NORTH DAKOTA CHAPTERNEWSLETTER

The mission of the North Dakota Chapter of the Wildlife Society is to providea forum for discussion of ecological issues among natural resourceprofessionals; to enable its membership to pursue conservation of naturalresources; and to inform the public on ecologically wise uses of naturalresources in support of a conservation ethic.

DECEMBER 2000

2000 - In Review

Fall of 2000 is history, the nights are now longer than days, and the Christmasseason and enriching days of family gatherings are upon us. If members of the

North Dakota Chapter Executive Board are representative of most members of our organization, itwas obvious from our last meeting that everyone had a very busy and productive fall doing Chapterbusiness. You will read more about our last board meeting elsewhere in this newsletter, but thecurrent focus for the Chapter is the upcoming Annual Meeting.

Our Annual Meeting is only a month away, and once again the Program Committee, through theleadership of Bill Bicknell, has done an outstanding job of garnering high quality papers for themeeting . In addition, we will have our fund raiser, awards banquet, and business meeting. I wantto encourage all of you to attend all or part of the Annual Meeting in Mandan . It is an excellentopportunity to hear of latest issues and problems that we are facing in conserving and managingwildlife resources of the state.

The theme for this year’s meeting “ 2001 - A Wildlife Odyssey” is certainly appropriate. As we enterthe new century, this will be the era of public involvement in the management of public naturalresources. Interest in the environment has increased in the state as more North Dakotans move to thecities. These new city dwellers, one or two steps removed from farming or ranching, look at naturalresources from a changed point of view. They long for what they’ve lost - that close relationship withthe land. They have worked out other ways to express a deep love for the outdoors in hunting, fishingand appreciative use. They currently are demanding more of a voice in the conservation arena, andthis will increase in the future. As effective as our Chapter has been in the conservation arena, weneed to move beyond our membership to become effective in the area of human dimensions, to guide,educate and inform the public towards responsible future natural resource management decisions.

During 2000, the Chapter, through the involvement and contributions of many individuals, hascontinued its strong tradition of involvement and dealt with a variety of issues. Among the mostnoteworthy issues are Dakota Water Resources Act, Conservation and Reinvestment Act, TWSAnnual Convention, 2002, NDCTWS Web Site, Celebrating Our Wildlife Conservation Heritage,Proactive Initiative, State School Lands, National Grasslands Management Plan and proposed

2000

DEDICATED TO THE WISE USE OF ALL NATURAL RESOURCES

Chapter Bylaws changes (please review the proposed Bylaws changes in this newsletter). To learnmore about the status of these issues and to offer your suggestions on how to best deal with them, planto attend the business meeting portion of the Annual Meeting.

I want to thank the individuals who have taken time from their demanding schedules during the pastyear to serve on a committee, give a paper, present a poster, attend an Executive Board meeting,volunteer to run for the Executive Board, or just visiting with a Executive Board member and lettingthem know how you feel about issues that are important to you. Continue your involvement with thecurrent efforts to maintain protection for wetlands, grasslands, lakes, rivers, forests, or your favoriteecosystem. The North Dakota Chapter of The Wildlife Society can always use your assistance andprofessional expertise!

In closing, I have a couple of reminders pertaining to the Annual Meeting.

Resolutions: If you plan to introduce aresolution at the annual meeting, they mustbe signed by two members in good standingand be received by the Executive Board 15days prior to the annual meeting.

Committee Chairs: Please provide a reportsummarizing the Committee’s activitiesduring the past year to John Schulz byJanuary 31, 2001. The report should besubmitted on a computer disc( W o r d P e r f e c t ) o r E - m a i l e d t ojwschulz@state.nd.us. An agenda for theannual meeting will be compiled andCommittee Chairs have the option ofproviding a written report or an oralpresentation.

Absentee Ballots: Must be received by amember of the Executive Board 48 hoursprior to the start of the 2001 AnnualMeeting.

As my time as President of The North Dakota Chapter of The WildlifeSociety comes to a close, I want to say thanks to each of you for yoursupport and involvement in the Chapter. I am indebted to may peoplewho helped make my term as President enjoyable, exciting and I hopeproductive. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve such anoutstanding organization.

See you in Mandan,John W. Schulz

NORTH DAKOTA CHAPTER OF THE WILDLIFE SOCIETY

Minutes of the November 28, 2000

Executive Board Meeting

Submitted by Greg Hiemenz

The Executive Board meeting of the North Dakota Chapterof the Wildlife Society (Chapter) was called to order at 10:00a.m. on Tuesday, November 28, 2000 at the DucksUnlimited Office in Bismarck. The meeting was attended byboard members John Schulz, Bill Bicknell, Darla Lenz, ScottKahan, Jerry Heiser, Mike Goos, and Greg Hiemenz. RandyRenner participated via conference call. Mike McEnroe,Paul Myerchin, and Chuck Bosch also participated in themeeting.

President John Schulz asked for approval of the minutes ofthe September 12, 2000 Executive Board meeting. Therewas a motion, a second, and a unanimous vote in favor ofapproval.

OLD BUSINESS

NDCTWS Web Page - Scott Kahan developed a Chapterhome page, which can be viewed at the following URL:http://ndctws.homestead.com/ndctws_home.html The Boardagreed that a website could be useful for many purposes,including transmitting agendas and minutes of executiveboard meetings, communicating between committees andthe membership, and alerting members when hot issuesarise. The Board decided that a standing committee shouldbe established to keep the website updated. Scott agreed tochair the committee, and is looking for other volunteers.

Grasslands Stewardship Initiative - The Chapter, alongwith several other organizations, decided to withdraw fromthe process. Some Chapter members voiced concerns aboutwithdrawing, and these concerns were considered by theboard in their decision. Ultimately, however, we believedthat the group was too large, did not have balancedrepresentation, and probably would never reach consensuson any substantive issues. (Note: The Governor has sinceestablished a smaller grasslands working group, made up ofdiverse interests, to discuss grassland issues and explorepotential solutions. The Chapter has agreed to participate, andRick Nelson will be our representative.)

Red River Valley Water Supply Study - This study, whichis being jointly administered by the Bureau of Reclamation,the State Water Commission, and the Garrison DiversionConservancy District, will examine alternatives for meetingfuture water needs in the Red River Valley. Mike Ell hasagreed to represent the Chapter on a study review team.

