Minutes of the American Bamboo SocietyBoard of Directors Meeting12 October – 15 October 2011

The Meeting was called to order by President James Clever on 12 October 2011 at 0900h at the Holiday Inn, Lafayette, Louisiana.

Directors and Officers Present: (Signed attendance sheets attached)Tracy Calla FCC DirectorJim Bonner LGCC DirectorDaniel Fox MSC DirectorDavid King NCC Director and SecretaryBill Hollenback PNWC DirectorTom Harlow SEC DirectorSteve Muzos TBSC DirectorJames Clever At-Large Director, PresidentLynn Clark At-Large DirectorDaphne Lewis At-Large DirectorSue Turtle Treasurer and SEC member

Directors Absent:Len Lundstrom HC DirectorSusanne Lucas NEC Director (arrived later during meeting)Cliff Sussman SCC DirectorDurnford Dart International Director

Others Present:Frasier Bingham Observer, Champion of “Big Bamboo” ContestDawn Weaver Observer, Candidate for ABS TreasurerCarole Meckes Observer, Candidate for Director At-Large

Quorum: A quorum (>=7) of ABS Directors (count: 10) was determined to be present.

Agenda: Approved (Motion: Harlow, second: Muzos) with additions to New Business.

Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting: A motion (Lewis, second: Muzos) to accept the minutes of the November 2010 meeting of the Board of Directors of the American Bamboo Society (Savannah, GA) carried.

Recognition of Current Officers:President: James Clever (PNWC)Vice President: (position unfilled)Secretary: David King (NCC)Treasurer: Sue Turtle (SEC)

Treasurer’s Report: (Sue Turtle); (Report and proposed budget attached to minutes)The budget approval discussion will be reported later in these minutes.The income/expense report for 2011 to date was presented; here are highlights:Journal expenses were over budget in 2011 due to extra reworking needed during the publications process. Dues income was less than expected. Advertising revenue did not cover the expenses of the website. ABS membership in INBAR is now free. No ABS grants were funded this year, because no proposals were received.The annual audit of ABS accounts by the Secretary was accomplished by comparing recent bank statements to the amounts in the Treasurer’s reports. No discrepancies were found.A motion to approve the Treasurer’s report carried.

OLD BUSINESS —Bambusa Taxonomy Project: Steve Muzos estimates there are 259 species of Bambusa and is creating a key to those species based upon vegetative characteristics. More than 3000 images will be catalogued, with many closeups. The key will be shared with members via the website. Lynn Clark offered to provide references and sources to Steve to assist in his research.

“Big Bamboo” Contest: Frasier Bingham provided a handout outlining the objectives and rules of the contest; different species of bamboo and different growing regions will have separate competitions in order to be fair to those

in colder climes. The competition will be ongoing rather than yearly. Publicity suggestions included coverage in the ABS website and magazine, with members encouraged to write articles for newspapers about the contest and their interest in bamboo. Fox suggested entering in state fairs; James Clever (PNWC) and Tracy Calla (FCC) state their respective Chapters have done this with good response from the public. Clever appointed a committee to pursue the Big Bamboo contest which includes Frasier Bingham and Daphne Lewis. In response to a question about when the contest is to start, Bingham said it could start “anytime” since all the requirements have been finalized. He also shared that this contest idea sprang from his interest in farming moso bamboo. Although in the handout a value of the contest is stated as “Promotion of genetic engineering”, he clarified the term as meaning “gene splicing” to produce improved varieties of bamboo.

CURRENT REPORTS —President’s Report: James Clever (attached)

Secretary’s Report (King): (attached) Discussions by the Board since the last annual meeting were reviewed. The currently recognized 11 Chapters were enumerated, all but Tierra Seca qualifying for a Director on the ABS Board. Tracy Calla will serve for the remaining FCC term of (resigned) Steve Stamper. Norm Bezona will succeed Len Lundstrom for the HC. David King (NCC) has been selected by his Chapter to succeed himself as Director for the 2011 – 2014 term. Susanne Lucas has been elected to the vacant NEC Director position and as its 2011-2014 Director. The balloting for the At-Large position currently occupied by Lynn Clark is ongoing, with the result to be announced at the ABS Annual General Meeting 3 days hence.

Membership Report (Fox): (attached) ABS primary membership is now 587, including 38 International members. Three chapters (HC, MSC, SCC) are below the electoral number of 35; furthermore, the TSC now has only 3 primary members. All ABS mail coming to the PO box in Encinitas is currently forwarded to the membership chair, who in turn forwards non-membership material to its proper recipient.

Advertising Report (Clever): (attached) Total income from ads in the Magazine and the Species Source List was $3,469, a decrease of $477 from last year. A new advertising chair is being sought to increase advertising income from these two sources plus the ABS website.

Online Auction Report (Hollenback): (attached) The online auction consists of 29 plants and 6 other items and so far the bids total $1215, considerably more than last year at this time. David King asked how the online auction is publicized to nonmembers; it is through the web sites, especially BambooWeb.info. The auction will be continued live on 15 October 2011, after the Annual General Meeting.

Website Revision Committee Report and Recommendations to the Board (attached) submitted by Committee Chair Bill King.)

Bamboo.org Report (Hollenback): (attached) The new site is interactive and more easily modified, and an event calendar and blog have been added. Interestingly, blog posts rank higher on the Google searches than do static websites. ABS member Ariel Dubov has expressed willingness to take over the Webmaster responsibilities.

BambooWeb.info Report (Hollenback): (attached) The BambooWeb.info site and forum continue to receive more hits, and more photos of bamboos have been added. In the Species Source List, longer species descriptions and linking to outside sources of information will be added.

Digital Publications Report (Hollenback): (attached) The number of digital members has increased by 17 to 186. New members receive a welcome email. The Journal and Magazine are online at Bamboo.org; a Journal index has been prepared and will be added to the site soon. Jim Bonner recommended making a similar index to past issues of BAMBOO Magazine available as well.

Species Source List Report (Hollenback): (attached) The SSL has expanded by 13 bamboos to a total of 497 on the 2011 List, although the number of sources is 14 fewer. Publication costs nearly were covered by advertising revenue. Chris Stapleton and Ted Meredith are continuing as Species Editors.

BAMBOO Magazine Report (Don Shor): (attached) Recommends better coordination of advertising among ABS publications. Requests articles, photos, links and event notices for publication. The Editors will check for copyrights, obtain permissions, and convert submissions into printable material (from CDs and DVDs of meeting presentations specifically).

Bamboo Science and Culture Report (Gielis): (attached) The Journal is edited by Johan Gielis of Belgium. Fewer articles by American authors are being submitted. Jim Bonner asked about peer review; Lynn Clark confirmed that it is, with

ABS Board Minutes 2011: Page 2 of 5Revision date: 2011-12-26

reviewers selected by the editor; the Journal is indexed as well. Steve Muzos stated the need for better translation into English, preferably by native English speakers. This could be costly but will be presented to Gielis as a suggestion. Steve Muzos volunteered to assist, and Lynn Clark knows of a postdoctoral student (Amanda Fisher) who might be willing to help as well.

Arts/Crafts Report (Submitted by Charissa Brock): (attached) The activities and financial report were presented. Because of the low level of submissions, the Arts & Crafts Competition for 2011 was canceled and now will be held biennially during even-numbered years starting in 2012.

Bamboo of the Americas (BOTA) Report (Lynn Clark for Gib Cooper): (attached) The activities, plans and financial reports were presented.

Bamboo Importation Committee Report (Cliff Sussman email attached): This upcoming winter will be a good time to import temperate bamboos under the new USDA program. Tropicals have come in successfully earlier this year. Procedures for custodial care need to be established for the period between release of the bamboos from quarantine and sale/auction by the ABS. James Clever restated the composition of the Importation Committee: Cliff Sussman (SCC - Chair), Ian Connor (PMWC), Ned Jaquith (PMWC), Noah Bell (PMWC), and Brad Salmon (MSC).

NEW BUSINESS —Annual Review of Electoral Number (King): (Refer to the attached membership report) The number of ABS members which a chapter must have to be represented by an ABS Director is currently 35. Ten ABS members are needed to form a chapter. Chapters which are not large enough to have their own Director are represented by the three At-Large members or may share a Director with one or more other Chapters. With the goals of maintaining the Bylaws-mandated size of the ABS Board of Directors and encouraging Chapter recruitment of new members, a motion (Clever, second: King) to keep the electoral number at 35, carried.

ABS Internal Funding Requests: For final figures, see line entries in attached approved budget.Directors and Officers Liability Insurance: Rather than the Board voting every 1 – 3 years to approve

continuation of the policy, a motion (King; second: Hollenback) was offered and carried to require a vote only if the premium rises 10% or more at renewal time. The current policy is expiring but the annual premium for the replacement policy interestingly decreased this time, and it will be renewed for another 3 years.

Arts/Crafts (Turtle for Brock): The 2011 allocation for prizes was not used and it was requested to add this to the 2012 budget, totaling $3065.

Species Source List (Hollenback): It is expected that advertising will again cover costs.BAMBOO Magazine: no specific request.Bamboo Science and Culture: no specific request.Bamboo.org (Hollenback): $10 for domain name registration.BambooWeb.info (Hollenback): no request.Bamboo Importation: $1000 requested for plants purchased.Membership postcard (Lucas): Patterned after the card mailed out by the NEC; cost is $.33 each. Lucas

suggested the creation of the card be under the Membership Chair's guidance. Discussion only, no action.BOTA: no request.

Grant Proposals --(1) Chiapas bamboo conservation project (submitted by BOTA and attached): Needs updated information

about other funding sources before final approval can be considered. Lynn Clark will investigate.(2) Young bamboo researcher support (submitted by Johan Gielis in attached email): $1000 support for each

of up to 5 researchers from developing countries who will present their work at the next World Bamboo Conference.(3) Boy Scout Merit Badge for Bamboo: Jim Bonner (LGCC) presented an idea (no funding requested) from

Ralph Armstrong, a person involved in the Boy Scouts, to create a merit badge for bamboo. Several Directors commented favorably about this idea and suggested a formal proposal be submitted if desired.

Grant Proposal Guidelines – Lynn Clark (At-Large) plans to tackle these in November or December when time is available to her.

Bylaws Revision: Obtaining membership approval (King): A consensus was reached to email the full text to all members with an email address on file, and publish links in BAMBOO to the online copy on Bamboo.org which will reach those who have not given ABS an email address. Approval by email will be requested.

Derecognition of Tierra Seca as a Chapter (King): TSC now has only 3 primary ABS members. A motion: (King, second: Harlow) to remove the TSC from the list of recognized ABS Chapters carried. The Secretary will notify the three members and request that each select another primary ABS Chapter.

ABS Board Minutes 2011: Page 3 of 5Revision date: 2011-12-26

Policy & Procedure Manual corrections (Muzos): References to online voting by Directors will be deleted (motion: King, second: Muzos), as will the prohibition of advertising on the opening page of the website (motion: Harlow, second: Muzos). The former change brings the ABS into compliance with the California Corporations Code, and the latter is not necessary with the new website design. Both motions carried.

ABS Treasurer selection (King, Lewis, Clever): The single candidate, Dawn Weaver (PNWC), was presented; action for final approval was deferred until the election of ABS officers after the Annual General Meeting of the members on 15 October 2011. Quarterly audits with reports to the Board will be required for the first year, likely performed by outgoing Treasurer Sue Turtle. She stated she will be completing the 2011 tax returns as well. Sue was applauded for her outstanding work as ABS Treasurer for the past 11 years.

ABS Membership Chair selection (Clever): Janet Matherly (FCC) is a willing candidate and is already fulfilling the function of notification of members of their new or renewed memberships as they are received. Current Membership Chair Dan Fox (MSC) wishes to step down and will transfer the database and the laptop computer containing it to Jan in the near future.

