Minutes of Membership Meeting 
Thursday, October 18, 2001 
9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. 
3795 Pilot Knob Road Eagan, MN

The meeting was called to order at 9:36 a.m. by Lorrie Stromme, President.

Approval of Minutes of Membership Meeting on 9/20/01
Motion/Second (M/S): Kirk Brown/Bob Slater: To approve the 9/20/01 Minutes of the Membership Meeting. Motion carried.

Introduction of Visitors and New Member
All MnSTAC members introduced themselves to the visitors (Barb Kirkpatrick and Denise Rotty) and the new member, Diane Ballentine.
M/S Kirk Brown/Michael Max, nominating Diane Ballentine to be a member of MnSTAC. Motion Carried.

Announcements, Calendar Items, Open Forum
Lorrie Stromme announced that MnSTAC is working on developing either a listserve or a threaded conversation that can be accessed through a link on the MnSTAC website. More details to follow.

Ken Holman distributed the Urban & Community Forestry Update for October 2001. Ken briefly reviewed the grant opportunities that are available.

Jean Mouelle shared that a European company has begun “baling” woodchips for compact storage and energy.Mark Stennes noted that Lika Products has produced a laser GPS unit that can do offsets in the field. It is very accurate. Top Notch Tree Care is using the equipment now for doing tree inventories.

Gary Johnson said that the 2002 Shade Tree Short Course will take place on March 26 - 27. There is no theme this year. The invited (but not yet confirmed) keynote speaker is Jim Chatfield, aka “Dr. Treevorkian.”

What is the Community Forestry Resource Center?
Lorrie Stromme introduced Barb Spears, an urban forester who works for the Community Forestry Resource Center (CFRC), a non-profit program within the Institute for Agriculture & Trade Policy (IATP). In the past the CFRC has not dealt much with urban forestry issues. CFRC would like to connect with MnSTAC to broaden its issue base. Currently, CFRC is looking at wood lots and trying to assist farmers in getting more value from their land. CFRC has encouraged farmers to join together to manage their woods and potentially form businesses. CFRC facilitates this process, as well as supports and promotes the Stewardship Council Management Plan. CFRC can certify plans for landowners and provide technical assistance.

Barb is making an effort to see how CFRC can incorporate urban and community forestry into its program. The Kelly Farm is an example that demonstrates a sustainably managed forest and forestry co-op on the urban/rural fringe. Michael Max suggested that a tour of Kelly Farm would be a good program for a future MnSTAC meeting.

Field Reports and Agency Reports
Tina Klein reported that MnDOT is developing a web-based plant matrix that will feature control methods for noxious weeds and allergens. It will be available in December. Also, MnDOT is working hard on landscaping the Highway 55 corridor. Tina also reported that MnDOT has recent information on herbicide trials to control Grecian Foxglove; “Escort” works best.

Ken Holman, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, distributed copies of a newsletter in which Mike Carroll, the State Forester, gives his vision for Minnesota urban forestry in light of agency cutbacks. Mr. Carroll invites MnSTAC to increase its input to the DNR. Ken also said that the DNR will present its Best Management Practices for Tree Preservation in a national builders’ conference in December. In addition, the DNR has digitized maps of oak wilt data that can be shared with communities.

Gail Nozal said that Tree Trust recently participated in a tree-planting project in Granite Falls. There is still a need to educate the public about correct tree-planting techniques. Gail reported that current research about correct planting depth was challenged by a vocal participant in the tree-planting event.

Gary Johnson said that he was recently called to look at trees in a residential development. He dug down 15 ½ inches and still couldn’t find roots on the trees he examined. The experience emphasized the need for continued funding for stem-girdling root research.

Committee Reports
Ken Simons reported that the Constitution Committee has recommended a change to Constitution to clarify the standards for membership eligibility. The group discussed whether the Constitution should also be changed to reflect technological methods (e.g., email) of notifying the membership about meetings. Ken will pose the issue to his committee and make a recommendation about whether to amend the Constitution, or to allow the term “mail” to be interpreted to include “email.”

Gary Johnson reported that the Research and Education Committee is updating the news releases the committee developed several years ago. Members are encouraged to contact Gary with ideas for new topics to be covered.

Mark Schnobrich reported that the Legislative Committee met via a conference call on September 26^th. The committee is preparing a Legislative Report, and hopes to have it completed by December and ready for distribution to legislators prior to the 2002 Legislative Session.

Katie Himanga gave an update on the Millennium Tree planted in Austin. The tree is alive but not doing well. It has small leaves, and suffered from flooding.

Mark Stennes reported that the Minnesota Society of Arboriculture (MSA) just hired a consultant to produce an English/Spanish video about correct tree-planting techniques. Landscape installers are the targeted audience. When the video is completed, it will be marketed to the nursery industry and retailers.

Feature Presentation: “Moving the Grandfather Oak Tree in Eagan”
Presenters/Speakers: Gregg Hove and Mike Sowers, City of Eagan.

Gregg Hove gave a Powerpoint presentation documenting how a 27” diameter bur oak was physically moved and replanted in Eagan last May/June. The 150-year-old tree has historical significance and has been called “the Grandfather Oak.” The move was performed by National Shade L.P., a Houston TX company that specializes in moving large trees. The tree weighed 248 tons. The cost was $50,000, but the project was funded 100% by private donations through the Eagan Foundation.

Gregg said that after the plant was moved, the city forestry division applied organic mulch under the tree, fenced off a 40-foot-radius root protection area, installed a crown irrigation system to water the leaves on hot days, injected mycorrhizae into the root zone, and monitored the tree’s condition. To date, the tree looks good. It held its own through a strong windstorm and a very hot summer.

Mike Sowers then demonstrated Eagan Forestry’s website, a well-organized website that features information about the Grandfather Oak, buckthorn removal, forest health topics, storm damage, etc. More information about the Grandfather Oak can also be found on MnSTAC’s website.