The NAS Board met in Napa, California on December 4-7, 1997, in conjunction with the NAS Annual Meeting where Audubon chapter leader and organizer Hazel Wolfe from Seattle was awarded the Audubon Medal (see article in next issue). A copy of the meeting minutes is available from Betsy Hax. A copy of Hazel's Audubon Medal acceptance speech is available by mail from the Chapter Services Office or by email from wpomeroy@audubon.org.

Education & Communications: Broadening Audubon's work in television productions was discussed at some length in the Committee and in the open Board Forum. Plans to establish a for-profit production company for a new and wider variety of video and television programs were explained, which would involve investments from Audubon and outside investors. The business plan for this activity projects positive revenue. The recognition of Audubon Centers was reviewed through a discussion and presentation by David Heil. The Audubon Communications Advisory Council was established with seven members who will periodically review all communication activities of NAS and offer recommendations to the Board and staff.

Field Operations: Camilla Herlevich, the new North Carolina State Director, described her plans for Audubon's newest state office, and Director of Field Support Carol Warden (former Acting Rocky Mountain Regional VP) spoke of her new duties to provide assistance to develop fundraising plans for new state offices. A Membership Task Force report was given by Dave Pardoe in which he described new membership concepts. Bill Ross reported on the status of the Regional Elections Task Force report, due in June. The Committee Task Force report, exploring the question "What is a chapter?" focused on planning for future growth and diversity of our chapters.

Public Policy: The new Grassroots Director for the Wetlands Campaign, Naki Stevens, led a discussion on wetlands protection and restoration activities by Audubon members and chapters. She also announced the Second Wetlands Summit to be held in conjunction with the upcoming National Convention. The opening discussion was held on the need to strengthen local grassroots advocacy efforts. Plans for the national Forest and Habitat campaign were also presented.

Science: Fred Baumgarten, IBA National Coordinator, gave a presentation about the Important Bird Areas Program (IBA). Pennsylvania, New York, and Idaho have developed model IBA's to be used by others. IBA's are an attractive chapter activity and can be a galvanizing force for establishing State Offices. A major discussion centered around what Audubon Science was to be and how to most effectively support it financially. A discussion on bird predation by cats led to a detailed Board resolution (see article and resolution).

The regionally-nominated Board members met and held an open discussion on how Audubon might work in Canada with existing or new organizations or chapters. The President of the only Canadian Audubon chapter, in Vancouver, BC, participated. Many ideas were presented. Share your ideas, or current working cooperative examples, to the Board through Board Assistant Secretary Betsy Hax.

Board of Directors Meeting Schedule

For More Info, Contact: Betsy Hax, NAS-HQ.