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Centre Regional Recreation Authority
Millbrook Marsh Nature Center Advisory Committee
Meeting Summary (DRAFT)
from Wed., 15 FEB 06, 4:00 PM at the COG Building - Forum Room
Please advise Molly (mhetrick@crcog.net) if you will be unable to attend this meeting.
1. CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL: (13 of 17 Appointed Members)
Jennifer Shuey, Chair Dr. Rick Marboe Mary Alice Graetzer Kathy Matason
Jackie Melander Sue Younkin Diane Kerly Mark McLaughlin
Mark Henry Holly Fritchman Don Epp Alan Sam Jean Aron
CRPR Staff: Molly Hetrick, Greg Roth Friends: Bryce Boyer
2. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None
3. WELCOME:
• Jean Aron, the new ClearWater Conservancy representative, was officially appointed by CRRA on 9 FEB 06
• Don Epp was re-confirmed by CRPC as their official delegate to this committee.
4. APPROVAL OF THE MEETING SUMMARY from 18 JAN 05:
Motion by Mark Henry, Second by Kathy Matason
5. REPORTS & UPDATES:
- Program Planning Update: Molly Hetrick
Molly updated the group on preparation for spring and summer programs, coordination of volunteers, and the
beginning of scheduling group programs for spring from the State College Area School District. A team of
local naturalists has also met with Molly to help brainstorm and plan different types of activities for the marsh
in the coming months and years. A staff position to be in charge of Program Leaders during the Spring months
has been added, an upgraded version of the Program Leaders position, to assist Molly in overseeing and
operating school programs.
- Facility / Wetlab / PCC Grant Update: Greg Roth
Greg reported the PCC crew is building shelves and working on invasive species removal at MMNC. They also
have added dog stations and done trail work at the Thompson Woods Preserve. The wetlab project is on hold
for now.
- Thompson Woods Subcommittee: no report
- Proposed College Twp. Bikeway along Puddintown Road: Greg Roth
Greg reported that College Township was not able to get a permit to install a boardwalk section of the bike
path through the marsh, so they proposed to provide funding for improvements to other parts of the marsh
instead.
- Slab Cabin Restoration Update: Greg Roth
The committee was given a brief overview to this project. Discussion focused on the addition of boardwalk
area near the structures if flooding occurs on pathways and the phases of the project which may be impacted by
the need for additional grant funding before continuing with the project.
- Ten Year Anniversary Ideas for 2007 (please start brainstorming): Molly Hetrick
The group will begin brainstorming ideas, with the goal of having a plan by August.
6. BUSINESS ITEMS
- Capital Campaign/Building Fund Update:
a. Meeting with Senator Corman on 10 Feb 06: Rick Marboe
Rick updated the group about the successful visit with Senator Corman and Mr. Jim Eckert. It was
proposed that we include the DCNR Secretary in the plans for the center and ask him to champion our efforts
with the Governor. The Senator will assist with this and continue to support as in our efforts. The full amount
of the line item may not be released but efforts will focus on getting at least some of these funds. The next step
will be to meet with the local municipalities and approach the county for support.
b. Major Donor Visits: Molly Hetrick
Molly reported that major donor visits are still in progress. She and Don Hamer have made visits, and
Mr. Hamer is following up with calls and proposals. This phase may be completed by the end of spring, with
mailings to mid-level donors.
c. Parking Lot update: Greg Roth
Greg is meeting with Jeff Sturniolo of Hawbaker Construction and provided plans for the parking lot
for their review. Another meeting will be planned soon.
7. ADJOURNMENT Next Meeting: Wed., 15 MAR 06, 4:00 PM at the COG Bldg. Forum Room
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