Minnesota Co-Chair Phil Monson called meeting to order.

Stewardship Awards:
Jack Ezell explained the history of the Stewardship awards and then introduced the nominator for each of the stewardship awards. The nominators then gave a brief explanation of why they chose to nominate the winner of each award.
• David Blinn of Wrenshall High School was honored for promoting environmental responsibility among young citizens in our watershed.
• Mike Furtman received the Media Award for helping to protect the habitat of the St. Louis River watershed by the many articles he writes.
• The Randy Marshall Award for Industry was presented to Georgia-Pacific Corporation for reducing toxic waste releases.
• Shari McCorison received the Milton E. Pelletier Award in appreciation of her efforts to engage youth in environmental responsibility for our watershed through the River Watch Program.
• The Willard Munger, Sr. Award was awarded to Pat Collins, Eric Epstein, John Lindgren, Dennis Pratt, and Carol Reschke for working above and beyond in the development of the habitat plan for the St. Louis River.
• Bill Majewski was presented the Sally Gibson Individual Award for his tireless commitment to the St. Louis River.

Business Meeting:
Minutes of the Oct 23, 2002 meeting were approved as distributed.

Financial Report: Members were presented with the proposed 2003 budget. Kathryn Fuller explained that there are actually two proposed budgets. This is because with just the grants we are positive about, we have a substantial budget deficit. We have grant applications submitted that would significantly change this and result in no deficit. As the grants are not secured, she has prepared versions showing each scenario. Members were asked to approve both budgets, with the understanding that if the grants do not materialize, we will need to come up with a contingency plan for the organization. Budget was accepted as presented.

Resolution of Authorization: Minnesota's Lake Superior Coastal Program requested a resolution from the SLRCAC authorizing Lynelle to execute and file a grant application. A copy of the project description for the grant and the resolution was presented to the board. Resolution was adopted as written.

Member/Board Member Involvement Form: As a way to increase participation in the CAC activities, a membership involvement form was drafted for both members and board members. Board members are asked to volunteer for a minimum of five activities. They can choose from an extensive list of suggested activities or identify other ways they can help on the form. Regular members may also volunteer, however they are not required to. The form was handed out and members were asked to complete and return, either at this meeting or at a later date.

Contaminated Sediment Workgroup Report: A meeting was held in Oct to work on reconsolidating the group. One difficulty is due to the state line and impacts it has on differing agencies and views. The goal is to grasp the issue on a holistic level and look at impaired uses etc. A brainstorming session with all stakeholders has not yet fleshed out a process, but progress is being made. Another planning session is scheduled.

Stewardship Group: The spring clean-up is scheduled for Grassy Point this year. The canoe trip and picnic is set for August. They are looking at incorporating the Nemadji into the canoeing route. They will be having a meeting in February at Old Main. Anyone interested can call Jack for specifics.

Habitat Workgroup Report: The habitat plan has been completed and is available on CD. Now the real work can begin. The next step is to get it implemented. Unfortunately, Pat Collins, chair of the committee has had to resign. The committee is looking for someone willing to lead the charge! They are currently working on strategies 1 and 2. A matrix is being developed to determine and identify things like who the players will be, where the funding will come from, timelines etc.

Board Member Nominations: Congratulations, all board members and officers that were running for positions were successfully elected. New members include Nate Meyer, Jesse Schomberg and Ted Smith. Phil was re-elected Minnesota Co-chair and Ted Smith was elected as treasurer. We are still looking for a Wisconsin Co-chair to replace Diane who has moved to Minnesota.

Director's Report: Lynelle presented everyone with a copy of the 2002 Annual Report and a full color brochure entitled "State of the St. Louis River." The annual report provided a fiscal summary, highlights of 2002 and upcoming projects. The brochure is a beautifully illustrated look at the history, ecosystem, and industry of the river. It addresses wastewater treatment, the Nemadji River spill, contaminated sediments and exotic species. It concludes with information on the cooperative efforts of the Remedial Action Plan and the Lake Superior Binational Program. It is an excellent brochure that Lynelle should be commended for. Lynelle encouraged everyone to sign up for the members only activities. For 2003 they include Snowshoeing on March 18, Birding on May 15, Biking on July 15, and Rock Quarries on Sept 18. These are approximately two hours and pre-registration is required.

Diane Thompson, secretary