Bayou Bartholomew Foundation Established
For the past two or three years, the Bayou Bartholomew Alliance
(BBA) Board has discussed the need to provide sustainable funding
for the work of the BBA. The BBA has no employees, no staff.
It contracts with Layher Bio Logics RTEC, Inc., for Dr. Bill
Layher’s services as Coordinator. In addition to coordinating
BBA activities, Bill writes grant proposals, coordinates activities
under approved grants, writes and submits reports required by
grantors. Bill also plans and conducts clean-ups, works on log
jam modifications, fish sampling, newsletter editing, conservation
easements, public presentations, et cetera. Much of his time
is spent on grant writing and reporting.
In August, 2005, the BBA Board voted unanimously to proceed
with establishment of the Bayou Bartholomew Foundation (BBF)
with Marshall Rush to be the first President. While attorneys
were working with BBA Board Members on By-Laws and Articles
of Incorporation, Marshall’s health rapidly declined and
he died at his home on December 27.In May, 2006, the BBA Board
adopted Foundation By-Laws and Articles of Incorporation. The
BBA Board elected the following as Charter Members of the Foundation
Board: (Board Membership may range from 3-11 Members).
Ferd Bellingrath - Pine Bluff, AR
John McClendon - Monticello, AR
Gibbs Ferguson - McGehee, AR
Elton Kennedy - Mer Rouge, LA
George Pugh - Portland, AR
Stephany Rush Slagle - Hot Springs, AR
The Foundation Board elected Ferd Bellingrath to serve as President;
John McClendon , Vice-President; Gibbs Ferguson Secretary; and
Richard Metcalf (Head of Pine Bluff National Bank’s Trust
Department), as Trustee. Pine Bluff National Bank was selected
as the initial depository.
The BBF received its Arkansas Charter in June and is expecting
IRS approval as a non-profit in the near future. All donations
to the BB Foundation will be eligible for Federal and State
tax deductions, as are donations to the BB Alliance. When sufficient
funds are secured, returns on investments will provide a level
of operating funds to greatly increase the pace of restoration
and maintenance of the Bayou. Dr. Curtis Merrell, BBA President
and Incorporator of the Foundation, has proposed a goal of “$5million
in 5 years”. This will require strong local, state, regional,
national, perhaps international, campaigns. Multi-year pledges
or commitments will probably be solicited. Donations may be
sent to:
Bayou Bartholomew Foundation
% Richard Metcalf, Trustee
Pine Bluff National Bank
P.O Box 7878
Pine Bluff, AR 71611
