January 23rd, 2023 Meeting
President Dennis Pratt called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM at KroBar.
Officers and Directors: Present – Glen Hill, Courtney Johnson, Ken Lundberg, Dennis Pratt, Mike Sierszen, Jeff Stollenwerk, Walt Swanson, Mike Zicus and Ken Zivic.
Minutes of the Meeting: The minutes as written in the January newsletter were approved following a motion by Ken Zivic, second by Ken Lundberg and unanimous approval by voice vote.
Treasurer’s and Financial Secretary’s Reports: Treasurer Jeff Stollenwerk reported that December’s beginning balance was $18,293.44, and the ending balance was $25,476.73 with the following expenses: Katie Thompson (November Newsletter – $200.00); Pro Print (Nov Newsletter – $30.16); WI Wildlife Federation (Annual Dues – $110.00); MN Trout Unlimited (2023 Expo – $425.00); Dennis Pratt (Expenses thru Dec28 – $88.37). The Treasurer’s report was approved following a motion by Mike Zicus, second by Courtney Johnson and unanimous approval by voice vote. President Dennis Pratt reported for Financial Secretary Dean Wellman that there were $8,651.82 in total deposits into the general fund since the last meeting and that the Club had 4 new members. The Financial Secretary’s report was approved following a motion by Ken Lundberg and a second by Ken Zivic.
Committee Reports
Legislative: Ken Lundberg – Nothing to report. Romaine Quinn representing Wisconsin State Senate District 25 stopped by to introduce himself during the meeting.
Habitat: Dennis Pratt – DNR is ordering 500 each of Tamarack and Black Spruce. Date for planting will be confirmed later. Repairing several spawning areas was discussed as well. The last downstream portion of Beaupre Creek was also mentioned.
Audit: Jeff Stollenwerk – Queued up for March.
Education: Dennis Smet – Fry have hatched; however, not feeding yet. Iron River Fish Hatchery will provide food.
Scholarship: Mike Sierszen/Paul Helbach – Mike sent out the announcements January 6th. The contact list he has, and the instructions are the same as last year. The last day of April is the deadline.
Membership: Jim Waletzko/Ed Chaplinski – Nothing to report.
Social Media: Mike Zicus/Dennis Pratt – Mike went through the web site and found several bad links. These have been fixed. A board Member/Officer Bios page in the works as he has a full set of bios now. Dennis Pratt let us know that there will be an article about the Club in the next Lake Superior Steelhead Association Newsletter.
Other Business
Board Election Ballot – Results will be finalized on Saturday January 28th.
Nebagamon Creek Culvert Removal Progress – Latest update published in January newsletter.
Fly of the Month – This newsletter feature will resume in our March newsletter (yarn fly).
Club Store Item Discussion – Summer hat order status, hoping by Wednesday. Note cards on hold.
Renewal Reminders – Special e-renewal reminders will be sent out in February and paper reminders will be included with paper news mailing.
Wild Rivers TU Expo Booth – No interest at this time.
Wisconsin Wildlife Federation – Tom Sklebar joined the meeting and had this to report: Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA) failed to make it into the 2023 Federal Budget but will be resubmitted for the new session of Congress. Brule River Sportsman Club is featured in a new column of the Wisconservationist called spotlight on affiliates. The next state board meeting of Wisconsin Wildlife Federation is February 10. The wolf plan is the current hottest topic and DNR extended the public comment period. The Wisconsin Wildlife Federation District 1 banquet is April 20th at Barkers Island. Ken Lundberg will reserve a table for the Club. There will be a legislative meet and greet of the newly elected state senators and representatives from our area at the Solon Community Center February 18, starting at 11 am. The Douglas County Fish and Game league spring sports show is March 24-26 at the Wessman Arena. Wisconsin Federation will be there as well as other local sportsmen’s groups.
Great Waters Expo Booth Discussion – Ken Lundberg will send a request to members for additional volunteers to contact him directly. Dennis Pratt has the display walls for the event. He will work to get the walls to Ken so the photos can be updated. A discussion followed about what local businesses can print the photos once the selections are made. A suggestion was made to approve the purchase of fly-tying materials (ice straggle nymph) for $50. This was approved following a motion by Mike Zicus and a second by Walt Swanson.
Officer Stipends – Jeff Stollenwerk requested that we vote to approve placement of board stipends into accounts suggested by Board members who declined their stipend. This was approved following a motion by Ken Lundberg and a second by Mike Zicus.
Upcoming Events
The business meeting adjourned at 7:25 PM.
Recorded by Walt Swanson