ABS Webmaster selection (Hollenback, Clever): Ariel Dubov (NEC) has agreed to relieve Hollenback of this duty and will start immediately.

ABS Advertising Chair selection (Clever): Tracy Calla (FCC) has been appointed to this important income-producing position and will coordinate advertising for the Species Source List, BAMBOO magazine, and Bamboo.org.

Bamboo Event in Puerto Rico?: Susanne Lucas received an email from Ms. Magha Garcia of Puerto Rico requesting a copy of the proceedings of the first World Bamboo Conference which was held in Mayaguez in 1984. Ms. Garcia is researching “the reasons why our country didn't continue with this wonderful project”. Lucas suggested Puerto Rico for consideration as a possible ABS meeting site in the future. Although there is no longer a Puerto Rico Chapter of the ABS, there might be considerable local support. A consortium of ABS, World Bamboo Organization, BOTA and our USDA contact in Puerto Rico might be able to organize a conference, perhaps in 2014.

Town Ordinances Against Bamboo (Lucas, Clever): Several communities (such as Cambridge, MA) are considering banning or all bamboos or severely restricting their sale and planting. Ignorance about bamboo growth and control is rampant. The ABS should be a consultant in these cases. The Board unanimously agreed to create a position statement containing information on bamboos which would be useful to governing bodies considering imposing these ordinances. The statement would be available on Bamboo.org. President Clever suggested that Lynn Clark and Ian Connor (PNWC) work together to prepare an attorney-screened document for this purpose.

APPROVAL of the 2012 ABS BUDGET (Turtle): Attached is the unanimously approved balanced budget (motion: King; second: Hollenback). With the advent of a new Treasurer, King proposed an alternative to the funds advanced to Michael Bartholomew in the amount of $5000. These monies are used to pay printing and postage costs of ABS publications. There was concern that this money might not be in a separate ABS account, which might threaten our tax-exempt status in the case of an IRS audit. King suggested repatriating the $5000 back into the main ABS account and obtaining a business credit card which could be used for publication expenses as well as other purposes. The Board agreed by consensus to do this after the new Treasurer takes office in January 2012.

Announcement of International Meeting –9th World Bamboo Conference: 10th – 15th April 2012 in Antwerp, Belgium

Future Annual Meeting Planning:2012 – TBSC: Austin, TX2013 – FCC: Florida (city TBA)2014 – Possibly Puerto Rico – no hosting Chapter, details to be discussed

Approved the 15 October 2011 Annual General Meeting Agenda.

Items continued until the 15 October 2011 conclusion of this Board meeting, which follows the Annual General Membership Meeting and Auction:

(1) The election of officers of the ABS.(2) Grant approvals: Chiapas, IKEBANA.(3) Funding approval for bamboo importation.

Recess: The meeting was recessed until 1700h on 15 October 2011.

ABS Board Minutes 2011: Page 4 of 5Revision date: 2011-12-26

Board Meeting ReconvenedHoliday Inn, Lafayette, LA

15 October 20111700h

Directors and Officers Present: (Signed attendance sheets attached)

Election of Officers of the ABS: A quorum was present. The following slate of officers was nominated and unanimously elected by the Board to serve until the conclusion of the ABS Annual Meeting in 2012:

President James Clever (PNWC)Vice President Tom Harlow (SEC)Secretary David King (NCC)Treasurer Dawn Weaver (PNWC)

The signature card for ABS accounts will include the signatures of the President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Retiring Treasurer Sue Turtle will co-manage the accounts until 1 January 2012 and be available thereafter as a consultant, auditing the accounts quarterly during 2012. Dawn Weaver is hereby directed to establish one or more ABS accounts at a financial institution of her choosing.

Funding approved (addendum to previously approved budget): $1000 for bamboo importation. Motion: Muzos, second: Harlow.

Grants Approved:(1) IKEBANA (requested by Gielis) – Motion: Clever, second: Muzos. For young researchers, $2000 total

granted, up to $1000 each with the condition that they present their work at the next World Bamboo Conference.(2) Chiapas project (requested by Gib Cooper, BOTA Director) – Motion: King, second: Sussman. Amount

approved for the first year: $3000. [Update: After this approval Cooper reported that an AZH grant of $5000 was approved; the $3000 ABS grant still stands but will be held pending a request for funding for the next year of the project.]

Assignments --Advertising Chair: Tracy Calla (FCC)Membership Director: Janet Matherly (FCC), not present, but agreed by telephone contact.Webmaster: Ariel Dubov (NEC)Species Source List: Bill Hollenback and Ted Meredith (PNWC), Chris Stapleton (International)Magazine: Betty Shor and Don Shor (SCC/NCC)Journal: Johan Gielis (International)Arts & Crafts: Charissa Brock (PNWC)APHIS/USDA Liaison: Cliff Sussman (SCC)Bamboo Information: Kinder Chambers (TBSC)

Temperate specialist: Noah Bell (PNWC)Tropical specialist: Tracy Calla (FCC)

Big Bamboo Contest: Frasier Bingham and Daphne Lewis (SEC)

Other assignments may be made by President Clever at a later date with notification of the Board by email.

Adjournment: It was moved (Susanne Lucas) and carried to adjourn the 2011 meeting of the Boardof Directors of the American Bamboo Society at 1745h.

Respectfully submitted,David King

Secretary, American Bamboo Societysecretary@bamboo.org

ABS Board Minutes 2011: Page 5 of 5Revision date: 2011-12-26

ABS BOARD OF DIRECTORS - ATTENDANCE SIGNUP SHEET

Calla (FCC)

Lundstrom (HC)

Bonner (LGCC)

Fox (MSC)

D. King (NCC)

Lucas (NEC)

Hollenback (PNWC)

Sussman (SCC)

Harlow (SEC)

Muzos (TBSC)

Dart (INT'L)

Lewis (A/L)

Clever (A/L)

Clark (A/L)

Sue Turtle (Treasurer)

Meeting Date:: / 2-

GUESTS: Please sign on other side

ITS

1 -fa I. -

ABS BOARD OF DIRECTORS - ATTENDANCE SIGNUP SHEET

Calla (FCC)

Bezona (HC)

Bonner (LGCC)

Fox (MSC - Acting Dir)

D. King (NCC)

Lucas (NEC)

Hollenback (PNWC)

Sussman (SCC)

Harlow (SEC)

Muzos (TBSC)

Dart (INT'L)

Lewis (A/L)

Clever(A/L)

(A/L)

Sue Turtle (Treasurer)

Meeting Date:

o

7?

•

GUESTS: Please sign on other side —

American Bamboo SocietyTreasurer's Report – FY 2011

Year ending December 31, 2011 (interim report as of 10/05/11)

Beginning Balance 01/01/11: $33,523.37 ($4,123,37 in acct) ($29,400.00 in CDs)

First Farmer’s & Merchants Bank (Account # 7696540)Monies in Mike Bartholomew’s NY account to cover expenses. $ 5,000.00

Total $38,523.37

Income : Advertising: Magazine $ 1,996.11 may receive come 2012 adv. Funds before year end

Membership Directory --0-- Source List 1,472.58 On-line banner ads 150.00 ABS auction – Fall, 2011: Interest income:

Bank/CD interest 111.41 expect another $17+/- by year end Membership in: 11,390.39 expect approx. $4,500 more in renewals, etc.Miscellaneous(donations): 487.24 (SEC reimbursement of advance in 2010) Sales: Book Sales: 100.00 Magazine Source Lists: 469.83

Totals $16,027.56 approx. year-end total: $20,500.

Expenses:Administrative: $ 706.84 expect another $550. by year endAdvances: SEC for ABS Annual: Arts & Crafts Awards: Advertising/misc. expenses Auction expenses for 2011: Computer hardware Credit Card/Bank expenses: 200.10 expect another $75.00 by year end Grants INBAR Membership Insurance for the Board 1,632.00 Journal Expenses: 5,146.38ABS Magazine: 7,171.97 expect avg. $1,720/next two issues ($3,440.)Membership Directory: Member Renewal Notice – Misc. (member cancellation) 50.00 Source List: 2,370.55Travel/Living Reimbursements: 2,000.00 Web Site: 950.00Taxes/fees 45.00

Total Expenses: $20,272.84 approx. year-end total: $24,500.

As of the end of September the bank account had $17,886.49 in it. We closed out one of the CD’s when it came due in August and I will close out the second one when it matures in mid November.

Details for AccountsAdministrative Expenses:

Postage; $ 458.51 Office Supplies/Misc. exp: 248.33Board mtg. exp/lunch

Total $ 706.84

Magazine Expenses: Printing: $ 4,700.14Postage: $ 2,471.83

Total $ 7,171.97

Bank and credit card costs: yrly fee for cc. $100.00Paypal fee 20.00 Mthly cc fees 180.10

Total: $200.10

Grant Funding:

Journal Expenses: Layout: $1,485.00 Printing: 2,974.00Postage: 687.38

Total: $5,146.38

Source List Expenses: Printing: $1,659.33Postage: 711.22

Total $2,370.55

T&L Expenses: Daphne Lewis – Mbr. At large -- $500.00Sue Turtle – Treasurer -- $500.00James Clever – Mbr. At large -- $500.00BOTA speaker (Eduardo Ruiz) -- $500.00

ABS 2011 Fiscal Year – as of October 1, 2011Expenses: 2011 Actual 2011 Budget 2012 Proposed

Administrative Expenses $ 706.84 $ 2,000.00 $ 1,000.00Advance to Host Chapter $ $ ----- $ -----Arts & Crafts Awards $ $ 1,700.00 $ 3,065.00Auction Expenses $ -0- $ -0- -0-Computer Hardware $ -0- -0- -0-Credit card/bank expenses $ 200.10 $ 350.00 $ 300.00Grants $ $ 3,500.00 $ 3,500.00 Grant funds reimbursed $ -------- -----------INBAR Membership $ -0- $ -0- $ -0-Insurance for the Board $ 1,632.00 $ 1,800.00 $ 1,632.00Journal Expenses $ 5,146.38 $ 4,000.00 $ 4,000.00Magazine $ 7,171.97 (4 issues) $ 11,000.00 $11,000.00Membership Directory $ -0- $ -0- $ -0-Member Brochure $ -0- -0- $ -0-Member Renewal Card $ -0- $ -0- $ -0-Misc. $ 50.00 (mbr. Cancel) -0- -0-Source List $ 2,370.55 $ 3,000.00 $ 3,000.00Taxes/fees $ 45.00 $ 25.00 $ 25.00Travel expense reimbursement $ 2,000.00 $ 2,000.00 $ 2,000.00Web site $ 950.00 $ 2,510.00 $ 10.00Totals $20,272.84 $ 31,685.00 $29,532.00Income: 2011 Actual 2011 Budget 2012 ProposedAdvertising – Magazine $ 1,996.11 $ 1,500.00 $ 2,000.00 Member Directory $ -0- $ -0- $ -0- Source List $ 1,472.58 $ 3,000.00 $ 2,000.00Auction income – Fall $ $ 4,000.00 $ 4,000.00Bank Interest $ 8.07 $ 10.00 $ 25.00 CD Interest $ 103.34 $ 300.00 $ -0-Memberships $11,390.39 $22,000.00 $18,000.00Sales: Journal -0- -0- $ -0- Book Sales $ 100.00 $ 200.00 $ 100.00 Magazine -0- -0- $ -0- Source List $ 469.83 $ 1,000.00 $ 800.00Miscellaneous income $ 487.24 (from SEC) -0- -0-Totals $16,027.56 $32,010.00 $26,925.00

Presidents Report 2011

Submitted by: James Clever October 8, 2011

The first thing that happened when I took over from Bill King as ABS President was to gather with a group of young enthusiastic bamboo people at the Saturday evening dinner at the conference and talked about their visions of the future of the ABS. All of them very tech savoy and full of energy to help make things happen. One of these new members Areil Dubov went to his room that night and created the ABS FaceBook page. He even asked permission to do this. The next day on the tour we had more time to talk about the new ABS web site. As in all things enthusiasm fades with time. Bill Hollenback has for the most part cared the load of webmaster in 2011. But the good news is we do have Ariel Dubov on board to take over the ABS Web Master duties this month.

