North Carolina Division Chair;
"Memo from the Chair"

August 2006

Our life is frittered away by detail. Simplify, simplify. – Henry David Thoreau

Greetings –
Summertime activities will be on the wane as you read this note, so hope your summer was a fruitful one.

The Division’s summer meeting hosted by the Croatan Chapter brought 87 members (4 Golden members), spouses and exhibitors gathered together in historic New Bern. A team effort between three Chapters and the Division yielded a wonderful opportunity to share fellowship and participate in an informative technical program and field tour. The Croatan Chapter, under the able leadership of Chapter Chair John Duff, spearheaded the meeting arrangements and arranged for the field tour of NC Tree Farmer Charles Jones’ property. A very special thanks to all the Croatan Chapter members who helped make the meeting such a wonderful success.

The Tar River Chapter solicited and organized our exhibitors and sponsors. The procurement expertise of Chapter Chair Austin Wright and Secretary/Treasurer Ed Pomeroy successfully wooed 11 exhibitors and 8 sponsors. Through the generous donations by Corvallis Micro Technology, International Paper, Weyerhaeuser Company, BASF, Craven Wood Company /NC Greenpower, Coastal Lumber Company, Georgia-Pacific and the NC SFI Implementation Committee the meeting was a financial success.

The Waccamaw Chapter coordinated the Foresters’ Fund silent auction. Chapter Chair Ben Burger and Secretary/Treasurer Scott Brewer had over 17 donated treasures for attendees bidding pleasure and the excellent selections raised $1,672. As a reminder to members if you have a public outreach event in need of funds check out the national website for the Foresters Fund grant application.

This year’s meeting theme was value added. A diversity of outstanding speakers shared insightful perspectives of how they each defined the term. We heard from three different landowner groups – Weyerhaeuser Company, The Forestlands Group and a NC Tree Farmer Charles Jones; from a valuable wood products customer – North Carolina based Lowes; from two respected experts who discussed the future trend and direction of the paper industry and lumber manufacturing; and from an authority on an emerging value-added feature of our forests the carbon credit market.

On Friday morning 22 attendees traveled to Charles Jones’ Tree Farm in Jones County; and with the detailed field tour brochure in hand Charles highlighted his comprehensive forest management program.

The highlight of the meeting was the awards luncheon and special tribute to Stan Adams, retired Director of the NC Division of Forest Resources (NDFR). It was my pleasure to announce this year’s NC SAF Young Leadership Award honoree Blair Bishop. Blair is an energetic and talented instructor at Haywood Community College. Derryl Walden set the stage for our special recognition of ardent SAF member and retiring Director Stan Adams 49 years of contributions to forestry. I followed with the announcement of the establishment of the Stanford M. Adams NC SAF Scholarship fund drive. The Division in cooperation with Stan, the NCDFR, and the NC Forestry Foundation joined together to raise funds for a scholarship to provide support to an NC State undergraduate student, Stan’s alma mater, in forest management and includes a SAF student membership. See the article in this issue for more details.

The highlights of Thursday afternoon’s business meeting included a brief commentary from ApSAF chair David Powell. Mark Megalos commented on the new Division’s position statement on woody biomass (check it out on the ApSAF webpage). Derryl Walden gave a status report on the effort to improve the NC Forester Registration Act. Albert Coffeey shared the outcome of his effort to compile a speaker’s bureau program list to provide programs for Chapter meetings (list emailed to Chapter Chairs). Jim Gray gave an exciting overview of the Sandhill Chapter’s arrangements for ApSAFs’ winter meeting January 24-26, 2007 in Pinehurst.

