On September 11, the provisional Georgia Chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation held their first meeting. A provisional Board of Directors was appointed.

The meeting was opened with remarks from Dr. Don Davis. He stated that our efforts that began with our meeting in July on Fort Mountain, have positioned us to gain Chapter status by the October meeting that will be held in Asheville, North Carolina.

Each person present introduced themselves and gave brief remarks concerning their interest and abilities to support the newly formed chapter.

Davis then introduced Marshal Case, President and CEO of TACF. He had flown down to Dalton especially to speak at this meeting and to present a provisional charter to the newly formed Georgia Chapter of TACF. Marshal discussed the roles of TACF staff members and the 

different ways they can support  our chapter.  With the rapid growth and strong support the provisional Georgia Chapter is experiencing, Marshal feels the chapter will become the "powerhouse of the southern chapters..."

After a short break, the Articles of Incorporation were presented for consideration of approval with discussion held on each section.  Mark Stallings made the motion to approve, a second was made and the changes were unanimously approved.

The pending Memorandum of Understanding with the Forest Service was discussed. The MOU will clear the way for cooperation between the Forest Service and the Foundation in its reforestation efforts. It was scheduled to be signed in October.

The meeting closed with thanks to Marshal Case for his presentation and support of our provisional chapter.

The acting Board members signed the Articles of Incorporation and the meeting was adjourned.

Dr. Don Davis, President

Jim Hill, Vice-President

Dianne Smith, Treasurer

Ruby Mitchell, Secretary

Mark Stallings

David Keehn

Jerry Smith