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Meeting Minutes for Oct. 19,
2000
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
90 West Plato Blvd.,
St. Paul, MN
Attendance:
Paul Buck - City of Plymouth
James Burks - Cities of Crsytal and Robbinsdale
Jeff Cordes - City of Eden Prairie
Dave DeVoto - Retired Urban Forester
Bekky Hargrave - UMN
Ken Holman - DNR Forestry
Gregg Hove - City of Eagan
Janet Larson - Private Consultant
Sandy McCartney - Private Consultant
Don Mueller - DNR
Karl Parker - Tour Des Trees (ISA)
Jeff Rick - Rainbow Treecare
Tommy Schibilla - City of Coon Rapids
Steven Shimek - MDA
Glen Shirley - City of Bloomington
Ken Simons - Ramesy County Parks and Rec
Robert Slater - MN Dept of Transportation
Henry M. Sorensen - City of Red Wing (retired)
Mike Sowers - City of Eagan
Mark Stennes - Top Notch Treecare
Meeting called to order at 9:45 by Glen Shirley. No quorum. Quorum at 9:50.
Approval of Minutes- Ken Holman/Jeff Cordes- Passed.
Introduction of Visitors:
Don Mueller introduced Carl Parker- the Coordinator for the Tour des Trees.
Minneapolis is the kickoff city of the 10th annual Tour de Trees. So
far $1.3 million has been raised for urban forestry research. He is looking for
volunteers to help on a suggestion level or as support crew. Runs Sun. Aug 5-
Sun Aug 12th- ending in Milwaukee.
Announcements and Calendar Items:
 | The Urban Forestry Club is having its 4th Annual Tree Care Symposium on November 28 in 495 Hodson Hall. The topic is: Dutch Elm Disease Crisis 2000- Theories of Resurgence, presented by Dr. Mark Gleason. |
| The City of Plymouth is hosting: Chainsaw Safety and Productivity for the Forest Worker- Urban and Remote; on November 8; Presented by Tim Ard, Forest Applications Training, Inc. |
| St. John's Abbey is seeking a land manager for their arboretum. The closing day is Dec. 4. For more information go to: http://www.csbsju.edu/arboretum/inner.html |
| Tree Trust will be announcing an urban forester position soon. |
| March 2-3- A million Acres in Minnesota- a Conference and Celebration for Woodland Owners and Users (Stewardship Forests). At the Duluth Convention Center- MNDNR< Extension, Mn Forestry Association and the USFS hosting. |
| New Publications: Restoring the Urban Forest Ecosystem- CD ROM and Land Protection Options- a handbook for Minnesota Landowners- both available through the MN DNR. |
| There will also be a new jobs section on the web site. |
| Trail of Trees- a bike ride, in segments, throughout Minnesota to raise awareness about trees. Tim Womack will be presenting at each stop. Starts in Minneapolis for Duluth on May 5-6. Riding around the state on paved state trails. Looking for a lot of people to do the first ride then a few green industry people to do the others. |
Featured Presentation:
MDA Nursery Inspection Program- Steve Shimek
The program deals with certification and inspection of nursery stock, tracking important nursery pests, and working with certification issues.
Looks at the origin of stock, hardiness, insect and disease problems already present and overall health.
Insects and pests of concern: Gypsy Moth, Japanese Beetle, Asian Long-Horned Beetle, Fir Brown Beetle, Plum Pox Virus, foliar nematodes, and Invasive Plants (buckthorn). Also looks for planting depth and root ball maintenance.
For more information go to" http://www.mda.state.mn.us/
Field Reports:
| Ken Holman- The pruning workshop in Caledonia went well. There were two sessions, one for tree workers and one for city decision-makers. Worked with planting, pruning and education. |
| NESTAC workshop- Good turnout, about 35 people, 3/4 agency employees. Dealt with hazard trees, proper planting, and alternative uses of forestry equipment. |
Committee Reports:
| Legislature: Ken Holman passed out a list of key contacts in the legislature and time lines for the agency budget proposals. He stated that the DNR cuts could result in 12 layoffs, many in Stewardship and Urban Forestry. Call commissioners so help prevent this from happening. Also, MnReLeaf did not get a hearing for funding renewal. |
| Arbor Month Partnership: Just the Trail of Trees- see above. |
| Constitution and Election: There will be an election in December for two non-designated board members. Nominations taken by self-nomination, please let Ken Simons (651-748-2500 ext.312) or Glen Shirley know if you are interested. The deadline is November 30th. The Ballots will be mailed before the December meeting. The only people that can vote are non-designated members. |
| Glen Shirley is stepping down at the end of this year. The election Committee is looking for candidates interested in filling the position. Interested parties can be from within or outside of MnSTAC. The Committee will appoint a candidate upon approval by the membership. If you have suggestions of likely candidates please contact the Election Committee. |
Agency Updates:
| MNDOA has a new supervisor of the Shade Tree and Invasive Unit- Agronomy Plant Protection- Ann Selness. |
Meeting Adjourned at 12:40- Bob Slater/ Mark Stennes- Passed.