Schmeekle Reserve
Stevens Point, Wisconsin.

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Meeting began at 9:15 a.m.

Partners present: Christine Thomas, Dean Kaatz, Mark Klish, Kerrie Wheeler, Jack Zimmerman, Sally Freckman, Linda Stoll, Rebecca Power, Bill Ebert, Arvid Haugen, Tom Jerow, Tom Lochner, Dan Trainer, Ann Whipp

I. Introductions/Check-in/Agenda Review

The Partners were asked to introduce themselves and give a “thought for the new millennium”. Our speaker was delayed by the weather so the agenda was restructured.

II. Partnership 2000

· The partners were asked to share their thoughts of the partnership’s current status and whether or not we wanted to take on some new projects or just maintain the current projects. I’ll paraphrase the thoughts shared, as I understood them. If I have misinterpreted your comments, please let me know.

· The partnership felt that an outreach effort to new groups would help attract a larger audience and keep members’ interest and motivation at a high level. 

· It was determined that two forms of outreach would maximize our efforts: a brief press release or invitation to the CWBP’s April meeting, and a newsletter that talks about the Partnership’s goals, priorities, and member benefits. This newsletter could include survey questions as well. 

· The target audience would be identified by gathering names of other environmental groups from our county’s Chamber of Commerce, directories, business contacts, and friends. We invite partners who could not attend this meeting to contribute contact information for other groups that might be interested in joining the CWBP. Please forward this information to Ann Whipp, 473 Griffith Avenue, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494, 715-421-7809. (NOTE: new phone number).

· The group was reminded that the new Basin Educator position should be filled by spring. This position will be able to assist us with this outreach effort. Anyone interested in applying for this position should contact Arvid Haugen, 421-7810 or Tom Jerow, 421-7813.

**FYI: The Environmental Stewardship Network will be holding a conference at the Best Western, Stevens Point, on January 28 & 29. The discussion will be centered on shoreline zoning issues.

III. Speaker: Heath Benike, DNR River and Stream Planning & Protection Grant Program

· The application materials for this program should be available in mid-February with a submittal date of mid-March. Applicants must be 501(3) c registered or a qualifying River Organization to apply.

· There are two types of grants: a planning grant which could reimburse the applicant up to $10,000 with a cost share of 25%, 75% split; and a management grant with a maximum reimbursement of $50,000, 25%, 75% split. The 25% match share may include in-kind services such as time or equipment.

· For more information, Heath can be reached at 715-839-3709. Heath stated that a letter of support by the partnership would be an enhancement to a group’s application. Tom Jerow and Arvid Haugen agreed to write a letter of support for applicants to use.

IV. Project Team Breakout Reports

Plover River- 

· The Plover River Alliance has made initial landowner contacts to discuss ways of improving water quality and aesthetics along the river. The Green Space Plan will be complete within two weeks. This plan will serve as a tool to identify and plan for other projects.

· A National River cleanup day will be held in May and focus on the area between Jordan Park to Iverson Park. This activitiy will be coordinated by the Green Space group and involve the city of Stevens Point, local Boy Scout troops, and other interested citizens.

· A joint meeting with Marathon County partners and Portage County partners has been scheduled for February 9 in Bevent to discuss joint project opportunities and a a potential river grant application.

Yellow River- 

· Letters will be sent to landowers in February as a means to obtain their environmental concerns.

· Contacts to representatives from industry, recreation, and municipal groups will be made in March.

· A Yellow River planning group will be developed with the CWBP to act as a sounding board.

· The next project team meeting will be in mid-March.

Land & Water Resource Management Plans—

· Ann Whipp will develop a list of groups organized by county by 2/28/2000.

· Tim Victor and Ann Whipp will develop a list of common issues among the County Land & Water Resource plans by 2/28/2000.

· Tim Victor and Bill Ebert will develop a list of high priority common water bodies/watersheds in adjacent counties.

· Ann Whipp will develop a list of issues and waterbodies/watersheds that organizations are interested in working on by 4/1/2000.

· Tom Jerow will present the above information to the CWBP partnership to solicit new projects and volunteers (outreach) by 4/1/2000. 

V. Next Meetings

April 12, 2000—Necedah

June 28, 2000—Bevent

Newsletter Deadline—March 1, 2000