North Dakota Chapter TWS - 2000Executive Board Members:

John Schulz Bill Bicknell Darla Lenz Greg Hiemenz Mike Goos Randy Renner Jerry Heiser Scott Kahan

President Portfolio - John SchulzSecretary/Treasure: Greg HiemenzNewsletter: Alicia WatersCMPS Rep: Jerry Heiser *Student Chapter Advisor: Rick Nelson Wetland Trust Adviser: Harris HoistadResolutions & Public Statements: John Schulz

Past President Portfolio - Bill BicknellArrangements: Bill BicknellProgram: Bill BicknellAudit: Larry Lysne Membership: Kevin JohnsonNominations: Bill Bicknell2002 TWS Annual Mtg: Bill Bicknell & Mike McEnroeND Action Group: Scott Peterson *

President-Elect Portfolio - Darla LenzBylaws: Paul MyerchinPrairie Resources: Karen Smith & Darla LenzLegislative: Greg LinkAwards: Darla LenzPrairie Chicken: Greg Link *

Portfolio A - Scott KahanWetland Resources: Scott PetersonFishery Resources: Eric Pearson *Youth Education: Jack Lalor Historian: Chris Grondahl *

Portfolio B - Jerry HeiserWestern Lands: Bill Jensen * Teaming with Wildlife: Chuck Bosch Education: Kristine Askerooth *Forest Resources: John Schulz *

Portfolio C - Randy RennerGarrison Diversion: Mike McEnroe Red River Watershed: Mike Ell Lake Oahe: Steve DykeDevils Lake Basin: Roger HollevoetFund Raising: Darren Bruning *

Portfolio D - Mike GoosNorthern Great Plain Working Group: Kevin Willis Endangered Species: Caroline Littlefield *Law Enforcement: Jackie Lundstrom Wildlife Damage Management: John Paulson *Finance: Mike Goos *

* No report submitted

Celebrating Our Wildlife Conservation Heritage (COWCH) -Lex Haimes, who had agreed to videotape interviews, has leftthe North Dakota Game and Fish Department for a job withDucks Unlimited in Memphis. We are looking for someone toreplace Lex in this effort. Chris Grondahl is coordinating theprogram.

Insurance Policy - Paul Myerchin talked to our insuranceagent concerning the Chapter’s coverage. The insurancecompany, at no charge, added endorsements for “non-compensated directors and officers” and “volunteers” to theemployee dishonesty coverage. This removes a potential grayarea in the Chapter’s coverage.

The agent also provided information on directors and officersliability coverage. At $600 to $1000 per year, Paul advised,and the board agreed, that this coverage was not needed.

NEW BUSINESS

Correspondence Sent - Letter to Senator Conrad asking for hiscontinued support of CARA.

Correspondence Received - Letters from Senator Dorganregarding disposition of CARA in the Senate.

Letter from Bureau of Reclamation asking if the Chapterwishes to meet with Reclamation’s Regional DirectorMaryanne Bach to discuss conservation issues while she isin Bismarck in early December. We thanked Reclamation fortheir offer, but declined their invitation to meet.

Letters to John Hoeven and Heide Heidkamp thanking themfor sharing their ideas on conservation and natural resourceswhich were printed in the last newsletter.

Letter from the Corps of Engineers requesting comments on aproposed regional general permit for the Red River BasinRiparian Project. Bill Bicknell noted that the proposed permitdoes not include any restrictions on the size of projects thatcould be constructed. John will draft a letter supporting thepermit if appropriate size restrictions are included.

Letter from USDA Rural Development as lead Federal agencyfor Southwest Pipeline project concerning expansion ofproject into new service areas. The letter was forwarded tothe Western Lands committee for potential action.

Letter from Kristine Askerooth asking forcontinued Chapter support of the Junior DuckStamp contest. There was a motion, a second,and a unanimous vote to provide a $200contribution.

PRESIDENT PORTFOLIO - John SchulzSecretary/Treasurer Report - Total Chapter assets as ofOctober 31, 2000 were $38,078.48, including $2,731.36 inchecking, $26,080.74 in money market savings, and $9,266.38in two life membership mutual funds. The Treasurer’s reportwas unanimously approved by the Executive Board.

The proposed 2001 budget includes $16,000 inrevenues and $23,082 in expenses. The greatestdifference from last year is the inclusion of $5,300for the Legislative Committee. This committee isfunded every other year, when the legislature is in

session. The proposed budget is printed on page 22 in thisnewsletter, and will be considered by the full membership at theannual business meeting.

Student Chapters - The UND student chapter provided awritten report of activities for distribution at the annualbusiness meeting.

PAST PRESIDENT PORTFOLIO - Bill BicknellAnnual Meeting Arrangements - Arrangements for the 2001Annual Meeting at the Seven Seas in Mandan are pretty wellset. A block of rooms has been reserved at the stategovernment rate. For reservations call 701-663-7401.

Program - The program for the 2001 Annual Meeting is listedon pages 14 - 17 in this newsletter.

Audit - The audit will be completed prior to the annualmeeting.

Membership - The Chapter currently has 298 members,including 215 regular members, 67 life members, 11 students,and 5 patrons.

Nominations - A full slate of candidates for the executiveboard and president-elect have been received. Boardcandidates are Jon Roaldson, Mike Oehler, Glen Sargeant,and Randy Crooke. Candidates for president-elect are PaulHalko and Tim Phalen. Statements from executive board andpresident-elect candidates are printed on pages 18 - 21 in thisnewsletter.

TWS Annual Convention September, 2002 - About 25 Chaptermembers attended an organizational meeting held onNovember 8 at the Ducks Unlimited Office in Bismarck. Seethe writeup on page 9 in this newsletter.

PRESIDENT-ELECT PORTFOLIO - Darla LenzBylaws - Paul Myerchin explained proposedamendments to the bylaws and articles ofincorporation. Three changes are proposed. Thefirst would state that the Chapter may engage inany lawful nonprofit activity. This would givethe Chapter freedom to act as a grant recipient

and to engage in activities similar to the grassland easementprogram in the future if desired. The second change wouldallow new members to vote at the annual meeting upon theiracceptance. The third change puts the standing committee onResolutions and Public Statements in the President’s Portfoliowith the President as the chair. These amendments will bevoted upon by the Chapter membership at the annualbusiness meeting. See page 10 - 12 in this newsletter for the textof the proposed amendments and further explanation.

Legislative - Greg Link provided a budget request, which wasincorporated into the proposed 2001 budget. The legislativesocial will be on February 6 th at the Kelly Inn. The committeeusually meets every Friday during the legislative session overlunch at the North Dakota Game and Fish Departmentheadquarters, and welcomes participation by all Chaptermembers. Greg is looking for a co-chair to replace NancyDietz, who moved to Minnesota.

Awards - Nominations were received for the North DakotaAward, the Habitat Award, and SpecialRecognition Awards. The Executive Board votedon the nominations, and the awards will bepresented during the banquet at the annualmeeting.

Prairie Resources - Darla Lenz reported that “Prairie Day” isscheduled for August 12, 2001. Events will be held at theBrown Ranch and the Sheyenne National Grasslands. Theevent will coincide with Minnesota’s Prairie Day. There willalso be an international prairie tour that same weekend innortheast North Dakota, Minnesota, and Manitoba.

