Minutes from December 2009 Executive Council Meeting

Minutes
Executive Council Meeting
Coalition of NPS Retirees

December 1-3, 2009
8:30 AM MST each day
“Patagonia” Room – NAFRI, Tucson, Arizona
----- AGENDA TOPICS -----


Call to Order (Wade)

8:32 am

Welcome from Merrie Johnson, Director, NAFRI

Roll Call (Wade):

• In attendance
o Phil Brueck
o Anne Castellina
o Don Castleberry
o Maureen Finnerty
o Jake Hoogland
o Becky Mills (1:30pm Tuesday to 2:30pm Thursday)
o Doug Morris
o Rick Smith
o Bill Wade

• Absent:
o Rob Arnberger
o JT Reynolds
o Pat Tiller

• Guests:
o Jon Catton
o Jerry Rogers

Approval of Minutes of September 25, 2009 conference call meeting (Wade):
Motion to approve: Finnerty, second Castleberry
Discussion: Morris amended the minutes to include member polling
Motion passed unanimously.

Old Business:

Polling members and member questionnaire (see new business #7)

New Business:

1. Review of “how we conduct business” for new EC members (Wade)
Casual form of doing business; for voting purposes Castellina and Smith are not official members of EC and will not vote (except as noted below).

2. Review of 2009 Election and preview 2010 election (Wade)
Reynolds, Morris and Castleberry terms end December 31, 2010; the nomination committee will seek a slate.

3. Take photos of new EC and EC members for website
Completed.

4. Updates:
a. RS-2477 (Brueck)
Revised Statute 2477 (commonly known as "RS 2477") was enacted by the United States Congress in 1866 to encourage the settlement of the Western United States by the development of a system of highways: "the right-of-way for the construction of highways across public lands not otherwise reserved for public purposes is hereby granted."
RS 2477 was repealed in 1976 under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA). The repeal was subject to "valid existing rights", but since many RS 2477 road claims were never recorded, the "valid existing rights" clause is open to wide interpretation.
Phil gave testimony as to decisions regarding whether Salt Creek streambed in Canyonlands National Park is a RS 2477 road.
- Maps from 1956 do not show road at Salt Creek
- The road closed for 4 years and has gone away
- The US Attorney's office defended the suit in the government's testimony through two positions: a) that the statute of limitations had run out for the state and the county from filing for the right-of-way, and b) the road didn't exist in 1954, a date of time required by the 10th circuit in their ruling.

b. Hartzog Institute (Finnerty)
The Institute has seated a nearly full board; at last meeting Helen Hartzog announced a $500,000.00 gift from John Kaufman, restricted to fund an Executive Director position.
Finnerty serves on the Program and Development Committee. The Coalition is entitled
to another seat on the Founders Board.
ACTION: EC members are to review the membership on-line, send suggestions to Finnerty.

c. YELL Winter Use Issue (Wade, Catton)
Catton stated that the situation is tremendously better than 6 years ago, and credited the
Coalition as a force in the on-going controversy. The current concerns are that the science (original EIS and the current studies of snow coach versus snowmobiles) and public opinion is being cherry-picked/skewed by Park personnel, with the resulting information being imbedded into the record to present snowmobiles in a positive light.
- Over 900,000 public comments received as of March, 2009; the comments have been four to one against snowmobiles.
- Visitation has changed with the coach experience; ADA compliant coaches/ adapted wheelchairs make it possible for disabled experiences, interest in cross-country skiing has increased.
- Snow coaches are being constructed for the Yellowstone environment and experience. On a per visitor basis equivalent using new data, the snow coaches are profoundly cleaner, less than a third of the emissions of snowmobiles.

Wade outlined the Yellowstone portion of the briefing to be held with Jon Jarvis on Friday, December 4, a meeting requested by the Director.
1 – The need to make certain to apply principled leadership and decision making, using science and research appropriately.
2 – Restore NPS credibility to the public by taking into consideration the national public interest and views.
3 – Reinstate or restore correct messaging/PR information releases and emphasize the positive environmental and visitor outcomes of the changes.

d. Guns in Parks (Wade)
Wade will distribute a letter, prepared by Don Baur, to be sent by the Coalition to send to Jarvis regarding the guns issue.
- The terms possessing, carrying, and using are defined as different issues in current regulation as Senator Tom Coburn only defines possessing, not carrying or using guns.
- NPS could enforce the carrying and using.

