Antrim Creek Natural Area
Robert McLeod, Chairman
Marion Williams		Mary Kay McDuffie		Gary Strange	Carl Veenstra
September 7, 2005
Minutes
Antrim Creek Natural Area
ACNA Commission Members Present:			Robert McLeod, Marion Williams, and Mary Kay McDuffie and Carl Veenstra
Members Absent:			Gary Strange
Staff Present:			Pete Garwood, Joe Meyers and Eileen Wallick
Others Present:			Nancy Jones and Dave Jones
1.         Call to Order
	The Meeting was called to order at 7:08 p.m. by Chairman Robert McLeod.
2.         Public Comment
	None.
3.         Approval of Minutes
	The Commission accepted the minutes from the July 11, 2005 meeting.
4.         Grant Update (Janet Person)
	Pete Garwood explained the updates in the absence of Ms. Person.  He informed the board about the two grants pending on the ACNA.  He noted that the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant was prioritized second over the Wetzel Lake Grant due to the need for more parks on the east side of the County.  Mr. Garwood also noted that there was another grant pending for a similar project through the Coastal Management Program (CMP) Grant that is being processed and has more support.
5.         South Entrance
	Mr. Garwood and Mr. McLeod both commented on the condition of the south entrance after the graveling. Both agreed that the graveling was successful.  On a separate note the north entrance is starting to get potholes.
6.         Signage Update
	Mr. McLeod noted that the signs look great.
7.         2004 Archeological Study Update
	The Commission discussed the memo from Maria Raviele, of MSU.  Mary Kay McDuffie indicated that she received a short PowerPoint from Ms. Raviele but could not figure how to get it off her computer.  Mr. McLeod advised her to forward the email to the Coordinator/Planner Office.  Ms. McDuffie also noted that Charlevoix County had a wonderful archeological display and was wondering if ACNA had enough artifacts to have one for just our area in the future.  She was informed that there were enough artifacts to have a display and could be considered for the future.

8.        Member Comment
	Mr. McLeod complimented Eileen Wallick and her crew on the wonderful job they have been doing on keeping up on the natural area.  He also noted that the Indian sign needed to be removed for the winter because of hunting problems in the past.  Carl Veenstra discussed the need for habitat improvement in the area.  He would like some financial help for the habitat but will donate his time.  He also noted that the gravel pit across the street from the area might like to sell and it would give an opportunity for the area to expand across the street. Ms. Wallick informed the Commission that her crew could do some preventative maintenance to keep up the Port-a-john structures.  Mr. McLeod advised her that it would be a good idea. Ms. McDuffie presented the Commission with pictures of painted rocks in one of the parks nearby and advised the committee that they only lasted two to three years so they would probably be unlikely.
Meeting adjourned at 8:10p.m.
The next Antrim Creek Natural Area Commission meeting is scheduled for March 6, 2006, 7:00 p.m. at the Banks Township Hall, Ellsworth.