I spent from 9:00 to 10:20 with The Trustee for Morgan Township, Harrison Co. IN. and two Representatives of the Nature Preserve. It pertained to the BURNING OFF of St Johns Cemetery. The Pictures Lois put on the List showed Grass and WEEDS from 2 to 5 ft. high. And visitors could not go in because of what we call "Stick Tites" They have been burning this cemetery off since 1984 when the trustee handed it over to them, and they have been MANAGING it since. I'm sure some of you must know I protested this after Wm. Mahan contacted Lois about an E-mail he had received about the mess and the burning. I went out within an Hour looked and took Pictures. I was Mad as HELL. I kept sending out E-mail about the Cemetery. I made it quite plain I did not like what they were doing. After E-mailing Jeannie, she went higher and they put a Moratorium on the Burning. They only had an Oral Agreement, but some times that is legal. I also gave copies of my E. mail to The Trustee. He said he couldn't do anything until he got something in writing from the DNR. I made it clear this is the Burial Ground of my first ancestor to Indiana about 1810, and it was wrong, because they couldn't prove no damage from the burning. I really don't know from there what happened, but the Trustee called me Friday and said the Nature Conservancy (DNR) wanted to meet he and I this morning at 9 AM. I quickly agreed. Before I got there I told my wife, "We can never stop the burning this easy. When we got there, I got out, walked over, introduced my self. The trustee had already asked about keeping it mowed and they said no. We talked about the Condition i.e.; Crooked stone, broken, and dark gray, First thing the Trustee asked if after the growing season about Nov. 1st could he mow it then. They finally agreed The agreement was to mow it 6 inches hi. then they would burn that. I asked how often. They finally agreed on every 4 or 5 years.They asked if I would agree to the burning. I turned around and looked and said" Like it is now, I said "Hell no" absolutely not. But 6 inches, yes. Then the Trustee asked about mowing it in about a week. so people could get in. They agreed to that. But first someone has to find all fallen pieces of stone and move them. I agreed to Volunteer to do that. I have to photograph them, Measure from the nearest stone, mark with orange Florescent Paint and a stake in the ground, and copy all information before I move it, then replace them after the mowing. I asked about the crooked stone, (Leaning) they have had no one who knew anything about doing that. I agreed to Level some when I can using Pea Gravel with a little sand to level with. They agreed to that (Naturally) The way it stands now it will be mowed in a week down to 6 inches, no burning now. Then Mow it around the 1st. of November. This would give access to visitors from Nov. 1 until probably mid may before it gets a little high. Before you couldn't enter anytime because of the WEEDS and "Stick Tites". The Trustee will give me a cover Letter to work for him on anything I do. OKAY, I never won, but I honestly believe I did the best I could at this time. Burning 6 inch hi Grass is different then 3 to 5 Feet high grass, and only that every 4 to 5 years. Also, The BIG WOODEN SIGN IS COMING DOWN and a small white one made up with St Johns Lutheran Cemetery mentioned on it just like the Photograph someone put on the List. The local Lutheran church Minister had them take Lutheran off the Large wooden sign. It goes back on this one with the date the Church was formed in 1847. I know what you all think, this was a very small victory. But what would it have been if I had of kept quiet. You be the judge !! I'm sure my Ancestor George Briles would agree with me. Sorry this is so long, but there was more discussed than this. this is a short version. I never talked much, the other 3 did ? Thanks to all who finished this without going to sleep Jack E. Briles Sr. Po Box 444 New Albany, Floyd Co. IN (812) 282-6585