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Welcome to the Virginia Department Of Forestry

Foundation for Virginia's Natural Resources
Minutes
October 11, 2006

October 11, 2006, 10:00 a.m.
George Dean Board Room
Virginia Department of Forestry
Charlottesville, Virginia

Board of Trustees Members Present

Advisory Group Members Present

Guests

Recorder of the Minutes

Convene Meeting

Jay Gilliam, Chair, called the meeting to order around 10:05 a.m. and welcomed everyone in attendance. He thanked the Department of Forestry, as the primary agency partner, for making facilities available and recognized Brenda Taylor and Mike Foreman from VDOF for their administrative support.

Introductions

Everyone present introduced themselves.

Approval of Minutes

With a motion from Lee Stephens and a second from Ed Davis, the July 11, 2006, Minutes of the Board of Trustees were approved as written.

Financial Report

Brenda Taylor reported that four donations to the Trust Fund have been received totaling $1,400.00. Donations were made by Spotts Fain law firm ($500), Smithfield Foods ($500), Jim Garner ($200) and Jay Gilliam ($200). The donations are unrestricted and may be used at the discretion of the Board of Trustees consistent with the mission and purpose of the Foundation. Expenses for travel reimbursement, food and lodging for meetings of the Board of Trustees and educational supplies have totaled $3,366.05; and the Department of Forestry has found a way to support some of the administrative costs of the Foundation with $6,633.95 remaining available for future expenses.

Business Plan

The Strategic, Marketing and Financial portions of Version C of the Business Plan were reviewed and revisions were made. Lee Stephens stated that this is a dynamic document designed to compel businesses, organizations, industry, government and individuals to contribute to this initiative and describes what the Foundation wants to do and how it will get there. Emphasis will be placed on accountability, measurable results and flexibility for donors to state what it is they want to support.

The revised Version D of the Business Plan will be e-mailed to Board Members and Advisors on
October 12, 2006. Mr. Stephens asked that each person give serious thought to the Plan and send their comments and recommendations to him.

Mr. Stephens encouraged Board Members and Advisors to join the weekly telephone conference calls on Mondays at 4:00 p.m.

The Foundation has already made important accomplishments with the development of an information brochure and the web site (fvnr.org).

The Foundation logo, designed by Janet Muncy, is an American Chestnut leaf. Jim Garner stated that it was chosen as a symbol of heritage, and the Department of Forestry has been instrumental in the effort to get the Amercian Chestnut back into Virginia.

Jay Gilliam stated that he distributed the new brochure at the State Fair and received lots of good compliments about the layout and logo. The initial supply of brochures was contributed at no charge; and the printer, McClung Companies of Waynesboro, will be recognized for this donation. A supply of the new brochures was made available to Board Members to distribute to potential contributors.

Virginia Solicitation of Contributions

Mr. Michael Wright, Manager of the Regulatory Programs Unit, Office of Consumer Affairs, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, gave a brief presentation on the regulatory framework for charitable solicitations in Virginia. He distributed and reviewed the following documents: Virginia Solicitation of Contributions Law, Rules Governing the Solicitation of Contributions and Forms for Charitable or Civic Organizations.

The Code of Virginia § 57-49(A) states that "every charitable organization, except as otherwise provided in this chapter, which intends to solicit contributions with the Commonwealth, or have funds solicited on its behalf, shall, prior to any solicitation, file an initial registration statement with the Commissioner [of Agriculture and Consumer Services] upon forms acceptable to him." Mr. Wright consulted the Attorney General's Office, who stated that the Law does apply to the "body politic" aspect and, therefore, would apply to the Foundation for Virginia's Natural Resources.

Mr. Wright stated that consumers frequently contact the Commissioner's Office requesting information about charitable organizations--who they are, what they do, and how their money is spent.

There are fund-raising councils and professional solicitors who provide advice and consultation on raising money.

Tax Laws for Non-Profit Organizations

Eleanor Brown, tax attorney, researched the tax aspects of the Foundation. The Foundation is "not for profit" and is "tax exempt." The Foundation is a "body politic" and not eligible (and not necessary) to become a 501(c)(3). Contributions to the Trust Fund are tax deductible under Section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code.

Ms. Brown stated that the Foundation could create an endowment fund that would piggyback with what the Foundation has already done. The Trust could include members who make small contributions, would be a free-standing but supportive organization, and would have to be overlapped in structure (the Foundation's Board of Trustees would also be on the Endowment Board). The Pension Reform (tax) Act passed this past summer does not impact the Foundation at all. Submission of a private letter ruling would require a brief which may be easily written and may be necessary for them to decide whether the Foundation qualifies for endowment status. Ms. Brown has legal information available if needed.

The Foundation qualifies under Section 170 and 509 as a charity. Ms. Brown will draft an information sheet for Board Members to use if they are questioned about the charitable status.

