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<p class=MsoNormal>Dear TACF Members –<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal> <br>
TACF is embarking on the exciting task of developing an on-line database to
house all of our science program data. We have worked on this project in
the past, however funding limitations have held back the potential of these
projects.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><br>
We are currently undertaking a very structured approach to planning the
database in hopes that we can identify all the data we need to track, who will
be using it and how. This more structured approach, being overseen by CT
Chapter President Bill Adamsen, will arm TACF with the necessary information to
raise the funds and put the project out properly for bid. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><br>
To do this, though, there's <b><u>A TON</u></b> of planning to finish and we
need your help! <br>
<br>
There are really two levels of assistance from chapter members that would add
great value to our database team. To see what is involved so far, please
see the attached project charter.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><br>
<b><u>PLANNING PHASE<br>
<br>
</u></b>In the planning phase, we could use a small contingent of chapter
representatives (2-4) to make sure we are thinking about this in a way that
will work for all users. The planning phase began last week with a 2˝
hour conference call, and we plan to continue with these kinds of weekly
meetings, along with take-away assignments. The planning phase will not
be “easy” but the more people really thinking about how to best
structure the database, the better. Meetings are held on Tuesdays at 9:00
am and at this point we are meeting every Tuesday between now and the end of
January, with the exception of Dec 29<sup>th</sup>. We’d love to
have your input if you have the time and interest. <br>
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><b><u>USER ACCEPTANCE TRAINING</u></b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>If you are interested but can’t commit to the amount
of time required for planning, we will also need members willing to test the
system once we have a prototype. If you are interested in helping with
the testing phase, please let us know. There will certainly be some bugs
to work out at first, and the more users trying different things, the quicker
we can identify and remedy problems.<br>
<br>
Please let us know if you are interested in helping out with either (or both)
of these phases of the database project. It would be great to have a
representative from each chapter involved in some way. We contacted you
because we thought you would be great candidates for assisting with this
project, however if there are others in the organization you think we should
reach out to, please forward this information along. If you are really
interested in becoming involved please let us know ASAP. We would love to
have some members participate in our Dec 22<sup>nd</sup> meeting (and beyond!).<br>
<br>
Thanks!<br>
<br>
Kendra and Sara<br>
<br>
Kendra Gurney<br>
The American Chestnut Foundation<sup>®<br>
</sup>New England Regional Science Coordinator<br>
USFS Northern Research Station<br>
705 Spear Street<br>
South Burlington, VT 05403<br>
Tel: 802.951.6771 x1350 Fax: 802.951.6368<br>
Cell: 802.999.8706<br>
<a href="mailto:Kendra@acf.org">Kendra@acf.org</a> or <a href="kgurney@uvm.htm">kgurney@uvm.edu</a><br>
<br>
Sara Fern Fitzsimmons<br>
Northern Appalachian Regional Science Coordinator<br>
The American Chestnut Foundation®<br>
The Pennsylvania State University<br>
206 Forest Resources Lab<br>
University Park, PA 16802<br>
<br>
e-mail: <a href="mailto:sara@acf.org">sara@acf.org</a><br>
phone (office): 814-863-7192<br>
phone (cell): 814-404-6013<br>
fax: 814-863-3600<br>
<br>
<a href="http://chestnut.cas.psu.edu/">http://chestnut.cas.psu.edu<span
style='color:blue'><br>
</span></a><a href="http://www.acf.org/">http://www.acf.org<span
style='color:blue'><br>
</span></a><a href="http://www.patacf.org/">http://www.patacf.org<span
style='color:blue'><br>
</span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
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