Jarvis has a case to be made to the Department of the Interior as to how the regulation could be enforced. A portion of the letter requires/demands/urges Secretary to protect
employees in all areas that Federal employees work. As NPCA, ANPR both worked closely with the Coalition to overturn the regulation, inclusion as signers was offered to both; ANPR signed, NPCA did not.

Additional Updates reported when requested.

e. Valley Forge (Wade)
Wade reported that the proposed American Revolution Center issue has been resolved through a signed agreement for a land trade for land in INDE; the trade may not as yet be finalized.

f. Point Reyes (Morris)
The owner of the Point Reyes oyster farm, in disrepair, sold to new owner. Senator Dianne Feinstein tried to allow it to stay in appropriation legislation even thought science indicated that it was harmful to environment and ran in opposition to the Wilderness Act. The input of Senator Jeff Bingaman was crucial; Feinstein agreed to an amendment to allow the Secretary to make the decision.

5. Status of Current Funding (Wade)
a. Grants
- 444S - $10,000.00 for off-road vehicles received; expect this to be the last grant funding to be received from 444S.
- Turner Foundation may be donating funds before year end. [NOTE: CNPSR did receive $5000 from Turner Foundation end of December.]

b. Current status of funds
2008-2009 P&L distributed; Income reported as $97,521.70, Expenses $53,189.05 for a Net Income of $44,332.65.

c. Budget for FY2010
2009-2010 Fiscal Year Proposed P&L distributed; Income projected as $13,947.23, Expenses of $8690.88 for a New Income of $5256.35.

d. Donations
Currently there are 740 members, donations generated approximately $16,000.00. Wade has emailed a request for donations; it has been placed on the web site and is always included in newsletters.

6. National Parks Second Century Commission Recommendations – CNPSR’s role in implementation (Finnerty and Rogers)
(Hand-out: Second Century Commission Report Discussion. Session Objectives: Why are we doing this? What outcomes do we hope for? )

Rogers served as a Commissioner, presented an overview:
- The report is available on-line and in print
- The Commission still exists as a body of influencers. The Coalition should take some credit for the creation of the Commission (Arnberger POP). Through-out public info RE:
- Commission not as beneficial as it could have been, a serious lack of public relations and publicity resulted in little public attention.
- Loren Frazier served as ED of Commission
- National Geographic Society published the report, which was very much a condensation of what the Commission covered/discussed/considered. Subcommittee submissions were not all included; these Committee Reports have been published, but are only available only on line.
- Several Coalition POPS are included the committee reports, with the authors listed as committee resource members.
- Report Rollout was a telephone news conference/in conjunction with Ed Burns NPS Series.
- A meeting was held at the UT Howard Baker Center with a goal of gauging the degree of commitment from those groups in attendance. Tally was collected but has not been released from the meeting (awaiting report).
- Secretary Salazar commented that he has seen the report, read it, and loves it; “You will see much of this coming through in our agenda, you will see this and hear of this again.”

Concepts actively discussed and urged by Commission:
Science/Natural Resources
Cultural Resources
Education and Learning
Connecting People and Parks
Future Shape of NP System
Funding and Budget
Governing of National Parks
Institutional Capacity

Rogers challenged the Coalition to work with him to use and publicize the report, perhaps to get the Committee Findings published.

Wade stated that the challenge includes the lack of marketing the concept and the findings.

The Coalition pressed hard for marketing and public relations, knowing if the American public did not become familiar with the Commission and the Commission’s work, the results will end up being shelved. Unfortunately, these efforts are not/have not been realized; currently there is no pressure from the public for actions to be taken, or issues to be resolved.

Finnerty added that there is almost no engagement with elected officials or Congress. NPCA is not moving forward, but appear to wish to stay in the driver’s seat. With no results from the Knoxville meeting as yet, should the Coalition move ahead in engagement? Who should we partner with?

The EC engaged in a brain-storming session to determine its actions for the future. Immediate agreement was to seek funding to get the Committee Findings published.

Bill asked Maureen to work with Cheryl to develop a list for the meeting with Jon Jarvis

Jerry asked EC members to present to organizations who have an interest in cultural and natural resources, to share the Commission findings.

