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SWS & South Atlantic Chapter Meeting in Chicago, IL, May 27 – June 1, 2001: This year, the 22nd Annual SWS Meeting will be held in Chicago, and the South Atlantic Chapter will hold its official business meeting there. We will hear news from the SWS Board Meeting, and we will be voting on proposed changes to Chapter by-laws (see draft in this newsletter). Watch for meeting details on the SWS Web Site (
http://www.sws.org).Did you know that if you are a member of SWS and reside in the South Atlantic region (VA, WV, NC, SC, GA, FL, Puerto Rico & the Virgin Islands), then you are automatically a member of the South Atlantic Chapter?? We encourage your participation in Chapter activities – come to our meetings and meet other members!!
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Candidates for Chair Election: |
 Its
election time
- time to elect a new Chair
for the South Atlantic Chapter of SWS! Our two capable candidates
are Ann Jennings of Virginia and Dr. Jana Majer-Newman of Florida. Short biographies
are provided below.
Snail-mail ballots will be sent to you shortly. Please return these ballots no later than (postmarked by) May 21, 2001. And don't forget to vote - voting is such an important part of being a member of SWS. |
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| Ann Jennings | |
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Ann Jennings is a staff scientist in
the Virginia Office of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF). The
Foundation is a nonprofit, private conservation organization dedicated
to the restoration and protection of the Chesapeake Bay and its
resources. Ann works closely with government agencies to develop and
implement environmental policy and regulations, provides continuing
education to public and government agencies on threats to the Bay, and
participates actively in public debate on issues that affect this unique
ecosystem. In her role as a wetland scientist with the Bay Foundation,
Ann actively participated in Virginia's recent enactment of legislation
to protect nontidal wetlands.
Prior to working with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Ann was a fish and wildlife biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ecological Services Division in Virginia and Texas. Her responsibilities centered on assessing the impact of federal actions on wetlands, threatened and endangered species, and other fish and wildlife resources. Ann has been an active member of the Society of Wetland Scientists. She has also been active in the Virginia Association of Wetland Professionals (VAWP) since its inception, volunteering for the Board, and Program & Certification Committees. Ann is currently participating in VAWP's efforts to establish a state certification program for wetland delineators. Ann holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in biology with a math minor and a Master of Science degree from Texas A&M University in wildlife and fisheries sciences. She is certified as a Professional Wetland Scientist. |
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| Jana Majer-Newman, Ph.D. | |
| Dr. Jana Majer-Newman
is a Senior Supervising Environmental Scientist for the South Florida Water Management District. She
completed her graduate work in the College of Agriculture and Natural
Resources at the University of Connecticut in 1997 and her BS at
Northeast Louisiana University in 1985. Jana's graduate work concentrated on
design and biogeochemical cycling of nitrogen within a constructed
wetland used in the treatment of milkhouse wastewater in Connecticut.
Upon graduation she accepted a position as Senior Environmental Scientist with the South Florida Water Management District to work in their Stormwater Treatment Area Research and Monitoring program. In this program Jana has the privilege of working on the largest constructed wetland program and restoration project in the world - restoration and protection of the Florida Everglades. Since moving to Florida, she has been involved in local environmental issues and working with students of all ages to encourage their involvement in local wetland issues. As Chairperson of the South Atlantic USA Chapter of the Society of Wetland Scientists Jana promises to be committed to expanding the involvement of chapter members through seminars, workshops, and a more visible Chapter involvement in local wetland issues. |
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Report from the Chapter Meeting at ASB, New Orleans, LA |
Fifteen people attended the Chapter's luncheon meeting at the Radisson Hotel on April 5, 2001, during the annual meeting of the Association of Southeastern Biologists. Vice-Chair Diane De Steven presided in the absence of Pat Megonigal and William Conner.
