bayou byline november 2020 · 2020. 11. 12. · bayou chapter, ozark society friday, november 13,...

Bayou Chapter, Ozark Society Friday, November 13, 2020

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November

14 Caddo Lake Event - contact is Marian Howard Meet at 9:00 am at Starr Ranch on Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Karnack, Texas. John Fortune will be leading this 5 mile loop paddle. Hot Dog/Hamburger cookout afterwards.

17 Monthly Meeting - 6:30 pm in the Visitor Center at the Red River National Wildlife Refuge

26 Happy Thanksgiving!

27 Grand Ecore Paddle in Natchitoches - contact is Tammy Jernigan

December

6 BCOS Annual Christmas Party - 3:30 - until? at the Jernigan’s. See enclosed flyer on page 2 for additional details.

12 Caney Lake Hike/Jambalaya Fest - Minden - contact is Marian Howard. We’ll hike the Sugar Cane Trail and have a Jambalaya lunch afterwards. Meet at 9:00 am at the Trailhead.

January 1 New Year’s Day Hike at Bodcau Tom Merrill

Recreation Area- contact is Tammy Jernigan

BAYOU BYLINE

Calendar of Events

Our monthly meetings are held at the Red River National Wildlife Refuge 150 Eagle Bend Point, Bossier City, LA 71112.

Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of

each month. (except December) Program

starts at 6:30 pm. Business meeting follows.

Plan to join us after the meeting for

pizza and socializing.

November 2020

Meeting will be held INSIDE the Visitor Center!


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BCOS members are active but are also responsible in their response to the COVID-19 pandemic. At our Christmas Party at Tammy and David's place there will be opportunities to socialize and eat either indoors, on an open covered porch or outdoors, near a campfire. We chose this setting so that people could maintain social distancing at whatever level they are comfortable with.

Those who do not wish to share food are welcome to join in on the fun and bring their own food.

Bayou Chapter Ozark SocietyAnnual Christmas Party

Sunday December 6, 2020

Where: Tammy and David Jernigan’s House 398 Linton Bellevue Rd. Benton, LA 71006

What time: 3:30 pm - until??

What will we eat: Bring a dish to share and whatever you want to drink. And bring your favorite chair to sit on!

What will we do: Enjoy great company and share the fun in a White Elephant Gift Exchange and an Ugly Sweater Contest

Contact Persons: Sandy Roerig [email protected] or 318-686-9481

Grace Eyler 318-455-7148 Marian Howard 318-347-9104Tammy Jernigan 318-464-1752

There are three ways to get to the Jernigan’s depending on where you are coming from.

1) Take I-20 East bound to Exit 33 - Haughton Fillmore. Turn left. Drive 12.3 miles. Turn left onto Linton Bellevue Rd. Drive 1.4 miles. Our log house is on the right.

2) Take Benton Rd North out of Bossier City. Drive 12 miles. Turn right on Hwy 162 (second red light in Benton). Drive 10.8 miles. Turn right onto Linton Bellevue Rd. Drive 1.4 miles. Our log house is on the right.

3) Take Airline Drive North out of Bossier City. Turn right onto Linton Rd. At Country Store turn right onto Parks Rd. At stop sign, turn left onto Crouch Rd. Drive 1.5 miles. Turn right onto Linton Bellevue Rd. Drive 4.1 miles. Our log house is on the left.

*COVID-19 GUIDELINES WILL BE FOLLOWED SEE ACCOMPANYING MESSAGE*


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BCOS Meeting Minutes October 20, 2020

By: Secretary Gary Hackman

Wayne Kiefer called the meeting to order at the Red River National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center with 29 in attendance. The September 2020 meeting minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report – Dick Maxwell reported a balance of $5,347.39.

Newsletter – No report.

Publicity – No report.

Conservation – Sandy Roerig continued last month’s report on the carbonfund.org whose mission is a zero-carbon world. Last month she reported on a reforestation project in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley. This month Sandy continued by reporting on two more projects of the Carbonfund. The Truck Stop Electrification Project allows drivers to shut off their engines and utilize the advanced truck stop electrification technology during required rest stops. This system powers the inside of the cab without forcing the engine to burn diesel while saving about a gallon of diesel per hour. The New Bedford Landfill Gas to Energy Project uses landfill gas to fuel generators for producing power for the electric grid and reducing the amount of methane released into the atmosphere.