After arriving back to my office I wrote thank you notes to all of those that donated to the ABS auction. A personal note from the ABS and ABS President.

The matter of a member that created his own chapter arose again shortly after the conference. E-mails and phone calls were made to this individual were ignored. A US Post certified letter was sent and never accepted. Eventually the board agreed that monies spent on lawyers was a waste of time and society funds. The solution was to have a disclaimer on the ABS web site and each ABS Magazine declaring what chapters are official and anyone stating otherwise is a fraud. Although this matter arose in December it took many months to work to the end. Or the end we wanted it to be. For the most part we all thought it best to ignore the person as he had done to the ABS boards requests.

In December talk of updating the ABS Chapter officers list was made and never finished. A task that should be done now. This will enable all of the board members easily to access the right person in other chapters they need to communicate with.

Also at this time I sent a message to those on the board about the very well thought out and consistent e-mail message that Carole Meckes is doing for the Texas Chapter. This a update of what is happening in the TBS Chapter. She was very forthcoming in educating all in how they to can easily do this in their chapters.

Continuing on the ABS going into the future Susanne Lucas created an ABS connection on the site “Linkedin” in early December.

The start of the “Big Bamboo Contest” was in motion in early January under the guidance of Frasier Bingham. Family matters arose in the early part of 2011 and this contest had been put on hold until our meeting in October 2011.

In January Web Site Advertising subject started upFollowed in March by the By Laws revision Committee (David King & Betty

Shor) and Importation Committee (Cliff Sussman, Chair, Noah Bell, Ian Connor. Ned Jaquith & Brad Salmon, Bill Hollenback - Advisor). This committee was official on May 15th

Brian M. Irish, Ph.D. Horticulturist/Curator Tropical Agriculture Research Station in Puerto Rico asked for a letter from the ABS stating the value to bamboo in the US and the growers. I sent him a generic letter to thank him and the organization for the

valuable contributions.

I received a very long letter fn April from Johan Gielis, editor of “Bamboo Science & Culture” detailing what he does as the editor . His contributions to the society are very important. This is an enormous task and the ABS should very much value the work that he does.

On May 15th Steve Stamper our ABS Vice President the Florida representative resigned as the Florida representative.

About this same time Len Lundstrom disappeared from any communications with the ABS board. In October I was able to contact him in California. He had family matters he needed to attend to and was not able to fill his duties with the society.

In May I asked Tom Harlow to head a committee to find a slate of candidates for the expiring term of an at large representative.

Treasurers search committee (Daphne Lewis & David King) started in May. One possible candidate pulled out with another coming up this past month.

In June discussions from our Arts & Crafts Chair Charissa Brock to change the annual awards to every other year. This was approved.

July until now has been a flurry of activity wrapping up all the jobs we have been working on this year.

I have only briefly covered some of the events from this past year with some deletions. Hopefully other r officer reports will fill us better in these matters that I omitted.

From day 1 a tried to keep the board informed on what was going on with open communications. I sent out occasional e-mail “Presidents Messages”. And with a message in each issue of the “Bamboo Magazine”. In return received back hundreds of messages from the board and members alike.

We accomplished many things in the past year. I am proud of this board. We do represent our society well.

Secretary's Reportto the

American Bamboo Society Board of Directors12 October 2011

1. Reporting Period: 4 November 2010 through 11 October 2011.

2. Board activity since October 2010 ABS Board meeting (Savannah, GA).

(a) Passed motionsnone – (Voting requires a Board meeting, in person or live electronically, and no

qualifying interim meetings were held.)

(b) DiscussionsBamboo importation and quarantine at the USDA facility in Beltsville, MDRevision of the Bylaws, now ready for a vote of the membershipComplying with recent California Corporations Code changes and clarificationsChanging Arts & Crafts Competition to biennial from annual – skip 2011Advertising: what to charge, how to display on Bamboo.orgEvaluation of candidates for ABS TreasurerSolicitation of candidates for Webmaster, Advertising chairBalloting for one At-Large Directorship under the aegis of Director Tom Harlow

3. Chapter Director selection:Florida Caribbean – Tracy Calla, replacing Steve Stamper for the remainder of

his 2013 term ending in 2013Hawaii – Norm Bezona for 2011 – 2014Mid States – Selection pending, future election to be heldNew England – Susanne Lucas, effective immediately, continuing 2011 - 2014At-Large Director for 2011 - 2014 : TBA at the General Membership Meeting

4. Currently recognized Chapters:Florida Caribbean ChapterHawaii ChapterLouisiana Gulf Coast ChapterMid-States ChapterNortheast ChapterNorthern California ChapterPacific Northwest ChapterSoutheast ChapterSouthern California ChapterTexas Bamboo Society Chapter

Respectfully submitted,

David King, Secretary, ABS

ABS Dues structure as of October 2011: Summary

Annual: - Includes 1-year Primary Chapter for United States Members; Primary chapter receives $15 additional Chapters are $15.00/year each. Digital: $40 = $25 ABS, $15 ChapterPrint: $50 = $35 ABS, $15 Chapter

3-Year: - Includes 3-year Primary Chapter for United States Members; Primary chapter receives $40 additional chapters: $40 each for the 3-year period Digital: $110 = $70 ABS, $40 ChapterPrint: $140 = $100 ABS, $40 Chapter

Lifetime: - Includes ABS Membership only Digital: $600Print: $800

Supporting: - Includes a 1-year Primary Chapter Membership. Primary chapter receives $15 additional Chapters are $15.00/year each.Digital: $60 = $45 ABS, $15 ChapterPrint: $70 = $55 ABS, $15 Chapter

Patron: (tax-deductible) - Includes a 1-year Chapter Membership. Primary chapter receives $15 additional Chapters are $15.00/year each.Digital: $120 = $105 ABS, $15 ChapterPrint: $130 = $115 ABS, $15 Chapter

International: (outside the United States; no Chapter Included) Digital: $40Print: $55______________

Betreff: Re: Members by Chapter Von: Daniel B Fox <danielbfox@gmail.com> Datum: 12.Oct.11 09:56 An: David King <secretary@bamboo.org>

60 53 FCC 28 21 HC 57 46 LGCC 31 26 MSC 50 39 NCC 69 65 NEC 76 69 PNWC 79 66 SEC 35 29 SCC 58 54 TBSC 6 3 TSC 549 471 SubTotal 38 International 587 Total

Re: Members by Chapter 1 von 2 13.Oct.11 05:59

2011 Advertising Report

Submitted by: James Clever October 8, 2011

For 2011 a total 10 ads ran for the whole year in the ABS magazine “BAMBOO” from April 2011 (Volume 31 - 4 issues) & the Feb 2011 issue (Volume 32 - Feb only) as Business-card sized ads. One business ran one business card ad for two issue and another ran 1 ad one issue in the magazine. In comparison 2010 a total of 8 ads ran and one business ran one business card ad for two issue and another ran 1 ad one issue in the magazine.

For the Spring 2011 Bamboo Species Source list No. 31 a total of 11 business card size ads and one half page ran this year. In comparison the Spring 2010 Bamboo Species Source list No. 30 a total of 17 business card size ads and one half page ran this year.

Totals for source list ads: $1,472.58Totals for magazine ads: $1,996.11Totals from both publications = $3,468.69

In comparison in 2010 the income from the Magazine ads totaled $1,795.77 and the SSL totaled $2,150.22 for a total income from ads of $3,945.99. a decrease in income of $477.30.

The goals for November 2011 & 2012 year are: To turn over this position to someone that will have the time to improve on the

number of advertisers to these publications. The latest new Invoice will need to be revised and e-mailed out to all that advertised last year and also submitted to the Magazine editors to be published in the next issue of our bamboo magazine right after this meeting.

Source List: Once a year publication, Business card size ad if not otherwise listed. Bamboo & Rattan (Suzanne Maison)-- $90.Bamboo Headquarters (Ralph Evans)-- $180. (2 separate ads)Pura Vida (Bob Dimattia)-- $96.80New Shoots Bamboo Nursery -- $87.30Alexandra Garden -- $96.80Viewcrest (Dawna Haluopa )-- $96.80Bamboo Garden (Ned Jaquith) -- $369.28 (half page)Bamboo Source (David Shackleford) -- $87.30Tropical Bamboo (Robert Saporito) -- $87.30Horticultural Consultants (Grant Stephenson) -- $96.90

Marc Ellenby -- $87.30Ian Connor (Connor Bamboo) Pd by Bill Hollenback -- $96.80For a total for source list ads: $1,472.58 Magazine: 4 issues as a Business card size ad if not otherwise listed. Bamboo & Rattan -- $180.Bamboo Gardener LLC -(James Clever)- $200.Bamboo Headquarters (Ralph Evans)-- $180New Shoots Bamboo Nursery -- $174.60Bamboo Arts & Craft Network (Carol Meckes) -- $193.90Bamboo Garden (Ned Jaquith) -- $193.90Whispering Winds -- $200.Bamboo Source (David Shackleford) -- $174.57Tropical Bamboo (Robert Saporito) -- $174.57Bamboo Sourcery (Jennifer York)(2 issues) -- $100.Marc Ellenby -- $174.57EARF (A&S Turtle) --(1 issue) $50.Totals for magazine ads: $1,996.11

One company paid for their ads in fiscal year 2010 -- Tejas Tropicals (David Glover) -- so he should have his ads included but his money was recorded last year. He had ads in both the magazine and source list -- paid via check $300. The others -- where the monies are less than what we charge. This is because they paid via paypal and they take a percentage cut off of each transaction. Or the advertiser paid for two ads for the year and got the discount and paid via check.

Total Income form advertising in the Magazine and Source list ads = $3,468.69

Website Advertising Committee Report

The Board changed its policy of not allowing advertising on its website at the 2010 meeting in Savannah. Accordingly the new website was designed to allow the placement of a Banner Ad. Accordingly an announcement was placed in the April addition of Bamboo that alerted the membership to look for an announcement of advertising rates and availability.

A draft set of regulations was written and is attached to the end of this report. Unfortunately the committee has not been able to agree on the extent of the ads allowed nor the amount to be charged for the ads.

The ABS has a unique opportunity to charge for advertising. Our website is accessible by a six letter URL that actually spells an understandable word in English. Such names are not available today. This is to be credited to Berry who has initiated and maintained our website until last year. Thanks to his efforts we are now the number one response to a Goggle search for “BAMBOO”. Our new website has been launched by the extra efforts of Bill Holllenback to whom a round of applause is due!

The new website was designed to maintain that advantage by conforming to the criteria at Google uses to determine its most highly rated (i.e. top of the list) sites.

However the committee has been unable to reach a conclusion of it work and start advertising on the website and needs the direction of the Board in the following areas.

The Board needs to make the following decisions in order to proceed with advertising on its website;

1. The Board needs to find a need Chairman to head the committee. With this report I rescind.

2. The Board needs to find a person to administer the ads who has internet expertise. Doug Perry in Sarasota may agree to take this on, or other persons may emerge.

3. The Board needs to decide whether they want to have ads on the Home page only, or to allow ad other pages as well. (only a few ads will be available on the home page – 12 or so – but each page could that many or have more).

4. The Board needs to decide on the advertising rates to be used for the banner ads on the website (Personal opinion is that if advertising is cheap, is isn’t worth the degradation of the site and that is it is easier

to go high and reduce the rate if you don’t get enough customers than is to increase your prices in the future – so I guess I believe in a market economy – let the price determine the quantity and vice versa- Hey, it worked for Steve Jobs)

5. A third consideration would be that if a significant amount of revenue was being generated by the website advertising we could in fact hire someone to administer the advertising on a percentage of the revenue and still come out with a sizeable income.

