MINUTES FROM TRAIL MAINTENANCE ADVISORY MEETING

NSA TRAIL MAINTENANCE ADVISORY COUNCIL
Meeting Notes—December 8, 2006

Trailmaster Jon McBride opened the meeting at 0905 by welcoming those in attendance including NSA President Doug Houston. (See picture below of attendees and names) In referring to a group of 60+ year-old men as “the boys”, he is sounding more and more like one of our heroes, Fred Brauer. By next December, maybe even by next July, we will also be talking of ourselves as a “band of brothers.” Fred’s influence is lasting!

1) Discussion of duties of the Advisory Council: Jon stressed that the Trail Maintenance program is an NSA function, and it does not operate in the free spirit mode without regard to the underpinnings provided by NSA. He reiterated that he views the Advisory Council as his “boss” and he serves at their pleasure. Jon asked if there were any comments or questions regarding his role or that of the Advisory Council.
a. Jim Schofield asked if we should discuss what process might be used if the Council desired to replace Jon. It was agreed that there was no process and further that there was currently no need to discuss a process. (Jon, I think you can consider this a vote of confidence.)

2) Jon passed out copies of the NSA Trail Maintenance Objectives, noting that some adjustments had been made during last year’s meeting of the Advisory Council to add focus to the importance of safety and of following established procedures for outdoor skills and ethics in accordance with Leave No Trace and Bear Management guidelines. He again asked if there were suggestions or questions, and there were none.

3) Jon passed out copies of the NSA Trail Maintenance Polices. He noted that as of the last year, our policy limits us to projects where volunteers are provided under a Volunteer Agreement. He also made special note of the provision that precluded a family member from accompanying a volunteer on a project. He asked if there were suggestions or questions.

a. One member asked if Associate Members on projects had to be current Associate Members. Jon stated that all the “worker volunteers” had to be either active NSA Members or Associate Members. On occasion, a non-active person has been on a project for special needs such as a cook or an EMT but they had always joined soon after the project was completed. Otherwise, current membership is required.
b. A question was raised about fitness requirements for participation as a volunteer on a trail maintenance project. Jon stated that he would strengthen the message to squadleaders who have the responsibility to make the contacts with volunteers relative to fitness. A good discussion ensued wherein it agreed that prospective volunteers themselves need to be honest and realistic about their health and physical condition. To not take on the responsibility, a prospective volunteer may put a huge burden on his teammates while out in the woods in a remote area. We have a number of “drive to” projects that may better suit some of our volunteers. Jon also suggested that volunteers could go through the pack test that is described in detail in the Trail Maintenance Newsletter each year on their own and make sure they qualify at the moderate level or higher.

4) Jon handed out copies of the new NSA Mission Statement and Our Values as written by Jim Cherry and approved by NSA BOD’s. It is clearly a great improvement and recognizes the growth in the scope of our focus and activities. There were no questions or comments.

5) Jon handed out a Register Report that included details and a summary of the NSA Trail Maintenance finances for the period October 30, 2005 through November 1, 2006.

a. Jon and Bob Whaley provided detail relative to expenditures for tuition for family members of two jumpers who lost their lives while in action. These expenditures are under the Art Jukkala Scholarship Program that is being overseen by a committee composed of Jon McBride, Bob Whaley, Jim Schofield Stan Linnertz and Carl Gidlund. In the past year, Scholarships have been presented to Lesi Ann Mackie and Ginny Thrash. Jon and the committee have made predictions of funds needed to finance scholarships in the future. It appears that we are on track to have the funds required for $2000.00 yearly scholarship per student.
b. As previously approved by the Advisory Council, the funds available for Scholarships have been moved from the Trail Maintenance Accounts to NSA Accounts managed by the NSA Treasurer, Charlie Brown. Charlie is investing the funds in CD’s to provide some growth. Jon was asked if funds moved to the Scholarship Account could be moved back to the Trail Maintenance Account if they were needed there. The answer was no. This is a policy within NSA. This led to the conclusion that NSA has control of the funds and policies in place today. Jim Schofield asked if there was guidance in our Trail Maintenance Program Policy for this management of funds. The answer is no and it was agreed that this should be considered.
c. Jon provided an assessment of the Trail Maintenance Program accounts and recommended that additional funding was necessary. This was approved.
d. Stan Linnertz steered us through a discussion of several ideas for raising additional funds for the Scholarship Program. The Left Hand Brewery production of Smokejumper Beer and related functions and the sale of some additional “specialized Smokejumper clothing and travel bags were discussed in some detail. Stan has some great ideas that were fully supported by the Council. Doug Houston was asked if there was potential for a conflict with Western Heritage that now has the concession for smokejumper clothing and memorabilia. Doug said he felt there was not a problem. The Art Jukkala Scholarship Brochures that were sent out have so far yielded a return of approximately $3000.00.

6) In general, Western Heritage has taken over the merchandise program. Doug Houston indicated they are currently overloaded and are slow to deliver. He has had a number of conversations with them and he thinks this will improve. He sees no problem with the NSA Boise Reunion Group selling shirts and caps. Tom Blunn then asked about the cups that had been provided to volunteers in 2006. They were appreciated, but were not durable when packed. Other types of cups, larger and not so fragile, were considered, but the cost was determined to be too high. For 2007, they will re-think the cup topic. Jim Cherry, our purchaser is looking into this matter.
7) Jon stated he announced at the NSA Director’s Meeting in Wenatchee in October, details of the Trail Maintenance Smokejumper Chair Scholarship Fund at the U. of Montana Forestry School. NSA Trail Maintenance is a Sponsor of this Scholarship Fund, but does not provide funding. This program provides a yearly scholarship to a Smokejumper Forestry Student and/or a Forestry Student child of a smokejumper. This fund was started by Hal Howell, eight-year trail maintenance veteran.
8) Jon announced that Tom Blunn is stepping down as the Chief Procurer of food for the Trail Maintenance Program. Gary Weyerman has moved into this role. We offer a big thanks to Tom for all he has done for the Program for the past 8 years. He will still be in there helping, but Gary is the grocery guy.
9) The Bob Marshall Foundation wants to have six projects in 2007. There were discussions of horse-packing issues that need some study and resolution. Some of the things we have historically had packed by Forest Service packers are giving the Back Country Horseman packers some difficulty. Large side-packs such as coolers appear to be one problem area for sure. It was suggested that we talk with some outfitters who take long summer trips and ask them for advice on how to keep fresh food appropriately cooled for a week or so.
10) There is talk of an early Hell’s Canyon project. More information will be available soon.
11) The Bonners Ferry Ranger District would like to have a crew for the Selkirk Area.
12) The Selway-Bitterroot plans to have a project in the Moose Creek Area.
13) Tim Aldrich was asked to contact the Bitterroot NF to secure payment for the Bear Creek Project.
14) Chuck Wildes is working with the Helena NF on a possible project in the Mann Gulch Area. He has scheduled a meeting with the Helena District Ranger to discuss particulars. It was stated that Bob Sallee is interested in being involved with this effort.
15) Jon said that Jim Cherry had attended the American Hiking Society’s convention and made a number of contacts.