Below are the minutes from our Grove "Town Hall" mtg...FYI we need MORE VOLUNTEERS!

Grove Townhall meeting 2/19/08

PLEASE NOTE: IT IS UNDERSTOOD THAT THE BoD IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE OVERALL OPERATION OF THE GROVE. THE INFORMATION BELOW IS INTENDED AS A RECOMMENDATION THAT WE HOPE THE BOARD STRONGLY CONSIDER AS IT’S LONG RANGE GROVE REJUVENATION PLAN.

Long Term Goal: Rejuvenate a targeted section of the grove (appr 50 trees) due to financial, material, and manpower constrains. When the “section” is fully sustainable, then consider expanding with new trees & irrigation.

Short Term Goal: Determine best section of trees to “save”
Rehab existing trees w/i that section
Plant new trees to fill vacant spots w/i section


Priority of Tasks

Employ citrus specialist to assess the best section of the grove based on location, health of existing trees, survival probability of new trees, etc. (Appr $250)
Consult w/ Andy to determine cost of running drip-type irrigation to the base of each tree in the “section”. (Appr $2000)
Increase granule fertilization in good “section” from 2 to 3 times per year when irrigation is in place. (Appr $750)
Continue present fertilization of rest of the grove (dead and dying)
New Tree replacement consisting of various types of citrus (See Cost Schedule below)
Bait/Spray pesticide on selected trees to kill carpenter ant colonies
Remove those selected dead trees (12-15) using excavation company to fully remove the trunks and rootstock and haul offsite.

Supplemental Tasks

Consult with USF/UCF/USDA for any possible grants available to WLV
Consult with USF/UCF/USDA for any possible donations of time and/or material

Cost of New Trees (Summary)

It was decided that it is in the best interests of the Association to purchase high-quality citrus trees from nurseries that specialize in citrus. There is an acceptable increase in cost of the citrus because (theoretically) they will produce better fruit, more fruit, live longer, and be less susceptible to disease and pests due to good rootstock.

The costs below were supplied by Andy and are for the tree, delivery in covered trailer, and INSTALLATION:

· 3 gal $55
· 7 gal $85
· 15 gal $150
· 30 gal $250

It was NOT decided which size and how many trees would need to be purchased because the section has not been determined.


Plan of Action:

Rich will consult with Andy to bring a qualified citrus consultant on property to determine “section” to reclaim.
Reconvene townhall meeting to review consultant recommendation and settle on “section” to preserve/rejuvenate
Consult with Andy to plan/implement new augmented irrigation system
Consult with Jim to eradicate current colonies of carpenter ants
Jim to gather estimate to remove 12-15 dead/dying trees identified by consultant