This is an update on the status of The Plantation Chapter. I have not heard much from anyone about any more "concerns or critisisms" that stand "un addressed". I have listed in cronological order the most pertainent correspondance between the project and the ABS, with the Articles of Incorporation at the end.I will be at the ABS meeting in San Francisco, so please sign up in support of the project, and let me hear your ideas.
I'm happy to report that Mr and Mrs A.C.Lakshimana will be at the meeting too! He is one of the most inspiring writers on the internet site bamboo-plantation@yahoogroups.com\\where we often discuss the possibilities of the "Bamboo Revolution" and he is a great collector of interesting types with a garden of over 100 specimens, before the city widened the road! So please introduce your selves to him if you are at the meeting.
Sorry about the size of this e-mail, but I really want everyone on the same page....let me know if should do anything more.
Happy Election Day.
Robert Roark
bambooisgrass@yahoo.com
>
> ----- Original Message ----
> From: "info@needmorebamboo.com" <info@needmorebamboo.com>
> To: ROBERT ROARK <bambooisgrass@yahoo.com>
> Sent: Monday, February 18, 2008 1:41:49 PM
> Subject: Re: New ABS Chapter
>
> Well I am definetly interested in learning more about the project, and
> have not previously heard about it. I am firmly supportive of the ABS
> being involved with appropriate projects and it is not a concern of mine
> how any such project would potentially adversely impact the private
> business of any ABS members, that is not at all something that should
> enter into it.
>
> As I find time I will try and learn more about it and when I have
> comprised a list of questions for you, I'll contact you to learn even
> more.
>
> One thing I should point out though, is that chapters do not operate under
> the ABS 501 c3 umbrella, chapters are distinct entities. The bylaws of
> the ABS require that for chapter recognition the chapters must obtain
> their own 501 c3 status or at least be eligible to apply for such status
> in order to become recognized chapters, and any new chapters must also do
> this. So no chapters have 501 c3 status merely by being a chapter of the
> ABS. Each chapter must have bylaws, directors, and file formal papers as
> an independant entity in the appropriate state and proceed with the intent
> of obtaining their own 501 c3 status.
>
> I don't know how this may impact your project but if the primary
> motivation for seeking chapter status was to fit in under the ABS 501 c3
> status, that just isn't legally possible and you'll actually need to form
> your chapter first and file all of the paper work before requesting to be
> recognized by the ABS. Let me know if you have any questions regarding
> this and I'll do what I can to give you the info that you need to move
> forward. The national
>
>
> Brad
>
>
> ____________________________________________________________________________________
Robert, I've been on the road recently and hope to find time later in the
week to check out your website with the info.
Brad
> Brad; Thank you for your prompt response, and your expression of interest
> in the Project.
>
> I would like to start the incorporation process, and I suppose that I will
> use the same form as the other ABS Chapters in California have used, to
> qualify as a not for profit scientific and educational organization. The
> process is pretty straight forward, and hasn't changed much, (except for
> the fees, I imagine); since I formed The Summerland Arts and Crafts Center
> inc. in the early 1970's....Do you have any short cut ideas that might
> make it a "cut and paste job"? I'm the world's worst typist, and that
> really slows me down, and is one reason why I had hoped to find an
> established Chapter to work with....Two years ago, I joined both the N and
> S California chapters, but as I have discovered, neither is very actively
> involved with anything more than plant sales, and garden tours; so their
> concern has been to discourage any proposals that might require effort and
> oversight that isn't tied to that sort of activity.
>
> We have a tentative Board of Directors from a list of people interested
> in the project, and would like to enlist everyone who might want to be
> involved in any way into the new chapter....perhaps this may develop into
> the first "virtual chapter", because it is more of a demonstration of what
> could become a prototype plantation, suitable for many locations, rather
> than a local affinity group.
