Policy on Regional Committees

The purpose of the Minnesota Shade Tree Advisory Committee (MnSTAC) is to advise Minnesota's Governor, Legislature, other legislative and administrative branches of the State, the University of Minnesota, the counties and communities, and the people of the State of Minnesota on the best ways to preserve, protect, expand and improve Minnesota's urban and community forests. MnSTAC and community forestry statewide will benefit from greater participation by people throughout the State of Minnesota. Therefore, the policy of MnSTAC is to support the establishment of regional shade tree advisory committees (STAC) to encourage greater participation in MnSTAC throughout Minnesota and increase communication with a broader, more diverse constituency.

Each regional committee will define its own purpose, geographic area of representation, and bylaws. To be officially recognized as a regional STAC, the committee name, purpose statement, area of representation, and bylaws are subject to ratification by MnSTAC through a majority vote at a regular MnSTAC meeting. In addition, to be recognized as a regional STAC, each committee must meet the following minimum criteria:

1. The Committee must have a name (e.g. Heartland Shade Tree Advisory Committee).

2. The committee must maintain a membership role. Regional STAC members shall be full MnSTAC members with all the rights, benefits and responsibilities thereby conferred.

3. Officers and organization of the committee must be established. Each committee should have a minimum of a Chairperson (or Co-chairpersons) and Secretary.

4. The committee should have a set of bylaws that govern the operation of the committee, the election, duties, and terms of officers, and the frequency of meetings. In areas of conflict the Constitution of MnSTAC and/or policies of the MnSTAC will supersede bylaws of a regional STAC.

5. The committee should meet a minimum of two (2) times per year.

6. The committee must have a representative in attendance at a minimum of one (1) MnSTAC meeting per year.

7. The committee must take minutes of each meeting and these minutes must be shared with MnSTAC.

8. The committee must submit an annual list of accomplishments to MnSTAC.

Once ratified, regional STACs will have the same standing as other MnSTAC committees (subcommittees) and task forces with the ability to seek funds for special purposes and committee operation through MnSTAC's normal budgeting process.