MRC staff urge timely project drafts as end-of-fiscal-year reporting deadlines approach

MRC staff told members the fiscal-year reporting window requires prompt action from project leads so staff can compile stewardship reports. Staff asked that project leads submit drafts by Sept. 19 so staff can prepare the standardized reports needed before the Sept. 30 fiscal-year deadline. Staff noted they are short on time and asked volunteers to help draft and plug data into the new report template. The committee discussed specific outstanding items: the Pigeon Guillemot report remains incomplete pending data and approval from Ed (staff said Ed returns Sept. 27 and staff hope he can review material before the Sept. 30 deadline). Members were reminded that the stewardship template includes sections leads can fill from last year’s reports to save time. Staff reiterated they will help with formatting and emphasized the importance of meeting the grant-driven deadlines. Ending: Committee members agreed to prioritize handing drafts to staff by Sept. 19 and to coordinate among leads to share data and reduce staff follow-up.