>
> As for your personal interest in the project, please read the description
> at: bambooisgrass.com
> I should rewrite some of it and look forward to your questions, so that I
> can address them more clearly in the revised version....Several people who
> have read it have said that it doesn't explain how it will make money, or
> at least how they could make money by working on the project. That's why
> I added an "executive summary" page. I did not originally envision the
> ABS members as active participants in any sense other than as a legal
> entity that qualifies for Grant funding, because my chapter members do not
> want to work on the project. I told them that I would do all of the work
> to procure a site and generate the funding, and that I would have an
> accounting firm handle the accounts etc., but everyone seemed to be
> worried about taking on some sort of liability, as if they might find
> themselves the subject of lawsuits or claims resulting from the operation
> of the project....I assured them that we would include indemnification of
> the Officers and Board
> Members, and that insurance and legal representation would be part of the
> budget, but again, no one wanted to "take the risk"....that's just how it
> goes in America, I have seen many well intentioned "grass roots"
> organizations become side tracked by concerns over "liability", to the
> extent that nothing gets done....On the other hand, one of my potential
> donors has made huge contributions to a plethora of small
> environmental groups, and has not encountered any problems with
> "liability". Some people interpret the ABS bylaws as forbidding any
> "political" advocacy, and I definitely see the project as an advocacy
> project....all of the well established agricultural interests have
> affinity groups that advocate some sort of agenda, and bamboo will have
> to have that too; but it doesn't have to take precedence over the other
> areas of project operations, especially in the beginning. So let's not
> dwell on the "what if's", until we have a site and a budget
> to fund the project.
> I believe that now is the time to make an effort to address the potential
> role that Bamboo can play in the future; and since I am too old to
> envision much profit from that effort, accruing to me personally, I am
> not going to count on the project to make money; even though there will be
> plenty of money to keep it going once a sizable demonstration plantation
> is established.
>
> I just think that we can get the project going faster if we do it as an
> ABS sponsored scientific/educational project, rather than trying to get
> "venture capitol" to start a business that can't show a profit until huge
> acreage of bamboo is available for industrial use....and that, as you
> know, is at least 7-10 years from the first planting....It would be ideal
> if potential sites could be donated to the project in exchange for a tax
> write off, or if large polluters could gain research data (and good PR)
> from a bamboo project adjacent to their operations, in exchange for
> financial support.... Not for Profit organizations like the ABS are a good
> way to make the first tentative moves toward cooperative problem solving
> between the public and private sectors.
>
> I was a campaign volunteer for Congressman Jerry McNerney, in CA...he is a
> wind energy entrepreneur, whose Congressional District is home to Chevron
> Corp....Wouldn't it be cool if we could propose a solution to Carbon
> emitters like Chevron, based upon Bamboo? That's just the sort of thing
> that could happen if we start putting a demonstration of bamboo's
> potential together now, so any ideas that you have about expediting the
> project through the ABS would really be appreciated....I would be happy to
> write a short proposal that could go into the Journal, so let me know what
> you think about all of this and I'll start on that.
> Thanks again for your interest. Please feel free to call me if you have
> any concerns.
> Rob Roark
> (415) 250-3214
>
>
>
> Looking for last minute shopping deals?
> Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.
> http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping
Brad Salmon
Needmore Bamboo Co.
Bambooisgrass.com
November 3, 2008
American Bamboo Society
To the Board:
This is a request for American Bamboo Society (California Chapters) sponsorship of the Plantation Crop Substitution Demonstration Project (the project) as detailed on the website: Bambooisgrass.com.
The Project is designed to demonstrate the efficacy of large scale Bamboo cultivation as a reaction to important environmental and world trade developments.
The Project complies with the requirements of the American Bamboo Society Bylaws, and will enhance the revenues and prestige of the Society. The project will be eligible for Grant funding only if it has the sponsorship of a valid 501-C-3 organization such as the ABS. The Project is designed to be self supporting, and will not result in any cost to the Society. Therefore, as a member of the society, I am putting this request before the board for immediate consideration.
As a member in good standing of the ABS Northern and Southern California Chapters, I, Robert Roark, move to place the question of American Bamboo Society Sponsorship of the project before the Boards of Directors of the California Chapters. I also request the right to import sufficient Bamboo plant stock to start the project under the guidelines and supervision of the Society's plant quarantine program. The Project has identified potential Phyllostacheys Bamboo Tissue Cultures which are available, and that could provide the plant stock necessary for the project. I will do all of the work to pot the plantlets and provide a drip irrigation system too, if that is what is required at the quarantine site. I suggest that the Society's portion of the grant monies (subject to negotiation, this might be as much as 10% of the total amount raised) might initially be dedicated to upgrading the quarantine sites; as they may prove to be inadequate for future
requirements, as bamboo demand increases.