PORTFOLIO A - Scott KahanWetland Resources - The State will introduce legislation thissession to assume administration of the Clean Water ActSection 404 permit process. The Chapter has previouslypassed a resolution supporting continued administration ofthe Section 404 program by the Corps of Engineers.

Youth Education - News releases will be sent out on the foodplot and habitat contest.

PORTFOLIO B - Jerry HeiserTeaming with Wildlife - Chuck Bosch provided an update onthe fate of CARA in Congress. See the writeup from TomFranklin on page 6 in this newsletter.

PORTFOLIO C - Randy RennerGarrison Diversion - Congress passed the Dakota WaterResources Act as part of a larger spending bill on December15, 2000. The law will provide $200 million for statemunicipal, rural, and industrial water grants, $200 million for tribal municipal, rural, and industrial watergrants, $200 million for Red River Valley water supply, $25

million for a natural resources trust, and $6.5 million forrecreation. The natural resources trust will expand themission of the wetlands trust. The law requires anEnvironmental Impact Statement on alternatives to meet RedRiver Valley water needs.

Lake Oahe - Senator Conrad has indicated that he willintroduce legislation to create a $200 million trust fund forMissouri River restoration and projects to address bankerosion.

Devils Lake Basin - The State Water Commission is pursuinga temporary outlet (Twin Lakes) to get water moving out ofthe lake until the Corps of Engineers builds a west end outlet.The State is designing the Twin Lakes Outlet to avoid anyFederal review or NEPA process.

PORTFOLIO D - Mike GoosNorthern Great Plains Working Group - The Working Grouprequested $500 from the Chapter for publication of apamphlet on farm bill conservation programs. The fundingrequest is included in the proposed budget.

Law Enforcement - Jackie Lundstrom will submitnominations for the Charles V. Pulver Memorial LawEnforcement Case of the Year Award.

The next Executive Board Meeting istentatively scheduled for 9:00 a.m. onWednesday, February 7, 2001 at the SevenSeas in Mandan.

NDCTWS Legislative Committee

Greg Link is looking for a volunteer to co-chair thelegeslative committee with him. If you havequestions about the responsibilities this would entailor would like to volunteer please contact Greg at(701) 328-6331 or (701) 667-9506.

The Fate of CARA in the 106th Congress

The Conservation and Reinvestment Act (CARA) almost made it to the finish line this year but wasundercut in the final stretch run by hard-liner Congressional appropriators and their allies who opposedCARA's permanent funding mechanism for coastal, land and water, and fish and wildlife programs.Congressional appropriators, the Council on Environmental Quality, and CARA opponents in theenvironmental and private property rights communities collaborated to ensure that the permanentfunding of CARA was not voted on by the Senate, even after passing the House of Representatives bya 3:1 margin. Because some elements of CARA were incorporated into annual appropriations bills, theposition of congressional CARA champions to put forward separate CARA legislation was sidelined.The Interior appropriations bill scheme stimulated a partial break-up of the CARA coalition becausesome groups achieved their objectives in the deal.

The Interior Appropriations Act provides far less conservation funding than CARA's $3 billion annuallyfor the next 15 years, including $350 million each year for state wildlife programs. However, increasedfunding was approved for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and coastal programs, Fish& Wildlife Service, National Park Service, Forest Service, USGS-Biological Resources Division and otherfederal conservation programs under Title VIII-Land Conservation, Preservation and InfrastructureImprovement. This title includes funding for competitive state wildlife grants at $50 million for FY01,and authorizes it for 6 years. Congress could appropriate from $0 to the $50 million in each of the 6years. Funds not appropriated may be carried over to the following year, subject to annualcongressional appropriations. None of this money is guaranteed beyond FY 2001. President Clintonsigned the bill on 11 September 2000.

Wildlife funds included in the Commerce, State, Justice and the Judiciary bill

Following passage of the Interior bill, Senate and House leaders continued to push for separateCARA-like legislation as our coalition kept up the pressure. Although CARA did not make it into law,the level of support for it helped obtain additional wildlife funding. The CARA Coalition workedfuriously to get key parts of CARA incorporated in other legislation. Finally, an additional $50 millionin state wildlife program funding, distributed through the Pittman-Robertson funding mechanism, wasinserted into the Commerce, State, Justice and the Judiciary (CJS) appropriations bill. Much of thelanguage from the wildlife title of CARA, as passed by the Senate Energy & Natural ResourcesCommittee, was incorporated. Great work by our grassroots coalition resulted in this additional fundingfor state wildlife programs . The CJS bill was passed by Congress but still awaits the President'ssignature as of 1 November.

The FY 2001 appropriations legislation will provide sorely needed short-term funding for manywildlife-related programs and should be welcomed as such. It provides a foundation on which to build.However, it does not achieve many of the goals of CARA. It does not guarantee long-term fundingnecessary to ensure that state wildlife agencies can grow to meet the diversity of wildlife and publicdemands that challenge the future of wildlife management. Wildlife professionals should be proud oftheir role in the CARA campaign and encouraged by the national attention and awareness of wildlifeneeds that now exists as a result of their work. The importance of our mission and the strength of ourcoalition will ensure its eventual passage. It's a question of when, not if, Teaming With Wildlife becomesthe law of the land.

UND Student Chapterof

The Wildlife Society

Katy Eulis, President

The UND Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society has had a busy, yet exciting and fun Fall Semester.

We started out the semester by having Will Meeks with the US Fish & Wildlife Service speak to thegroup on September 19th about how to go about getting a job with the US Fish & Wildlife Service andwhat people in the field are doing.

On September 24th we had our second annual nature walk at Oakville Prairie, which is an area ofunbroken prairie approximately 12 miles west of Grand Forks. On this trip we learned a few plants,sat on a buffalo rubbing rock and imagined what it must have been like before modern “progress”.

Amy Grack, a naturalist with the Dakota Science Museum came and spoke to the group on October 3rd

about volunteer opportunities and an open intern position at the Dakota Science Center.

On October 13th we held the first annual English Coulee Cleanup. This was an effort to involve theentire campus in cleaning up the coulee. Members of the wildlife society waded in the coulee and pulledout garbage bag after garbage bag of trash. We were joined by the Environmental ConservationOrganization, the Geology Club, and a few other miscellaneous clubs on campus.

Todd Haugen, Assistant Manager of Turtle River State Park came and spoke to the group on October17th about getting a job with the North Dakota Parks system and what the ND Parks System does forthe state. He also spoke to the group about volunteer opportunities and potentially helping out nextsemester with nest structures at Turtle River State Park.

On November 7th we had Melanie Parvey, Lisa Dressler, and Helen Cozzetto come speak to the groupabout the Greenway Project in Grand Forks/East Grand Forks. They are looking at making the areabetween the dike and the river a state park in the future and restoring sections on the greenway tonative prairie and wetland habitats.

On November 21s t Doug Leier spoke to the group about getting a job with the ND Game and FishDepartment and pursuing a career in natural resources.