7. Memberships (non-voting, non-retiree, affiliate etc.) (Brueck/Hoogland)
Phil conducted a phone poll with approximately 35 members as to increasing member involvement:
- Members must enjoy what they do, must feel they are responsible and making a key contribution
- Email requests for “service” do not work; personal contacts may
- Need better database on member skills and abilities
- Maximize member involvement in other groups and organizations
- Additional member alerts – newsletter and emails
- Improve member feedback; review format of these
- Provide member talking points (i.e. guns issue)
- Maximize congressional contact: who needs targeting, which CNPSR members have the relationships to affectively work the contact needed, provide talking points to not only those members, but all members (we've done that on some issues), and distribute a list of suggestions for involvement by all CNPSR members where needed.
- Provide suggestions for local/state involvement
- Formally expand CNPSR/EC Committees to include assignments for being the contact or watchdog on important issues
-Attendance, possible presentations and handouts at Superintendent conferences
- Assignment of EC members and other members for regional or geographic areas – publicize to superintendents and NPS staff
- Distribute information through this system
- Provide members stories, case studies, suggestions, etc. on how to do it (i.e. make America value and understand the parks even more)

ACTION: A survey will be presented on Survey Monkey to ask the membership their opinion as to the Coalition. Hoogland and Reynolds develop. Hoogland will write article for next newsletter.

ACTION: EC members will receive a copy of the members in their state, including Phil and Becky, from Cheryl.

8. Awards
a. Selection of George B. Hartzog, Jr. award recipient (nominations from members)
Nominations included Loran Fraser, Dayton Duncan/Ken Burns, Former Senators J. Bennett Johnston and Howard H. Baker, Jr.
Written vote resulted in Loran Fraser winning the award.

b. Selection of CNPSR 1872 award (nominations from EC members)
Wade reviewed the award qualifications, past winners include Jon Catton and Don Baur, and then opened the nominations.
Rick Smith nominated Art Allen (posthumously), as a most dedicated member of the Coalition. In particular, work on the List-Serve, cultural resources, and the Museum of National Park Service.
It was resolved that the CNPSR 1872 Award be bestowed to Art Allen; resolution passed
unanimously.

9. Cheryl’s Contract for next six months
EC approved

10. Status of CNPSR Intern (Wade)
Current Intern Anna Frostic took a position with the Humane Society; she will continue to do 10 hours per week for NPCA and CNPSR as needed through the end of the calendar year.

The continuation of the Intern position was tabled until a need is determined.

11. Professional Opinion Papers
Rob Arnberger will redistribute the list of potential POP topics list to EC members for further discussion and consideration, to include for whom are they focused/directed – Hartzog Institute, Superintendent Institute, NPS Training, etc.

12. Media Releases (Wade)
The Coalition releases “Voices of Experience” have been discontinued as we no longer have Hastings prompting the releases. Discussion; the Coalition determined to continue releases, using Hastings to release information.

Topics will be submitted for approval by the EC, then released. Releases should access information and quotes from the 2nd Century Report and Committee Reports.

For example: 10 Parks to Visit to Explore Diversity in America; perhaps tying into holidays and current/historical events.

Action: EC members are asked to determine topics they would like to see developed into media
releases.

13. Future Fundraising Strategy and Actions (Mills)
Mills presented recommendations for fundraising:
- Bill Wade will be the overall leader and contact for fundraising.
- The fundraising volunteers, Sue Christensen, Ellis Richards and Steve Opperman will support Administrator as needed in grant research and writing.

Mills shared a hand-out, Fundraising Plan – Actions List, and led a discussion of fundraising options:
- Article in newsletter as to how donated funds are spent/invested, tied to accomplishment list
- Target those individuals who have possible $$ to donate and love Parks
- EC members to write letters/call 10 members asking to donate
- Include an option for members to be exempt from public listing
- Planned giving will be incorporated onto the web site; Cheryl to provide information
- Smith suggested a fund-raising booklet for the EC to review, will send out information to EC
- The EC will consider obtaining a sales tax exemption certificate to be used in obtaining grants; Cheryl will provide information.

Becky will make changes to the Fundraising Plan Action Plan, Recommendations and send out to members.