I have been somewhat gratified by the degree of interest that the Project has garnered so far. I have enlisted the guidance of ABS member Harry Simmons, who is presently working on Bamboo Plantation issues. The following excerpt of his correspondence with me, will attest to the viability of the Project concept. He writes:
"I was intrigued and excited by your ideas. Yes, your
Crop substitution/carbon credit idea is inspired.
With enough world pressure and scientists protesting
The "head in the sand policies of our government, we
will eventually be scrambling to plant carbon
off-setting crops.
The World Bamboo Organization has taken scientist's
estimates of the average carbon consumption of an
American citizen to calculate daily, monthly and
yearly amounts of sequestered carbon needed to offset
this consumption. While this information is easy to
find, the intriguing concept (and more difficult to
find info.) is that they will sell a plot of land
(planted in bamboo) to offset the consumption based on
how much carbon is sequestered by a bamboo field (they
estimate 12 tons/hectare/year). I think the program
has since been discontinued. However, based on this
concept, if everyone in the US (or the government)
bought a plot, The US atmospheric carbon production
would be '0'. While there are a lot of variables
unaccounted for (different species sequester different
amounts based on size, climate, precipitation, soil,
etc.) and many assumptions made (no changes in fuel
consumption, consumer habits or permanency of carbon
removal), the idea is sound.
A large number of industries could be built around
these large plantings (charcoal, plywood, paper,
fabric, fuel, fiber board, etc.). The USDA
investigated bamboo as a crop for most of the last
century. As a raw material for paper pulp, Phy.
makino was considered to be a crop equal to or greater
in value, volume and quality than southern pine.
Other species were imported and investigated as well.
Unfortunately, the program funding was discontinued in
the late 1960's/early 1970's (unceremoniously by
congressman and senators representing the US timber
industry). While I have never been a conspiracy
theory proponent, the billions of dollars invested in
the US timber industry would indeed be threatened by a
cheap; fast growing; easily harvestable alternative.
A lot of ideas...all of them great. I know Kinder
Chambers and his wife very well. They have always
been supportive of anything bamboo. I think if we
develop a business plan first, he would be much more
willing to be onboard. I know he would donate
rhizomes and/or plants to the cause (as long as
someone else digs them). I am willing to start a
tissue culture lab for long-term plant materials. I
can find a few empty lots when I return to Texas this
summer... What do you think are the most immediate
steps to be done?
With much encouragement,
Harry Simmons"
This Project can offer the Society a venue for all sorts of bamboo research projects. I encourage all members to formulate their ideas for inclusion in the Project...especially with regard to the "business plan" referred to by Mr. Simmons. I envision a "two prong" approach to the funding problem. The first being Grants that are available for projects that address environmental problems, and the second, private funding of the various research projects that can be done once a plantation has been established. The first category is critical, because it will demonstrate that there is recognition of the importance of Bamboo as an environmentally important component to any attempt to offset pollution. The second part will allow practical applications of Bamboo based technology to be perfected and implemented. Those found to have profit potential can eventually form the basis of industrial business ventures. Neither funding source can
sustain the project alone, since the 501-C-3 Grants have a short duration; and the private funds will only materialize after something tangible can be demonstrated.
As most of the members of the board probably know, it takes about 5-6 years to get a bamboo plantation up and running. I am trying to get the project started this year, with a target goal of having some plants growing at the site, by sometime next year. The interval between planting and initial harvest will be spent on developing the political base that must accompany the introduction of large scale bamboo cultivation in the US. That is where my time can best be spent; however, I cannot proceed without the backing of the ABS, in the form of either; an existing Chapter, or as a new Plantation Chapter.
This is a formal request for a vote of the general membership on the following question:
Should the American Bamboo Society authorize the formation of a new chapter; under the original ABS Articles of Incorporation; to be known as the Plantation Chapter?