An ongoing activity this semester has been a weekend birding group. For the last meeting of thesemester we will be having Dr. Richard Crawford speak about his research with penguins in theAntarctic. Next semester we have invited Dr. Daniel Svedarsky, University of Minnesota at Crookstonto speak about prairie ecosystems for our annual Glenn Allen Paur Memorial Lecture series. Otherthings we have in mind for next semester are attending the ND State Wildlife Society meetings, anEnvironmental Education Project, an ice fishing trip, helping out at Turtle River State Park and Kelly’sSlough NWR, a camping trip, and potentially a spring campus clean-up.

Whatever we end up doing, it will definitely be fun!!

The NDCTWS Web Page is up and running with links to several sites including our 2001 annualmeeting, newsletters, executive board/committee notes, the 2002 convention, our parent chapter, andother interesting links. The website also hosts a mailing list which will be used to notify the membershipof updates to the web page, as well as various issues affecting natural resources in the State (e-mail“phone” tree).

You can find the Chapter’s website at: http:\\www.homestead.com\ndctws_home.html

It’s a long URL, so be sure to place the address in your bookmark.

Committee Chairs:If you would like to use the Chapter’s website to share information about your committee with themembership, recruit new members, etc. please contact Scott to achieve all your website goals.

Comments on the website? We are always looking to improve. Please contact Scott at (701) 655-3530(H) or (701) 662-8611 ext. 323 (W) with your comments, or better yet, sign up to join the newly formedwebsite committee.

We want you :

Are you looking to become more involved in the Chapter? Are you looking for an outlet for your creative genius?

Are you just bored?

Why not consider joining the newly formed website committee. There will be a lot to do with theupcoming 2002 convention, and we need your help.

No computer skills? No problem.

If you can visit the Chapter’s website and drop me an e-mail, you’ve passed the strict entry levelrequirements. Join our group and start impressing your kids, friends, and colleagues with your internetsavvy.

Check it out...

The ND Chapter of The Willdife Society

web page

TWS 2002 CONFERENCE Organizational Meeting

On November 8, 2000, the Chapter held anorganizational meeting to begin the process ofpreparing to host The Wildlife Society’s AnnualConference in September of 2002. On a snowy daythat saw an unending stream of geese migratingsouth, approximately 25 Chapter members met atDucks Unlimited Regional Headquarters in Bismarck.Unfortunately icy roads and scheduling conflictsprevented a number of people from participating.

Mike McEnroe and Bill Bicknell, 2002 ArrangementsCommittee Co-Chairs, scheduled the meeting toreview the Chapter’s responsibilities as host andidentify Chapter members who are willing tocontribute their talents and organizational skills tothis effort. Mike reviewed the highlights of theconference and the schedule of events that will takeplace starting September 24, 2000.

Sara Coleman, Bismarck-Mandan Convention andVisitors Bureau (CVB), discussed the CVB’scommitments to work with the Chapter until the lastdetail is complete. The CVB will providecomplimentary shuttle bus service to conferenceevents, coordinate housing needs, assist in generatinglocal media coverage, work with the airlines to meetthe needs of conference participants, and muchmore. Sara and the CVB staff have been a greatpartner in this process and we look forward toworking together during the next 20 months.

Bill discussed the responsibilities of the host Chapterto plan and organize the arrangements for theconference. The Arrangements Committee consistsof 14 subcommittees including:

Associated Meetings Audio VisualsExhibits and Posters FacilitiesFund Raising RegistrationMeals and Entertainment Merchandise SalesPhotography Contest PublicitySigns Student ActivitiesVolunteersField Trips and Local Information

Bill provided an overview of each subcommittee,highlighting their primary tasks. Copies of the

Conference Handbook describing the subcommitteesin details were distributed. Bill also discussed theexperiences of the Tennessee Chapter’s ArrangementsCommittee and their recommendations after hostingthe September 2000 conference in Nashville.

Prior to concluding the meeting, we went around theroom to identify volunteers willing to work on specificsubcommittees. While the Chapter has taken apositive step forward, your talents and ideas areneeded to develop an interesting and informativeconference. An additional 40-50 volunteers areneeded as well as chairpersons for some of thesubcommittees. Please contact either Mike McEnroe(250-4418) or Bill Bicknell (250-4414) to be involved inthe largest international natural resource conferenceever held in the Dakotas.

Grasslands Stewardship Initiative

The Grasslands Stewardship Initiative (GSI) was establishedto bring together representatives of a wide range of NDgrasslands user and interest groups with the intent ofopening up dialog and reaching consensus on landmanagement issues. The GSI was facilitated by the NDConsensus Council and the Chapter accepted an invitation toparticipate in the process. While there was initially optimismthat GSI could reach consensus on some issues, that potentialgradually dissipated for a host of reasons. The number ofparticipants was too large (about 40) to be effective, thereexisted a stark imbalance between commodity interests andconservationists, and a lack of state agency participation,especially the ND Game & Fish Department. There existed ageneral lack of trust among participants and anunwillingness by some to even consider compromise. Afternearly a year of monthly meetings and field trips, no clearprogress had been made toward consensus on even thesimplest of issues such as noxious weed control. Manyparticipants regularly voiced their frustrations over the lackof progress.

For these reasons, the Chapter along with four otherconservation groups withdrew its participation from GSI onNovember 15, 2000. Some commodity interests have sincewithdrawn participation in the GSI also. While the GSIprocess had several flaws, it should be considered a good firststep. Participants were able to identify some issues andvalues held in common and dialog has begun between someconflicting user groups. In December, the Governor’s Officeannounced the development of a new group to addressGrasslands issues. This group will be smaller and morebalanced between conservation and commodity interests andthe State will participate. The Chapter has accepted aninvitation to participate in this process and will berepresented by Rick Nelson.

PROPOSED CHANGES TO CHAPTER BYLAWS

&ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

Dear Members,

From time to time, it becomes necessary for an organization to do some house cleaning of its foundingdocuments. I’m talking about the Articles of Incorporation and the Bylaws. The Chapter’s Bylaws dateback possibly to 1963 when the Chapter was organized, but certainly since 1985. The Chapter wasincorporated under the laws of North Dakota in 1981. As you can see, the time has certainly come for somehouse cleaning.

Your Board has considered some changes this past year, and on the following pages you will find theproposed amendments to the bylaws and articles of incorporation. Note that all new language is in italicsand all language to be deleted is struck through.

First, note that the proposed amendment to the Bylaws under the Objectives section and Articles ofIncorporation are identical. This is for continuity purposes. Also, this change will allow the Board freedomto engage in activities similar to the Grassland Easement program in the future if and when it so desires.

Second, the proposed change under the Membership Bylaw allows new members to vote at the annualmeeting upon their acceptance.

