Future of the Species Lily Preservation Group (SLPG)

Over the last year, careful consideration was given to all suggestions made on the future of the SPLG. During the annual NALS Convention in Burlington, Ontario, SLPG Board of Directors and SLPG Members in attendance held meetings on July 14 and 15, 2011, respectively.

On behalf of Michael Homick (former SLPG President), Joe Nemmer (former SLPG Vice President) presented initial details that support moving the SLPG under NALS as a committee, thus enabling a group to continue with projects and published materials specific to Genus Lilium species. Both the NALS BOD and the SLPG members voted favorably to conduct the SLPG under NALS as a committee, and conduct it much like the Research Trust Committee. Joe Nemmer will serve as the Committee Chairman. At this time, formal dissolution of the SLPG will not occur.

In the coming months, the committee shall have two main priorities. First, the committee shall finalize details of the SLPG assets and work with NALS officers on exactly how these funds will be designated for species group purposes. Second, the committee shall assist in transitioning the SLPG Members with paid dues to the appropriate NALS membership category and notify members of their status. Once notified, all memberships shall be maintained through the NALS Executive Secretary, as they will be NALS members.

The NALS BOD will be informed of the progress at the winter meeting, and in the future provide a brief status just as other NALS committees must provide activity reports. The NALS publication editors are prepared to include submissions specific to the SLPG Committee. The SLPG pages on the NALS website (www.lilies.org) will be re-organized and updated to provide information of the transition, and to reflect the sub-group or committee’s contact information and other material. It is hoped that under the "umbrella" of NALS, pursuing the original SLPG goals will be possible and the species of the Genus Lilium will be the benefactor.