1. NAME: The name of this organization is Trails for Plumas County (TPC).
2. MISSION: The mission of Trails for Plumas County is to work in partnership with others to foster, plan, develop, and maintain high quality inter-connected trail systems on public and private lands that provide access to neighborhoods, communities and recreation areas. Such a system of trails will allow residents and visitors to enjoy the benefits of recreation, education, environmental health, public health, accessibility, cooperation among trail users, and economic well being within the county:
Objectives
A. Facilitate the creation of a master plan for a county system of trails, consistent with the County General Plan, the County Transportation Plan and the US Forest Service Land Use and Resource Management Plan. This master plan will be based on a needs assessment and an inventory of existing trails. This plan will provide a framework for prioritizing the scope of work, submitting grant applications and facilitating the marketing of trail use to residents and tourists.
B. Create an organizational structure and procedures capable of mobilizing volunteer or contracted trail maintenance and building crews.
C. Plan and help implement a series of outings, events, and courses that educate the public about forest ecosystem health, nature, conservation, ecosystems, planning and use of safe trails, trail etiquette, etc.
D. Plan and help implement marketing strategies designed to increase trail use by residents and tourists.
E. Help create maps, trail descriptions, guides and promotional materials to serve trail users.
F. Publicize the opportunities for public support of trail-friendly projects
G. Improve understanding, communication, respect, training, and collaboration among trail users, user groups and agencies or organizations involved in trail decisions.
H. Recommend trail standards and best practices for trail construction designed to improve access and a breadth of experience for users while maintaining the quality of the environment through which trails pass.
3. STATUS: The TPC is an unincorporated nonprofit association with a fiscal agent. The fiscal agent is the Plumas Corporation, a public benefit non-profit corporation. The TPC maintains a roster of members and is managed by a Board of Directors.
4. MEMBERSHIP: The Board shall adopt classes of membership, set annual dues, and determine the rights and benefits to be extended to members.
5. BOARD OF DIRECTORS. The TPC is guided by a Board of Directors, comprised of nine (9) members. Each Board member serves for a term of 3 years. Terms of Board members shall be staggered with not more than three member’s terms expiring in any year. Board members may serve successive terms. Meeting schedules shall be determined by the Board. A quorum of five (5) Board members is required to conduct of business. Duties and responsibilities for each member shall be determined by the Board.
6. OFFICERS: The Board shall annually elect a Chair of the Board and other officers as deemed necessary to accomplish the work of the organization.
7. BOARD BUSINESS. The Board shall set annual goals and make a work plan to accomplish them. The Board shall establish policies, procedures and work methods as needed and shall make a record such actions together with all other official actions of the Board. Such records shall be available for review by the membership. The Board shall accomplish tasks through committees, volunteers, staff, or other means as deemed appropriate.
8. NOMINATING COMMITTEE. The Nominating Committee is a standing committee of the Board. It is comprised of at least 3 Board members, appointed by the Chair and approved by a majority of the Board. The Nominating Committee recruits and places in nomination the names of individuals to fill vacancies on the Board and the Advisory Committee. The Nominating Committee shall seek candidates who have a strong interest in trails and who possess background and knowledge that is useful to TPC. In addition, the Nominating Committee shall endeavor to nominate candidates who will help reflect, within the Board and Advisory Committee, the diverse geography and trail uses of the county.
9. BOARD VACANCIES. A vacancy exists on the Board of Directors whenever a Board member’s term expires or when the Board member vacates the seat due to resignation, death, incapacitation or removal by majority vote of the membership. Within 45 days following a vacancy, the Board shall call an Annual or Special Meeting of the membership. A vacancy is filled by majority vote of those members present and voting at an annual of special meeting of the membership.
10. MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS. The Board shall convene at least one meeting of the membership annually to report on activities, vote on a slate of Board members and conduct other business as required. Special meetings of the membership may be called at any time by a majority vote of the Board.
11. ADVISORY COMMITTEE. The Advisory Committee consists of not less than 7 or more than 20 members. A vacancy is filled by majority vote of the Board, selecting from among candidates placed in nomination for the vacancy by the Nominating Committee. The Advisory Committee’s role is to advise the Chair and the Board on issues related to the mission and objectives of the organization. The Advisory Committee has no voting authority. Advisory Committee members serve at the pleasure of the Board and may be removed by majority vote of the Board, or by resignation. The Board shall adopt a schedule of meetings and shall designate one of the Board members as Chair of the Advisory Committee.
12. AMENDMENTS. These Organization Agreements may be amended by
A. A majority vote of the Board to recommend amendment; and
B. A majority vote of those members present at a membership meeting and voting to approve the Board’s recommendation.