Third, the change to the Resolution and Public Statement bylaw brings this standing committee back intoexistence as a standing committee and has the President as the chair. This change simply announces theway the Chapter has handled this committee in the past.

Note that the Bylaws will have to be approved by the TWS Board before they can go into effect. Also, theArticles will have to be amended at the Secretary of State’s Office before the new amendment will go intoeffect.

If anyone has a question regarding the proposed amendments, please do not hesitate to contact me at 701-223-8096 or 701-250-8968.

Sincerely, Paul H. Myerchin

BYLAWS OF THE NORTH DAKOTA CHAPTER OF THE WILDLIFE SOCIETY, INC.

ARTICLE II. OBJECTIVES

Section 1. OBJECTIVES -Consistent with the objectives of The Society, Chapter objectives are:

To advance the science and art of wildlife management;

To promote and maintain high professional standards;

To improve public understanding and support of scientific management of wildlife and relatedresources within the objectives of The Wildlife Society;

To provide a common meeting ground for those interested in wildlife; and

- To engage in any lawful nonprofit activity as provided under Chapter 10-33, Nonprofit Corporations, of the North Dakota Century Code, and amendments and supplements thereto.

ARTICLE IV. MEMBERSHIP

Section 2. REGULAR MEMBER - Regular membership in the Chapter shall be available to any person whois employed, trained or is a student in a natural resource field, is either not a member of The Society and/orresides and works outside the Chapter's organization area (Article I, Section 2), has an interest in theobjectives and activities of the Chapter and is approved by the Executive Board. Regular members shall beentitled to all rights, privileges, and responsibilities of Chapter Voting Members, including voting in Chapterelections, except those reserved for Chapter Voting Members (Article IV, Section 1). Membershipapplications received at the annual business meeting will be considered for approval by the votingmembership as the first last order of business just prior to adjournment.

ARTICLE VIII. COMMITTEES

Section 2. DUTIES OF STANDING COMMITTEES:

CLAUSE F - RESOLUTIONS AND PUBLIC STATEMENTS - This committee shall receive proposedresolutions and public statements from 2 or more members acting together at any time, and shallprepare, submit, and recommend action on such items to the Executive Board in accordance withArticle VIII, Section 5. This standing committee shall be part of the President’s portfolio and shall bechaired by the President.

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

OF

NORTH DAKOTA CHAPTER OF THE WILDLIFE SOCIETY, INC.

ARTICLE 3. The purposes for which the Corporation is organized are:

1) To advance the science and art of wildlife management;

2) To promote and maintain high professional standards;

3) To improve public understanding and support of scientific management of wildlife andrelated resources within the objectives of The Wildlife Society;

4) To recognize and commend outstanding activities related to wildlife resources;

5) To notify The Wildlife Society and Central Mountains & Plains Section of wildlife relatedproblems arising in the state and recommend appropriate action;

6) To provide a common meeting ground for those interested in wildlife; and

7) To engage in any lawful nonprofit activity as provided under Chapter 10-33, NonprofitCorporations, of the North Dakota Century Code, and amendments and supplements thereto.

REMINDER

Legislative Social February 6, 2001 at the Kelly Inn in Bismarck. All Chapter members are encouraged to attend.

Made You L k!!!

READ THIS!!!!

Fundraising is here!! The best time of year!! Our annual Fundraiser is just around the corner, and onceagain we are asking you to dig deep and give the gifts that keep on giving....Generous Donations that willgain big money for your Chapter! So PLEASE.....give ‘til it hurts! And...it won’t hurt long anyway, becauseyou will be having so much fun at the Fundraiser, you will forget your pain! As always, your help anddonations are greatly needed because the Chapter is financially dependent on our raffle and auction.

If you have donated items in the past, please do so again. For those of you who haven’t donated before,please consider contributing a print, bird feeder, hunting and fishing gear, etc. Remember, handcraftedpieces are especially popular. Also, ACTIVATE your “network” and ask others to contribute to this worthycause.

Please inform any Fundraising Committee member of items you have collected or are intending to donate. This will help us with our record keeping and planning. Be sure to record names and addresses ofdonators. If you are delivering your donation at the meeting, please drop it off while registering. Again,make sure all items are marked with your name.

Fundraising Committee members and their telephone numbers are listed below:

Darren Bruning 328-6308 Tom Pabian 468-5467Mick Erickson 752-4218 Randy Renner 355-3500Kent Luttschwager 774-4320 Brian Keitzman 253-6483Greg Link 328-6331

Raffle Tickets

Raffle tickets are being distributed to you with this newsletter. The suggesteddonation for each of the raffle tickets is $3.00. Sell ALL of your assigned tickets

(NO EXCUSES). Buy them yourself if you have to. If you need additional raffle tickets, contact any of theFundraising Committee members. We will get them to you posthaste.

Please submit money from raffle ticket sales and any unsold tickets (there WON’T be any of these) toDarren Bruning, Greg Hiemenz, or registration personnel at the Annual Meeting in Mandan on February7th.

Thank you in advance for your generosity.

We look forward to another very fun and very successful fundraiser. The designated bandits....I mean..thededicated fundraisers are busy planning a great event, so prepare yourself to spend money for the good ofour beloved Chapter. Be there or be a rhombus.

NDCTWSFundraiser

NORTH DAKOTA CHAPTER OF THE WILDLIFE SOCIETY2001 ANNUAL MEETING PROGRAM

Seven Seas Inn, Mandan, North DakotaFebruary 7-9, 2001

Wednesday, February 7, 2001

8:00 - 12:00 Registration

9:00 - 12:00 Executive Board Meeting

12:00 - 1:00 Lunch

1:00 - 5:00 Registration Continues

1:00 - 1:10 Welcome and Opening RemarksJohn Schulz, President, NDCTWS

OUTREACH ACTIVITIES

Session Moderator- Linda Knutsen, Valley City Wetland Management District, Valley City, ND

1:10-1:30 Reaching Out to the Red River ValleyDoug Leier, Outreach Biologist, NDGFD, West Fargo, ND

1:30-1:50 The Sullys Hill Regional Conservation Learning CenterSteve Whitson, Refuge Manager, Sullys Hill National Game Preserve, FWS, Fort Totten, ND

1:50-2:10 The First Five Years of Outdoor Wildlife Learning Sites (OWLS)Chris Grondahl, Outreach Supervisor, and Jeb Williams, Natural Resource Biologist, NDGFD, Bismarck,ND

2:10-2:30 Middle Reach Through OutreachDave Potter, Project Leader, Audubon National Wildlife Refuge, FWS, Coleharbor, ND

2:30-2:50 Critical Habitat Designation for the Northern Great Plains Population of Piping Plovers - TheWho, What, When, Where, Why, and HowKaren Kreil, Ecological Services, FWS, Bismarck, ND and Nell McPhillips, Ecological Services, FWS,Pierre, SD

2:50-3:10 Break-Poster Session

CURRENT ISSUES and PERSPECTIVES

Session Moderator - Greg Link, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, Bismarck, ND

