The December 3-6 Board meeting took place at Fess Parker's Doubletree Resort in Santa Barbara, CA.

Board Forum: Major Gifts have been received for four Audubon centers in Florida, California, Connecticut and Nebraska. John Flicker led a discussion about the reorganization of committees and management, with the goal of integrating education in every part of Audubon, instead of limiting it to an "Education" committee and department. Every area of Audubon will include education in its strategic plan. Tamar Chotzen has joined NAS as our Senior Vice President for Centers. She gave a presentation on the Hawaii Nature Center (HNC), and was joined by John Harrison, VP of Hawaii Audubon Society (HAS) and Laura Thompson of the Hawaii Nature Center to discuss the ongoing status of an MOU between HNC, HAS and NAS. Stuart Strahl gave a detailed presentation about the NAS Everglades Campaign, which he directs.

States & Centers: Tamar Chotzen, SVP for Centers and Susan Kirkpatrick, new Colorado State Executive Director were welcomed. Steve Sedam, Executive Director for Ohio Audubon State Office, presented the process he followed in developing a state board of directors. He has a created a model process for other state offices to use as they are formed. Norm Brunswig, Executive Director of the South Carolina Audubon State Office, described the exciting opportunities in South Carolina for the new state office's programs. Lynn Tennefoss, Director of Chapter Development, described some of the needs of chapters in states without state offices, including requests for assistance in recruiting members and moving them into leadership positions, and detailed the results of the Regional Board Member nomination process.

Public Policy: Dan McGuiness gave an update of the Upper Mississippi River Campaign. The Campaign is working on starting centers with local chapters, developing birding trails along the Great River Road, creating a Web site, and partnering with museums and agencies on the Audubon Ark, a boating trip visiting communities up and down the river this summer. Everyone is invited to join the houseboat for a portion of the trip. Resolutions in support of the Lands Legacy Initiative and the Better America Bonds Initiative were discussed, as was a resolution urging greater action by federal and state government to address the impacts of chip mills on southern forests. Dan Beard circulated copies of the Early Action Agenda, which was printed in a beautiful format and sent to all members of Congress. Eric Draper provided an update on the Audubon Citizenship Project and grassroots activities.

Marketing & Communications: New logo design elements were discussed, and include the flying egret as well as the ability to include the name Audubon, National Audubon Society or a state office name, depending upon who is using it. The revision of the Web site was discussed; an online questionnaire is available and everyone is encouraged to use it to submit comments on elements in need of change. John Bianchi, Director of Audubon Communications, offered a report on National Audubon Society's role in the population debate.

Science Committee: Science Committee reviewed a draft report (white paper),"The Scientific Basis for Concern about the Ecological Impacts of the White-tailed Deer in the United States," prepared by Dr. Susan L. Stout, USDA - Forest Service; at the next meeting staff will present a final report, including a 2-page summary. Helen Engle presented a report on the coffee programs of chapters and led a discussion about how the staff and board could support these activities. The Science Committee received a preliminary draft of a paper, prepared by staff, entitled "Shade-Grown Coffee: The Modernization of Coffee Production in Latin America and its Effects on Migratory Birds" and recommended going forward with preparing an in-depth "white paper" on the topic that would provide the appropriate scientific background information, with options and recommendations on shade-grown coffee. Dr. Carl Safina gave a comprehensive overview of the Living Oceans program. Frank Gill and Sally Conyne provided an in-depth overview of the 2nd Annual Great Backyard Bird Count.

Board of Directors Upcoming Meetings:

NAS members are welcome at all Board of Directors Meetings.

For copies of agenda or minutes from the Board meetings, or for more info, contact: Betsy Hax, NAS-HQ, 212-979-3156 or bhax@audubon.org.