Respectfully submitted,

C William King

ATTACHMENT

D R A F TAmerican Bamboo Society

Website Advertising Regulations and Rate Schedule

Regulations:

1. Ads will be accepted only from members of the Society in good standing with dues paid through the duration of the advertising period purchased.

2. Ads may use the name of the person's business as long as the principal owner of the business is a member of the Society.

3. All ads in the initial offering will be on the home page of the Society's website (www.bamboo.org). Should interest warrant the Society may in the future make advertising available on other pages of the website.

4. A member of the Society may purchase advertising on more than one page but may one have one ad in each page's rotation.

5. All ads must be professionally developed to ensure compatibility with the site. Assistance with development is available as listed in the rate sheet.

6. All ads must be pre-paid by check or money order and will be accepted only upon physical receipt of the check for the full amount of the fee. No online payments will be accepted.

7. All ads will be of a 728 x 90 pixels and will be in a rotation on the page.

8. Twelve (12) ads will be accepted. The first twelve ads received with payment after the announcement will be included in the initial uploading of ads. Any ads received after the first twelve will be put on a waiting list for inclusion at a future date upon expiration of any ad in the first twelve.

9. Advertising may be purchased for periods of three (3) months, six (6) months or one year.

10. Advertisers who have had an ad running for a one year duration may renew their ad during the period between six and three months prior to the expiration of the current period. Advertisers who purchase less than a one year ad will be put on the waiting list with other pending ads and will be taken in order of the list. Renewal of the ad is the advertiser’s responsibility. Failure of the Society to send renewal notices will not be considered as a basis of any responsibility of the Society.

11. The Society reserves the right to reject any ad for any reason, including content, graphic quality or compatibility, without further notice. The Society also reserves the right to cancel any ad at any time without the need to refund any fees paid.

Rate Schedule:

1. Three (3) Months duration - $450 ($150 per month)

2. Six (6) Months duration - $750 ($125 per month)

3. One (1) Year duration - $1200 ($100 per month)

4. Code development for a 728 x 90 pixel ad based on graphics supplied by advertiser - $35

2011 ABS On-line Auction ReportThe donations are down again for the Auction again this year. The online auction has 26 auctions including 20 plants and 6 other items. This year, 6 of the plants are On-line only with separate plants for the live auction. I will have the On-line totals at the ABS meeting.

Thank You,Bill Hollenback

2011 Bambooweb.info Website ReportOctober 7, 2011

This year we saw the number of bamboo photos that we have grow to 5269 which consists of photos of 486 varieties, which is an addition of 131 photos and 4 varieties since last year. The Extended species list is still at 58 species because I added the same number of species to it as went into the ABS species list last year.

The Forums have grown to over 50,000 posts and 1294 registered users. Brad Salmon and David Arnold have done a good job as administrators of the forum so I have time to work on the websites.

This summer we had three months with the number of visitors averaging over 1000 per day and we are still increasing from last year. Last May the number of hits went over 1 million for the month which is the highest so far. I was also able to get the domains bambooweb.org and bambooweb.net which all go to the same website.

I did not meet my goals for last year but now that Ariel is taking over most of the work at bamboo.org I have more time to work on the site

The goals for 2012 year are:• Add user comments for each species and add links to other sites such as

www.bamboo-identification.co.uk and the FOC. I have a number of other changes in the works for the species list such as grower / source maps for each species and expanded information for each species such as history and how to identify.

• Include better editing and upload options for the photo database.

Thank you,Bill Hollenback

2011 ABS Website ReportOctober 2, 2011

At the meeting last year we approved 29th Parallel Design to redesign the website. They did a good job and when they were finished I updated the old information on the site and changed the header and footers so that when information changes it only needs to be changed once instead of on every page. The site was also changed so we had an event page based on Google Calendar and a news page based on Word Press blogs.

The blogs will allow quick dissemination of information without requiring knowledge of html. There currently are blogs for Arts and Crafts and Farming Bamboo along with the news and ABS information pages. The PNW and NE chapters also have blogs on the site.

Ariel Dubov will be taking over the job of webmaster after the conference. This will allow me to devote more time to bambooweb and the species/Source List.

Thank you,Bill Hollenback

Attached bamboo_org.pdf - Statistics for the site.

Website Revision Committee Report

As authorized by the Board, the Committee contracted with 29th Parallel Design in Inverness, FL to develop a new website (in an amount not to exceed $1500) along the lines of the work done by ABS volunteers in 2010. Accordingly I met with 29th Parallel and a draft website was developed and distributed to the committee.

After discussion of the language(s) used for the website as well as the draft content an appearance, a consensus was reached. The concerns of the committee and ABS events photographs were incorporated into the source code by 29th Parallel.

With the extensive help of the Website Director, Bill Hollenback, the new web site was launched in the Spring of 2011.

Thanks to all of those of you who helped!

2011 Digital Publications ReportOctober 2, 2011

Since the start of the year we have grown to 186 Digital members. (17 more than last year)

Each month when I get the new membership list I create logins for the new members and email them with the information needed to log in and download the publications. This year I moved all of the Journals to the new site. Johan Gielis the journal editor has been sending me the new Journals in both High and low resolution format. He also has a comprehensive index which I will post after the conference.

When a new magazine comes out Don Shor notifies me and I download the files and create two files one for slow connections and a high resolution file for people with fast connections. I then load the files onto the website at www.bamboo.org/publications and send an email to all of the membership so they know when to download the files.

Thank you,Bill Hollenback

ABS Magazine editor’s report October 10, 2011 Budget information will be presented by the treasurer. Circulation counts and web-subscriber totals will be provided by others. I am sorry to say I never really know where we stand with our advertisers. Our treasurer is not to blame. I get updates from her, and implement them as soon as possible, but a master list of advertisers has not been created or maintained. I really don’t want that to be part of the editor’s job description. I am happy to work with potential advertisers in creating or modifying ad copy. We have advertisers in Bamboo Magazine, in the Source List, and in the Journal. It seems to me we could possible streamline all this, having any and all advertisers in all three publications wherever possible. But somebody needs to keep a database of this, regardless. I often keep ads running into subsequent Volume years because I’d rather err on the side of keeping them happy than alienate advertisers because we didn’t follow up. I do urge that we be flexible in offering one-time ads, as that question comes up periodically. It is easy to accommodate in the magazine. In the past, budget issues have led to policy decisions about the magazine, often without consultation with the editors. If you want to save money, it would be possible to have the Source List be one of the six issues instead of a separate mailed membership benefit. We continue to get interesting submissions for the magazine every issue. Many are from overseas members and authors. We would appreciate (again) if chapter directors would take it upon themselves to

submit at least one story each year about some activity of your chapter. urge your members to submit stories, pictures, poems, artwork, photographs, and other interesting

material related to bamboo. We especially appreciate high-resolution photographs, and will be happy to build a short article around a well-composed photograph.

send us links and articles that might be of interest to reprint. I can obtain the necessary permissions. send us events notifications. We are aware of the Facebook page, but an event is more likely to get

noticed and posted if it is sent to us directly. The annual meeting provides numerous opportunities for magazine articles if somebody could take it on himself or herself to follow up with the speakers and presenters. I suspect there is concern about having to polish the notes or presentations into print-ready copy. I assure potential authors that my mother is good at that. If speakers can simply send us their outlines and images, we can follow up to make sure it is presentable. Back up to a flash drive, burn to a CD, or email me the whole file. Snail mail address: Don Shor 1607 Fifth Street Davis CA 95616 email: magazine@bamboo.org We thank the President for being timely and erudite in his President’s messages in 2011! Note to incoming president: James Clever took no reminding! And our thanks to all those who contributed during this past year for your support of BAMBOO, The Magazine of the American Bamboo Society. Don Shor Co-editor

About Bamboo Science and Culture

1. The next issue should be out in February.

2. One alarming trend is that there are hardly any submissions any more on taxonomy or description of American bamboos. Almost all in the past years were submitted by Lynn or with Lynn as coauthor. Perhaps limitations on taxonomy staff and budgets? Other

2007 20 Aulonemia ximenae Clark et al. 4 out of 7

Sporadic flowering Filgueirias et al.

Preservation of Guadua

Pinzon & Tistl

Historical bamboo images

Lynn Clark

2008 21 Cleofe Calderon Lynn Clark

Flowering Ch. Riosaltensis

Moreira et al. 2 out of 7

2009 22 Aulonemia deflexa Viana et al 2 out of 5

A new species Lynn Clark

2010 23 Ch. Mayrae Fisher et al

About the World Bamboo Congress 2011, April, at the University of Antwerp

Perhaps Lynn mentions this during the meeting, but I had sent her this message earlier this week for presentation to the board (hope for some positive reaction, despite downturns everywhere).

Proposal to the ABS Board.

For the World Bamboo Congress in Antwerp, 10-13 April 2012 several American researchers, both from US and South & Central America, wish to participate. As chair of the scientific committee I expect that their contributions, next to Lynn Clark's Keynote, will be an important plus for the conference, especially since it is cutting edge research.We have applied for additional funding to invite young researchers, based on the quality of the papers (judged by the scientific committee, which also includes Lynn Clark). If approved we could invite up to ten young researchers. However, we are also looking for additional funds. I ask the board to consider travel grants for five researchers (US and other Americans) of one thousand dollars each.Such grants could be considered every three to five years. The conference (www.worldbamboocongress.org) is organised by the university of Antwerp, and in the future, every 3-4 years universities could organise this further, thereby enhancing the level of scientific output. US and American researchers will then be able to have a better visibility for the research.

Yours,Johan Gielis

2011 ABS Species Source List Report

The 2011 Source List is the 31st published by the American Bamboo Society. Greatly expanded since its inception, the 2011 list includes 497 bamboos and 112 sources, an increase of 13 bamboos from the previous year, but a decrease of 14 sources. After the signup period another 3 sources have signed up and are in the on-line source lists, 2 new members have also inquired about getting on the list in the past month.

The printed Source List broke even financially but we need to sell more ads next year to cover increased printing costs.

The Source List signup website includes two bamboo lists, the ABS Species List and an extended list of bamboos that are included on www.bambooweb.info but are not yet included on the ABS Species List, either because the bamboos do not yet have two vendors or because they have not been vetted by Chris Stapleton for inclusion.

The addition of the extended list on www.bambooweb.info in conjunction with the signup form has proven to be an effective mechanism for providing a consolidated public list of new bamboo candidates for the ABS Species List, and a mechanism for subsequent vetting and inclusion in the ABS Species List. When two or more sources for a new bamboo are listed, the bamboo candidate is forwarded to Chris Stapleton for vetting and inclusion in the ABS Species List. For the 2011 ABS Species List, this process facilitated 13 new additions.

Both online versions of the list have been consolidated into a single database. This enhancement reduces the time required to update the two websites and increases overall functionality.

Both websites will be enhanced on an alternating basis over a several year period. This year major with the redesign of bamboo.org no changes major changes were made to either online list but in the coming year www.bambooweb.info will be updated then the following year these additional features will be included in www.bamboo.org/BambooSourceList.

Respectfully submitted,

Bill Hollenback,Ted Jordan MeredithCo-Editors – ABS Source List.