3:10-3:30 BLM: The Other Federal Land Management Agency in North DakotaDoug Burger, Field Manager, Bureau of Land Management, Dickinson, ND

3:30-3:50 Observations and Trends: Commercialization of North Dakota Hunting Ken Sambor and Randy Kreil, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, Bismarck, ND

3:50-4:10 Missouri River Management - The Politics of ChangeMike Olson, Missouri River Coordinator, FWS, Bismarck, ND

4:10-4:30 The Conservation Reserve Program: What is its Real Value to Grassland Birds in the GreatPlains?Douglas H. Johnson, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Jamestown, ND

4:30-4:50 Discussions with North Dakota State Legislators on Agricultural and Wildlife IssuesKeith Trego, North Dakota Wetland Trust, Mike McEnroe, USFWS, and Bill Pfeifer, NDCTWSLobbyist, Bismarck, ND

4:50-5:10 Working With Legislators on Conservation Issues

Representative Darrell Nottestad, State Legislator, District 43, Grand Forks, ND

5:10 Announcements5:10-6:00 Poster Session Open

6:00-7:00 Social Hour7:00-8:00 Dinner8:00-10:00 Annual Auction and Fund Raising Event

Thursday, February 8, 2001

FIRE MANAGEMENT

Session Moderator - Dave Fellows, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Jamestown, ND

8:00-8:20 North Dakota Interagency Fire Dispatch Center OperationsBrian McManus, ND/SD Zone Fire Management Officer, FWS, Upham, ND

8:20-8:40 The Bigger PictureMike Santucci, Fire Management Coordinator, ND Forest Service, Bismarck, ND

8:40-9:00 The 1999 GAP FiresMaure Sand, Fire Management Officer, Dakota Prairie Grasslands Office, USFS, Bismarck, ND

9:00-9:20 The Effects of Prescribed Burning on Bird Populations in the Tallgrass Prairie of NorthwestMinnesotaJeremy Engelstad, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND

9:20-9:40 Abundance and Habitat of Grassland Songbirds during Grazing Treatments on Prescribe-Burned, Mixed Grass PrairieRobert F. Danley and Karen Smith, Lostwood NWR, and Robert K. Murphy, Des Lacs NWRComplex, Kenmare, ND

9:40-10:00 Break - Poster Session Open for Viewing

WETLAND and AVIAN ECOLOGY

Session Moderator - Dave Azure, Refuge Operation Specialist, Arrowwood NWR, Pingree, ND

10:00-10:20 Prairie Wetlands of the United States: Sources or Sinks of Greenhouse CarbonNed H. Euliss, Jr, Alan Olness, and Robert Gleason, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center,USGS, Jamestown, ND

10:20-10:40 Community Composition and Relative Abundances of Shorebirds at Kelly Slough NationalWildlife RefugeCorinne Carey, Ph. D. Candidate, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND

10:40-11:00 Using Breeding Bird Survey Data and GIS to Model Bird Habitat in the Prairie PotholeRegionNeal D. Niemuth, Charles R. Loesch, and Michael E. Estey, Habitat and Population Evaluation Team,FWS, Bismarck, ND

11:00-11:20 The Distribution, Abundance, and Habitat Selection of Overwater Colonial NestingWaterbirds at Lake Alice National Wildlife RefugeJoel Brice and Dr. Richard Crawford, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND and Will Meeks,Devils Lake Wetland Management District, FWS, Devils Lake, ND

11:20-11:40 Range Expansion of Pileated Woodpeckers in North DakotaJill Dechant, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, USGS, Jamestown, ND

11:40-12:00 Wetlands of the Little Missouri National Grasslands: Impacts of Water Developments onBiological CommunitiesNed H. Euliss, Jr, and David Mushet, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, USGS, Jamestown,ND

12:00-1:00 Lunch

1:00-5:00 Annual Business Meeting

6:00-7:00 Social Hour7:00-10:00 Awards Banquet

Banquet Speaker: Tony Dean, Pierre, South Dakota“Contemporary Conservation Issues in the Dakotas”

Friday, February 9, 2001

WATERFOWL MANAGEMENT

Session Moderator - Rick Warhurst, Regional Biologist, Ducks Unlimited, Bismarck, ND

8:00-8:20 The Delta Waterfowl Foundation - A Focus on Waterfowl and Waterfowl HuntingLloyd Jones, Vice President, Delta Waterfowl Foundation, Bismarck, ND

8:20-8:40 Giant Canada Goose Management in North DakotaMike Johnson, Migratory Game Bird Management Supervisor, NDGFD, Bismarck, ND

8:40-9:00 Integrated Planning in the Prairie Pothole Joint VentureMike Estey and Ron Reynolds, Habitat and Population Evaluation Team, FWS, Bismarck, ND

9:00-9:20 Does the McClusky Canal Affect Survival Rates of Dabbling Duck Broods in SurroundingWetland Complexes?Gray L. Krapu, Pamela J. Pietz, David A. Brandt, and Robert R. Cox, Jr., Northern Prairie WildlifeResearch Center, USGS, Jamestown, ND

9:20-9:40 Waterfowl Conservation in the Drift Prairie: A 15 Year Synopsis of Predator ManagementWill Meeks, Wildlife Biologist, Devils Lake Wetland Management District and Ryan Heiniger,NAWCA Technician, Ducks Unlimited, Inc., Devils Lake, ND

9:40-10:00 Break

FOREST and RIPARIAN MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS

Session Moderator - Ted Upgren, Director, Missions in Woodland Habitat, NDGFD, Bismarck, ND

10:00-10:20 North Dakota Forestry Best Management PracticesTom Berg, Staff Forester, North Dakota Forest Service, Bottineau, ND

10:20-10:40 North Dakota Forest Stewardship ProgramJason Weinerman, Stewardship Forester, North Dakota Forest Service, Walhalla, ND

10:40-11:00 Red River Basin Riparian ProgramLinda Kingery, Project Manager, Red River Regional Council, Grafton, ND

11:00-11:20 Using GIS to Investigate Sedimentation Potential and the Effects on Fish Community StructureAnn Marguerite Coyle and Steven Kelsch, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND

11:20-11:40 Conservation Tree Planting in North DakotaTom Claeys, Centennial Trees Coordinator, North Dakota Forest Service, Bottineau, ND

11:40-12:00 Public and Private Native Forest Management Opportunities Through the WHIP ProgramJohn W. Schulz, Wildlife Management Resource Supervisor, NDGFD, Devils Lake, NDDave Dewald, State Biologist, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Bismarck, ND

12:00-12:10 Natural Resource Communication Award Presentation - Roger Collins

12:10-12:15 Closing Remarks - Adjourn

PAUL HALKO President Elect Candidate

Education: B.S. Zoology: Wildlife Management, North Dakota State University, Fargo.