Meeting Summary:
| Treasurer's report: | |
| Chapter finances are healthy. We have $18,000 in a 9-month CD, and approximately $3600 in readily expendable funds. | |
| Announcements: | |
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| Old business: | |
| Electronic Voting - This year, SWS is conducting its first election via the Web site. Jim Lynch, SWS Webmaster, has set up an easy and secure process – try it! The system appears to satisfy most of the concerns expressed at prior Chapter meetings, and with Jim's assistance the Chapter should be able to institute electronic voting in the near future. Members offered additional suggestions for implementation. | |
| New business: | |
| Proposed changes to the Chapter's Guidelines. These were presented and discussed (see details in this newsletter). There was general support expressed for the proposed changes. | |
Meeting Attendees: Frank Day (Old Dominion U); Diane De Steven (USDA Forest Service); Whit Gibbons (SREL); Todd Herbert (Old Dominion U); Susan Heyel (Old Dominion U); Ross Hinkle (Dynamac Corp., KSC); Cliff Hupp (USGS); Regina Lynch (Old Dominion U); Ken McLeod (SREL); Eugene Odum (UGA); Rich Reaves (CH2M Hill); Steve Schaff (UGA); Paul Schmalzer (Dynamac Corp, KSC); Rebecca Sharitz (SREL); Gary Wein (SREL)
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2001 Student Travel Awards: |
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Congratulations to the following students, who each received a $100 travel award from the Chapter for wetlands-related papers or posters at the 2001 ASB Meeting! |
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Action Item! Proposed changes to Chapter Guidelines: |
Background:
SWS has encouraged the Chapters to formalize and update their by-laws. After some research by Vice-Chair Diane De Steven, the Executive Committee has developed a proposal for restructuring our governing Guidelines, which were last amended in about 1994. Consistent with the formats of other chapters, we have drafted:
All elements of the existing Guidelines have been incorporated into the new by-laws and standing rules, and the Executive Committee feels that this dual structure is advantageous in its greater flexibility. Also proposed are several additions that should improve continuity of Chapter governance and activities:
The proposed changes were discussed at the Chapter meeting in New Orleans and received broad support from the members present. We ask that you read this draft carefully. We will vote on adoption at our Chapter business meeting in Chicago; if you cannot attend but would like to provide comments for the discussion, you can send them to Secretary-Treasurer William Conner (
wconner@clemson.edu), Vice-Chair Diane De Steven (ddesteven@fs.fed.us) or Chair Pat Megonigal (megonigal@serc.si.edu).--------------------------------------------------------
PROPOSED BYLAWS
SOUTH ATLANTIC CHAPTER OF THE SOCIETY OF WETLAND SCIENTISTS
ARTICLE 1. NAME AND PURPOSE
1. The official name of this chapter shall be the SOUTH ATLANTIC CHAPTER OF THE SOCIETY OF WETLAND SCIENTISTS. The objectives of the Chapter shall be to encourage communication of wetlands issues and research activities in the South Atlantic region (Virginia, West Virginia, North and South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands), and to sponsor meetings and other activities which foster interaction of wetland scientists and managers in the region. The Chapter shall be governed in all of its operation by the constitution and bylaws of the SWS.
2. The Chapter shall have the power, either directly or indirectly, either alone or in conjunction with others, to do any and all lawful activities for the fostering, advancing, or accomplishing of Chapter affairs and objectives, and to aid and assist other organizations whose objectives may further foster, advance or accomplish Chapter objectives.
3. The Chapter shall not have nor exercise any power, nor directly or indirectly engage in any activity, that would cause the SWS to lose its exempt status from Federal income taxation as a corporation as described in Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 and its regulations, as the same now exist or as they may be amended in the future.
ARTICLE 2. MEMBERSHIP
Any member of the SWS who resides within the Chapter’s region is considered an active member of the Chapter. Herein, a "member in good standing" means a member whose dues are paid.
