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May 9, 2008

Dear Fellow Conservationist,

On behalf of the Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts, I would like to invite you to attend the 2008 Annual Meeting to be held at the Wisp Resort in McHenry, MD, July 15-17. A tentative agenda for the meeting is available for download; please note that the Opening Session is starting at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15, 2008.

Here are some very important issues:

Hotel - the hotel requires a longer than average walk from the eating/large meeting rooms and the rest of the meeting space. You may want to consider this when booking overnight rooms. Rooms in The Lodge are in between and either have two double beds (Lodge Standard) or one queen, one sleep sofa and a kitchenette (Lodge Efficiency). The Tower Rooms are much better set up for people sharing rooms and have 2 separate sleeping areas. The Double Suites have 2 beds in one room and a Murphy bed in the inside room - The Queen Suites have one bed in the outside room and a Murphy bed in the inside room. The Murphy beds have full mattresses so are as comfortable as a regular bed. Those with specific room requests should specify them when booking. The rooms are on a first come, first serve basis so I suggest you book early. Cut off date is June 27th. Room rates are $90/night plus 5% county tax and can be extended two days before and after the event. The typing and hospitality rooms are in the Tower block.

Auction - the Endowment Committee will be holding an auction again this year so each district (and any volunteers) are asked to provide an auction item(s). Elmer Weibley (Washington Co. SCD) is in charge of organizing the auction and he will be providing more details later. We have a professional auctioneer lined up ready to maximize income for our MASCD Environmental Education Endowment Fund. Remember, last year with your help, we raised over $6,000.

Registration Materials - For this meeting we are using two registration forms. One is for regular participants involved in the meeting throughout the 3-days. It provides a package which includes all meals and registration. (Don't forget that you need to make meal selection when there is a choice.) A separate registration form is included for partial participants, spouses, children (we have a kids meal at the banquet), and guests. If you have any questions about the forms please send me an email.

Events - The Western Area has organized a couple of events for Tuesday after the formal meetings - one is a ride up the ski lift to the top of the mountain and back ($6.50) for a view of the surrounding area, a nice downhill stroll, or white water rafting. We have organized a 2-hr white water rafting session which will start at 4:30 and go until the last boat finishes their session. You can reach the top of the mountain by car if you prefer. A CD introducing you to the white water rafting facility has been sent to each district. A group rate has been provided ($60.50) for the rafting - we must have a minimum of 25 people so if we do not reach this number, we will let you know in advance and refund your money.

Agenda - The meeting starts on Tuesday July 15th at 1:00 p.m. with the Opening Session (a prior lunch is provided). A draft agenda is attached but we are still lining up some of the speakers and some of the finer details of the agenda, such as Partnership meeting times, other events, etc. have still to be worked out, so that information will be sent out after the 19th.

I look forward to seeing you at the Annual Meeting where we will build knowledge and share ideas to ensure we determine our expanded role in urban sediment and erosion control programs.

Sincerely,

Lee D. McDaniel,  President 

MASCD’s mission is to promote practical and effective soil, water and related natural resources programs to all citizens through individual conservation districts on a voluntary basis through leadership, education, cooperation and local direction.