Western Regional Panel
Executive Committee Minutes
Thursday, August 14, 2003
DRAFT

NEXT MEETING: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9

Members Present: Tina Proctor, Susan Ellis, Jim Athearn, Mike Stone, Al Van Vooren

Members Absent: John Chapman, Blaine Parker, Scott Smith, Dwight Williamson, Mark Sytsma, Ted Grosholz, Nate Dechoretz

1. Mississippi River Basin Regional Panel

Mike attended the first official meeting of the Mississippi River Basin Regional Panel and represented the WRP. He will send a report to Tina to forward to the EC.

2. Agenda for WRP meeting

The EC discussed logistics and agenda for the September annual meeting in La Jolla, CA and made the following suggestions:

• Both Inland Committee chairs (Mike and Blaine) are unable to attend. Tina will call other people to find another leader for the Committee Meeting.

• 6 people asked for funding to cover travel to the meeting and the WRP will be able to cover all 6. Tina will determine the projected cost and see if there is any money left over. There is approximately $6,000 available.

• Tina has received 18 votes on the Guide to Procedures ballot. She will send out a reminder to people to vote by August 20. She said there was a suggestion that we add two members to the list, one to represent Fisheries and Oceans, Canada and one to represent a federal agency in Mexico. Dennis Wright has served as the Fisheries and Oceans representative, even though there hasn’t been an official slot. Tina will check to see what the authorizing legislation says. Jim suggested that we have the discussion during the meeting and involve the three Mexican scientists. The EC also suggested that the discussion involve how to increase Tribal participation in the WRP.

• Susan suggested that we have Allegra Cangelosi describe the Northeast Midwest Institute before she begins her talk because many people are confused about who they are and what their involvement in NAISA is.

• There are 7 speakers in the ballast water discussion. The group directed Tina to make sure there is a leader who will coordinate the speakers so there isn’t a lot of repetition.

• Jim suggested that we create maps for the field trip and make sure that there are cell phones in every car. Tina will talk to John Chapman about the maps.