Attendees

1. Status Reports
   
   
   1. DO21
      
      
      • Document was reviewed and received - sign off from DOI.
      • The Appropriations Committee has requested to see the document before it goes public.
      • There will be a 60 day public review pending any other reviews.
   
   
   2. Budget for Partnerships and other items
      
      
      • $310,00 increase requested for the Partnership office was not approved.
      • The Partnership Office will have to utilize the resources they have and put some projects on the back burner.
   
   
   3. Staffing update
      
      
      • All interviews have been done for the Tourism Director position. Waiting for Paul Hoffman to sign off, which should happen in the next few days.
      • The start date is uncertain, logistics of the candidate may be an issue.
   
   
   4. Building Better Partnerships update
      
      
      • Building Better Partnership language is being introduced into Regional Director and Associate Director Performance Plans to ensure the process is done correctly.
      • Training update given to Lynn Scarlett.
      • Appropriations Committee would like a list of projects of priority.
   
   
   5. NPS Advisory Board Committee on Philanthropy update
      
      
      • Charge letter is being finalized.
      • The Secretary has taken a personal interest in this initiative.
   
   
2. Other News and updates- Partnership Training
   
   
   • Logistical problems for the Partnership training course have been worked out with our good colleagues from the Intermountain Region and friends at Denver University.
   • Two years ago, money was received for training. One session was held in the Intermountain region. The next session is scheduled to occur in the Midwest region in Omaha, NE. The training will coincide with the Partnership Council meeting and will focus on core competencies of partnerships, building better partnerships, and DO21.


3. Partnership Council Meeting
   
   Agenda items at the meeting will include taking stock of the Partnership Council, looking at where the Partnership Council is going, DO21, and education and training at the field level.



4. Other Business and discussion - "Shared identity task force"
   
   
   • Shared identity task force- When will DO52 be finalized? Conference call needs to be set up to formalize task force. Marty will set up the call to identify the status of the group and to see how the Partnership Council can be involved.
   • Anchorage, Alaska- education courses developed to teach high school and college level students how to be naturalist interpreters. Students will receive college credit.
   • August 25th- Web Rangers website will be launched. This initiative is a partnership with Best Buy.
   • Insurance for partners? Is it available? Should a task force be developed? What types of insurance companies sell this type of insurance?