Old Business Wayne Kiefer reported that nothing has been set up yet on the Red River Wildlife Refuge youth area project. Sarah Coleman volunteered to lead the project.

Tammy Jernigan said that the Lake Bistineau paddle trail is about two-thirds complete. Since the water level is coming up, she will put out an email soon for a time to get together to complete the signage on the trail.

Past OutingsSarah Philyaw reported on the recent beginner’s kayak clinic. The group discussed continuing the class on a regular basis.

The Bodcau hike last weekend had a good group of 25 hikers. The weather was great.

The Webster Parish Dorcheat Bayou paddle had 135 on the water. There was a good distance between boats. Shuttle buses and a free meal were provided by the Webster Parish Tourism Bureau.

Sandy Roerig reported on the Ozark Society general meeting at Lake Nixon, Arkansas. There is a newly approved legacy fund where people can donate from their estates. The year 2022 will mark the 50th year of the Buffalo River as a national river. It is also the 60th year of the Ozark Society. A film is planned to showcase both of these events. Ozark Society officers were elected.

It is time to find new officers for BCOS. Sarah Coleman volunteered to be part of the nominating committee.

Upcoming EventsOctober 22 – Duck Pond cleanup at 4:00pm.

October 22 – Anderson Bayou pop-up hike at 9:30am.

October 26 – Paddle on Bodcau to the legacy tree with the Shreveport-Bossier Tourist Bureau and people from a national outdoor tourism group.

October 24 – Kim Cox is leading a hike at Lake Darbonne State Park at 9:30am.


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Meeting mInutes - continued

October 31 – Steve and Grace Eyler will lead a sundown float from the North Cypress boat launch on Hwy. 162. We will gather at the Eyler house afterwards for hot dogs.

November 6-7 – Trail maintenance at the OWL Center near Dubach. We need chainsaws, gloves, machetes, and ATV’s. If you can only come on Saturday, please be there by 9:00am.

November 8 – Bodcau fall foliage paddle.

November 14 – Caddo Lake event. This may be a paddle, hike, or bike.

New Business

Tammy Jernigan asked for feedback on whether or not we should start having speakers again at our meetings.

Wayne Kiefer let everyone know that free stickers for kayak or canoe identification are available. Ozark Society stickers are available for $2. Some BCOS shirts are still available. Contact Jenny Hackman if you are interested in one.

We are now on the Google email site. The Yahoo site is discontinued.

Chimp Haven is featured in a series on Disney. Our own Robyn will be in episode 3.

Meeting was adjourned. Our next meeting will be November 17.

Duck Pond Clean-Up Caps Week of “Finally’s”By: Roy O’Neal

Who woulda thought it? Fourteen, count ‘em, 14 people with 5 boats, showing up on a Thursday afternoon at 4pm!

Whether anyone would have imagined such, it really happened. We were asked to come early enough to get boats unloaded, pickers and bags distributed, and start cleaning banks and ponds by 4. Yours truly arrived a little past 3:30 and there were already BCOSers waiting in the parking lot. And they just kept coming. Steve Batie, Wayne Kiefer, Sarah Robertson, and I brought boats. Charles Harner, a new member, came with his new kayak, and in addition to cleaning the pond, also got some good paddling pointers from Sarah Robertson.

Chuck Flores came over from the Broadmoor Branch library and joined in the fun. “Fun”? You may think it is all work, but getting to hang out with a bunch of BCOSers is ALWAYS enjoyable.

We were pleasantly surprised to find the ponds and banks pretty sparsely littered, but still managed to gather 10 large bags. We feel that condition was due to the use being lowered by the “stay at home” efforts dictated by the Virus. Also the SPAR personnel responsible for the maintenance of all the parks in Shreveport have been doing an excellent job.

However, this does not mean we are not needed, so keep your eyes out for the next DPCU event . it will be fun!!!


