one additional term.
3. Auditing Committee. Three members of the Auditing Committee shall be appointed by the Appalachian Society Chair. The appointees shall serve a one-year term, and may be appointed for additional terms at the discretion of the Chair.
4. Tellers Committee. Three members of the Tellers Committee shall be appointed by the Appalachian Society Chair. The appointees shall serve a one-year term, and may be reappointed for additional terms at the discretion of the of the Chair.
5. Special Committees. Chairs and members of special committees shall be appointed by the Appalachian Society Chair. Terms of office for the appointees shall be specified at the time of their appointments.
6. Historian. An historian will be appointed by the Chair of the Appalachian Society and may be reappointed. The historian will maintain historical records of the Society and file these in an appropriate archive in accordance with the charter.
7. Newsletter Editor. A newsletter editor will be appointed by the Chair of the Appalachian Society and may be reappointed. The newsletter editor will be responsible for preparation of at least two issues of a newsletter each year and shall report annually to the Executive Committee at its winter meeting on the content and management of, and use of advertising in, the newsletter and on any proposed changes in these. All monies expended for, and derived from, the newsletter shall be handled through the Treasurer of the Appalachian Society.
8. Ad Hoc Task Forces. Chairs and members of ad hoc task forces shall be appointed by the Appalachian Society Chair. Terms of office for the appointees shall be as specified at the time of their appointments, but shall terminate when the mission of the task force has been completed.
9. Other Appointments. Other appointments shall be made by the Appalachian Society Chair, with concurrence of the Executive Committee, as may be necessary for the efficient conduct of Society affairs and as authorized by the Executive Committee.

B. BY PROGRAM AREA CHAIRS. Chairs and members of standing committees shall be appointed by Chairs of the respective Program Areas, with concurrence of the Executive Committee, for those standing committees for which such appointment is provided for in these bylaws.

ARTICLE 10: STATE DIVISIONS AND CHAPTERS.

A. STATE DIVISIONS. The Appalachian Society is administratively comprised of three state Divisions, the boundaries of which are described on the first page of the bylaws. The authorization for a state Division may be rescinded by the Executive Committee or upon the affirmative vote of at least 10 members of the Council of the Society of American Foresters. A state Division shall hold at least one meeting each year to retain its authorization.

The officers of each state Division shall include a Chair, a Vice Chair, a Past Chair, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and such other officers as may be found necessary. The Secretary and Treasurer may be the same person and will be appointed by the Division Chair with the concurrence of the Executive Committee. State Division officers shall be voting members of the Society and shall be resident or employed within the boundaries of a state Division for the duration of the term of office which shall be for one year, beginning January 1.

State Divisions will adopt bylaws subject to the approval of the Executive Committee of the Appalachian Society and the Council, provided that no part thereof shall conflict with the Constitution and bylaws of the Society.

A state Division shall report promptly to the Appalachian Society Chair and the Executive Vice President, the election of state Division officers, the adoption of Division bylaws and amendments thereto, and shall report at least once a year on the proceedings of the state Division. Actions or recommendations of a state Division on Society affairs will be transmitted to the Appalachian Society for recommendation to the Council.

The Appalachian Society is authorized to appropriate funds to a state Division for the conduct of its business. This shall not preclude a Division from raising additional revenue.

Upon request, the Executive Vice President will collect and forward dues of state Divisions, and may provide mailing labels, membership rosters, and other automation products.

B. CHAPTERS. A Chapter within a state may be authorized by the Executive Committee upon written petition of 15 or more voting members resident in an area where a strong local organization may be effected. The boundaries of a Chapter shall be established by the Executive Committee of the Appalachian Society. Where a viable Chapter can be sustained only by including members from both sides of a state boundary, the Chapter shall be affiliated with the state Division in which a majority of the Chapter members are resident.

A Chapter shall hold at least one meeting each year to retain its authorization. The authorization for a Chapter may be rescinded by the Executive Committee or upon the affirmative vote of at least 10 members of the Council of the Society of American Foresters.

The officers of each Chapter shall include a Chair, a Vice Chair, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and such other officers as may be found necessary. The Secretary and Treasurer may be the same person. Chapter officers shall be voting members of the Society and shall be residents or employed within the boundaries of the Chapter for the duration of the term of office which shall be one year, beginning January 1.

Chapters will adopt bylaws subject to the approval of the Executive Committee of the Appalachian Society and the Council, provided that no part thereof shall conflict with the Constitution and bylaws of the Society.