An affirmative vote from at least ten members is required, and I have been told that we have the votes of at least that many members, so lets set a schedule for the voting, and send an announcement to each member, please.
I am willing to write the announcement, and do any other work that this request generates I have the articles of incorporation and the Bylaws ready to file once the Chapter is authorized.
I need a way to send the announcements to everyone, without copying each name and address, so may I have a disk with that info?
Sincerely,
Robert Roark
Bambooisgrass@yahoo,com
(415) 250-3214
THE PLANTATIONCHAPTER
OF
THEAMERICAN BAMBOO SOCIETY
BYLAWS
I. NAME
1.0
The name of this organization is The Plantation Chapter of the American Bamboo
Society.
The PlantationChapter of the American Bamboo Society
Operates as a 501-c-3, Not For Profit Corporation in the state of:
The records of registration for this Corporation shall be held at:
II. PURPOSE
2.0
The purpose of the Plantation Chapter shall be to:
Promote knowledge of and interest in Bamboo, as a viable crop with many uses.
To develop and present educational programs that further the development of Bamboo as a sustainable alternative to many common materials.
To encourage the growth and propagation of Bamboo in American agriculture.
To aid in the importation of and quarantine of bamboo according to the USDA guidelines.
To provide support facilities where records, books, publications, and other pertinent information will be made accessible to interested people.
To engage in and encourage such projects as may further the best interest of and the objectives of the Chapter.
To cooperate with other Organizations, Foundations, and Institutions in the furtherance of its objectives. .
To operate Demonstration Bamboo Plantations and to carry out research that furthers the knowledge and use of bamboo as a practical substitute for other materials.
To obtain funding for the operation, maintenance, and acquisition of any property necessary to accomplish the goals of the Chapter.
III. MEMBERSHIP
3.0
The Plantation Chapter membership shall be open to anyone who has a genuine interest in bamboo and the purposes and polices of the Chapter.
Memberships shall not be restricted on the basis of race, religion, sex, or national origin.
Membership classifications shall be determined by the Board of Directors.
All applications for membership shall be submitted to the Treasurer; accompanied by dues.
3.1. RIGHTS:
Memberships are non-transferable.
Each member is entitled to one vote.
Any Member may examine the Chapter records and attend meetings of the Board of Directors.
3.2. ATTACHMENT:
Memberships are not subject to attachment. There is no provision for proxy voting.
3.4. TERMINATION:
Any member may terminate his or her membership voluntarily.
Any member who fails to pay dues by September 15th of the membership year may be terminated from membership.
Membership may be terminated for any member, for just cause, as determined by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.
IV. DIRECTORS
4.0
The Plantation Chapter of the American Bamboo Society shall be governed by an
Elected Board of Directors composed of five members.
Two alternate Board members shall be elected to fill vacancies on the Board, in accordance with Section 4.8.
4.1. Terms of Board Members:
Directors shall serve for a term of three (3) years.
Alternates shall serve for one year.
The term of office shall begin at the close of the Annual Business Meeting.
4.2. POWERS & DUTIES:
The Board of Directors shall have the following duties:
To hold elections for officers from the membership.
To establish policies, bylaws, and goals.
To direct business, educational, and social affairs of the Chapter.
To authorize expenditures.
To establish committees as it deems necessary to ensure the proper functioning of the Chapter.
4.3. DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY:
The Board of Directors may delegate it's authority to individual officers to take action on particular matters.
4.4. MEETINGS:
The Board of Directors shall set the time of all Board meetings at least one week prior to those meetings. There shall be at least one annual meeting, and as many Board meetings as necessary to carry out the objectives of the Chapter.
4.5. TELEPHONIC AND INTERNET MEETINGS:
The Board of Directors is authorized to conduct meetings via the use of any suitable electronic format.
4.6. QUORUM:
.A quorum of the Board of Directors shall consist of three or more members.
4.7. ABSENCES
In the event of absences that cause the lack of a quorum; the alternate Board members may temporarily assume the powers and duties of absent board members to complete a quorum. .