ARTICLE 3. GOVERNANCE
1. The elected officers of the Chapter shall be a Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary-Treasurer. These officers, plus the immediate Past Chair, constitute the Executive Committee, and they are authorized to act on behalf of the Chapter during intervals between annual meetings. The terms of office shall be two years for the Vice-Chair and the Chair, elected in alternate years, and three years for the Secretary Treasurer. The Past Chair shall serve for two years. Terms of office will commence and terminate immediately following the SWS annual meeting.
2. Nominations for office shall be solicited by the Chair, and new officers shall be elected by a majority vote of members in good standing, conducted prior to the annual meeting. Only active members in good standing shall be eligible for nomination for an elected office. Election shall be by ballot. Ballots may be submitted via surface mail, electronic mail, or Internet polling, as determined to be fair and appropriate by the Executive Committee. The Secretary-Treasurer shall certify the voting status of members.
3. No member of the Chapter will represent the Chapter without prior approval of the Executive Committee, nor represent the SWS without prior approval of the Society's Board of Directors.
ARTICLE 4. MEETINGS
The Chapter shall hold its business meeting at the annual meeting of the SWS, and the members present shall constitute a quorum for transaction of official business. The Chapter shall also meet with the Association of Southeastern Biologists (herein, ASB) at their annual meeting, and may organize Chapter meetings at other times and places as appropriate.
ARTICLE 5. STANDING RULES
The Executive Committee is authorized to adopt and amend Standing Rules for conduct of Chapter business, as necessary, by majority vote. Standing rules shall include, but not be limited to, matters pertaining to Chapter finances, duties of Chapter officers, provisions for establishment of standing committees or special committees, and authorization of Chapter publications.
ARTICLE 6. AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS
The Chapter bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the members in good standing attending any annual business meeting of the Chapter, provided that notice of the proposed amendment has been provided to the members at least 30 days prior to the date of the meeting.
PROPOSED STANDING RULES
SOUTH ATLANTIC CHAPTER OF THE SOCIETY OF WETLAND SCIENTISTS
Section 1. Duties of the Chair. The Chair shall preside at the business meeting of the Chapter, shall authorize expenditures of Chapter funds, and shall promote the interests of the Chapter in every reasonable way. The Chair shall represent the Chapter on the Board of Directors of the SWS and shall appoint standing or special committees as required to promote the interest of the Chapter. Such committees shall serve until the conclusion of the next annual business meeting of the Chapter and be reappointed at the discretion of the Chair. The Chair shall serve as the Program Chair and shall plan and arrange Chapter programs and activities.
Section 2. Duties of the Vice-Chair. The Vice-Chair shall assist the Chair and shall perform the duties of the Chair whenever that person is unable to act. The Vice-Chair shall be responsible for producing the Chapter newsletters.
Section 3. Duties of the Secretary-Treasurer. The Secretary-Treasurer shall maintain files and records of Chapter business, maintain financial ledgers and accounts of the Chapter, and process requests for payment. The Secretary-Treasurer shall maintain and update copies of the Chapter bylaws and standing rules, distribute the newsletter, and hold Chapter elections.
Section 4. Salaries and Expenses. Officers or committee-persons of the Chapter shall not receive any salary; neither shall they receive any clerical or other expenses unless approved in advance by the Executive Committee. If necessary to ensure Chapter representation, the Executive Committee may approve limited travel expenses to the SWS annual meeting and mid-year SWS business meeting for the Chair or his/her designee.
Section 5. Newsletter. A Chapter newsletter shall be published three times annually, which will include reports of business from meetings of the SWS and ASB, solicitation of nominations for officers, announcements of meetings and elections, and other items of interest to members.
Section 6. Standing Committees. Standing committees, composed of members in good standing, shall be appointed by the Chair and shall assist in the conduct of affairs of the Chapter. Standing committees shall report at the annual business meeting of the Chapter. The term of duty for members of Standing Committees shall extend from their appointment until the following business meeting, unless otherwise specified.
Section 7. Special Committees. Special committees may be appointed to assist the Chair and Executive Committee with activities or services that are generally short-term and of a non-recurring nature. Special Committees will report to the Chair and to the membership at the annual business meeting.
