Wetland Resource Group Meeting March 9 1993

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N Peter summarized the discussion about the inventory by pointing out that the state liked helping TNC with funding because its classification scheme was not tied to political issues. What product can the state get for our work together? Nancy said that she would be prepared to address that question at the next meeting and may bring someone from TNC actually doing the work. Wetlands Workshops Susan Foster pointed out that the original intent of the grant was to offer four workshops, each one for a different audience: business, agriculture, local government and legislators. The next thought was to offer workshops in different areas of the state. This led to the current thinking that to offer workshops associated with professional meetings throughout the state would be a great way to engage excellent participation. She handed out a list of conference dates, pointing out that all of these meetings, while targeting important and large groups of people, do not reach the farming or the business community. They do serve very well the cattlemen, local government, city planners, and water users. She asked for suggestions about how to reach the other groups. Jerry Novak suggested that Susan contact Diane Rymers at the Home Builders Association, as well as the Professional Engineers of Colorado who plan field trips periodically. Brad Rock pointed out that the Colorado Farm Bureau has an annual meeting in late July or early August. Terri said the Soil Conservation district boards would be helpful. They meet once a month locally. Brad added that wetlands are a big concern to farmers and that they would likely turn out for a one -day meeting. We should document by slides or video what has gone on in other workshops. The C.S.U. Cooperative Extension might be helpful. If the workshops carried Continuing Legal Education credit, we might draw some attorneys. Peter asked how we intended to facilitate the information exchange intended by the grant. Susan responded that this will have to be uniquely built into each workshop setting. Jerry suggested that we should talk with George Dibble at the Colorado Association for Commerce and Industry. They have a "Fifty for Colorado" program for individuals becoming oriented to business in the state. Perhaps we could do a workshop for that group. Steve emphasized that the intent is to first get people into the field, leaving their political baggage behind them, if possible. The field experience will be scientific, but explained in layman's terms. He urged everyone to look at Susan 's outline of the content areas to be addressed in the workshops to better understand the intent. Kelly suggested that the word "values" be substituted for "uses ". Mike said he liked the outline and that to videotape the field trips would be a great way to summarize the different types of wetlands visited and how people respond to them. Steve said that with our budget, at least slides are feasible. Kelly encouraged the use of aerial photos and maps so that participants can get a good sense of how the wetlands and riparian areas are a part of a larger system. Wetlands Resource Group Minutes, 2/2/93, Page 3