Houghtelin presented the Case for Support, which was approved; will be mailed out with next newsletter along with issue updates after the 2009 accomplishments are added.

14. Re-energizing the Collaborative Service Corps Initiative (Wade, Finnerty)
Pieces and elements of this program are currently being done; bring up issue to Jon Jarvis as to how retirees can best serve the Park Service and the Parks.

15. Implications of IG Investigation into BLM relationships with conservation organizations (Hoogland)
Bureau of Land Management employees appeared to be less than objective and created the potential for conflicts of interests when coordinating with environmental groups over the National Landscape Conservation System, the Interior inspector general has found.

The report shows no criminal violations, but asks for care and transparency in dealing with conservation organizations.

16. CNPSR Policy approach on Climate Change (Hoogland)
Reports are forthcoming regarding climate change from NPS, and how this may affect managing natural resources. Tabled until further information is available

17. Discussion of CNPSR Website (Wade)
Member Maria Abonnel has agreed to take on revising the web site as a volunteer. The EC viewed the proposed web site and had the following input:
- Is a new logo needed/necessary? Issue tabled.
- Too much text on the proposed web site, more photos needed
- Hide counter
- Use flash photos
- Change banner
- Leave off “green blood,” go with Voices of Experience

Wade will relay this information to Maria.

18. Discussion of CNPSR Newsletter (Wade)
Former EC member and current volunteer Abby Miller has continued to assemble the quarterly newsletters, but has been frustrated with the lack of input/contributions from EC members. EC members are asked to get the information to Abby in a timely manner for each newsletter issue.

19. Selection of George B. Hartzog Jr. Award Recipient
See item # 8.

20. Broadening Relationships with other organizations (Hoogland)
21. Relationship with NPCA (Hoogland)
Discussion of items 20 and 21 was combined:
Hoogland led a discussion regarding whether it would be productive to meet with NPCA on a regular basis, and/or to branch out to other organizations such as the Natural Resources Defense Council, Center for American Progress, National New Deal Preservation Association, etc.

This was answered with a Charge from the Chair – During their time at the Ranger Rendezvous, Hoogland, Tiller and Finnerty develop a list of organizations for EC consideration.

22. AirSet and Conference Calls
EC will continue to use AirSet for calendar and forum.

23. 2009 Accomplishments
An extensive list was compiled; EC members are asked to email Houghtelin with a sentence of explanation for any accomplishments they have detailed knowledge of along with any accomplishments which were not listed. These accomplishments will be included in the Case for Support.
24. Review of CNPSR Strategic Plan: Tabled
a. Consistent with NPS Director’s four major goals?
b. Consistent with Second Century Commission Recommendations?
c. Consistent with CNPSR priorities?
25. Establishment of Vice-Chair position on EC
Smith introduced a different option; establish a Founding Director position in recognition of Bill Wade’s contributions and service. This position would be established as soon as a job description is developed for entry into the by-laws, would not be enacted unless need be determined by Wade taking a position out of the country or being unable to run for re-election.

Smith will write position description for approval by the EC.

Motion to change the By-Laws: The position of Founding Director will be established. The position will be appointed by, serve at the pleasure and under the direction of the EC. This will be a full member, with voting privileges. Motion: Finnerty, Second: Castleberry. Unanimous, including Tiller, Reynolds and Arnberger by proxy.

26. Election of EC Officers for 2010
Discussion of duties of Treasurer, which currently are based in completing the annual tax forms.

Open Nominations from the floor for January 1 to December 31, 2010 (by 2010 Executive Council):
o For the Chairman Position: Doug Morris nominated Bill Wade, Second by Anne Castellina. Motion to close nominations by Rick Smith, Second by Anne Castellina. Wade was elected by unanimous vote, including the proxies of Tiller, Arnberger, and Reynolds.
o For the position of Treasurer: Don Castleberry nominated Anne Castellina, Second by Doug Morris. Anne Castellina nominated Rick Smith; motion dies for lack of a Second. Motion to close nominations by Rick Smith, Second by Jake Hoogland. Castellina unanimously elected, including the proxies of Tiller, Arnberger and Reynolds.

The specific duties of the Treasurer will be determined.

The EC will reexamine the option of D&O insurance.

