Partners Present: Ann Whipp, Jack Zimmerman, John DuPlissis, Arvid Haugen, Bill Ebert, Bill Peterson, Mark Anderson, Richard Hilliker, Don fornasiere, Gerald Backus, Dan Trainer, Kim Grveles, Mark Klish, Ryan rice, Dean Kaatz, Terry Charles, Alan Hauber, George Rogers, Tom Jerow, Rebecca Power

I. Welcome and Introduction of new Basin Educator
The group was introduced to the recently hired Basin Educator, John DuPlissis. John has moved from Nebraska where he worked for the University of Nebraska, Nebraska Forest Service, and is looking forward to working with us.

II. Project Updates
A. Plover River—The shoreline project has been vandalized twice; flyers will be distributed in the neighborhood and signs are to be placed in the area to discourage inappropriate use of the area. 
The water quality study for which a Rivers Protection grant was received is underway. The study is a cooperative effort between Marathon and Portage Counties and will span a one-year time period. Bill Ebert reminded the members to be sure and document your work hours and send them to Bill as they are considered "in-kind" cost share.
The Plover River Alliance expects to receive $100,000 in room tax money from the city of Stevens Point. 
The Plover River Alliance is working with a landowner and the DNR on a conservation easement, which the Alliance will seek to purchase with local money and state Stewardship funds.
B. Yellow River—Landowner meetings have been conducted to ascertain interests and concerns. The CWBP working group met to formulate goals and objectives.
The Refuge has recently received a grant to work on endangered species. A map of the Refuge’s focus area and the CWBP Yellow River project would be most helpful.
Juneau County now has ortho photos on CD.
C. Barrier Island—The project is one with economic challenges; islands are very costly endeavors. Legislative assistance is necessary in order for the DNR to permit the project, specific legislation must be passed into state statutes. The Petenwell would be a great location for an island. The working group has tentative plans to view barrier island projects in the Mississippi River.
D. Land and Water Resource Management plans—a review of goals in common among submitted plans has been done for water quality issues. John would like to send out a survey to partnership members for feedback on goals/issues.
The group would like to develop a map with CWBP projects and activities identified.

I. Partnership Outreach
The group felt that our goals, objectives, and direction should be reassessed before any outreach efforts are put into place. John Will put together an informational outreach outline to share with the partnership.
The group suggested future outreach for information sharing and recruitment of new members within the basin. The following people/groups were suggested: landowners, stakeholders from other groups, municipalities, River Alliance of Wisconsin, farm community, potatoes and vegetable growers, Farm Bureau. DNR personnel wil contact the Conservation Congress and ask for a new member to replace Ron Pitek.
Dean volunteered to set up personal visits with municipalities. 
It was felt that the initial 8 projects originally conceived should be looked at in addition to looking at new ones. 

II. Decision making Process
The group decided that each working group should establish a project vision and goals for itself. A simple working plan that includes measures of success (for example, voluntary behavior change) should be developed.
When consensus cannot be reached, the issue could then be brought to the large partnership. 
Discussion was held about the newsletter-it was noted that it is currently an in-house publication. The newsletter mailing list could be expanded. George has provided Ann with additional people/groups to mail the newsletter to along with a cover letter explaining the Partnership. It was decided that project updates would be included in the newsletter with only brief reports highlighting significant developments.
The partners decided that individual working groups can determine when they are ready to be self sustaining yet still be affiliated with the CWBP. 

III. Future Agenda/Next Meeting
The group will reassess goals, objectives, and direction for the CWBP. John will provide outreach suggestions for future consideration. The next meeting date will be September 13, 2000 at the University Center, UWSP, Room 241. Bill Ebert and Tom Jerow will host the meeting.