Patti Erwin, Arkansas Forestry Commission U&CF Coordinator hosted a joint meeting of U&CF Coordinators and Communication Chiefs from the 13 southern states. The meeting was scheduled for January 26th - 29th, and most participants arrived with the 2009 Ice Storm that covered parts of Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, and Kentucky.

By Noon on the 27th, ice was continuing to accumulate and at about 2pm we lost power at the hotel. Our final presentation on "social media" (blogs, Twitter, Facebook, flicker, RSS) was held by candlelight!

^{Powerpoint by Candlelight                                                                            John Slater, 2009}

Wednesday morning, still no power! Mayor Lioneld Jordon (who welcomed us on Tuesday morning) provided a meeting space with electricity and coffee pot for the day at City Hall.

^{Trek to City Hall & Heat!                                                                               John Slater, 2009}

On Wednesday morning, Leslie Moorman (NC), Paul Revell (VA), Pete Smith (TX), and Dudley Hartel (USDA FS) briefed the coordinators on the status of the urban forestry disaster response project (Urban Forest Strike Team). Quite timely!

On Thursday we concluded the meeting with tours (with minor modifications) of green infrastruture in Fayetteville. The airport, major highways, and most roads were open at that time and at Noon the meeting concluded and everyone was able to return home. [drh]