The Board is deeply dismayed, shocked, and disappointed by the events that led up to the resignation of our longtime editor, Laurie Burk. (Please see the article, Why Our Editor of 40 Years Resigned.) We have lost a long-standing, hard-working, and enthusiastic voice for our chapter, along with decades of experience, understanding, and knowledge of the chapter. The issues raised by staff about personal liability led to our valued, long-serving, and dedicated conservation chair, David Ledger, to resign his position as conservation chair, although he remains our field trip chair.
This experience has raised important questions about editorial practices, volunteer protections, communication, transparency, and how State and chapter volunteers work together when difficult situations arise.
A few days after our regular September Board meeting, the Shasta Chapter Board held a special meeting to address the situation and its implications for the chapter.
We have since sent a 14-page letter to CNPS leadership requesting more detailed information about personal liability, volunteer protections, editorial authority, communication between State and chapters, and the processes CNPS follows when legal or editorial concerns arise. Our purpose is to understand what happened, clarify expectations and responsibilities, and help establish clearer processes for the future.
The Shasta Chapter values both the work of State CNPS and the many volunteers who contribute their time, expertise, and energy to chapter activities.
State CNPS staff and leadership have important and sometimes difficult responsibilities. They must support conservation work across many chapters; communicate effectively with members and the public; maintain organizational credibility; manage legal and reputational risks; and maintain the confidence donors, members, and others who share the organization’s mission. These responsibilities can require difficult decisions, particularly when legal concerns arise.
At the same time, chapter volunteers often bring specialized professional experience and strong personal commitments to their work. Differences in approach to communication, editorial practices, advocacy, or organizational risk can therefore arise, even among people who share the same conservation goals.
We hope that thoughtful discussion of these issues can lead to clearer expectations, stronger communication, and continued partnership in support of the CNPS mission.
We welcome our newest Board Members:
Ada Rubin, Member-at-large
Anna Prang, Programs Chair
Ren Redlich, Publications (Communications) Chair
~Susan Gallaugher, Shasta Chapter Delegate and Membership Chair