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Dispose of Masks and Gloves Responsibly

As the coronavirus pandemic continues, it’s important to remember to throw away used personal protective equipment properly as more items wash ashore on beaches across the world. During the annual International Coastal Cleanup last month, more than 62,000 items, including single-use masks and gloves, were collected. The amount of waste warranted a new category in the event’s 35-year history, and experts say it’s threatening the world’s oceans and marine life. Across the world, the scientific journal Environmental Science & Technology estimates that during the pandemic, 129 billion disposable face masks and 65 single-use gloves are being used every month. The World Economic Forum has predicted that, in terms of weight, there will be more plastic than fish in the world’s oceans by 2050.

Ozark Society General Membership MeetingOctober 3, 2020

By: Sandy Roerig

The Ozark Society general membership met on Saturday, October 3 in the pavilion at Lake Nixon, AR, just west of Little Rock. There were 22 Ozark Society members present, including Board members. Several OS Board members also participated via Zoom.

President David Peterson opened the meeting. The first item of business was election of Board members.

Election of Board Members

The following slate of Board members was introduced by Luke Parsch:President – David PetersonImmediate Past-President – Alan NyeVice-President – Luke ParschRecording Secretary – Sandy RoerigFinancial Chair – Kay EwartCommunications/Membership Chair – Carolyn ShearmanEducation Chair – Fred PailletCommunity Engagement Chair – Brian ThompsonConservation Chair – Alice AndrewsArchives Chair – Stewart NolandArkansas State Director – Jerry DormanArkansas State Director – Mary SchlattererLouisiana State Director – Wayne KieferLouisiana State Director – Catherine TolsonMissouri State Director – Brenda CritesMissouri State Director – Jennifer AilorPulaski Chapter Chair – Janet NyeBuffalo River Chapter Chair – Laura TimbySugar Creek Chapter Chair – Lowell CollinsHighlands Chapter Chair – Tom PerrySchoolcraft Chapter Chair – Loring BullardBayou Chapter Chair - TBA

The slate was approved unanimously. These members will serve in these positions from January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2023. (Note: Each Chapter elects its own Chair. The Bayou Chapter will elect a new Chair for 2021 because the current chair, Wayne Kiefer, will leave the position due to term limits.)


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Legacy Fund

Rex Robbins, from the Ozark Society Foundation, described the proposed Legacy Fund – as a new way for the Ozark Society to plan for the financial future through accepting large donations in an investment account. The OS Board had voted to accept the Arkansas Community Fund as the fund manager. Fund raising campaigns are planned. The OS Foundation Board will make the final decisions on the type of fund to be utilized.

Ozark Society Foundation Report

Marvin Schwartz, OS Foundation President, described the 5 current projects of the OS Foundation.

1.Tree Field Guide book. This publication will go to the printer in mid-October and copies will be available by early December. The books will be sold at retail for $30. He feels this is an excellent book and will sell well.

2. Youth grants. Fourteen submissions were received and 11 of those are being considered for funding. A committee will select winners that will be announced on October 17.

3. Documentary film on history of the Ozark Society. The film will include the original battle for the Buffalo River as well as the more recent battle to save the Buffalo by removing the hog farm. The film will debut in 2022, the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Ozark Society and the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Buffalo River as the first National River.

4. Legacy Fund. The Arkansas Community Foundation has been selected as the portfolio management firm. Promotional items are being developed.

5. Literature Award. The name of the award has not yet been determined. Articles must have a link to Arkansas and the Ozark region. Submissions are accepted from anywhere in the world. The prize will be $3,000.

Conservation/Legislation

Alice Andrews described a revised Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality anti-degradation policy that does not meet the US Environmental Protection Agency requirement for numeric nutrient standards of streams. The public comment period closed on Friday. Alice also reported that although the C&H hog farm has closed we have not received a formal written declaration that the farm is closed. She also stated that continuation of the moratorium on future CAFOs in the Buffalo River watershed is uncertain.

Compton Award

David introduced Bill and Dana Stewart and presented to them the Compton Award for all their efforts in conservation, education and recreation in the Ozark Society. Several other members told stories about the involvement of Bill and Dana in OS Activities. Alan and Janet Nye presented to them a meditation bench, from the Ozark Society. The Stewarts graciously thanked everyone for the recognition and enjoyed sitting on the bench.