In my last Trailblazer article I mentioned the need to simplify/update the Division’s By Laws. A quick synopsis of why change is needed. The shear numbers to staff the 12 standing committees and 3 program areas with volunteers. Currently there are 13 Chapters within the Division, 10 geographical Chapters and 3 Student Chapters. Per the By Laws for a Chapter to retain its authorization is must meet at least one time each year. To my knowledge the Albemarle, Catawba and Nantahala Chapters have not met this requirement for several years. And the last impetus for change is the demands to “find” volunteers and organize annual summer meetings, especially during those years when the Division hosts the winter ApSAF meetings.

My recommendations are 1) streamline the organization structure, 2) assess viability of current chapters and determine best viable chapter configuration, and 3) when the Division hosts ApSAF winter meeting; conduct the Division’s business meeting prior to the winter meeting and no summer meeting is held that year. Changes to the By Laws will take time to facilitate so I will address chapter viability and the Division business meeting schedule. In the next Trailblazer issue I will address streamlining the 12 standing committees and 3 program areas.

The June membership report shows 526 members excluding the Student Chapters in the Division. The geographical Chapters range is size from 22 (Nantahala) to 150 (Triangle Chapter). We have some members who have served multiple years as officers. Are you an active member who regularly participates in Chapter meetings? Have you stepped forward to serve in a leadership role? If not, I encourage you to lend your skills and talents – SAF needs you!

The inactive Chapters statistics show 30 Albemarle, 39 Catawba and 22 Nantahala members. If you are a member in one of these Chapters and are interested in stepping forward to revitalize the Chapter please contact me via email or phone by October 15th. If I do not hear from anyone I will work with John Palmer and Mark Megalos to redraw the Chapter boundaries to redistribute these Chapters into adjacent, active Chapters.

I suspect that everyone has organized a meeting – be it business, church or otherwise. What did you do to ensure it was a success? Fortunately someone compiled an excellent ApSAF Annual Meeting Manual which details the multiples tasks to organize a successful meeting. We used this document to organize this year’s summer meeting with one major modifications, we used a team approach to break the job smaller bite sizes. Fortunately the Croatan, Tar River and Waccamaw Chapter accepted the task and the collective effort resulted in a successful meeting.

The ApSAF winter meeting rotates between the three states. Next year the Division will host the Winter ApSAF meeting and a summer meeting. In order to meet our obligation to conduct an annual Division business meeting, and to lighten the load of organizing two technical sessions in one year, I recommend that when the Division hosts the ApSAF meeting we conduct the Division business meeting either prior to, during, or after this meeting.

Let me also share with you the process to amend the By Laws as outlined in Article 13. Amendments can be proposed by the Executive Committee or by written petition with at least 2% but in no case less than 10 voting members. Proposed amendments must be approved by the executive committee and mailed to ApSAF. Approval requires a 2/3’s vote of the members voting. If you have suggestions or concerns on how to simplify the By Laws please contact me.

Finally I wanted to share with you some of the sentiments expressed in the Thank You notes I received from teachers who attended the 2006 Sustainable Forestry Teachers Tour. The Division was a host for the two tours conducted in New Bern and Asheville. “… my expectations were exceeded beyond measurement--wow! Every single aspect of the tour--organization and facilitation of tour, comfortable transportation, variety of unique and top quality forest-related experiences with knowledgeable and personable leaders, valuable handouts and teaching materials, and care for our physical comfort and safety during the tour--everything was outstanding.” And another “Seeing first hand what is being done for our natural resources was an enlightened opportunity for educators.”

In closing be sure to mark your calendars for the Winter ApSAF meeting on January 24-27, 2007 in world famous Pinehurst.

Respectively submitted
Joann Cox, Division Chair

April 2006

Greetings,

Where to begin? Taking on a new assignment is something everyone can relate to; you assess your present state – identify the goals and objectives you hope to achieve – partner with a core group of individuals to develop the plan and than execute it. Sounds simple enough but when the organization is a nonprofit and the “worker bees” are volunteers it creates an interesting dynamics.

