The 6th annual meeting of the New Forest Society was called to order at 9:30 a.m. on March 24, 2007 by President Elizabeth Prongas.

The Minutes of the last meeting were read by Elizabeth Prongas and approved. The Treasurer's Report was read and accepted.

The Nominating Committee was present and the elections were held. Harold Craig made a motion that the nominations be accepted and Charles Stouter seconded the motion. The motion passed. Harold Craig made a motion that the Executive Board of Directors be accepted. Charles Stouter seconded the motion. The Executive Board of Directors will be Harold Craig, Michael Hillman, Charles Stouter, Janet Springer, Monika Lucey and Joan Treadway. Officers will be Elizabeth Prongas as Chair, Marcia Watters as Vice-Chair, Jack Lynch as Communications Specialist, Patricia Holohan as Treasurer and Sue Rice as Secretary.

OLD BUSINESS

LOGGING: Nothing was resolved from the discussions held regarding logging. Mike Hillman will go thru the town council in an attemp to work on passing an Ordinance to prevent current logging practices.

COMMUNITY GREENING GRANT: The New Forest Society is willing to provide as many trees as any sub-division needs. Mike Hillman suggested that we speak directly with the Homeowners' Association of each sub-division.

NEW BUSINESS

TREES: 2,050 trees were ordered and a letter was sent out. It was noted that if anyone needed trees they were to let Elizabeth Prongas know. Charles Stouter said that he needed trees. It was also noted that there had been some difficulty in the past with the brown tubes that were used to' protect the trees and that the seedlings dried up. It was recommended that different colors be

used. Latest information available through DNR.

SCHOLARSHIP FUND: A motion was made by Jack Lynch to make the scholarship amount $500.00. The motion was seconded and passed.

UTICA PARK: A call from Potomac Conservancy was made to request help from the New Forest Society to plant trees streamside and several members said they would help. Dibbles would be available for planting if someone could use them and a tree planting machine would also be available.

SUMMER FUNDRAISER: It was suggested that we have an art exhibit by the New Market class Pearl Gems to be held at Elizabeth Prongas' studio. Ten percent of the proceeds would be given to New Forest Society.

Mike Hillman suggested having a yard sale in the fall in Emmitsburg.

Jack Lynch suggested having a fund-raiser lunch at Brewer's Alley in Frederick.

It was decided that another meeting for the purpose of discussing projects for fundraisers be held.

DISCUSSION: Matt Gordon of Structural Systems, Thurmont held a discussion regarding the Emmitsburg Elementary School green project. He stated there is a link on the web site regarding the materials available. He also stated that Emmitsburg may be looking at wind power

INFORMAL DISCUSSION

Betsy Forrence attended the Millersville Native Plant Conference and said it was an excellent meeting regarding green building.

The Master Gardener's Association is willing to work with New Forest Society. It was suggested that the Green Thumb series was a great opportunity for someone from the New Forest Society to speak.

Matt Gordon stated that 10,000 trees were planted in Frederick County. Many of the trees were mowed by the County. It was suggested that politics played a part in the mowing and that an article should be written.

Elizabeth Prongas proposed a monthly meeting of the New Forest Society to work on specific issues and strategies.

Kay Shultz said that the Catoctin Alliance meeting will be held on May 16, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. in Emmitsburg at the Town Office Building.

BACKYARD BUFFER: 25 free trees are available for any citizen who has a stream or culvert. Distribution will be April 21, 2007 at Gambrel.

Jen Dodson's organization has taken on rain barrel effort. 200 barrels are available to Frederick County residents for $80.00 per barrel and attendance at a two hour conference.

VIABLE AGRICULTURE: A meeting with Common Market provided an opportunity to network with other groups to help them. Step It Up Frederick group works with the community to reduce omissions and a meeting will be held on April 14, 2007 to celebrate a joint commitment.

WEB SITE: Jack Lynch, Mike Hillman and Kay Schultz will work together to provide information and update the website.

Elizabeth Prongas suggested that religious participation in environmental concerns was lacking and that she was interested in initiating an ecology program.

It was suggested that an Action Committee be formed to work on goal strategies. Some of the goals suggested were web site, presidency of the NFS, planting of the trees, mowing and cutting down trees, and Earth Day.