Arts and crafts coordinator report.Charissa Brock

I began with posting the award call in as many places as I could. Because the ABS website was being worked on it was quite a challenge to get the message out. I sent the below email out when I only had two entrants close to the deadline:

Dear American Bamboo Society board,There has been a drastic decline in submissions this year for the American Bamboo Society Arts and Crafts award. It concerns me, and as a result I would like to propose that we make this a bi-annual event, with next year being the award year and this year having no award. I have discussed this with Nancy Moore Bess, the previous coordinator and she agrees.Once the award is more well known and the economy has bounced back, we could move the awards back to every year. I think having 25 entrants would be a good sign that we could move to every year. In the past, we have had around 13 entrants. I would also like to propose that since it would be a bi-annual event, that I be given a budget to advertise in some fine craft and fine art magazines. If it is a bi-annual event, then the award $ would be given every other year. This would leave some monies freed up this year to advertise. This sort of advertisment would help to attract serious artists to apply for the award and give us a greater visability. I propose that the adds be placed 3 months before the deadline in American Craft, ornament, and American style. The price for a classified runs between 60 and 90$ for about 25 words. I can say what I need in 20. I am also looking into Sculpture and Fine Woodworking prices. I am expecting that such advertizing will cost about 500$ for the total expenses for 6 magazine ad expenses. When the competition is well known enough we can start charging an entrance fee, but we do need to get the name out there first.The third and final thing I would like to propose is that the award should have a presence on the homepage of the new site. Just a link to the information would help. Several people have contacted me not knowing how to find the info.

Thank you for your time and letting me have this position,Charissa

James clever and I spent time discussing this and it was decided to make this a bi-annual award. I contacted the very few entrants and asked them to resubmit next year. I posted the news and new call for entries on the new blog Bill set up for the arts and crafts award.I spent time contacting past winners, getting updates, and creating a report for the winner updates book. I am really impressed with some of the winners and where they have taken their work.

ABS Bamboo Importation Committee Report

We have been gaining experience with the new bamboo importation program under USDA Germplasm Facility in Beltsville, Maryland. The Chief Scientist and program Manager, Dr Clarissa Maroon-Langley, will be the keynote speaker at this year’s Conference. I have personally brought 19 Tropical species in from Thailand and am awaiting shipment of another 25 species to USDA. ABS SOCAL has brought in 25 species of bamboo seed with some success.

We are working through a large list of Chinese bamboos to select 25 Temperate Runners and Himalayans to bring in this winter. USDA has space for 2-4 individuals of a species/cultivar but only resources to process 2 of these. Thus 25 “slots” x 2 = 50 individuals maximum yield per importation cycle. The plants are tested twice for virus infections – this can be as short as 9 months.

Two of the talks at the Conference will feature bamboos available from a large nursery in China – FMXG Bamboo Nursery. These plants average about $20 USD each, so our outlay for 50 plants is about $1000. This should be within the range of ABS Board’s discretionary funding.

Ian Conner has been pursuing leads in Europe. I have been working in Asia.

The bigger question is where the survivors should be housed and propagated prior to sale to our members.

Cliff Sussman MDChairman

“May your path be lined by the world's bamboos and never find its end.” Prof. KM Wong

ABS "Help Line”Submitted by: Kinder Chambers

The Question and Answer Person for the ABS "Help Line'"..

All inquiries though the “ABS "Help line" on the ABS web site go to: help@bamboo,org I reply to all inquiries that come thru the ABS Help LIne. If I know the answer, I reply to them immediately answering their question(s), regarding bamboo. Mostly the Propagation or the growing of bamboo. If it is something out of my area of expertise, I forward it to another ABS member whom will probably know the answer OR will know whom to forward it to for a "real answer". And part of my "expertise' is knowing so many of our ABS members personally and knowing your strengths and areas of expertise. Sometimes this requires looking up who or where an ABS MEMBER may be close to the person and can help them. When doing so, I usually inquire of the ABS person, for permission to pass on their e-mail address at least. Then the two can get together or not, as it pleases them. If nearby, we often invite them to come "look and learn" about bamboo at our farm. We only provide information-- we do NOT sell bamboo.

In this way I as a representative of the ABS acknowledges in the best way I can that real people exist in the ABS, we care and are trying our best help them in their knowledge of bamboo.

2011 BOTA Report – ABS Annual Meeting 1. BOTA Student Assistance Program BOTA Review Committee Chair, Lynn Clark and Gib Cooper discussed modifications to the BOTA application and review process. One point is to allow for projects, if they meet the BOTA mission statement, to be carried out in a country by a

foreign student. Currently the rule is a student must be a citizen of the country their project work is to occur. Another item discussed is to rotate the chairperson of the review committee. At this time the permanent chair of the review committee is Lynn Clark. 2. Panama’s Summit Park receives a second year of funding from the Association of Zoological Horticulture, Inc, (AZH) and BOTA. In 2010 Mike Bostwick, Curator of Horticulture at the San Diego Zoo in collaboration with BOTA Director, Gib Cooper received a grant totaling $5,000 for developing the native bamboo species collection and improving the historical bamboo collection established by McClure in 1943. The grant is titled, Summit Park: Panama Bamboo Education, Restoration and Conservation. This year we teamed up with Dr. Omar Lopez, Center of Environmental Sciences and Applied Ecology and his assistant Jorge Lezcano. Our collection permit was issued with Dr. Lopez as the chief researcher and was obtained from the government of Panama to sample native species in voucher and living form. A stumbling block last year was the policy of the University of Panama’s herbarium requiring that herbarium vouchers must have flowering specimens included to be accepted. Lynn Clark wrote the director of the herbarium, Dr. Mireya Correa and asked that bamboos receive a variance for this policy. Dr. Correa approved and gave the go ahead that allowed the permit to be processed.

Gib Cooper participated in the fieldwork in September 2011. The work involved traveling to three different ecological zones to locate bamboo species known to exist in each location from former researchers. Two locations yielded 8 different species of which six were collected in living form and delivered to Summit’s nursery to be grown on as starters for the living collection.

A planning meeting for 2012 involved two new institutions to the mix of collaborators expanding the interest in the bamboos. On World Bamboo Day, September 18 we met with Dr. Omar Lopez and Summit’s representative, Marianne Akers, to discuss the anticipated needs and approach to organizing the projects with the expanded team. Following this meeting we added Rolando Sanchez of the National Bamboo Committee of Panama to coordinate using Summit Park in future bamboo association activities. Rolando participated with us in mapping the complete collection of species at the park. (Please see Appendix A for meeting notes)

Over a three-day period at Marianne Aker’s house, we reviewed, wrote and designed new descriptive labels, signage and handouts for the park to distribute in the collection and hand out to visitors.

Mike Bostwick is participating in the project in November, 2011 to complete the grant

activities for the year.

3. Dr. Teresa Mejia and Gib Cooper apply for a new ABS/BOTA grant in Mexico titled, “THE CHIAPAS BAMBOO DIVERSITY, CONSERVATION AND USES” BOTA Executive Director, Gib Cooper and Dr. Mejia partnered in writing a proposal to the ABS to fund a collaborative living bamboo collection in the State of Chiapas. Chiapas is the richest native bamboo State of Mexico with more than 24 described species. Several new species have been described from previously collected samples in the past few years. Along with a new living bamboo ex-situ collection at Dr. Faustino Miranda Botanical Garden, the Ecological station of Berriozabal will carry out in-situ conservation studies. Two students will participate in the research activities with native herbaceous and woody bamboos. A section of the nursery is to be dedicated for the propagation of endemic species and other native bamboo genera such as Guadua, Chusquea and Otatea. The Botanical Garden and Botanical Museum will make an exhibition of Mexican Bamboos diversity focusing on Chiapas diversity, conservation and ethnobotanical uses. Currently these concepts are being applied and the Botanical Garden’s Board feels that it is a great vehicle to open eyes to what is available for Chiapas. Mike Bostwick, curator of horticulture for the San Diego Zoo, will participate in review and suggestions for the design and educational display of the exhibition. 4. DNA BARCODE OF MEXICAN BAMBOOS Dr. Teresa Mejia and Victoria Sosa Financial support of CONABIO Collaboration with: Dr. Eduardo Ruiz – collecting, analized samples, etc. Master Claudia Navarro - laboratory Gib Cooper – BOTA- collaborated with Mexican bamboos samples from his greenhouse Dr. Lynn Clark and Ximena Londoño – collaborated on identification species Among the applications of DNA barcoding for plant conservation is the identification of illegally traded endangered species from small samples or vegetative specimens. DNA barcoding offers an important tool for the phytosanitary authorities to identify species belonging to groups such as the bamboos, cycads or orchids, which command high prices in the horticultural trade. In this study we created a DNA barcode library for 41 species of bamboo (Bambusoideae, Poaceae) distributed in Mexico. We applied several metrics to evaluate the efficiency of the barcodes matK, rbcL and the plastid spacer psbI-K. Our results for bamboos, the psbI-K spacer retrieved more polymorphic sites and in combination with matK we were able to identify bamboos to at least the generic level. 5. Dr. Eduardo Ruiz speaks at ABS Annual Meeting We are pleased that one of our BOTA-SAP alumni is speaking this year at the ABS Annual Meeting. Dr. Eduardo Ruiz, Instituto de Ecologia, Mexico, will present the topic “A Taxomonic Revision of Otatea (Poaceae: Bambusoideae: Bambuseae) Including Four New Species”. Dr. Ruiz has been in the USA working on postgraduate studies at UC Berkeley. We our thankful to the ABS board for assisting in funding a BOTA presentation each year to the national meeting.

6. Financial Report

Bamboo of the Americas (B.O.T.A.) Financial Report January 1, 2011 – October 1, 2011

Acct. # 79 40955 – First Farmer's and Merchants National Bank

Mt. Pleasant, TN 38474 Balance 1/1/11 (includes $5,000 in CD) $ 9,024.84

Donations: from PayPal 52.30 San Diego Zoo (Panama Project) 2,700.00 Interest on Account & 6-mth CD through 10/1/11 20.63 Total in: $2,772.93 Expenses: Membership renewal – AZH 150.00 Mexico voucher project – postal expenses 53.10 Summit Zoo, Panama conservation project 1,424.50 Total out: $1,627.60 Total in Account & CD as of 10/1/11 $10,170.17 Respectfully submitted: Susanne Turtle, Treasurer Susanne Turtle ABS & BOTA Treasurer 30 Myers Road Summertown, TN 38483-7323 Phone: 1-931-964-4151 Fax: 1-931-964-4228 e-mail: ABSTreasurer@aol.com, treasurer@americanbamboo.org The 2011 BOTA Report is respectfully submitted by Gib Cooper, BOTA Executive Director: Gib Cooper, Executive Director Bambúes de las Américas Bamboo of the Americas (BOTA) 28446 Hunter Creek Loop Gold Beach, OR 97444 Tel. & FAX: 541-247-0835 BAMBOO CONSERVATION ACTION FOR THE NEW WORLD http://www.bamboooftheamericas.org/ Alt. email: bambugib@charter.net Skype me: BAMBUGIB BOTA is administered by The American Bamboo Society (ABS), a California non-profit scientific and literary charitable corporation, tax-exempt under section 501(C)-3. Contributions to this project are tax-deductible under federal and California laws. For more information about ABS visit: http://www.americanbamboo.org/ Sept. 29, 2011

Appendix A Planning for Summit Project 2012 Theme - Widen the circle of Panamanian collaborators with interest in bamboo and Summit Park by developing projects with the following institutions: SENACYT / INDICASAT - Dr. Omar Lopez, Ecologist with Center of Environmental Sciences and Applied Ecology (INDICASAT), Ciudad del Saber, Panamá & Investigador Nacional I Sistema Nacional de Investigación (SNI) SENACYT-República de Panama. Assisted by Jorge Lezcano. Set up Environmental and ecological studies related to bamboo. Possibly contract with the Park for ex-situ native plant plots for research and education. Gib Cooper of Bamboo of the Americas (BOTA) and Mike Bostwick of the San Diego Zoo (AZH) to set up ex-situ collection organization based on Xalapa/Quito projects. SUMMIT - Marianne Akers and Nestor Correa of Summit Park to finish locating and mapping plants, grant permission to use the park, find and sub-contract labor via CONABA, management, sub-contracting. COMITE NACIONAL DE BAMBU Panama (CONABA) – Suggest to Rolando Sanchez, president of CONABA to use Summit for a bamboo education and workshop setting. Perhaps as a project for his group and involve the Comite with the collaborators. OTHER POSSIBLE COLLABORATORS LIST –CEMEX, DELL computers, GRUPO LOS PUEBLOS, CANAL ZONE CO., ABS. Edwina van Gal, CAFÉ RUIZ, FAIRCHILD GARDENS, AZH NEEDS – Nestor’s involvement, to produce labor, training, develop a program to market Summit bamboo activities to botany and horticulture students, build a bamboo trussed roof on the botany center, locate student to manage bamboo collections. - From notes from 18 Sep 2011 meeting with Gib Cooper, Marianne Akers, Jorge Lezcano and Omar Lopez. -------------below - Additional notes from meeting 20 Sep 2011 at Summit with Dr. Omar Lopez, Jose Valencia, Rolando Sanchez and Mariane Akers. COMITE NACIONAL DE BAMBU Panama – Rolando Sanchez, president, will work with the rest of the group to find projects and long term funding for using and providing maintenance of the existing bamboo and developing the ex situ native bamboo collection. A week long festival of bamboo is a primary theme. Gib will look into collaboration with the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) based in Washington DC. Jose Manuel Perez is the Panamanian director of GEF. Rolando and Omar will look into collaboration with the PRONATURA organization trust.