27. Other new business:
a. Hetch Hetchy (Mills)
Restore Hetch Hetchy (Valley) is an organization focused to raise funds and awareness to restore the valley. Mills asked for support in the form of EC endorsement for the Restore HH initiative in writing, and present the concept to membership. Mills will draft letter for member distribution.

b. Supreme Court announcement re: Mojave Cross (Hoogland)
Mohave Desert Supreme Court announcement may be forthcoming.

c. List Serve (Wade)
Is the List Serve being seen as a function of the Coalition since Rick Smith has taken on the editor responsibility? The EC determined it is not an issue.

d. By-Laws (Finnerty, Wade)
Motion to change the By-Laws: Motion by Wade, Second by Morris: Change Article V: from “Election” to “Executive Council Positions” and remove the word “full” from Article V, Section 2: Nominations. Passed unanimously

Motion to change the By-Laws, Article V, Section 1: “The EC may, from time to time, appoint person or persons to serve on the EC according to current needs and wants.” Motion by Finnerty, Second by Don Castleberry. Motion passes unanimously. [NOTE: Further investigation of By-Laws revealed that existing language relative to appointing members to the EC is sufficient, making this change unnecessary. Original language stands.]

Adjourn: 4:17 PM December 3, 2009

APPENDIX A

Brain Storming Ideas to Focus on the Commission Report:

Criteria Applied to Determine Goals CNPSR will Pursue from 2nd Century Commission Report
- Fresh Ideas consistent with report and Jarvis Goals
- Do-Able
- Fill Voids
- Help us to Engage Members
- Uniquely positioned to accomplish task
- Speak to abiding values of National Parks
- Have Leverage where others do not
- Moving toward the 2016 Anniversary

LONG RANGE FOCUS/LONG RANGE GOALS – VISION FOR THE NATIONAL PARKS
Governance Issues Professional Opinion Paper
NPS as the Foremost Educational Organization in the World
NPS as a Learning Organization

INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY
Professional Development/Future Leadership Development
- Mentoring/Sages
- Subject Matter Experts
- Case studies, collaborations
- Speakers Bureau
- Curriculum Development
- Advocacy
- Re-employed Annuitants
Professional Opinion Papers
- Continuing development of needed topics
- Fleshing out current papers
Return to NPS of Currently Centralized Functions
- Land acquisition
- Science
- Contracting
- IT services

RELEVANCY – OR CONSIDER RETITLING “PROMOTE THE UNIQUE, ENDURING AND UNIVERSAL VALUE OF NATIONAL PARKS TO AND INCREASINGLY DIVERSE POPULATION
Relevancy of Parks to a diverse public, Coalition as a resource
- Will seek legislative clarification for educational/interpretive authority
- Public law 101-619 (EPA housed) – Environmental Education (NPS knowledge of this law?)
- Consider systemic approach to relevancy, regulations, environmental education, interpretation, transportation, youth programs, exhibits, recruitment, and school programs
- Volunteer/Speakers Bureau
- Promoting proto-type innovative Park programs
- Consider press release - 10 Parks to visit to explore diversity in America
- Members promoting relevancy in their local National Parks
- Promote/Endorse Public Service Concept for Career and Volunteering (Resource)

STEWARDSHIP
Revitalize Cultural Resources (Collaborative Position/Resource)
-Cultural Resources Challenge
-Promote Understanding of Who We Are

EDUCATION
Revitalize International Presence
- Support Global Parks Initiative
- Engage retirees and recruit experienced individuals for international involvement
- Seek congressional support for international involvement
-Assist Hartzog Institute with training for international Park employees

CRITERIA FOR NEW PARKS (Resource)
POP – What New Protected Areas Should Look Like/BLM-organizational- approach to resources
Encourage ad hoc support by members to support development of Parks

RETURN TO SCIENCE/SCHOLARSHIP BASED DECISION MAKING (Collaborative/Resource)
Advocate for use of science/scholarship at every opportunity
Engage on a case by case issue to support specific Park issues or needs

MARKETING/PROMOTION OF CENTENNIAL COMMISSION REPORT
Seek grant source to publish/PSA/film Commission and Committee report as one
Engage pro-bono marketing firm for advertising support
Stoke fires for grass roots support
2016 Anniversary should be planned for/promoted
Collaborate with other organizations to promote the findings