Executive Committee - May 24, 2008

A majority of the Executive Committee voted to accept Alex Perovic as its newest member. Alex has been already serving for a number of months as a volunteer member of the ABR "Funding Committee".

Executive Committee (previously known as the Steering Committee) - May 20, 2008

The Executive Committee reviewed the ABR's resources and capabilities. It's considerations concluded by redefining the ABR's practical priorities as it enters its second six month period.

The following decisions were made ...

- By June 1st, 2008, the ABR is a formal volunteer organization promoting "Reduce Our Impact" and "Reporting Program", the recruitment of members, facilitation of the Watchdog function and fundraising.

- By June 1st, 2008, the website will be continually accessible for update in a timely fashion toward the above ends and the forums will be re-organized toward these same ends.

- By August 1, 2008, a full-colour, double-sided educational and promotional handout will be produced for distribution.

- All efforts toward NPO registration be put on hold for the duration of 2008.

Steering Committee - May 2, 2008

On May 2nd, 29th, the ABR Steering Committee passed a motion to release a compact one-page black-and-white newsletter in downloadable PDF format, for online distribution.

It is a simple single-sided, letter sized sheet describing the ABR's objectives, indicating our website address and detailing some of the "Reduce Our Impact" guidelines. It can be folded twice (lengthwise and then widthwise ) to render it compact .. or even widthwise once again, to render it even more compact.

ABR members and the general public are encouraged to download, print-up and photocopy additional copies so that they can take them on camping trips to share with friends and anyone else they may meet along the way. With the camping season already starting, it was considered appropriate to initially produce a small low cost item for informal outdoor distribution.

The greater part of this handout's content is based on material developed by Robert Withnell, a volunteer serving on the ABR's Impact Committee.

You may download the newsletter PDF file here ... The Otter - Summer 2008 Newsletter - ABR .

Steering Committee Meeting - March 29, 2008

On March 29th, the ABR Steering Committee met at a member's home in Toronto. All but one member were in attendance. The prime objective of the meeting was to work on the ABR's bylaws and constitution. These documents were effectively completed and can be viewed on the Registration Committee page.

In addition, there was considerable discussion of several distribution hardcopy mock-ups and their estimated production costs, which can be viewed on the Publication Committee page.

It was also decided to start receiving formal ABR membership applications and to issue formal membership numbers. In keeping with our preference to rely on voluntary donations, it was decided to not charge membership dues. Membership applications can be done via the Membership Committee page.

Meeting With Algonquin Park Management - February 29, 2008

On February 29th, the ABR Steering Committee met with John Winters (Superintendent of Algonquin Park) and his key park staff, at John's invitation. In this photo are the group in attendance, with the exception of Brian Malton and John Winters (who took the photo).

L to R: Derek Specht (ABR-SC), Rick Stronks (MNR), Sean Rowley (ABR-SC), Jeff McMurtrie (ABR-SC), Mark Steele (ABR-SC)., Beth Cragg (MNR), Mark Rubino (ABR-SC), Barry Bridgeford (ABR-SC), Jim Murphy (MNR). Brian Malton (FOA) had to leave early. Photo by John Winters (MNR)

Here's a downloadable PDF format conversion of the PowerPoint file used by the park staff in their introductory portion of the Feb. 29th meeting ... Presentation To ABR.pdf

After the park's formal presentation, they gave us detailed responses to a number of questions we had sent them in the weeks prior to the meeting. After lunch, we entered into enthusiastic discussions about how the ABR's planned programs and some programs being considered by the park could productively compliment each other.

The ABR Steering Committee considers the meeting to have been an informative, productive and encouraging experience.