December 15, 2022 Meeting Summary

Presiding: Jamie Terry

Meeting Room setup/takedown and general problem solving: Tom Mangan & Ron Van Ekeren

Professor’s Quote: Rollin Abernethy

Introduction of Guests: Jean Garrison

Guests: Tony Hoch introduced Holly Dyer

Junior Rotarians/RYLA/Young RYLA: Amanda Nilsson

Rotaract/Interact Students:

Humor: Terry Roark

Foundation Drawing: Kerry Greaser won $10 with $308.50 in the jackpot.

O’Dwyers Drawing: George Gill

 

Special Presentation: Keith Downey celebrated a birthday with a donation to the Club Foundation.

 

Amanda gave an update on her youth exchange. She has gone to UW basketball games, to a Broncos game, skiing, pistol shooting, snowmobiling, to the UW sports facility, and on a tour of WyoTech. She also participated in Rotary District 5440’s outbound exchange student interviews. She is still working on her bun fundraiser for the bus trip. Amanda taught the club to say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in Swedish.

 

Three members received Paul Harris Fellows. Ollie Walter received his PHF+3, Rollin Abernethy and Todd Pearson received their PHF+2.

 

Rotarian of the Week: Jaime Stine nominated Dave Hansen for being an outstanding 4-H volunteer; Jamie Terry nominated Dustin Richards for joining the music committee.  

 

 

 

Introduction: Murray Schroeder

 

Mike Massie is a board member of the trust fund. The fund is one of the largest wildlife trusts in the nation. The Wyoming trust fund was established in 2005 by the Wyoming Legislature.

 

The goal is to reach a minimum of $200 million in the trust account. The intent is to generate $8-$10 million each year from the fund for projects.

 

In 2005, the fund was $35 million. It has continued to grow since then to $195 million now. The governor has recommended the final $5 million to be added this session. Currently the fund has about $6.5 million in interest.

 

The board is made up of 9 members from across the state that are appointed by the governor.

 

The purpose of the trust fund is to improve and maintain habitat, preserve open spaces, wildlife resources, water enhancements, and to mitigate detriments to habitat  Often projects involve establishing easements.

 

There have been a few challenges related to beetle kill and recent fires.

 

Because of this wide scope, very few projects are off limits. Projects can’t purchase land or water rights, introduce endangered species, or require public access.

 

So far they have had 90 percent success rate for grants. Large projects are over $200,000 and must be approved by the legislature. Over 1,000 grants have been awarded. For a $110 million investment, there is a $800 million return.

 

Projects have been in all counties. The largest amount of projects have been in river restoration and fish passages. In Albany County, there have been 36 projects. It is one of the most active counties. There has been a $46.62 million impact. Projects have included reclaiming roads, enhancing habitat, minimizing erosion, eliminating invasive grasses, hunter access, and conservation easements.

 

Response: Tony Hoch

 

Of the things we think, say, or do

•Is it the Truth?

•Is it Fair?

•Will it build Good Will and Better Friendships?

•Will it be Beneficial to All Concerned?

 

The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster:

•FIRST. The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;

•SECOND. High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying of each Rotarian's occupation as an opportunity to serve society;

•THIRD. The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian's personal, business, and community life;

•FOURTH. The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.

 

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Spoke Editor: Caitlin White, 307-630-1965, cwhite@acplwy.org