MBC attorneys depose forester over Windermere tree cutting

MBC attorneys depose forester over Windermere tree cutting

March 7, 2006

JEFFERSON CITY – Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) attorneys Feb. 24 deposed Carl Hauser, a forester, who has supervised the timber cutting at the Windermere Baptist Conference Center since November 2004.

Hauser testified that the tree cutting was part of a forest management plan, which he believed enhanced rather than diminished the value of the land. Old trees have been marked for cutting, Hasuser said, but there is no clear-cutting on the property. He said the land has been divided into seven sections. He has let bids on five of seven sections. Windermere has been paid about $80,000 thus far for the five sections sold. Hauser expects to net around $60,000 on the remaining two sections.

MBC attorneys have asked Cole County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Brown to include the tree-cutting operation in the temporary restraining order he has issued against Windermere, preventing trustees from selling or encumbering assets of Windermere. The judge has not extend the temporary restraining order to the tree cutting yet, but may consider additional evidence after discovery is had from Frank Shock, Arthur Mallory, and other Windermere officials who will be deposed.