by Cyndy Goodson, President of the Humboldt Redwoods Interpretive Association

It was in 1996 when I attended my first CALPA conference hosted by Torrey Pines. I met many interesting and enthusiastic people who thought as I did and who truly cared about the State parks and the interpretive associations.

I was pleased to meet John Mott and Donna Pozzi and found that knowing who you are dealing with in Sacramento made a difference in communication with my association. Having connections with other Cooperating Association members and networking with other park professionals has expanded my ability to lead my association. Meeting CALs from other areas and learning how DPR trains their staff is quite helpful.

It was an eye opening experience to find how many associations had had the same problems I was dealing with at Humboldt Redwoods Interpretive Association (HRIA). The most important information I took away from my first CALPA conference was the need for insurance for board members and the significance of being uninsured.

I was impressed with the quality of the speakers and the information they imparted to the group. I was convinced that I needed to stay in contact with CALPA and gain the advantage of the group's experiences. The regional workshops have been an excellent learning tool for my CAL and board members. Just knowing the basics of the interpretive association operations and the State Park rules smoothed out our operations at HRIA.

A few years later my organization was feeling burdened by the cost of utilities to operate our Visitor Center. When the facility was expanded in 1999-2000 it increased our utility bills substantially. In talking to Donna Pozzi about my situation, she asked, "Who owns the building?" (The State), and she said the State is responsible for the cost of utilities in a State owned building. This bit of news and the fact that we were the only interpretive association paying utilities made it possible for me to go to my maintenance supervisor and have the electricity and propane gas bills for the Visitor Center paid for by the State. It was a significant amount of our association's annual budget. Immediately, we were able to expand our publications program.

Over the years I have made some dear friends and look forward to the annual conferences more and more. I always learn important facts to take back to my association and always have a very enjoyable time.