My observation thus far is we are fortunate to have some very dedicated individuals in the Division who embrace the mission of SAF which translates it into very strong, active Chapters. A special thanks to those men and women who are pro-active foresters! Then there are other areas of the state were interest has waned, and the presence of the professional organization is little or none. We have two Chapters – Abemarle and Nantahala with no officers identified and other chapters that appear to be struggling to maintain life.

The ApSAF executive committee recently sent a letter to a new senior executive forest industry leader. A key message was to solicit his endorsement of SAF. The committee noted that without the commitment of professional foresters stepping forward to volunteer their time and talents a healthy robust grassroots organization is difficult to sustain!

How would you characterize your involvement? When was the last SAF meeting or event, be it Chapter – Division – ApSAF - you attended? There are always reasons to explain lack of involvement – but I encourage you to recommitment your willingness to step forward and get involved. Over the last 30 years – gasp! hard to believe it’s been that long – it never ceases to amaze me what happens when you get a bunch of foresters in a room to work on a project! What’s been your experience?

There are plenty of worthwhile projects to champion – adopt a section of a highway in your Chapter area – partner with the newly revitalized NC Tree Farm program by offering a workshop to local forest landowners – host an Arbor or Earth Day celebration – work with your local Habitat for Humanity program. The project or program is only limited by your imagination. If funds are needed, submit a Forester Fund Grant application. The three project categories – Membership – Communication – Education are broad enough to fit most projects AND more importantly there are funds available!

A common complaint by Chapters is the difficulty in finding speakers for Chapter meetings. Albert Coffey, the Division’s Membership Chair, is working to establish a list of known speakers across the state that would be willing to serve as speakers on various subjects appropriate for Chapter meetings. If you know of someone or you are willing to become a part of this speakers bureau please contact Albert Coffey (albertcoffey@bellsouth.net).

Another issue that needs your input is the By-Laws. As I assumed the chair position it took a while to track down a copy and much to my chagrin there were key pieces missing such as how to control the distribution and expenditure of funds. Please take a look at the both the ApSAF and NC By-Laws under the Who We Are Section. My plan over the next several months is to propose changes that will be discussed at the summer meeting. Since there is no guidance on how to amend Divisions By Laws, I recommend we follow ApSAF Article 13: Amendment of By Laws – “Amendments of these By Laws shall require approval of two-thirds of the members voting.”

I look forward to hearing from you with your ideas on how to improve the vitality of the Society of American Foresters in North Carolina; send me an email at joann_cox@earthlink.net

Best regards,

Joann Cox, Division Chair

Spring 2006

Be true to your work, your word and your friend – Henry David Thoreau

All the colors of spring are emerging – a little early this year and there is no stopping it! My first few months at the helm brings a similar feeling, the assignment is refreshingly new with a colorful array of opportunities! My first understanding is a much greater appreciation of Mark Megalos’ contributions during his tenure as Chair. As the saying goes he leaves “Big shoes to fill” so let me start off with a very big THANK YOU to Mark for his leadership and energy! His support and encouragement contributed to a smooth transition. I would also like to thank the following individuals who agreed to serve as various division officers and standing committee chairs for the year. As you see these folks please thank them and your Chapter officers for their willingness to serve you and the Division.

John Palmer – chair elect, Education Chair

Mark Megalos – immediate past chair; Professional Affairs; Nominating and Policy & Legislation

Dave Woodmansee – Secretary

Elizabeth Lush – Treasurer

Carlyle Franklin – Forest Science & Technology Chair

Craig Clarke – Communications & Foresters Fund Chair

Sean Brogan – Continuing Forestry Education Chair

Dennis Hazel – Natural Areas Chair

Derryl Walden – Registration & Licensing Chair

Albert Coffey – Membership Chair

Craig Manzene - Professional Recognition

Our February kick-off executive committee meeting set the stage for this year’s activities. So, what’s the health status of the Division? Financially the Division is good shape with a reported ending balance as of February 15, 2006 of $20,607.90. Unfortunately the membership news is not as rosy with a 7% decline in membership in 2005. As of February 28, 2006 there were some 146 delinquent Division members – so if you are or know someone who falls in this category, please reach out and encourage them to remain active. While there is some uncertainty for some of our membership regarding their employment situation, I believe this is a compelling reason to invest in your SAF membership dues to stay in touch and network with other forestry professionals.

