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Mid-Appalachian Region of
the National Speleological Society
ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING MINUTES
February 26, 2011
The meeting was called to order by MAR Chair, Bob Gulden at approximaltey 1:45 PM, February 26, 2011, at the "new" meeting site of Mount Laurel Community Park, Harrisburg, PA.
Treasurer's Report:
The Treasurer's Report was read by treasurer Bette White. Printed copies were distributed. Bette noted that the 990-N Form must now be filed annually by a simple online submission process. Total income of the year was $1,333.43, with $503.43 in expenditures.
Net Income for the year was $830.00.
MAR Breakdown:
Send any Breakdown articles for publication to Derek Flaig. Material can be in hardcopy or sent electronically to derekcaver2000@yahoo.com.
George Bange maintains the mailing list database for the Breakdown. All changes to mailing addresses and all MAR field meet registrations should be sent to George at riverbat@eawireless.net. Please write neatly when registering for MAR field meets since the mailing list is maintained from the registration forms.
Karen Bange reported that from the Spring and Fall MARs, there are 99 new members and 77 renewals. After Winter publishing (January 2011 issue) and credit due to no Fall Breakdown (August 2010 issue) being published, there are 1384 outstanding credits with 25 additional for organizations, which receive the Breakdown.
2010 Spring Field Meet:
Joint MAR/VAR field meet with Bubble Cave, LLC at the West Virginia State Fairgrounds in Fairlea, WV. 74 MAR registrations.
2010 Fall Field Meet:
Joint MAR/VAR field-meet with Baltimore & DC Grotto held at Friars Hole Cave Preserve, Pocahontas County, WV. 106 MAR registrations.
MAR Web Site:
The MAR webmaster, Christopher Catherman, reported that there have been no major changes to the website and it continues to be functional. Work is currently being done in the archives section of the Breakdown page as issues between 1986 and 2004 are being scanned and added to the site as time permits. Pre-1986 MAR Flyers will also be included on the website. [Please send any corrections or additions to Christopher Catherman.]
MAR Bulletins:
Will White reported on the status of three (3) “in-progress” Bulletins. Garrett Czmor reports that the Huntington County Bulletin is nearing ~80% completion. Caves of Clinton, Columbia, Lycoming, Union, & Montour Counties (CCLUM) or the Mid-Susquehanna Valley is making progress. Sinking Valley, Kooken, and Tytoona Caves is about ~75% completed. A sample was brought to the meeting. The Bulletin will include the new Tytoona map, Bryan Crowell’s Kooken Map, as well as scientific information about the karst in the area.
Pennsylvania Cave Database:
The database has been transferred to Tony Canike, the current Database Steward, but he is looking for more direction from the PCC. The issue will be discussed at the next PCC meeting, following this meeting.
Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC):
Kim Metzgar gave a report on the game commission. There is the possibility that the commission will open caves already infected with WNS. They are actively performing studies, and there has been serious encouragement into more information sharing with the caving community.
MAKC:
Kim Metzgar gave the update on MAKC’s library established in Blairsville, PA. It is a huge cave information resource. The possible donation of a set of MAR bulletins was mentioned for consideration. Also, people are encouraged to join the MAKC for only 15$/year to be a part of managing 5000 acres and 40 caves.
Pennsylvania Cave Conservancy (PCC):
MOU being discussed on two caves. Also will discuss upcoming breakfasts at the Spring and Fall MAR field events after the MAR Business Meeting.
MAR Incorporation:
No report.
2011 Spring Field Meet:
Hosted by the Franklin County Grotto celebrating their 30th anniversary; being held at the Harper's Memorial Park located in Shade Gap, Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. There are four trips scheduled so far, vertical demonstrations, and live entertainment. Weekend of May 13-15, 2011. Pre-registration forms are available online at either the Franklin County Grotto’s website or the MAR website.
2011 Fall Field Meet:
Hosted by Bald Eagle Grotto celebrating their 25th anniversary; being held at Woodward Cave. Overall theme will be “Stalagtoberfest”, with a showing of the movie Sanctum as well as possible vertical workshops and possible PCC breakfast depending on the logistics. Weekend of September 16-18, 2011.
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