Description

2024 Committee Chair: Justin Shaw, HMH Engineering
Chamber Staff Host: Briana Francis

PURPOSE STATEMENT
To engage in activities to promote, protect, and preserve the area’s natural resources, and further the interests of the natural resource-based industries and organizations such as timber, mining, agriculture, fish and wildlife and recreation, and addressing adaptation to climate change. 

COMMITTEE MISSION
To proactively advocate for the sustainable use and enjoyment of our abundant natural resources in a manner that safeguards and enhances our environment over the short and the long term.

• Natural resources related businesses, organizations, and governments of the Cd’A Regional Chamber of Commerce.
• Members and leaders of the Cd’A Regional Chamber of Commerce, and other community business- and elected-leaders, and agency staff. (Since many natural resources agencies are not permitted to become Chamber members, these organizations are permitted to be a part of the Natural Resources Committee, as their input and information is essential to understanding and coordinating on the regional scale.)
• Customers of the businesses and members of the organizations mentioned above.

• Communicate to the Chamber updates regarding natural resources concerns and restoration projects.
• Support the Chamber of Commerce by monitoring the regional natural resources sector and, as appropriate:
  • Assist Public Policy Committee in formulating input about development of local comprehensive plans and associated land use codes.
  • Develop position statements on natural resource related issues, recommend those positions to the Chamber’s Public Policy Committee, and, with Chamber Board approval, support the Public Policy Committee in advocating for those positions.
• Organize and support natural resource-related educational and community outreach programs including:
  • Support efforts to develop climate projections for the Coeur d'Alene region as well as climate resilient strategies for economic and environmental adaptation.
  • Develop a list tangible actions for individuals and businesses to conserve our natural resources (air, water, soil, forests, fish, wildlife, etc.). Members with expertise should develop the topic into a 400-500 blog post to add to a “bank” of available blogs. The Chamber leadership will review, and then select a post from time to time to add to their website/blog.
  • Seek volunteer support for NRC member-led events like Meet a Farmer Tour, The Confluence Project, Water Festivals, 4-H Stock Sale, Osprey Cruise, and field tours of forestry, wildlife, and water-related projects.
  • Help promote natural resource related tours, workshops, seminars, and events from outside organizations.
• Support Arbor Day/Tree City USA and similar approved events. Work to Enhance and protect the health and sustainability of our natural resources industries including forest wood products, mining, and agriculture,
• Support efforts to provide sustainable fish and wildlife populations and quality recreational opportunities for the use and enjoyment of the community.
• Support efforts to ensure regional water quality/quantity and sustainability in the aquifer, lakes, and watersheds.
• Support Coeur d’Alene Lake management efforts, the Our Gem Collaborative, UI Extension Water Outreach, water-related research projects, and the Local Gem Award’s Program.
• Support the CdA Basin Restoration Partnership in implementing the CdA Basin Restoration Plan.
• Collaborate with the other regional Chambers of Commerce and other related groups, such as Connect Kootenai as appropriate on natural resource issues.

• Start each meeting (as feasible) with a ~20-minute expert presentation on a topic pertinent to natural resources issues/management and to the Chamber. 7:30 a.m. – 7:50 a.m., including Q&A
• Provide information, opportunities, and guidance about natural resources management-related happenings during each meeting.
• Promote opportunities for business- and elected leaders to tour relevant natural resources related projects on the ground.
• Provide guidance to the greater Chambers of Commerce as requested.

• Ongoing:
  • Monthly meetings (except January, July, and August) with presentations: first Wednesday of each month at 7:30 a.m. in person at the Chamber office, and online via Zoom.
  • Biannually: Local Gem Award nomination presentation: spring/April and fall/October or as needed.
  • Recruit new natural resources related Chamber members.
• Specific events:
  • January: Quarterly Committee Chair Meeting
  • February: review member/contact list
  • April: Quarterly Committee Chair Meeting
  • May: Osprey Cruise planning
  • June: plan for industry/natural resources tour (coordinate with local WAGs)
  • July: Plan for Upbeat Breakfast speaker, recruit for Osprey Cruise, & quarterly Committee Chair Meeting
  • Mid-July: Osprey Cruise
  • September: Industry or natural resources tour and Upbeat Breakfast
  • October: Develop/approve NRC Strategic Plan & quarterly Committee Chair Meeting
  • November: nominate officers (Chair, vice-chair, secretary); potentially vote in officers.
  • December: Vote in officers if not done so in Nov. Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet (awards presented to prior year’s committee chairs, introduction of next year’s chairs).