We have several Chapters actively engaged in preparing for the Division’s summer and ApSAF Winter meetings. The Croatan Chapter, under the able leadership of John Duff, is our host for the Division’s summer meeting scheduled June 15 and 16 th in New Bern. The meeting theme is adding-value with a panel of speakers who will share how their respective organizations define value-added. We will have a very unique event during the awards luncheon as we pay special tribute to Stan Adams as he retires as State Forester.

The Sandhill Chapter graciously agreed to host the 2007 ApSAF winter meeting. I quickly recognized Chair Jim Gray’s creative skills and strong negotiation techniques. Creativity – Jim submitted a Foresters Fund Grant to help promote membership within the Sandhill Chapter to recruit 20 new members in time to help host the winter meeting – and excellent negotiation techniques to secure a world renowned destination site for the meeting - Pinehurst. So be sure to mark January 24-26, 2007 on your calendars.

Your Division is pro-actively working to build partnerships with other organizations to expand outreach and education opportunities. The Division was a sponsor of the highly informative March 13-14, 2006: Sponsor Woody Biomass? Exploring Renewable Energy Issues conference in Raleigh. The Division is a sponsor and SAF members are helping with the three May 8, 10 and 12 th Working Forest Summits in Wilkesboro, Edenton, and Kenansville May respectively. And will be once again be a sponsor of the 2006 Teacher’s Tour held June 26-30 th in New Bern and July 17-21 st in Ashville and New Bern. These are simply a few examples of the Division in action.

I am happy to report that this involvement and support is greatly appreciated. At the March NC Tree Farm annual meeting, I accepted on your behalf a plaque from Chair Dr. Bob Cooper for the 5 years of support. The plaque reads, “With many thanks for you continuing sponsorship of the NC Tree Farm Program and the Promotion of Forestry in North Carolina”. Congratulations to NC Tree Farm Program who celebrated their 5 year anniversary of the programs re-birth in North Carolina!

In closing, I would like to request that you periodically check the Division site on the ApSAF website. www.apsaf.org NC Chair’s Page. There are two issues I need your feedback on and will use the website to facilitate the “discussion”. The first issue is the need to update the Division By-Laws (dated June 3, 1993). The outline format provides minimal guidance, even for basic operating tasks like budgeting, is not addressed. Also within the By-Laws, there are fourteen standing committees listed. I need your input to assess just how relevant these committees are with a goal to discuss changes to the By-Laws at the summer meeting.

The second issue involves getting your ideas on 1) how to continue to support those active Chapters and 2) how to revitalize those Chapters who are struggling to remain functional. Having been a SAF member since 1976, I reflect back on my own involvement with state SAF where I worked and readily admit there are gaps. The consistent feature that kept me coming back was the shared enthusiasm of my profession and interfacing with those who shared those same sentiments. Yes – it’s a job that puts food on the table and a roof overhead – but it is also gives opportunities to meet others who enjoy the camaraderie and fellowship to advance the understanding of what I think is unique and rewarding career.

I remember my mother’s reaction to my pronouncement of wanting to become a forester as a junior in high school. She asked, “Can you earn a living at being a forester?” My reply, not fully understanding all the things a forester does, was an emphatic “Yes!” At the time, little did I realize how rich a livelihood my chosen profession would be! Yes – there’s food on the table and a roof overhead, but more importantly, all my forester friends who have helped me grow. So – Be true to your work, your word and your friend and I look forward to seeing you at the next SAF meeting and/or event!

Respectively submitted

Joann Cox, Division Chair