American Bamboo Society (ABS) Bamboo Conservation Grant Application Title of Project THE CHIAPAS BAMBOO DIVERSITY, CONSERVATION AND USES Name of Grant Supervisor/Title Gib Cooper, Executive Director of Bamboo of the Americas (BOTA) 28446 Hunter Creek Loop Gold Beach, OR 97444 Telephone: 541-247-0835 E-mail addresses: gib@bamboodirect.com Co-managing supervisor Susanne Turtle, Treasurer of Bamboo of the Americas (BOTA) and American Bamboo Society (ABS) 30 Myers Road, Summertown, TN 38483-7323 Telephone: 931-964-4151 Institution Requesting Grant Gib Cooper, Executive Director of Bamboo of the Americas (BOTA) 28446 Hunter Creek Loop Gold Beach, OR 97444 Telephone: 541-247-0835 E-mail addresses: gib@bamboodirect.com Institution co-manager Dr. Martin R. Aluja Schuneman Hofer –Director Instituto de Ecologia. A.C (INECOL) Km. 2.5 carretera antigua a Coatepec No. 351 El Haya, 91070 Xalapa, Veracruz. MEXICO Telephone: 52- 228- 818 66 09 E-mail: martin.aluja@inecol.edu.mx Dr. Maria Teresa Mejia-Saulés - Co-ordinator project Bambúes Nativos de México Instituto de Ecología, A.C. (INECOL) Km 2.5 antigua carretera a Coatepec No. 351 El Haya 91070 Xalapa, Veracruz. MEXICO Telephone: 52 (228) 842-18-00 ext 3004 E-mail addresses: teresa.mejia@inecol.edu.mx and bambuesnativos@yahoo.com Institution Participating Biol. Teresa Cabrera - Directora del Jardín Botánico Dr. Faustino Miranda Parque Madero, Calzada de los Hombres Ilustres s/n Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas. MEXICO Telephone: 52 (961) 612-36-22 and 613-20-99 E-mail: botanica_ihne@hotmail.com Dr. Miguel Angel Pérez Farrera M. en C. Ruben Martínez Camilo Universidad de Ciencias y Artes de Chiapas Herbario Eizi Matuda (HEM), Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas

Libramiento Norte Poniente 1150 Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, MEXICO. C.P. 29039 Telephone: 52 (961) 121-08-94 E-mail: perezfarreram@yahoo.com.mx rubencamilo79@yahoo.com.mx

a. Mission/Purpose A one year program to develop and implement the first step of the Chiapas bamboo collection, diversity, conservation and uses project, including educational and management strategies for the Botanical Garden “Dr. Faustino Miranda” and Ecological station of Berriozabal. The Bamboo collection includes establishing the native bamboo of Chiapas collection ex situ and in situ, and to enhance nursery operations with more visible retail sales and expanded bamboo propagation. b. Program goals: Work will be initiated in January 2012 with the ABS/BOTA Bamboo Conservation Grant assessment and planning phase for the Chiapas bamboo collection at Botanical Garden “Dr. Faustino Miranda” and Ecological Station of Berriozabal. Activity will begin on building the native species collection with a small grant to fund an undergraduate student. Teresa Mejia, Miguel Angel Perez, Ruben Camilo and Teresa Cabrera are going to collaborate in this project to collect bamboos in the Chiapas State area. The exotic bamboo Bambusa vulgaris var. vittata in the botanical garden will be considered in this project to show its ornamental use. Botanical Garden, Ecological Station staff and other contractors will be trained in the care and maintenance of bamboo by INECOL (Instituto de Ecologia, A.C.) and BOTA staff. A section of the nursery is to be dedicated for the propagation of endemic species and other

Itemized Program Budget by the following categories: First year – 2012 Non-employee labor/consulting/contracted services total: $ 1400_ Supplies total: $ 800 Products total-Nurseries supplies: $ 500 Travel total: $ 2,000 Events total: $_300 Grand Total $ 5,000 This request for funds is the initial funding for this project. The contributions for this project are coming from. a. Individual contributions total $_______ b. In-kind contributions total $_______ c. Foundations/other granting organizations total $__5000 (ABS)_ d. Corporate giving total $_______ e. Local organization total $_______ f. Other_________(BOTA)_______ $2000_ Grand Total $__7000__

native bamboo genera such as Guadua, Chusquea and Otatea. The Botanical Garden and Botanical Museum will make an exhibition of Mexican Bamboo diversity focusing on Chiapas diversity, conservation and ethnobotanical uses. These concepts are currently being applied and the Botanical Garden’s Board feels that it is a great vehicle to open eyes to what is available in Chiapas. c. Objectives: 1) To begin a new native herbaceous and woody bamboo collection in the “Faustino Miranda” garden and improve the existing bamboo area of exotic Bambusa vulgaris var. vittata. 2) To start propagation of bamboos in the botanical garden´s nursery for retail sales and reforestation projects. 3) To identify native bamboos in the Ecological Station of Berriozabal and select species to start conservation in situ as well as to identify which endemic bamboo species will be included in 2013. 4) Develop educational programs and research activities around a bamboo theme, “The Chiapas bamboo diversity, conservation and uses” that would exemplify housing, furniture, erosion control, conservation, animal habitat and landscape uses. 5) Two undergraduate students will specialized in bamboo conservation, propagation, taxonomy and ethnobotany. d. Activities: 1) To established 12 native bamboos species in Miranda´s greenhouse and improve the existing Bamboo area of exotic Bambusa vulgaris var. vittata. Chiapas is first in Mexico with more bamboo species (24 woody and 5 herbaceous species ) followed by Veracruz state with 16 species and Oaxaca with 15 species. There is no reason why Miranda´s garden and Ecological station of Berriozabal should not be the center of this knowledge and profit from it. In the first year project 12 native woody and herbaceous bamboos of Chiapas (50% of species) will be collected and established in the greenhouse. The second year, these species will be established in the botanical area. For this first step, staff will use the guidelines, process and protocols developed by Teresa Mejia and Jesus Pale from INECOL that were developed as a result of the ex situ Mexican bamboo collection. The Bamboo area of exotic Asian species of Miranda´s Botanical Garden is represented by a Bambusa vulgaris var. vittata. This area needs landscaping and management to use in workshops or display. 2) To start propagation of bamboos in botanical garden´s nursery for retail sales and reforestation projects. An area will be designated in the botanical garden´s nursery to start bamboo propagation of

some endemic species such as Chusquea, Guadua, Otatea and Rhipidocladum. These species will be on sale for their economic and ornamental value. A small space of the nursery could be used for educational programs in bamboo propagation, plant care, sales and more. To this end the nursery workers need courses in bamboo propagation and species information for bamboo maintenance and management. Other kiosk, vendor, railing, fence and display projects around the botanical garden, as well as, the Ecological Station can utilize bamboo grown. With the design abilities of project staff, a bamboo workshop will be made about diversity, propagation and uses. This first workshop is designed to provide an income to the botanical garden and identify the future bamboo collection as a world center for bamboo in Chiapas. A major objective accomplished in 2012 is to learn the conservation status of the 12 native bamboo of Chiapas. This will include establishing an ex-situ living bamboo collection of those 12 native species to 2013, most of them climatically suitable to Miranda´s botanical garden from Chiapas. Herbarium specimens will be collected and dried. They will be completed for the bamboo collection of Chiapas herbaria (CHIP (Instituto de Historia Natural) and HEM (Herbario Eizi Matuda) and to major herbaria with bamboo taxonomists in Mexico and America. To start this work, we plan two permitted annual collection trips based in cooperation with the Universidad de Ciencias y Artes, Herbarium (HEM), the Instituto de Historia Natural herbarium (CHIP) and botanical garden and Instituto de Ecologia, A,C. (XAL). Herbarium vouchers are to go to Chiapas herbaria, Instituto de Ecologia, A.C. herbarium (XAL), Instituto de Biologia, UNAM (MEXU), Iowa State University (ISC) and Smithsonian Institute (US). DNA samples will collected and sent to Dra. Teresa Mejia and her Mexican Bamboo Research Project. Living samples are to be placed into the Miranda´s garden and Ecological station nursery for evaluation and propagation. 3) To identify native bamboos in the Ecological Station of Berriozabal and select species to start conservation in situ as well as to included some of the endemic bamboos species to 2013. Staff will identify native bamboos present in the Ecological Station of Berriozabal and plan the native bamboo collection in situ to 2013. Endemic bamboos will be selected and plans made for ex situ establishment in Berriozabal to 2013. This collection will be the number one in all Mexico because will be first in native bamboo in both conservation in situ and ex situ. Herbarium specimens will be collected and dried. They will be completed for the bamboo collection of the same herbaria listed before. The native bamboos of Chiapas will be collected using the guidelines, process and protocols developed by Teresa Mejia and Jesus Pale from INECOL. 4) Develop educational programs and research activities around the bamboo theme, “The Chiapas bamboo diversity, conservation and uses” that would exemplify housing, furniture, erosion control, conservation, animal habitat and landscape uses. Miranda´s garden is magnet for the schools from Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas cities and other communities where they can learn about their countries plants and animals. During the periods of annual visits, project staff will schedule and develop curriculum for children’s

activity workshops with themes from bamboo diversity and learning about the different bamboo plants to using bamboo to make handicrafts. For the following year we will have adult workshops that will carry a fee to cover expenses and to contribute towards continuation of the bamboo center. The focus of the utilization workshops is bamboo propagation, harvest, conservation and uses. However, other activities associated with environmental concerns include native species, taxonomy, bamboo animal habitat, nursery practices, eco-tourism and reforestation activities. For the first year we will organize one children´s workshop and plan for two in 2013 along with adult workshops. The proximity to Miranda´s garden and Ecological Station allows for the native bamboo species collection to be included as a living laboratory to learn conservation techniques for ex situ and in-situ habitat preservation. The ex-situ collection is to include woody and herbaceous bamboo species suitable to the site. This professional expertise represented in Mexico is substantial and they will contribute to the description, design and educational points to present in and around the Native Bamboo Collection. 5) Two undergraduate students will specialize in bamboo conservation, propagation, taxonomy and ethnobotany. To begin a living bamboo collection propagation is needed for some of the species. INECOL and its botanical garden has developed vegetative propagation study in ‘chiquian’ (Rhipidocladum racemiflorum) and this experience and results will be used in the Chiapas bamboo collection, but we need to study the vegetative propagation of selected species of Chusquea and the endemic Otatea glauca species. Bamboo conservation will be started with selected species. Two undergraduate students will be trained in bamboo conservation, propagation, taxonomy and ethnobotany. They will be supported and supervised by Teresa Mejia and Jesus Pale from INECOL in their process thesis. Students and supervisors will send bamboo conservation proposals to Bamboo of the Americas-Student Assistance Program (BOTA-SAP) to apply for scholarships to fund research project thesis. e. Resources needed: List the people, materials, training, funds and facilities, etc. needed to conduct the program activities. Dr. Martin R. Aluja Schuneman Hofer, Director of the Instituto de Ecologia. A.C and Botanical Garden “Francisco Javier Clavijero”, is the legal part for the project. “Francisco Javier Clavijero” Gardens contributed to train staff in Chiapas. Dr. Maria Teresa Mejia-Saulés, Biologia Evolutiva Department and co-ordinator project Bambúes Nativos de México is instrumental in developing, the interpretive plan and the signage component of the project along with the Institutions participating and staff. She will also be helping to oversee the overall development of this project and she will support and supervise each student´s project thesis. BOTA is contributing and utilizing the expertise of Gib Cooper to consult in bamboo conservation, taxonomy, utilization and international networking. BOTA will collaborate to get scholarships to undergraduate student projects.