Mr. Gilliam stated that he is in consultation with DOF staff regarding proper protocol for disbursements from the Foundation's Trust Fund.

Land Conservation

Mr. Russ Baxter from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation distributed and reviewed the document/brochure entitled, "Assistance from Virginia State Agencies for Land Conservation." DCR is tasked with keeping track of progress under the Governor's goal of conserving 400,000 acres of land. Other State agencies involved are the Department of Forestry, Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Virginia Outdoors Foundation, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, and Department of Historic Resources. Effective January 1, 2007, the General Assembly will review conservation values on easements over one million dollars per year.

The Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) - Member of the Farm Bureau

Tammy Maxey and Kelly Pious reviewed this statewide educational program for teachers with an agriculture and natural resources theme. AITC provides workshops for grades K-5 and 6-8 teachers, school garden projects, excellence in teaching award grants, a newsletter entitled "What's Growing On in Virginia," and an AITC web site. AITC is funded by those committed to excellence in education and the future of Virginia agriculture. All workshops and materials are offered at no cost to teachers. The goal of the AITC program is to provide Virginia students, through their classroom teachers, with a basic knowledge of agriculture so they will have a better understanding of Virginia's top industry and its impact on the economy, the environment, the landscape, and the world.

A copy of the June 2006 issue of Virginia Wildlife magazine was distributed in which Crestwood Elementary School students and staff in Chesterfield County are featured in recognition of their environmental efforts. Also distributed was the Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom newsletter, "What's Growing On in Virginia."

Ms. Maxey and Ms. Pious displayed resource guides that teachers receive at workshops. The AITC program is moving towards outdoor settings such as raised bed gardens and school vegetable gardens to promote good nutrition.

Lee Stephens stated that Board Members have identified Outdoor Classrooms as one of the programs to be supported by the Foundation.

Outdoor Classrooms

Suzie Gilley of DGIF and Angela Neilan of DEQ reported on the Outdoor Classrooms program for which information can be found on the website www.vanaturally.org. "An outdoor classroom, also sometimes referred to as a schoolyard habitat or community restoration project, is a space set aside for the development of natural habitats in which students and community members can learn about science and the outdoors through a hands-on experience. Although most of what is done in an outdoor classroom relates to the environment, it is also an interactive opportunity for students and adults to learn how math, literature, history, art, and music are influenced by nature and our natural resources. Outdoor classrooms help to peak the interest of students in the world around them and the importance of wildlife and natural resource conservation. The classrooms also help to encourage citizens and other community leaders to be involved in education and the environment through the donation of labor, materials, specific instruction or financial support."

The following documents were distributed: An information sheet from the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries entitled, "Virginia WILD School Sites--An Introduction to Starting a Wildlife Habitat on School Grounds," and the September 2006 edition of Virginia Wildlife magazine featuring the Virginia Naturally program in elementary schools.

Studies have shown that integrating environmental science in school curriculums can help standards of learning go up and behavior problems go down. The SEER program under the State Education and Environmental Roundtable uses the Environment as an Integrating Context (EIC ModelTM) for improving student learning for K-12 (see the website seer.org).

A major goal is to have Outdoor Classrooms projects in all 1800 schools throughout Virginia within 10 years, specifically in developing wetlands.

Ed Davis recommended the book entitled Last Child in The Woods and stated that the Foundation could be the resource to support and fund outdoor classrooms. Ms. Neilan stated that funding is needed for long-term sustainability of outdoor classrooms.

A DVD about outdoor classrooms, which was produced by the Virginia Department of Education, was distributed to all Board Members.

Executive Summary

Mike Foreman, the Foundation's strategic planning coach, stated that, since the Foundation began work almost one year ago, it has moved quickly to develop the business plan. He asked that Board Members provide him with their level of comfort of what the Foundation is all about. He noted that some Board Members have been more involved than others in the planning stages. The general consensus is that there is a comfort zone now, and Board Members are excited to move forward but want to make sure everything is done correctly. Many stated that the outdoor classrooms program should be a priority of the Foundation, keeping in mind that the Foundation would be involved in funding only. The brochure was well received, and many think it will be helpful when making contacts with potential contributors.

Eleanor Brown recommended the book Eco Economics by Lester Brown. Brian Bytnar also recommended another book by him entitled Plan B which is a follow-up to Eco Economics.

Mike Foreman suggested that Board Members go in pairs as a team when making contacts with potential contributors until they feel comfortable going alone.

Resolution

Chair Gilliam read a resolution commending Coors Brewing and Other Pure Water Forum Members on a Decade of Excellence. The commendation will be presented by Chair Gilliam at a meeting of the Pure Water Forum on October 13, 2006.

Jim Garner made a motion to adopt the Resolution as written, and David Larimer seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Other Business

The meeting adjourned at 2:40 p.m.

Last modified: Friday, 07-Mar-2008 14:13:33 EST