STATES & CENTERS: John Flicker presented a Memorandum of Understanding for discussion, proposing a merger between Maine Audubon Society (currently an independent statewide organization) and Maine chapters of National Audubon Society. Options for a proposed merger between Florida Audubon Society and NAS were also discussed. A capital campaign creating a Seabird Restoration Center at Hog Island to be directed by Dr. Steven Kress was also proposed. April 15-18, 2000, will be the dates for the National Convention to take place at the Asilomar Conference Center. This meeting will be combined with the Western Regional Conference already scheduled for that time slot. A Council Meeting - Event Coordination Timeline is now available at http://santamonicabay.ca.audubon.org/alaska02.htm (or from the Chapter Services Office); it is a guide to using a council meeting as a forum for planning multi-state meetings.

PUBLIC POLICY: Dan Beard presented the 1999-2000 Budget Recommendations for the Public Policy Division (PPD). (Please see letter and box on page 3). The Board was updated on the efforts to protect Horseshoe Crabs, on NAS' National Wildlife Refuge Campaign, and on Alaska's Refuges. After a presentation on bird mortality associated with communication towers, the Committee requested recommendations and a possible resolution on the issue for the next meeting. A proposal was also made to consider a Priority Campaign to oppose the "Wise-Use" movement's attack of Environmental Education. Two 4-page color brochures are now available from NAS about the Garrison Diversion (contact National Audubon Society's DC office for a copy).

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS: The Committee clarified its scope and role in four areas: "branding"(presenting an understandable and recognizable face to the public); marketing; external communications (e.g., the magazine, Web site, public relations efforts); and internal communications (the flow of information among chapter leaders, volunteers, staff and the board). Working committees have been formed to address "branding" and internal communications.

SCIENCE COMMITTEE: The National Audubon Society Science Committee used its visit to Alaska to focus on Alaskan issues. Effective early July, Stan Senner became the director of the State Office, John Schoen became its chief scientist, David Cline will work with the office on a consultant basis, and Bucky Dennerlein will be the office manager. This makes for an unbelievably powerful office ideally positioned to address the needs of conservation issues in Alaska.

Science is the foundation for addressing conservation issues in Alaska. The Alaska State Office is working to have a critically threatened Beluga Whale population in the Cook Inlet ecosystem listed and recognized as threatened, and to participate in developing a management and planning strategy that will assure the long-term survival of the Kenai Brown Bears. Other issues presented included Alaska's IBA potential, and the importance of the Bering Sea and the Gulf of Alaska for international cooperation on seabird and marine-life issues. George Matz of Anchorage Audubon Society made a presentation on Black-capped Chickadees and deformities now being noted in their bills as an example of a toxic impact in the environment. The Science Committee asked NAS Vice-President for Science Frank Gill to make an initial report on Toxics in the Environment at the September meeting, with a full report and recommendations at the December meeting.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS UPCOMING MEETINGS
     September 16-19, 1999:     Brewster, MA
     December 2-5, 1999:     Greenwich, CT
     March 16-19, 2000:     Venezuela
     June 15-18, 2000:     Bear Mountain, NY

NAS members are welcome at all Board of Directors meetings. For copies of agenda or minutes of the Board meetings, or FOR MORE INFO.: Please contact Betsy Hax, NAS-HQ, 212/979-3156 or bhax@audubon.org.