2007 IWF ANNUAL MEETING
This year we took a new approach to the venue of our Annual Meeting by holding at a location where we would be more in touch with...well, nature! McCormick's Creek State Park was the location of this year's meeting.

A great time was had by all. Friday evening was a pitch in cookout at the Red Bud Recreational Building. Steak, burgers, and a host of side dishes and snacks were provided by those in attendance. Conversation and camaraderie was shared by seasoned members and new members alike giving an opportunity to catch up on the activities for the year and get to know one another. After which, everyone retreated to a cozy room at the lodge, or their own private cabins!

The next morning began with breakfast back at Red Bud Recreational Building.

This was followed by the annual board meeting. The setting was beautiful, inside the protected shelter, with a warm fire burning

Key members and guests updated those in attendance regarding a host of challenges, issues and accomplishments in the past year:

• Executive Director, John Goss reviewed IWF accomplishments from 2006 - 2007, and priorities for the coming year.
• Gary Doxtater, Director of Development, who has been hard at work developing the vision and scope of our Wildlife Friendly Habitat programs, provided an update on the status of the various programs which now include: the following habitat types: Backyard, Schoolyard, Community, Development, Farm, Neighborhood, Parks and Workplace.
• Jerry Wheeler, our full time Education and Habitat Coordinator, who is "getting the job done in the field", discussed our steward programs, grants we have received, and partnerships we are developing.
• Guest speaker, NWF Regional Director Brian Preston spoke of regional issues, including Great Lakes preservation; in addition to the "de-centralization" of the NWF to 7 regional offices which is resulting in more effective implementation, management and relationships with affiliates, like IWF.

An outdoor picnic lunch was provided for all who attended. And then it was on to the afternoon breakout sessions for members and visitors where these topics were covered:

• Glen Salmon, Director of Fish and Wildlife, provided insights into some policies and programs which DNR and IWF share common interest:

  • New shooting range at Atterbury
  • Huge success of "Go Fishing" program at the Indiana State Fair last year (Over 6,000 kids participated)
  • Re-introduction of Brown Trout at Brookville Reservoir
  • Youth Seasons program
  • VHS Disease in fish and why we should be concerned
• Brian Preston, NWF Regional Director covered wildlife issues in the Midwest, including:

  • Regional and national water issues
  • Great Lakes Restoration Act
  • Bio Fuels
  • Invasive species and how to minimize spread
  • Wolf re-population in the Midwest
• Zoe Lipman, NWF Program Manager provided much needed insights regarding:
• Alternative energy and conservation
• Global warming and how it's affecting wildlife, and how it is effecting the Great Lakes
• Coal Gasification
• Great Lakes Restoration

The Conservation Awards Banquet was held in the evening in the Canyon Inn Oak Room inside the park lodge. John Tomke, President National Duck's Unlimited was our keynote speaker and shared his views on the outdoors and concerns we should all share regarding "Nature-deficit Disorder" among the youth of today. The awards ceremony and silent auction preceded dinner and the live auction. Click the slide show button at the top-right of this page for a look at the 2007 Conservation Awards Winners!

Be sure to join us for the IWF WILD GAME COOK-OFF & 2007 CONSERVATION AWARDS this fall! (More information coming soon on this NEW EVENT!)