March 24, 2008
D.O.N.T. Meeting
Defending Our Natural Treasures
Brandon Township, Michigan
NOTES
Present: Cheryl Gault, Jason Gault, Rick McAvinchey, Joe Mento, Lois Robbins
Old Business
Meeting Notes, 2/21/08Approved
Agenda Approved
New Business
Identifying Statement: Cheryl proposed a D.O.N.T Identifying Statement: Promoting a sustainable community through responsible development. Following discussion, a decision was made to give the proposed statement further study. Rick will critique and edit the statement for our next meeting.
Conservation Design Forum: Lois reported for the Brandon Preservation Committee that representatives of the Conservation Design Forum will meeting with Brandon Twp. Officials on March 27, to discuss first steps in creating an Ecological Showcase Plan on property owned by the township for a proposed Civic Center.
Meetings Ron Lapp: Rick reported on his Meetings Ron Lapp regarding Natural Features, noting Lapp’s remark that D.O.N.T. is regarded by some as an extreme or radical group.
Member Communications: Cheryl reported that a volunteer is needed to handle member communications.
FRWC 3/21/08 Board Meeting: Lois reported on the FRWC 3/21/08 Board Meeting, noting that the D.O.N.T budget is based on a Ruth Mott grant. One of the expected outcomes of the grant is increased FRWC membership by 400 new members overall and therefore, there is an expectation that D.O.N.T. members will join FRWC – not a requirement, but a hope/expectation. Proportionally, FRWC is hoping for 100 new memberships from Brandon Township in 2008.
Trout in the Classroom: Lois reported that Middle School Science teacher, Dave Green will be looking for a letter of support from D.O.N.T for a grant he’s writing for a Trout in the Classroom program. The program will include raising trout in the classroom and improving trout habitat in Kearsley Creek.
Watershed Signs: Lois reported that the township is unable to finance two signs ($375 for both signs) that say “Flint River Watershed”, to be installed facing East, across the street from the “Entering the Clinton River Watershed: signs on Granger and Seymour Lake Roads. Lois asked if D.O.N.T. funds might be used for purchase these signs. Decision: We will explore raising new funds to finance these signs.Village Master Plan – Rick reported that the Village’s Master Plan is developing in a good way, with Ortonville Planning Commissioners looking for ways to protect the Kearsley Creek corridor or work with property owners along the Creek to do so. The consultants, McKenna, are urging trail development in the Village. Nancy Crupiars, trail