Luke Parsch announced that a plaque has been purchased that lists the names of all Compton Awardees, with space for additional names. There are 26 awardees to date. The plaque will be hung in the Compton Gardens building.


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Chapter Reports (from the Board meeting held earlier in the day):

Schoolcraft Chapter

Jennifer Ailor reported that the chapter has many new members, including local environmentalist and conservationists. Loring Bullard is offering different activities for various interest groups, such as water, plastics, land management. They are just getting started and are planning more chapter-wide activities. She also reported that the private landowner on Bull Creek who had put in a low water bridge had to tear it out after 3 boaters were killed there this year.

Sugar Creek Chapter

Lowell Collins was not present to provide a report.

Pulaski Chapter

Janet Nye reported that the chapter met in August at Lake Nixon, but there was no program speaker. The September meeting was delayed so they will meet later. She is trying to figure out how to attract more diversity to OS membership. The next chapter meeting is November 3. The group has been enjoying hikes – the next one will be on the Ouachita Highlands Trail.

Highlands Chapter

Tom Perry stated that the chapter monthly meetings have been held via Zoom. There was no September meeting, but the chapter will meet in October. The chapter’s first hike this fall was last Saturday at Lake Ft. Smith, with 15 people participating. There were no car pools or shuttles and everyone wore masks. Also, there were no after-hike snacks.

Buffalo River Chapter

Laura Timby reported that she is taking a sabbatical and there has been no chapter activity.

Bayou Chapter

Sandy Roerig reported on several chapter activities: (1) trash pick-up at a canoe/kayak take-out point on Bodcau Bayou, (2) Introduction to Paddling Class held in September on Lake Caroline on the Red River National Wildlife Refuge – there were 24 students and 15-20 volunteers – a successful event, (3) regular monthly meetings have been held in a pavilion on Lake Caroline, without program speakers, (4) several pop-up paddles have occurred and two upcoming hikes are planned, (5) there was a biking activity at Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge, (6) a planning meeting will be held next week to plan fall/winter activities.

Meeting was adjourned.


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Wayne’s Corner By: Wayne Kiefer

Classy Ads and Other Important Stuff

If you have any equipment you want to sell or give away, get in touch with Roy O’Neal. 318-272-0259 or [email protected] or just bring it to the upcoming meeting.

Time to renew dues for 2021! Send your $30 renewal dues to Treasurer Dick Maxwell at: BCOS, P.O. Box 4693, Shreveport, LA 71134 Here’s an online option of paying dues for folks that like to use credit cards. https://www.ozarksociety.net/membership/

Hi BCOS,

It's been a busy last 5 or 6 weeks. BCOS has had many hikes, paddles and a bon fire. This is great stuff for being in a pandemic. In the next weeks before Christmas we hope to continue our activities . We are blessed to have this group and the leaders who have organized and encouraged us to get out !! :) So this month we need to find leaders to continue to get our BCOS butts out there and continue these fine events. We have 2 ladies looking to be our next chairman and co-chair. That doesn't mean we can't have others step up and fill some positions or run for chairman. It's Nov. 3rd while I type this. Yikes another election but ours is for fun stuff not the free world. Tammy and I have tried to keep a broad group of events going whether hiking, paddling or community service. We truly hope we can continue that and keep growing our group.

Tammy and I both plan to contribute a great deal in the future so we aren't just bailing out. The next chairs will need some catchup on all the outside groups we coordinate with or have contact with. Please get involved even if it's not a board position, we need everyone to contribute. Assist getting events properly organized by calling the leader. Lead a small event if you haven't done that before. These things will continue to build our group and make you feel more integrated with activities. The past couple of years Tammy and I have had some great help and ideas from past members, the board and especially past chairman. That's how a healthy strong group functions. Thank you all so much for your efforts.

We will elect the new board next meeting. Hope to see everyone. Stay safe, healthy and blessed.

Wayne Kiefer


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November “Special” Days

Nov. 3 - Election Day USA Nov. 7 - John Joyce’s Birthday Nov. 10 - USMC’s Birthday Nov. 11 - Veterans Day (USA) Nov. 14 - Steve & Grace Eyler’s 22nd Wedding Anniversary Nov. 26 - Thanksgiving Day (USA) Nov. 27 - Harvey Kennedy’s Birthday You ain’t gonna believe he is 72. Ann Crye Jackson’s Birthday Nov. 29 - Mr. & Mrs. Joyce (John & Cathy) will have been putting up with each other for 51 years on this date.

