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Progress continues for Savannah Nature Center A legal entity had to be formed to accomplish most phases of the Nature Center. On December 24, we became incorporated as "Friends of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex." This corporation also gives us the entity for volunteer memberships that we need to assist the management and employees of the Montezuma Wildlife Refuge, The N.Y. State D.E.C and Ducks Unlimited, the three partners of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex. Currently we have about 100 memberships. A set of by-laws for the Corporation has now been drawn, approved and filed with our attorney, and we are now close to a professional packet of illustrations and other information to commence a fund raising effort for the Nature Center building and site development. As soon as the land transfer is made, we need a written agreement with the N.Y. State DE.C. allowing the Corporation to construct and maintain the Nature Center building and grounds. We currently are contracting through the Syracuse University using two graduate students to study the needs and develop a building and site plan. The 2 students are using this project for their master's degree requirements. This is at a cost of about $45,000 with funding coming from Wayne County's contribution to this project. Dr. George Batterson, Supt. of the Clyde-Savannah School District met with us, and since then, the N.Y. State Education Department has been consulted about the feasibility of leasing classroom space at the Nature Center and obtaining state aid. Requirements by the state dept. are as follows: 1. full time students at the site; 2. architectural plans for the classrooms approved by them and 3. an educational curriculum. If qualified, 95% aid is possible. As this is all in a planning stage, and numbers of students interested from any given school are unknown, Dr. Batterson suggested that other area schools be made aware of this potential. (A meeting was scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 17 for committee members to meet with an administrative representative from each of the following schools: Clyde-Savannah, Seneca Falls, Port Byron, North Rose-Wolcott and Red Creek) The grade levels currently being considered are 6 and 7 elementary. The number of classrooms currently being considered are three, plus a lab room designed for multipurpose use, such as for single-day visiting classes. The Clyde-Savannah School has offered us assistance through their BOCES connection, to help with writing grants as a part of our fund raising efforts. We intend to approach the private sector - our biggest and best selling point is the $200,000 from your efforts and those of our government representatives. We all realize how fortunate we are to have within or midst such an ideal site for a Nature Center. The natural setting for the building on accessible high ground, surrounded on two sides by marshlands, Crusoe Lake shoreline and Crusoe Creek flowing through the midst of it all. Economically, we keep in mind ways to enhance the Savannah community by banking here and dealing with local merchants whenever possible. We have high hopes that the Nature Center will be a focal point, drawing many forms of commerce to the area in the years ahead. The purpose of the Nature Center at Savannah is to accommodate the public in environmental education, wildlife observation, an understanding of habitat, archaeological studies and to enjoy outdoor recreation. The name shall be "CRUSOE NATURE CENTER." It shall be understood that Crusoe Nature Center is all part of the larger picture, The Montezuma Wetlands Complex - all part of the North American Wildlife Management Plan, an international agreement between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico. Click here for information on your public input. Copyright © 2000 |
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