4.8. VACANCIES:
Vacancies on the Board of Directors shall be filled by the first and second alternates; and thereafter through appointment by the Board of Directors from the general membership.
Any such replacement shall be for the unexpired term of the Board member being replaced and shall include all powers and duties of full Board membership.
4.9. REMOVAL.
Directors and alternates shall be subject to removal from the Board for just cause by a two thirds(2/3) vote of the Board. Unexcused failure to attend two (2) Board meetings within one year will automatically require a vote of removal.
V. MEETINGS
5.0. REGULAR MEETINGS:
Regular meetings of the Chapter shall be held quarterly, in January, April, July and October, at a date set by the Board of Directors with notice sent to the membership at least one month prior to the scheduled meeting date.
5.1. ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING:
One regular meeting shall be designated as the Annual Business Meeting.
This meeting shall present to the Membership, an opportunity to attend the installation of officers, and hear the results of the Audit, as well as carry out the business of a regular meeting
5.2. QUORUM:
A quorum at any regular meeting shall consist of a majority of the number of members present.
VI. ELECTIONS
6.0. NOMINATIONS:
A nominating committee of no less than two (2) members shall be appointed by the general members at the first meeting of the year.
6.1. ELECTIONS & BALLOTING:
An election of at least two (2) and not more than (3) directors and two (2) alternates shall be held in May. Election shall be by secret mail ballot, supervised by an Election Committee; appointed by the President, subject to the approval of the Board, at a regular meeting, no later than April of each voting year.
The vacant Board positions shall be filled by candidates receiving the highest vote count.
VII. OFFICERS
7.1. OFFICERS:
Officers shall consist of the President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and two Alternates. Officers shall be elected by the Board of Directors at the first Board Meeting following the election of the new directors. The term of all officers shall be for one year, or
until their successors are installed.
7.2. DUTIES:
a. President.
The President shall: preside at all meetings of the Chapter and its Board of
Directors; appoint committees; sign all contracts and other instruments of the
Chapter; retain duplicate copies of important documents of the Chapter; and be
an ex officio member of all committees except the Nominating Committee.
b. Vice Presidents.
The First and Second Vice presidents, in that order, shall perform the duties of the President in the event of absence or incapacity.
c. Secretary.
The secretary shall record the minutes of all meetings of the Chapter and its
Board of Directors and shall make such reports as are requested by the Board of
Directors. The Secretary shall have custody of all documents of the Chapter and shall sign all official documents.
d. Treasurer.
The Treasurer shall have custody of the dues, other income, and any funds the Chapter may possess and shall keep an accurate account of all financial transactions.
The treasurer shall disburse monies in accordance with procedures approved by the Board of Directors and shall submit such reports and statements as are required by the Board of Directors. All official checks shall be countersigned by
the Treasurer and one of three designated officers. The Treasurer shall retain duplicate copies of all financial documents of the Chapter.
VIII. GENERAL
8.1. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY:
All membership meetings and all meetings of the Board of Directors shall be conducted in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order unless they are inconsistent with these bylaws
8.2. FISCAL YEAR:
The fiscal and dues year of the Chapter shall be 1 July to 30 June
4.11. AUDIT:
The Directors shall annually appoint an Auditing Committee of three (3) members who shall audit the Treasurer's accounts and shall submit said audit to the Board, prior to the Annual Business Meeting.
All Dues shall be held in an account at:
Upon Dissolution of the Chapter, any reserve funds must be disbursed to
Organizations recognized under the provisions of 501-c-3 of the Internal Revenue Code and 23701(d) of the Revenue & Taxation Code.
.
8.3. AMENDMENTS:
(a)
These bylaws may be amended by the general membership at the Annual
Business Meeting. Notice of the proposed amendment must be given in writing
to all members, no later than the previous regular meeting before the Annual
Business Meeting. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of all the members present at the
Annual Meeting shall be necessary for adoption.
(b)
The Board of Directors, by a majority vote, may enact amendments which shall remain in effect only until the next Annual Business Meeting, whereupon they shall be submitted to the membership for adoption or rejection. Written notice shall be given in accordance with Section 8.3.(a).
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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