Yeh, Really!

If we missed your special day, please let Roy know - [email protected]

OWL Center Workers

Steve Eyler - one scary dude! Wayne Kiefer’s favorite toy!


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OWL Trail MaintenanceBy: Wayne Kiefer

What a great weekend we had at the OWL Center Friday and Saturday. You volunteers were awesome. Thank you so much!! Friday we had 11 BCOS members and a few folks from the OWL to start the project. Clearing large trees blown down from storms was our theme for the weekend. That evening we had a cookout and bonfire. The OWL had us in the main bunkhouse for the night and utilized their kitchen and showers. Saturday we were all on time, that alone was a first in my years with BCOS. Sam, the OWL Center director gave us a short overview of the functions and its objectives. Over 20 people hit the trails and began several hours of intense tree removal to open the trails or make them more passable.

The BCOS folks worked until just after noon. Lunch was served with home made chili and desserts. The Center gave us free shirts from a past event to say thanks and many bought OWL Center salsa which is delicious. I personally want to thank all those who worked so hard donating time, brought tools and ATVs. You were all super. Many have already inquired about a return trip to continue this work. We should be proud of all we accomplished.


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Bayou Bodcau Fall Foliage PaddleBy: Tammy Jernigan

The BCOS Fall Foliage Paddle took place on Sunday November 8. We had 40-plus participants show up with about 12 being BCOS members. The South Abutment East boat launch at Bodcau Dam was full up with vehicles and many colors of kayaks and several canoes. We had novice level to very experienced folks on this paddle and all enjoyed the colorful show just the same.

We paddled toward the dam to observe the oranges and yellows of Fall. As we headed up the main channel, Mother Nature decided to begin our story for this paddle. Many were prepared for a rain shower, but some were not. Luckily it was still a bit warm outside and we had trees to shelter under. All paddlers decided to proceed on as we headed to the Zack Durden tree - an 800 year old Cypress tree off the main channel. It was while we were observing this giant wonder that I had my first participant tump over in deep water. We were able to bail her boat and with teamwork and perseverance, she was able to get back into her kayak.

As we headed back toward the launch, a mist settled over the water providing an otherworldly feeling to the bayou. I always feel that in this primitive setting the ancients are watching over us. Who was watching over us was a game warden and an Animal Planet film crew as we returned to the launch. One of our paddlers called out "Are we in trouble???" Apparently, there is a series where a film crew follows a game warden and observes their interactions with the public. They are filming at various locations in Louisiana October through December and we just happened to paddle right into a filming location. If they do use the footage shot and I find out the broadcast date, I'll pass along that information. I did speak about BCOS and Bodcau with them and did sign a broadcast release.

I had our new brochures and passed them out to the guests, game warden and film crew. We gained at least two new members prior to this paddle and several more indicated that they wanted to become members. It appears that these public paddles are driving membership. I hope we can continue this trend and welcome these new members into our group to enhance their, and our, membership experience.

So our paddle turned into a story of beautiful colors, a brief rain shower, a spill and recovery at the Durden tree and an eerie mist that swallowed 40+ boats as they glided toward home. I'm sure many folks were talking about their story on Monday. Until the next story...


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BCOS Hiking and Walking GroupBy: Becky Evans

The beautiful weather of the late summer and early Fall has BCOS members out in the woods with multiple hike leaders from our membership. Some were Pop-Up. Some were joint ventures with Meet Up and Over the Hills.

November 3 Bodcau Tom Merrill Recreation Area

November 1 Lakeshore Mountain Bike Trail

October 24 Lake D’Arbonne

October 17 Bodcau Tom Merrill Recreation Area

October 10 Kisatchie Caney Lake

September 13 Lakeshore Mountain Bike Trail

Over the past year, we’ve had people say they’d like to join us but we are fast walkers and go too long for beginners. So, we have enlisted folks who will be on the hikes and take the beginner group at their pace and distance.

In other words, let us know if you want or need this. We truly welcome everyone, at all levels if your doctor says its ok for you to do it. Please help us spread the word.

