Board approves merger with WSERC, sends proposal to membership for vote at annual meeting

This past week, the North Fork River Improvement Association (NFRIA) Board of Directors met twice to review and consider an Agreement and Plan of Merger between NFRIA and the Western Slope Environmental Resource Council (WSERC). The Board held two votes at its second special meeting on March 26, 2010, where they voted unanimously to approve the Agreement and Plan of Merger, and subsequently voted unanimously to adopt a resolution to present for a vote the Agreement and Plan of Merger to the membership at the annual meeting.

Basically, NFRIA-WSERC Conservation Center, the temporary name of the merged organization, would be a single entity with two distinct divisions: NFRIA, run by NFRIA Executive Director David Stiller, serving as an Associate Director, and WSERC, run by their current executive director, Rob Peters. All of NFRIA's programs would be maintained as they are.

Above all else, the NFRIA Board of Directors wants to ensure the continuation of our programs, specifically river restoration, water quality monitoring, and recreational access, even if NFRIA can no longer exist independently. NFRIA has always been a project-driven organization, surviving off of major government grants to do costly river restoration work. These grants are not nearly as attainable as they once were because of increased competition for fewer grants, a natural scenario with a suffering economy. Without the regular arrival of these grants, our day to day operation has become unsustainable.

We propose a merger not to abandon our ideals, but to guarantee them.

From the beginning, all talks have been premised on an absolute commitment to maintain NFRIA's historic mission of preserving and protecting the North Fork River. The merger would result in a streamlined, capable organization, where operating overhead would be shared.

At the annual meeting, following presentations by Dave Stiller, outlining reasons for the Board's recommendation, and Rob Peters, who will discuss WSERC's role and future plans, members in good standing (having paid dues since April 11,2009) will have the opportunity to vote on the merger. Members unable to attend the annual meeting may appoint a proxy, for which a form must be filled out and returned prior to or at the meeting. Members wishing to appoint a proxy are encouraged to use an NFRIA board member, but any member in good standing will suffice.

We hope to see you there!