RANGELEY – The Rangeley Region Guides and Sportsmens Association will meet Monday, Jan. 15, at their clubhouse on Old Ski Way Road in Oquossoc. A 5:30 potluck meal will be followed by a yet-to-be announced speaker. Anyone interested in the preservation of the outdoors is always invited to attend. Bring a main dish, salad or dessert and join members for the monthly meeting.

President Don Palmer reviewed club goals, objectives and budget needs for 2004 at the club’s December meeting.

In addition to many other concerns, members will address the restoration of South Bog Stream, the upcoming bear hunting referendum, development of a nature trail on its property, opening of more area waters to October fishing and the issue of invasive bass in Rapid River. Palmer scheduled the second in a series of conferences on solutions for the invasive bass problem for Dec. 18.

Budgeted funds will also enable the club to deepen the well that serves the club house and purchase a canoe rack enabling the Junior Guides to transport canoes to sites serving its summer program. Volunteers are being sought from the club’s base of 600 members to ensure success in each area.

Palmer, Roger Noyes, Ray Franson, John Thomas, Bob Nelson and Ed Inness represented the club at this year’s Sportsmen’s Congress, noting in their report that the number of moose permits will remain the same in 2004.

The annual holiday celebration followed the business portion of this meeting. The meal was arranged by Carol Harvey’s Lady Finches, this month’s coordinating team.