Learning new ways to influence land conservancy was the theme of the morning at the North Oakland Headwater Land Conservancy’s annual meeting on Oct. 8.
Current President Jim Reed summarized the group’s goals in his opening remarks: more impact on local government, more communication with surrounding communities and more preservation.
‘The next several years will be crucial in our efforts to preserve and protect,? said Reed. ‘The time is now, let’s get moving.?
And move the meeting did.
Those in attendance approved the audit report, a new slate of directors, the 2005-06 auditors and a much improved budget.
Elected to the board of directors were Mary Blanchard, J. Timothy Patterson, Dr. Thomas P. Pytel, David A. Robison, Nancy Strole and Carolyn Wood.
Elected to the five-person audit board were Joan Harbaugh, Robert Inskeep, Dorothy LaLone, Dale Stuart and Susan Topping.
Treasurer Ed Anderson was pleased to report that the organization currently stands $8,218 to the good, an improvement over the anticipated $255. Last year, the treasurer’s report listed the organization ‘in the hole? by almost $6,000.
‘The efforts of our fund-raising were significantly over budget,? said Anderson. ‘That’s a great thanks to everybody.
‘I think this is very positive. There were a lot of people involved that made this work,? he concluded.
After the completion of business, meeting participants enjoyed presentations from Dr. John Warbach, Planning and Zoning Center, Inc., and Dr. Jon Bartholic, MSU Institute of Water Research.
Dr. Warbach discussed the need for using planning and zoning ordinances as a means to protect headwaters. He explained what makes these resources effective and what is needed to achieve those effects.
‘How would you describe your effectiveness in protecting the headwaters here?? asked Warbach.
The audience threw out terms such as ‘spotty, slow, not forever.?
Ultimately, Warbach recommended keeping zoning ordinances up to date and in tune with the municipality’s master plan, especially in reference to land conservancy. He also suggested making ‘people to people? interactions on the topic.
Dr. John Bartholic presented a new tool to the NOHLC ? the Web site www.iwr.msu.edu, a geographic information system geared towards watershed and headwater information.
The Web site allows viewers to not only see watershed maps, but also zoom in for closer looks at topography, headwaters and actually area pictures.
‘This is a nationwide web application tool to be used for watershed management for all areas,? said Bartholic. ‘This can be used by anyone anywhere.
‘Something we would like to see is this being used more in the schools. The earlier we begin, the more effective.?
The NOHLC is already kicking off a brand new year with the annual ‘Wild Night Out? auction and fund-raiser.