Adjacent Chapters of adjoining state societies or divisions may conduct joint activities when the Executive Committees of such societies or divisions determine that topography, accessibility, and concentration of membership make this arrangement desirable.

A Chapter shall report promptly to the Division Chair and the Executive Vice President the election of Chapter officers, the adoption of Chapter bylaws and amendments thereto, and shall report at least once a year on the proceedings of the Chapter. Actions or recommendations of a Chapter on Society affairs will be translated to the Appalachian Society for recommendation to the Council.

A state Division is authorized to appropriate funds to a Chapter for the conduct of its business.

Individual Chapters may set their dues with approval of their state Division and after notification to the Society.

Upon request, the Executive Vice President will collect and forward dues of Chapters, and may provide mailing labels, membership rosters, and other automation products.

C. STUDENT CHAPTERS. A Student Chapter may be authorized within a state society by the Executive Committee upon written petition of 15 or more Student Members at an institution designated as SAF -accredited or as a candidate institution for accreditation or an SAF-recognized forest technician training program, or upon written petition of 15 or more voting members.

Student Chapters shall be composed of Student Members and other Society members employed by an institution designated as SAF-accredited or as a candidate institution for accreditation or by an SAF-recognized forest technician school. Student Chapter officers shall serve for the school year.

Student Chapter officers shall be students or graduate students who are members of the Society.

ARTICLE 11: MEETINGS

The annual meeting of the Appalachian Society shall be held at the time and place designated by the Executive Committee with at least 30 days notice to the membership but shall not conflict with the annual meeting of the national Society. Other meetings will also avoid such conflict. Should the Appalachian Society annual meeting be convened during the first quarter of any calendar year, officers and Committees of the preceding year will be responsible for planning and conducting the annual meeting.

At least one business meeting consisting of no less than five percent of the voting membership shall be held during the year to consider business of sufficient importance to require careful consideration by the membership at large. Business meetings may be held separately or in conjunction with the annual meeting of the Appalachian Forest Technology Region and notification of such meeting, stating the nature of the business to be undertaken, shall be sent to the membership 30 days in advance of the meeting. Positions pertaining to Appalachian Society policy shall be presented at the business meeting for discussion and, if approved by a majority vote, shall be submitted to all voting members by letter ballot, except as provided in the national Society bylaws II A-M. All ballots must be returned to the Secretary, someone designated by the Secretary, or the Tellers Committee for counting within six weeks. A simple majority of the votes cast shall be required for adoption. All adopted positions shall be transmitted to the Executive Committee for appropriate action.

Other meetings as needed shall be scheduled by the Chair, with the approval of the Executive Committee, and may be open to friends of members and other interested persons for the exchange of ideas on subjects of interest to the profession of forestry. Resolutions of gratitude, regret and other non-policy matters may be adopted by a majority vote of those present at these meetings.

Important business matters that cannot be delayed until the next business meeting may be submitted to the voting membership by mail ballot.

ARTICLE 12: RECALL

Any officer may be removed from office for reason of misconduct, incompetence or neglect of duty provided such removal is approved by two-thirds vote of all members voting in a letter ballot. Such ballot may be initiated by the Executive Committee on its own volition or it shall be required to conduct such a ballot if it receives a petition setting forth the points of contention and signed by at least two percent but in no case less than 10 of the voting members of the Appalachian Society. Ballots shall be mailed and received by a member of the Executive Committee as chosen by the committee.

ARTICLE 13: AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS

Amendments to these bylaws may be proposed by the Executive Committee or upon written petition of at least two percent but in no case less than 10 individual voting members of the Appalachian Society. Proposed amendments shall be submitted to the Council for approval prior to a mail ballot of voting members. Amendment of these bylaws shall require approval of two- thirds of the members voting.

ARTICLE 14: ASSETS

Appalachian Society assets belong to the Appalachian Society membership as a whole. In the event of separation of state Divisions, the assets of the Appalachian Society will be audited and allocated to the new state society(s) in proportion to the percentage of the voting members transferred.

Upon the dissolution of the Appalachian Society, the Executive Committee shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all the liabilities of the Appalachian Society, transfer all the assets of the Appalachian Society to the national Society, or dispose of all the assets of the Appalachian Society exclusively for the purposes of the Appalachian Society in such manner, or to such organization or organizations organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational, religious, or scientific purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization or organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law), as the Executive Committee shall determine.