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As a
bit of history, David Stahle, Matt Therrell, Will Blozan, Mike
Perlman, and yours truly sat around my kitchen table in Oct
1996, with
liquid refreshments aplenty, discussing how best to give birth
to ENTS
and stay focused on its mission - which has never changed. We
didn't
want to have to acquire assets, worry over schedules,
newsletters, and a
fiddle with a lot of administrative details that would detract
from the
mission. Creating ENTS primarily as an internet based
-organization
seemed to be the answer. Matt agreed to put together our
website. The
University of Arkansas would be the host. Through ENTS's parent
organization, Friends of Mohawk Trail State
Forest, we do have
501c3
status. So we can raise money. We can accept grants. We haven't
chosen
to go that route, but are empowered to.
In terms of history, we had a rendezvous at MTSF in Nov 1998.
That
was followed by a major rendezvous in MTSF in Oct 2001. In April
2002
and 2003, Cook Forest State Park hosted us. We'll likely return
to Cook
in 2005. By then Dale will have measured just about everything
that
sticks up above head height. In terms of other locations, it is
basically up to a local group to sponsor us. Our motto probably
should
be "Have laser, clinometer, and other sundry items and will
travel".
ENTS future expansion could be in the direction of partnerships.
I'm
thinking specifically of the Rocky Mountain states courtesy of
Don
Bertolette who is laying the groundwork for WNTS (Western Native
Tree Society). Don has the equipment and expertise.
Unfortunately, he's
out there by his lonesome and I suspect the sheer geographical
size of
the region and its remoteness is intimidating. Where to start?
Where to
start?
Thanks to
the contributions of all of you, today's ENTS is a much
expanded and more important, potent organization. I like to
think that
we are all equal in the eyes of the trees and each is empowered
to speak
on behalf of the organization. In 1996 ENTS was a concept. Today
it is a
reality.
Robert
Leverett, Aug 04, 2003, November 20, 2003
The
150 Club Dec 2002
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