Board Attendees: Alex Bernhard, George Heaton, Lindy Heim, Cody Hussey, Charles Martin, Myra Mayman, Ricker Miller, Don Moyer, Joe Olimpio, Tom Rousseau, Peter Southworth
Committee Members: Craig Heim (Administration); Patrice Rasche (Promotion)
Business Matters
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Tom Rousseau reported on a great deal of activity in December, as well as a first look at budget projections for the new year. We are therefore both up to date and looking forward.
The month showed significant inflows, from two main sources: the receipt of RTP (Recreational Trails Program) reimbursement of approximately $5,800; and donations of approximately $1,500. With expenses of some $7,600 netted against this, and counting for the emergency and RTP grant reserves, we have approximately $22,000 now available for ongoing and planned projects. Consistent with our mission and practice, these funds are devoted to Trail improvement and will quickly be spent.
Tom’s first look at the 2023 budget was helpful and hopeful. We are in the process of an important fundraising effort to cover essential but as-yet-unfunded maintenance (see discussion below). Multiple applications to a diversity of institutions are in the works; as well as a year-end appeal to our members. In this dynamic environment, we decided to take up the budget more fully in January.
An important policy position was discussed: whether or not to seek funds directed to particular projects or purposes. The clear sense of the Board was to discourage and avoid such donations, as they limit flexibility and rarely correspond exactly to the needs of specific projects.
Committee Reports
Administration Committee: The Committee’s report was presented in two parts by Cody Hussey and Craig Heim.
Much of Cody’s discussion focused on the new FNRT website, launched in June, and the possibilities we see for an even better situation using Squarespace. A website-based year-end appeal for donations has already yielded impressive results. We can also report 932 visits to the website in November and that an average of 101 seconds was spent on the page. Many more analytics are available through Squarespace, which we hope to use as our platform in 2023.
Cody also reported on his successful approach to the Gaming Commission of New Hampshire, which will give FNRT access to a percentage of revenues, consistent with State law giving this possibility to non-profits.
Committee Chair Craig Heim reported on current fundraising efforts. The need for new fundraising became apparent a few months ago with the realization that matching funds for RTP grants would not be available when due in early summer. Approaches to various foundations have been made during the last months, and now appear to have borne impressive fruit. We anticipate approximately $16,000 in foundation grants in the near future – almost exactly the amount needed for the RTP match.
The Trail will thus commence 2023, happy with its new resources and thankful to all!
Promotion Committee: A short report by Lindy Heim focused on the Monthly Newsletter, which highlights activities on the Trail and its communities and provides a dynamic visual view of the Trail in all seasons.
Maintenance Committee: Chairman Don Moyer began his report with a highly unusual disclaimer: “There’s little to report: a couple of trees down in Andover, otherwise a quiet month.”
The remainder of Don’s report focused on possible “scenarios” around the southern end of the NRT in Boscawen. Don has been in touch with the principal stakeholders in this area: the State of New Hampshire, CSX (the railroad holding company), and Scenic Railriders. Perhaps the most provocative question is the uses of the island which holds the Hannah Duston Memorial, and which holds the possibility of becoming a stunning station of the NRT.
Upcoming Events
Alex Bernhard, Don Moyer will attend the New Hampshire Rail Trails Coalition. Others invited.