WWOA members met for the Annual Business Meeting on Saturday, September 18, 2021 in Hudson. More than 180 members gathered for the meeting. While WWOA in person activities were suspended until May 1, 2021 due to COVID-19, President Randy Cooper noted how nice it was to be together at the Annual Meeting after not holding a meeting in 2020.
On the agenda, the WWOA Board of Directors proposed changing WWOA’s By-Laws by removing Article IV-Purpose and replacing it with Article IV-Mission Statement (below).
ARTICLE IV – MISSION STATEMENT
Section 1. The mission of the Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association is to conserve and enhance the private woodlands of the state through the following actions:
- Sustainably manage our woodlands with informed management plans that utilize best silviculture* practices;
- Assist private landowners in achieving their management goals by connecting them with natural resource professionals and fellow woodland owners;
- Educate the public on the value of woodlands for economic, environmental, recreational, and wildlife habitat purposes.
These actions will ensure future generations can enjoy the natural beauty and benefits of our woodlands.
Our vision is to be the “go-to” organization to assist woodland owners in achieving their sustainable forestry goals.
*Silviculture – The care and development of forests in order to obtain a product or provide a benefit.
Director Don Hoffman explained that WWOA’s Purpose had been in place since 2012 and as part of the 2020-25 strategic plan it was time to review this. WWOA’s Board felt that a Mission Statement better represents WWOA’s people and organization with a vision for the future, where a Purpose speaks to why we were formed.
Director Margaret Parsons made a motion to remove Article IV-Purpose and replace it with Article IV-Mission Statement. The motion was seconded by Chuck Wagner. There was little discussion from the members in attendance. Per the By-Laws, WWOA voting members cast paper ballots. The motion was overwhelmingly approved by the members.