Present Position: Resource Conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service, AreaOffice, Devils Lake, ND.

Previous Positions: Biologist, NRCS, Turtle Lake, Lisbon and Devils Lake; BiologicalTechnician, USFWS, J. Clark Salyer NWR, Upham.

Chapter Activities: ND Chapter member since 1990; Executive Board member 1997-1998; memberof prairie chicken committee since 1994; Recipient of NDCTWS UndergraduateScholarship 1991 & 1993.

Statement: Protecting and conserving the natural resources of North Dakota is more than a job to us.The natural resources of this state provide us with our quiet time for reflection, recreationtime with family and friends and are often the dominant theme of our art and literature.Very few, if any of us, decided on a whim to become resource managers, researchscientists or enforcement officers. We’ve all had moments in the outdoors that connectedus to the natural world. These moments however subtle at the time shaped and directedus to where we are now. My point is resource conservation is not a nine to five or formany of us an eight to four-thirty. It is a career we take home in good times and bad. Norcan the resources of our state be spoken for completely in our workday.

The Chapter provides us an additional avenue to achieve our conservation goals. Wemust continue to fuel the Chapter as one of our state’s most respected and powerfulconservation organizations. We know defense of resources with emotion alone, is in mostcases retaliated with opposing emotion; that results in both parties further from anythingresembling a common goal. The strength of the Chapter relies upon the diversity of itsmember’s various disciplines. The contributions the Chapter has made and will continuemake to the resources of this state were achieved through its member’s presentation ofecological fact. The Chapter must continue to make citizens and legislators aware of NorthDakota’s natural resource concerns and potential. Without awareness and education, whatwe perceive as resources, may be looked upon as a hindrance or a threat.

My decision to accept the nomination of Chapter President was very difficult. It was nota question of my desire to conserve our state’s resources. It pertained to the questions weall have less time for family, fun, etc. My answer came with a question, “If I’m not willingto give more to the things I believe in, who is?” I welcome the challenge and will workto deliver the membership’s knowledge to the necessary conservation arenas.

TIM PHALEN President Elect Candidate

Education: B.S. Fisheries and Wildlife Biology, University of North Dakota, 1983.

Present Position: District Game Warden, ND Game and Fish Dept., Wyndmere, ND.

Previous Positions: Wildlife Technician, ND Game and Fish Dept, Riverdale Office.

Chapter Activities: ND Chapter member since 1982.

Statement: When I was asked to run for the position of president, I was honored but apprehensiveand asked for some time to make my decision. I had been asked a few years ago to runfor the Executive Board, I declined at that time because I was already serving on twoseparate boards for separate organizations and did not feel I could commit the timerequired to meet the needs of three organizations. Those commitments are past. I thoughtto myself, I am not an expert on Garrison Diversion, the Devils Lake basin, Missouri Riverstabilization, nor the Federal Grasslands, but that is what makes our Chapter so strong.It is made up of such a great diversity of experts from all aspects of the environment thatare willing to work together for the future of North Dakota. I would be honored to leadsuch a group and accepted the nomination.

The chapter should be proud of its past accomplishments and there will be manychallenges that lie ahead of us, both big and small. I am willing to devote my time andenergy to see that the Chapter will continue to accomplish the mission set forth into thefuture. One such challenge will be hosting the Wildlife Society Annual Conference in2002. What a wonderful challenge!

I am honored to have been nominated for this position. I am not a politician, thus I makeno promises. What I can do is work hard to maintain a strong and healthy organization,who’s voice will continue to be heard.

Executive Board

GLEN SARGEANT

Education: B.S. Fisheries and Wildlife Biology, University of North DakotaM.S. Wildlife Resources, University of IdahoM.S. Biometry and Ph.D. Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin - Madison.

Present Position: Statistician and Biologist at the USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center.Previous Positions: Glen has worked for the Yakama Indian Nation as a Forest Wildlife Biologist and Spotted OwlResearch Program Leader; for Battelle PNL at the Hanford Site, where he studied mule deer and elk; and as consultant andtemporary employee for various state and federal agencies. His primary interests are in wildlife population dynamics, wildlifesurvey methods, and applied statistics.Chapter Activities: Glen first joined the NDCTWS and TWS in 1983. He has served TWS as an Executive Board Memberfor the Biometrics Working Group and is currently the BWG Treasurer. He is a member of TWS, the North Dakota Chapterof TWS, the American Statistical Association, and an adjunct professor at the University of North Dakota.

Statement: I think the most important functions of the North Dakota Chapter are in shaping state natural resource policiesand in serving as a point of contact for wildlife professionals from different agencies. If elected, I’ll be honored to help thechapter continue these important functions and tackle new challenges that arise.

CandidatesJON ROALDSON

Education: M.S. Biology 1996, University of North Dakota; B.S. Fisheries & Wildlife Biology 1992, University of North Dakota.

Present Position: Regional Biologist, Ducks Unlimited, Inc. – Great Plains Regional Office, Bismarck, North Dakota.Previous Positions: Graduate Research Assistant and Teaching Assistant, University of North Dakota, 1994-1996;Biological Science Technician, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Jamestown, North Dakota, seasonally 1989-1993.Chapter Activities: ND Chapter Member or Student Member since 1990. University of North Dakota, Student ChapterPresident, 1993. Wildlife Society Member or Student Member since 1990, attended The Wildlife Society Second AnnualConference at Portland, Oregon in September 1995. Presented at NDCTWS session at Mandan, ND in February 1997.Central Mountains and Plains Section Member, 1997-1999.

Statement: My experiences as a Regional Biologist for Ducks Unlimited in Wyoming and North Dakota along with mybackground in research within both Dakota’s, Minnesota, and even a short exchange within Saskatchewan have given meperspective on the internal and external factors affecting our natural resources. If elected, I will draw from my experiencesand those of our fellow chapter members to influence, change, and/or to preserve and maintain policies that will protect stateand national resources for future generations. As a young man growing up within state, specifically around Jamestown, I haveseen both wet and dry-cycles upon the Missouri Coteau and down on the drift prairie. I have seen the paired influences thatboth mother-nature and our state’s economy and subsequent political atmosphere have played in transforming our naturalresources and native landscapes. Additionally, I have seen the adaptation undertaken by our natural resource professionalsto achieve long-term habitat and wildlife population goals. Issues which I feel our chapter must team-up to maintain ourstrengths and broaden our scope in no specific order include: 1) Devil’s Lake water issues-both upstream and downstream,2) Garrison Diversion, 3) National Grasslands, Missouri Coteau, and remaining native grassland protection, 4) Missouri RiverCorridor and Development, 5) Endangered Species Protection, 6) Private Property Right’s Issues, 7) North Dakota Economicsand the Farm Bill, including CRP, 8) Wetland Protection/Loss Issues, 9) National and State Population Growth/Decline and10) Coal-Bed Methane Mining and potential in-state and abroad.

