Alan Long, FL Division Chair, called the meeting to order at 8:04 a.m. In attendance: approximately 22 members.

MSA minutes from April 20, 1999 meeting at Gainesville, FL.

MSA treasures report. Some discussion ensued regarding the opportunity to best utilize the higher than normal level of funds now in the accounts.

SE Chapter: John Harris reported that the SE Chapter held "Why a Forester in the City" educational program followed by an organizational meeting. Centennial tree planting and Habitat for Humanity projects will be planned for next year.

Caribbean Chapter: Sam Van Hook reported on Tarrytown Robbins mill tour and walk in the forest meetings.

Suwannee Chapter: Steve Smith reported some progress has been made on the fire kiosk. Tours of a pine straw operation and of the Royal Oak Charcoal Plant were conducted. A meeting is being planned to host fourth grade teachers at the Austin Cary Forest lodge.

Big Bend Chapter: Charlie Marcus reported on the well-attended Walk in the Forest; the chapter partnered with the Cooperative Extension Service and the Florida Trails Association. Bill Rogers reported on the SAF Centennial tree planting planned for Florida Arbor Day.

Panhandle Chapter: Joann Cox reported the chapter is hoping to hold its second meeting later this year.

Policy and Legislative Committee: Charles Maynard reported on the pending EPA'S total maximum daily load issue, which threatens to change forestry to a "point source polluter." The committee will prepare draft comments for EPA on this issue.

The committee is prioritizing issues for future preparation of position papers/statements; urban sprawl and forest fragmentation is considered a high priority. Charles discussed the difficulty in getting legislators to participate in a Walk in the Forest; such effort may be better directed at their staffers.

Alan reported on the Florida SAF election: John Holzaepfel: Chair-elect, Vernon Compton: Secretary/Treasurer.

Chapters are urged to have a least one SAF Centennial/Arbor Day tree planting on February 21^st.

Chapter elections need to push forward.

Habitat for Humanity: Alan is hoping at least two projects occur in Florida next year; the national goal is for 100 during the 2000/ SAF Centennial year.

History of the Florida Society of American Foresters: A committee is needed to update Lewis Grosenbough’s report that covered from 1900 to 1982.

Spring Symposium is planned for April 11 and 12, 2000 at the University Conference Center. The meeting will have a historical theme consistent with the SAF Centennial celebration.

SESAF is making a bid for the 2002 national meeting. Savannah is being proposed by the SESAF; the national office has received interest from Jacksonville and Birmingham.

Meeting adjourned 8:46 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

 John Holzaepfel

FLSAF Secretary/Treasurer