Dr. Miguel Angel Pérez Farrera, Director of the Herbarium “Eizi Matuda” (HEM), Universidad de Ciencias y Artes de Chiapas, Tel. 52 (961) 121 – 08-94, perezfarreram@yahoo.com.mx, is overseeing Ecological Station of Berriozabal bamboo collection, student projects, research and permit process for any collection activity. M. en C. Ruben Martínez Camilo, Botanist-Biologist with Herbario Eizi Matuda (HEM), Universidad de Ciencias y Artes de Chiapas, Tel. 52 (961) 121 – 08-94, rubencamilo79@yahoo.com.mx is consulting and advising for field activities, as well as is overseeing students projects and permit process for any collection activity. Biol. Teresa Cabrera - Directora del Jardín Botánico “Dr. Faustino Miranda”, Chiapas. Tel. 52 (961) 612-36-22 and 613-20-99, botanica_ihne@hotmail.com is overseeing the bamboo collection at Botanical Garden as well as overseeing student projects. Ing. Manuel Rivera Jaramillo – Jefe de la Curaduría de Exhibición de Flora Silvestre. Jardín Botánico “Dr. Faustino Miranda”, Chiapas. Tel. 52 (961) 612-36-22 and 613-20- 99 riverman_mx@ yahoo.com.mx is overseeing the bamboo collect and nursery at Botanical Garden Michael Bostwick - Curator of Horticulture San Diego Zoo and Zoological Society of San Diego. Tel. (619) 231-1515 x 4294 MBostwick@sandiegozoo.org will be instrumental in advising and developing, the interpretive plan and the signage component of the project along with the Miranda Botanical Garden director and staff. He will also be helping to oversee the planning and development of the new native bamboo exhibits in the ex-situ and in-situ gardens. Dr. Lynn Clark, Bamboo Taxonomist, Iowa State University and Director of the Bamboo Bio-diversity Project. is consulting and participating in bamboo identification when species are be in doubt.

M. en C. Jesus Pale Pale, Graduate Student-Forestry management, Universidad Veracruzana, Facultad de Agronomía is assisting in vegetative propagation, field activities and some workshops. Consultant List for Workshops: Educational program at Botanical Garden “Dr. Faustino Miranda” Biol. Tomasa Ortiz Suriano– Curaduría de Exhibición de Flora Silvestre, Chiapas. Tel. 52 (961) 612-36-22 and 613-20-99 ext. 218 botanico@ihne.chiapas.gob.mx Biol. Marisol Calderon Ramírez- Curaduría de Exhibición de Flora Silvestre, Chiapas. Tel. 52 (961) 612-36-22 and 613- 20-99 ext. 218 botanico@ihne.chiapas.gob.mx f. Products expected to be produced: 1) To establish 12 native bamboos species in Miranda´s greenhouse and improve the

existing Bamboo area of exotic Bambusa vulgaris var. vittata. To establish 12 native bamboos species in Miranda´s greenhouse to open a new

garden area to 2013 featuring the native bamboos species into an ex situ collection. To get a landscaped bamboo area of Bambusa vulgaris var. vittata in Miranda´s

garden. To produce 3 handouts about native bamboos of Chiapas At least 12 vouchers for each species collected in Chiapas will be sent to herbaria

listed before. 2) To start propagation of bamboos in botanical garden´s nursery for retail sales and reforestation projects.

To start propagation of one of the endemic species like Otatea glauca and complete an inventory of 25 plants or more to 2013. It will supply plant material to the new native bamboo collection and meet public demand.

To organize a technical course to nursery workers and staff starting this first year project.

To print a bamboo propagation handout of Otatea glauca or selected species. 3) To identify native bamboos in the Ecological Station of Berriozabal and select species to start conservation in situ, as well as, including some of the endemic bamboo species into 2013.

To prepare a bamboo guide of Ecological Station of Berriozabal. At least one voucher for each species collected in Berriozabal will be sent to herbaria

listed before. 4) Develop educational programs and research activities around the bamboo theme, “The Chiapas bamboo diversity, conservation and uses” that would exemplify housing, furniture, erosion control, conservation, animal habitat and landscape uses.

Implement the first children´s bamboo workshop. An exhibition about Mexican bamboo diversity focusing in Chiapas diversity,

conservation and uses will display in the Miranda´s Botanical Garden in the semi-permanent exhibition.

5) Two undergraduate students will specialize in bamboo conservation, propagation, taxonomy and ethnobotany.

Two bamboos thesis will be prepared. Two papers will be published for student thesis in 2013.

g. Significance of the project: The project relates to the North American Strategy for Plant Conservation, in the following categories. Please download the North American Botanic Gardens Strategy for Plant Conservation - PDF 2.32 MB A1-contributing on a larger effort to contribute to a complete world flora. B2 - increasing the ex-situ efforts for “at risk” plants. B4 – which is contributing to the conservation and preservation for economically and socially important plants. This particular target is what this project is based around. C1 - which states that botanical gardens and their networks, ABS and contributing entities, support and contribute to the sustainable use of plant resources. Sub Target 2 under C1, which states that gardens promote public awareness of the need for sustainable use of plant material. This is the direction of the uses of bamboo

that will be emphasized in this project. D1 – also is the interaction with the public that will visit the Miranda´s Garden and Ecological Station of Berriozabal and benefit through the educational element that will be a result of this project. E1 through E3 are also in line with this project through the environmental awareness and sustainable use of the plant material, bamboo. h. Project schedule of one-year use of funds. First year

Begin design project for the Chiapas´s collection and nursery section in the Miranda´s garden and Ecological Station of Berriozabal. Project director will travel to Chiapas to collaborate and review design and field activities.

To collect and establish 12 bamboo species in the Miranda´s greenhouse and identify bamboos of Ecological Station.

To choose botanical area where Chiapas bamboo collection will display to 2013. Prepare and submit to ABS/BOTA the first year report for 2012. Prepare and submit second year proposal for funding in 2013.

i. References and qualifications Sponsoring Institution Bamboo of the Americas (BOTA) Bamboo of the Americas is a non-profit conservation action organization established to ensure the sustained viability of native bamboo species throughout the Americas. Native bamboo plants and habitat are disappearing rapidly. A solution is to cooperate with and assist regional botanic gardens and ecological institutions by establishing living and herbarium collections in partner countries. (http://www.bamboooftheamericas.org) Our Assistance Program Objectives

• To establish national collections of native bamboo species. • To research and document the growth habits and ecology of native bamboo,

including endangered species and ensure their sustained future through the training of students, propagation efforts and habitat restoration.

• To implement human resources and economic plans for the distribution and utilization of selected native bamboo species.

• To work together with local residents, indigenous groups, regional, national, and international government agencies and NGOs for the conservation of native bamboo resources.

• To enhance the awareness of the benefits of bamboo through eco-tourism and other educational activities.

Grant Supervisor

Gib Cooper, Executive Director of Bamboo of the Americas (BOTA) Gib Cooper is an owner of a North American bamboo nursery. Member of the ABS (American Bamboo Society) and AZH founded BOTA to help bamboo conservation in the Americas. The idea of the BOTA project was his appreciation of American bamboos led to the desire to “give something back” by the effort to conserve, appreciate and find better uses for native bamboo. He formed a board of advisors and directors to provide direction. However, the people who do the most important work are the botanists and scientists whose collecting and testing efforts serve to define the unique physical qualities, pests and diseases of bamboo. He promotes bamboo studies throughout Latin America, as well as, helps students with grants through BOTA’s Student Assistance Program (BOTA-SAP) program. His enthusiasm for bamboo conservation helped to found the National Native Bamboo Collection in Mexico hosted by “Francisco Javier Clavijero” Botanical Garden, INECOL, the first National collection of native bamboos in Latin America (2005). Many bamboo studies are done in countries like Mexico, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile, Brazil, Argentina etc. With the BOTA-SAP program native bamboos are collected and some of them are described as new species, like four new Otatea species from Mexico. BOTA will collaborate again with its experience in bamboo conservation. INECOL with more than 9 years experience in native bamboos and the grant supervisor will support the project: THE CHIAPAS BAMBOO DIVERSITY, CONSERVATION AND USES. This collaboration with the Chiapas staff who work in the Chiapas flora and botanical garden will ensure that the Chiapas bamboo project will be a success and be a prototype of State bamboo collection, as well as, an in situ and ex situ conservation activity. Executive Officer’s Signature ____ _________Title: _Executive Director BOTA_ Date:_October 7, 2011 Grant Supervisor’s Signature

Betreff: RE: Proposal to ABS from Johan GielisVon: "Clark, Lynn G [EEOBS]" <lgclark@iastate.edu>Datum: 12.Oct.11 07:45An: Steve Muzos <gardentex@hotmail.com>, Tom Harlow <tharlow@yahoo.com>, SueTurtle <abstreasurer@aol.com>, Lennart Lundstrom <lundstrombamboo@hotmail.com>,"bambooplantation@yahoo.com" <bambooplantation@yahoo.com>, Dan Fox<danielbfox@gmail.com>, Susanne Lucas <susannelucas@gmail.com>, Durnford Dart<bamboo@bamboo-oz.com.au>, Bill Hollenback <bamboo@hollenback.com>, CliffSussman <cliffsussman@ca.rr.com>, Daphne Lewis <daphne@chalosulky.com>, JamesClever <james@bamboogardener.com>, Lynn Clark <lgclark@iastate.edu>,"tracy@tropicalbamboo.com" <tracy@tropicalbamboo.com>, "bezona@hawaii.edu"<bezona@hawaii.edu>, "ncal-chapter@bamboo.org" <ncal-chapter@bamboo.org>Kopie (CC): "info@thigpentrailbamboo.com" <info@thigpentrailbamboo.com>, CaroleMeckes <bamboo@texas.net>

Hi All,

Here is the request from Johan regarding the WBC:

Proposal to the ABS Board.

For the World Bamboo Congress in Antwerp, 10-13 April 2012 several American researchers, both from US and South & Central America, wish to participate. As chair of the scientific committee I expect that their contributions, next to Lynn Clark's Keynote, will be an important plus for the conference, especially since it is cutting edge research.

We have applied for additional funding to invite young researchers, based on the quality of the papers (judged by the scientific committee, which also includes Lynn Clark). If approved we could invite up to ten young researchers. However, we are also looking for additional funds. I ask the board to consider travel grants for five researchers (US and other Americans) of one thousand dollars each.