We also want to grow a group that can walk longer on a regular basis i.e. 10 miles or more. If you are interested, let us know so we can get started.

Upcoming Hikes/Walks; Please join us!

Sunday Nov 22 0930 am, Lincoln Parish Park, Meet at parking lot by the beach 211 Parish Park Road, Ruston LA 71270 contact Kim Cox @ [email protected]

Tuesday Nov 24 3pm, Saline Bayou Trail-Kisatchie National Forest Cloud Crossing Campground

Forest Service Road 513, Goldonna LA - Joint hike with Meet Up - Contact Kim C @ [email protected]

Monday Nov 30 3pm, Caddo Lake State Park, 245 Park Road 2, Karnack TX - Joint hike with Meet Up

Contact Becky E (318) 294-2580

Saturday Dec 12 0900 am, Caney Lake-Kisatchie National Forest, 194 Caney Lake Park Road, Minden LA 71055 Contact Marian H: [email protected]

Friday Jan 1, 2021 1100 am, Bodcau Tom Merrill Recreation Area 171 Ben Durden Road, Haughton LA 71037 Contact Tammy J: [email protected]

Saturday January 9, 2021 0900 am, Monkey Trail-Eddie Jones Park, 8400 Mike Clark Road, Keithville LA

Contact Sandy R: [email protected]

Saturday Jan 23, 2021 0930 am Lakeshore Mountain Bike Trail 3301 St. Matthias Drive, Shreveport LA 71119 Contact Dee Jay T: [email protected]

Lastly, Marian does Pop Up hikes regularly at Red River Refuge!


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Bayou Chapter Officers - 2020


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The Ozark Society Membership Application/Renewal

Join us, or renew now! Dues are for one year, January-December, and they include a subscription to the Society’s newsletter, Pack & Paddle. To join or renew, go online to the Ozark Society website at www.ozarksociety.net. Or you can fill out this form and send it with a check written to “The Ozark Society.” See below for our address.

Name(s): Date: Address: City, State, and ZIP: Phone: Email 1: Old Email (if changed) Email 2: Old Email (if changed)

I would like Pack and Paddle sent to my home address instead of by email. (Default is email.) Please check one:

New Member Start at Section A for your OS and Chapter Membership Renewal Start at Section A to renew your OS and Chapter Membership LIFE Member Start at Section B to renew just your Chapter Membership

Section A: Please specify both the Level of Membership and the Chapter you are joining: Level: (choose one) Chapter: (choose one)

Friend: $30 = $20 OS +$10 Chapter Associate: $50 = $40 OS +$10 Chapter Supporter: $100 = $90 OS +$10 Chapter Sponsor: $250 = $240 OS +$10 Chapter Patron: $500 = $490 OS +$10 Chapter Benefactor: $1000+ = $990+ OS +$10 Chapter

Bayou (Shreveport, LA) Buffalo River (Gilbert, AR)

Highlands (Fayetteville, AR) Mississippi Valley (Missouri)

Pulaski (Little Rock, AR) Schoolcraft (Springfield, MO) Sugar Creek (Bentonville, AR)

No chapter, all to central Ozark Society

Section B: For Members who wish to join more than one Chapter or Life Members renewing their Chapter Membership only (Choose as many as you wish and add $10 for each chapter) $10 Bayou (Shreveport, LA) $10 Buffalo River (Gilbert, AR) $10 Highlands (Fayetteville, AR)

$10 Mississippi Valley (Missouri) $10 Pulaski (Little Rock, AR) $10 Schoolcraft (Springfield, MO)

$10 Sugar Creek (Bentonville, AR)

My Total is: $______________ Please remit to: The Ozark Society, PO Box 2914, Little Rock, AR 72203 You will receive a Thank You email from the Ozark Society. Please contact [email protected] for questions.

Section C: Donations to our Funds (Choose any amount)

$_______ General Conservation Fund $_______ Legal Fund $_______ Compton Scholarship Fund $_______ Hedges Scholarship Fund $_______ OS Foundation $_______ OSF Legacy Fund

bayou byline november 2020 · 2020. 11. 12. · bayou chapter, ozark society friday, november 13,...

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