I am honored for the nomination to the Executive Board. I am equally proud to be a member of this chapter composed ofexceptional people, including the solid backgrounds of this year’s candidates which reflects well upon our past and future asa chapter. If elected, I will strive to do my best work for the chapter and to represent you in the fashion that you wish to berepresented in looking after the interests of our state’s and nation’s natural resources.

Executive BoardCandidates

MIKE OEHLER

Education: M S., Wildlife Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, B.S., Wildlife and Fisheries Science, Chemistry Minor,South Dakota State University, Brookings.

Present Position: Big Game Biologist, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, Dickinson, ND.Previous Positions: Wildlife Technician, Fergus Falls Waterfowl Management District, USFWS 1992; Field Technician,

Ecological Services, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 1993 - 1994.Chapter Activities: TWS member since 1995 and NDCTWS member since 1998.

Statement: There is perhaps no greater honor than that of being recognized by one’s own peers, and I must say, I amhonored to have been nominated by my colleagues for a position on the Executive Board of the NDCTWS. As certain as aredeath and taxes, so too is the guarantee that the number of issues and confrontations revolving around natural resources willcontinue to escalate in North Dakota. As such, groups like The Wildlife Society will continue to play an integral role in shapingthe decisions that affect those resources–our ranks may be small, but when “backed into a corner”, or when confronted byan issue we perceive as “unjust”, the passion that first sparked our interest in our professions, transforms us into a force thatmust be reckoned with. Societal issues related to natural resources also are becoming more commonplace today. Forexample, the commercialization of wildlife is an issue that my Department is being confronted with on a daily basis–I see theNDCTWS and it’s membership continuing to be critical players in shaping legislation relevant to such issues. I look forwardto the opportunity of serving on the Executive Board of the NDCTWS.

D. RANDALL CROOKE

Education: BA in Biology, Hanover College 1975; 3 years postgraduate study in vertebrate zoology at NDSU, Fago, 1975-78Present Position: Manager of the Technical Group, Falkirk Mining Company 1980 to present.Chapter Activities: Member for past 20 years, received Chapter Habitat Award on behalf of Falkirk Mining Co. in 1992.

Statement: When I was approached earlier this fall by a representative of the State Chapter inquiring about my possibleinterest in serving on the Board, I really welcomed the idea. I have been a long term member of the Chapter, for most of myprofessional career over the last 15-20 years. Most of you know that I am married to Patsy Crooke, a lifetime member whowas the longtime editor of the newsletter several years ago. So the Chapter and its legacy of responsible conservation ethichas been a way of life in my house for two decades.

I have worked for the Falkirk Mining Co. for almost twenty years--2001 will mark my 20th, the entire time as an environmentalprofessional in the surface coal mining industry. While my expertise in this industry was primarily designing and implementingwildlife and wetlands reclamation and monitoring programs on three mines for the first few years, I soon took on the wholescheme of environmental compliance management here at The Falkirk Mine beginning in 1984. My current responsibilitieshave expanded to managing an 11- person combined engineering and environmental department which plans, permits, andmonitors the environmental, reclamation, and operations of this 23,000 acre, 7.2 million ton/year facility. Absolutely centraland uncompromised in our policy of conducting operations here at the mine are two elements—the safety of our employees,and the environmental compliance of our work. The conservation ethic and professional conduct of the Chapter and itsmembers has benefitted me greatly in my career as I have carried that ethic and its biological-social basis back to my work.I believe that it has translated into real on-the-ground results in the form of wetlands reclamation, woody draw preservation,and the restoration of diverse environmental values to the reclaimed land here at Falkirk, rather than the simple restorationof albeit important agricultural production.

So at this juncture in my career, it is time for me to begin giving back to the Chapter the values I have been fortunate enoughto draw upon for these 20 years. I certainly look forward to serving on the Board if given an opportunity to do so. I wouldbring with me the experience and perspective of being on the private sector, regulated side of the ledger, but with the sameconcern and commitment to our wildlife and habitat resources that all of us share as State Chapter members. I think myexperience with implementing environmental regulations on a broad front--from wildlife to hazardous waste--in the industrialsetting can be an asset that I would like a chance contribute to the important resource business of Chapter and its members.

NORTH DAKOTA CHAPTER OF THE WILDLIFE SOCIETYProposed 2001 Budget

INCOME2001 Annual meeting $ 6,0002001 Auction 4,0002001 Raffle 2,0002001 Member - Regular 3,0002001 Member - Student 1002001 Member - Life 200CMPS 50Interest (Checking) 50Interest (Money Market) 600Miscellaneous (e.g. Memorials, Merchandize) 0 TOTAL REVENUES 16,000

EXPENSES

Operating Expenses2001 Auction $ 1,0002001 Annual Meeting 5,0002001 Raffle 7502002 Auction 1,0002002 Raffle 750Newsletter 2,000Postage 1,000Other Printing 250Student Scholarships 9002000 Awards 450CMPS 50Bond Renewal 132Miscellaneous 100Sponsorships 600

Committee ExpensesNorthern Great Plains Working Group 500Legislative Committee 5,300Wetland Resources 0Membership Committee 50Fishery Resources 0Youth Ed./Habitat Contest 250 Jr. Duck Stamp Contest 200Western Lands 0Forest Resources 100Devils Lake Basin 0Education/Information 200 North Dakota Conservation Directory 600Water Projects 700Prairie Resources 900Prairie Chicken 0Endangered Species 0Law Enforcement 0Wildlife Damage & Control 02002 TWS Meeting 300 TOTAL EXPENSES 23,082

Net Income $ (7,082)

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Students or other Chapter members are asked to notify Dave Azure, Membership Chairman, of any address changes. Please mail the change to ND Chapter Wildlife Society, PO Box 1442, Bismarck, ND 58502-1442. This is greatly appreciated and helps to keep our expenses down.

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

NAME

OCCUPATION/TITLE

ADDRESS

PHONE # EMPLOYER

I am _____ am not _____ a current member of The Wildlife Society

~ Regular.....................................$ 15.00 _____

~ Life Member............................ $200.00 _____

~ Student......................................$ 8.00 _____

~ Central Mtn. & Plains Section TWS.........................$ 5.00 _____

TOTAL enclosed $ _____________

Make checks payable to “North Dakota Chapter of The Wildlife Society”.Mail to: North Dakota Chapter TWS, PO Box 1442, Bismarck, ND 58502-1442

ABSENTEE BALLOT

President-Elect Candidates Executive Board Candidates(Vote for one) (Vote for two)

~ Paul Halko ~ Mike Oehler

~ Tim Phalen ~ Jon Roaldson

~ Glen Sargeant

~ Randy Crooke

This ballot must be received by February 5, 2001. Mail to North Dakota Chapter TWS, PO Box 1442,Bismarck, ND 58502-1442.