Such grants could be considered every three to five years. The conference (www.worldbamboocongress.org) is organised by the university of Antwerp, and in the future, every 3-4 years universities could organise this further, thereby enhancing the level of scientific output. US and American researchers will then be able to have a better visibility for the research,

Yours,

Johan Gielis

RE: Proposal to ABS from Johan Gielis

1 von 1 13.Oct.11 06:02

ABS 2012 Approved BudgetExpenses: 2012 Approved

Administrative Expenses $ 1,000.00Advance to Host Chapter $ -----Arts & Crafts Awards $ 2000.00Auction Expenses -0-Computer Hardware -0-Credit card/bank expenses $ 300.00Grants $ 3,500.00Grant funds reimbursed -----------Importation -- plants $ 1,000.00INBAR Membership $ -0-Insurance for the Board $ 1,632.00Journal Expenses $ 5,000.00Magazine $11,000.00Member Renewal Card $ -0-Misc. -0-Source List $ 2,500.00Taxes/fees $ 25.00Travel expense reimbursement $ 2,000.00Web site $ 10.00Totals $29,967.00Income: 2012 ApprovedAdvertising – Magazine $ 2,000.00 Source List $ 2,000.00 Web site ads $ 2,000.00Auction income – Fall $ 4,000.00Bank Interest $ 25.00 CD Interest $ -0-Memberships $18,000.00Sales: Journal $ -0- Book Sales $ 100.00 Magazine $ -0- Source List $ 800.00Miscellaneous income -0-Totals $28,925.00

Florida-Caribbean Chapter 2011 Annual Report to the ABS

Lafayette, LA

The FCC sponsored the annual bamboo show and sale at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Miami, FL June 11-12 2011. Vendors at the sale included a handful of local south Florida bambuseros offering live plants as well as bamboo handicrafts and construction.

Several board members were present at the sale and discussed the possibility of having a general membership meeting later in the year, but thus far nobody has offered to host or organize an event.

The chapter will return to Fairchild TBG November 11-13 to host a bamboo sales and information booth at The Ramble, a popular “garden party” featuring a farmer’s market, live music, garden-centric art, gourmet food and South Florida’s largest plant sale.

No other chapter events took place or have been planned for the remainder of 2011.

Going forward into 2012, the FCC would like to purchase and install identification signs for the recently planted bamboos at The Fruit and Spice Park (a Miami-Dade County Parks and Recreation Dept. attraction) in Homestead, FL. The Park has been undergoing renovation and improvement, and they have acquired quite a diverse collection of tropical bamboos in the last 2 years. The chapter feels it is important to ensure that the bamboos are properly identified and clearly marked for the benefit of the park’s many visitors. Board member Gary Rich will be the contact person for this project.

The FCC does not publish a newsletter. The chapter does have a Facebook page, but it is infrequently updated. The chapter’s website, www.tropicalbambo.org has not been updated in several years.

The chapter reports approximately $7200.00 in the treasury.

The FCC’s representative to the ABS, Steve Stamper, vacated the position earlier this year. The FCC Board in September elected Tracy Calla to fill the vacancy through the remainder of the term, ending in 2013

The Chapter’s Board of Directors is as follows:

William Pierson, President

Cindy Rich, Treasurer

Tracy Calla, Representative to the ABS

(The FCC’s Board does not have any other Officers, namely Vice President or Secretary)

Gary Rich

Dan Holmes

Robert Saporito

Respectfully Submitted,

Tracy Calla

9 October, 2011

Northern CA ChapterReport to the American Bamboo Society

October 2011

The NCC had a more active year than 2010. After our annual business meeting in January, the NCC Board met in March to plan for the Spring Sale. We met at the Berkeley, CA home of NCC Director Suzanne Coffee and bemoaned the flowering of her mature clump of Chimonocalamus pallens while munching on Mexican potluck fare. Since last year many viable seeds have produced a new generation which seems as vigorous as the mother plant.

The Spring Sale location this year was changed to Foothill College (Los Altos Hills, CA) and we joined the College's Horticultural Department which was holding its own general plant sale. The larger vendors did very well and the Chapter earned a bit of cash as well.

A July meeting at the Hastings and Terri Schmidt home (Sebastopol, CA) was more social than business. We saw a couple of rather rare bamboos Hastings has put in the ground, plus the amazing job they have done on their house and garden.

The last meeting of the year was at Foothill. Darrel DeBoer spoke about his experience in Colombia with bamboo construction of schools in remote (and to some, unsafe) villages. In one community the children were not even going to school until one was built of bamboo.

At that same meeting, the NCC granted $2500 to Massey Burke in support of her proposed book, “A Builder's Guide to the Bamboos of the Bay Area”. It will include results of a project to test locally-grown, small-diameter bamboos for their suitability in construction. She works in conjunction with nearby universities and the NCC contribution is 25% of the total budget.

Lastly, Bamboo Sourcery nursery reopened after closing last November. This means that Sebastopol with its three specialty nurseries is the mecca for bamboo shoppers in Northern California. For the curious, the three are: Bamboo Sourcery, Sequoyah Ridge Nursery, and West County Oasis Bamboo Nursery.

Respectfully submitted,

David KingNCC Director

Northeast Chapter, ABS Report /// 2011 ABS Meeting, Lafayette, LA

Submitted by Susanne Lucas, fulfilling the remaining term of NEC Rep Michael Bartholomew

About 7 Northeast Chapter members met on a Saturday in June for a clean-up party at the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston, MA. A report was sent to Betty Shor and published in the magazine.

We participated in one plant sale, in September, at the Tower Hill Botanic Garden, Boylston, MA. However, very few plants sold. However, I distributed membership postcards and gave away old issues of the ABS Source List.

Sadly, our <core group> has shrunk and no one has found time to organize and push for any activities. Our current membership is around 65 members (I think). (At one time, we had close to 250).

The NEC no longer produces a newsletter, but we have a new page on the ABS website with articles and photos. Thanks to Bill Hollenback for setting this up.

The treasury reports approximately $3,500 in the bank.

In September we printed a NEC membership postcard, designed by Ariel Dubov. We will use this at events as promotion, and sent to members as dues reminders, etc.

There is nothing on the calendar for events, workshops or sales. Hopefully someone will step up and plan something.

The current NEC board of directors:

> Scott Ritchie, President (terms ends 2012)...........................Baltimore, MD> Susanne Lucas, VP (2013) ..................................................Plymouth, MA> Stephanie Ritchie, Sec (2014) ..............................................Baltimore, MD> Fran Bartholomew, Treasury (2012) .................................... Albany, NY> Dave Flanagan (2013) ......................................................... Boston, MA> Whitney Adams (2014) .........................................................Groton, CT> Mike Bartholomew (2012) .....................................................Albany, NY> Ned Newton (2013) ..............................................................Westport, MA> alternate: Larry Holland (2014) ............................................. Amenia, NY

Thanks to ABS President James Clever, the board and key bambuseros for leading the organization with dedication and commitment.

Susanne Lucas, October 10, 2011.

2011 PNW Chapter ReportOctober 8, 2011

The events/shows that we held or participated in were the following:NW Flower and Garden showSeattle Bamboo FestivalPortland Bamboo FestivalBamboo Campout at Bamboo Garden Nursery in North Plains, ORAnnual Business meeting at Outdoors by Design in Shelton, WA

The big event this year was the Portland Festival that was well advertized and it was well attended.

We plan on having the same events this year. With the next meeting Sunday - December 3, 2011.We are also working to bring in bamboo experts for seminars along the west coast with help from the California chapters. The experts that we are looking at include JosVan de Palin and Andrea Melnichenko.

Current PNW Board membersPhil ComerNed JaquithJames CleverAdam WilliamsGeorge GearhartBill HollenbackJim EnganAnna FoleenIan ConnorMark MeenanNoah Bell

The Chapter officers are as follows: Phil Comer, PresidentIan Connor, Vice President OregonJim Engan, Vice President WashingtonAnna Foleen, TreasurerAdam Williams, SecretaryBill Hollenback, Chapter representative to the ABS

Thank you,Bill Hollenback

ABS SOCAL 2010-2011 Report

This has been a quiet but productive year for us.

The Reference Collection is clean of Bamboo Mealybug even though Quail AKA San Diego BG remains infested. We are working on downsizing and eliminating commonbamboos and duplicates. We hope to focus on a much smaller number of unusual plants, recent imports from Australia ( Through LA Arboretum 2 years ago) and plants currently at USDA.

Our new President, Danielo Ramos, has parlayed a bamboo interest into a new job at the San Diego Zoo and is now curator of their bamboo collection. We have transferred a portion of the Ref to the Zoo and will be transferring more as we continue to downsize.Private donations of bamboo to the Zoo are happening as well. The goal is to make more plants available for the public to see and to have a back up source of conservation material.

We are assisting the Zoo in identification of the bamboos in their collection and accreditation of their plant collection as a Botanic Garden.

We are beginning to assist them in their Giant Panda Feeding program with the aim of weaning the animals from their current high starch Bambusas to more nutritional Fargesias and other similar Himalayan bamboos.

As you know, I have been travelling to Asia the past few years looking for new plants and new contacts on behalf of ABS and ABS SOCAL. This year I was in China, Thailand and Vietnam. You should be aware that there is a great deal of bamboo in China waiting to come into the USDA. I have brought plants through from Thailand and a great deal more awaits us there too. Vietnam is still uncertain, although there is a very fine collection there near Saigon.

Member ship is at about 100.

Cliff Sussman MDDirector ABS, ABS SOCAL

“May your path be lined by the world's bamboos and never find its end.” Prof. KM Wong

2010-2011Report from SEC Representative

October 8, 2011

Since hosting the 2010 national meeting in Savannah, the chapter held its annual grove cleanup at the Historic Bamboo Farm & Coastal Gardens in Savannah, GA on February 12, 2011. We also held our fifth annual Summer Bamboo Festival on July 9th and 10th, 2011 at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, NC. As annual events these are both planned for the coming year.

As the chapter representative I have served on the By-Laws Committee and Chaired the At-Large Nomination Committee with Sue Turtle and Susanne Lucas.

Respectfully, Tom Harlow

The 2011 Texas Bamboo Society (TBS)Annual Report to the American Bamboo Society

The Texas Bamboo Society (TBS) is an active and financially sound chapter of the AmericanBamboo Society. We have approximately 90 members.

Texas had an unusually cold and windy winter in 2010 which took its toll on many subtropicalbamboos. In addition we are now in the third year of “exceptional drought” which is that mostdrastic category the USDA has (http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu), so many plants that are notplanted in landscapes are just brown right now.

Our web site is http://www.texasbamboosociety.org/ TBS activities in the previous year included the following.

� Our excellent newsletter was printed quarterly� The annual work day and dig at a private grove in Porter, TX, was cancelled because the

new owners bulldozed the property!� Had an information booth and bamboo sales at the annual Lotus Festival/Southeast Texas

Bamboo Festival, at the Buu Mon Buddhist Temple, Port Arthur, TX, June 4, 2011� Staffed an information and bamboo sales booth at the 54 Annual Zilker Garden Festival,th

Austin, TX, March 26 & 27, 2011� Participated in the monthly meetings of the Austin Area Garden Council� Held monthly bamboo grove work days/informational meetings at the Taniguchi Oriental

Garden at Zilker Botanical Gardens, Austin, TX� Members attended the LGCC annual work weekend at Avery Island, LA, Feb 24, 2011� Held our 19 Annual Texas Bamboo Festival - meeting and successful auction ofth

bamboo plants and bamboo items, at Zilker Botanical Garden, Austin, TX, September 24& 25, 2011 http://www.bamboocentral.net/19thfestival2011.html . Charissa Brock gavepresentations and held a workshop on bamboo crafts, and Jack Farrell held a workshopon making bows and arrows from bamboo. Proceeds from silent auctions generated a bitof money for the chapter. Vendors also did well.

� Minoo Sherkat, TBS Education Coordinator, organized Bamboo workshops at herbamboo farm and at the Bastrop Public library

Submitted by Steve MuzosDirector, ABSOctober 8, 2011