1. Call to Order - Vice Chairman Tim Munns called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone. He asked everyone to introduce themselves. Tim updated the group on Howard Johnson's situation and indicated that Howard had intended to be at the meeting but was unable to attend because of his hip surgery.

2. Minutes - Roger Banner read the minutes of the March 18, 1999 meeting which were approved as read. (Motion by Russ Hendricks and second by Al Dustin)

3. National GLCI Steering Committee News
Tim, new member of the National GLCI Steering Committee representing the Soil & Water Conservation Society, participated in a conference call and reported discussion of listening sessions for the Farm Bill. No sessions were scheduled in the West and this point was brought up. Subsequently the listening sessions were canceled. Blake Walbeck will fill us in on rescheduling of these listening sessions at our next meeting. Jake Jacobson made a motion that we encourage USDA to hold a listening session in the West to be hosted by Utah. Dean Maxwell seconded the motion and it passed. GLCI Coordinators met recently in Texas.

Blake reported that efforts are underway to create a funding mechanism but it doesn't look good for a funding increase in the near future.

Bob Gilliland is the new National Steering Committee member representing Extension.

The National GLCI Conference is scheduled for Dec. 5-8, 2000 at Balley's in Las Vegas.

There will be a training session for GLCI chairs in Reno in mid-August.

There was also a heads up over the Invasive Species Executive Order 13112. While the intent may be good, many desirable introduced species fall under this order as it is written. The Senate Bill 910 should clarify the intent. Dean Maxwell made a motion that we voice our concern to our Congressional delegation and Senator Larry Craig of Idaho. Russ Hendricks seconded the motion and it passed.

Greg Radmall reported that the Interim Agriculture Committee recommended $150,000 for biocontrol work.

4. Outreach Tour Preparation - Jake Jacobson
The Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Interim Committee approved our tour as a summer activity. The Utah Section of the Society for Range Management will help with the tour. Besides legislators and congressional delegation representatives, state and national leaders of coalition members, Nevada and Idaho delegations are invited to participate. We expect 75 people. Jake recommended that we arrange for two buses and that those who can bring 4WD vehicles for ferrying people up to the chained site at our first stop (Spanish Fork Canyon). Lynn Adair moved we follow Jake's recommendation and Tony Stanworth seconded the motion which passed.

5. Approaching State Legislature for funding - Russ Hendricks made the following recommendations from the Funding Committee. GLCI member representatives will visit with legislators on the tour to express how GLCI serves their interests in livestock production, wildlife, water quality, and recreation. We will also invite key leaders to our meeting (those identified include Tom Hatch, Brad Johnson, Evan Olson, Leonard Blackham, and Beverly Evans) and we will visit (with legislators) some of our actual demonstrations that have been implemented. We will be looking for donors, grants, and legislative help to obtain $75,000 on an on-going basis. Most of the funds will be targeted for on-the-ground activities and work. Jake made a motion to accept the committee's recommended actions and Lynn Adair seconded the motion which passed. George Hopkin noted that:

1) we should look into Water Quality Section 319 funding
2) we must make sure that we meet funding organization issues and priorities
3) GLCI mission and objectives might align well with 319 funds (we should check 303 impaired waterbody list to see if we have GLCI Demonstrations nearby)
4) local water quality work group support is required
Russ Hendricks, Jake Jacobson, and Gordon Younker led a discussion of a joint effort between UACD and GLCI in obtaining funding from the Legislature. UACD received $400,000 two years ago and will be requesting $600,000 additional funding this coming year. GLCI is seeking $75,000. Greg Radmall suggested that we wait until after the tour to determine whether to join in our efforts or not.

6. By-Laws - Valerie Young
Travis Bowen, Attorney, is donating his time in helping us obtain non-profit status. He estimates that it will cost $50 for the Utah filing fee and $500 for the IRS fee

7. Demonstration Projects - Roger Banner
The money has been distributed. We should devise a plan for visiting some of the projects and for checking with technical advisors on progress being made.

8. Other
Grasshoppers and crickets - APHIS is monitoring and bait is available for ½ price.
Endangered Species Act - Gunnison sagegrouse may be listed

Next meeting will be Thursday, July 22 @ Utah Farm Bureau Federation @ 0930