Secretary's Report, 2005.

The article presents reports related to the American Society of Naturalists (ASN) chronicling the activities of the society. The secretary's activities this year were focused on conducting the annual election. Balloting was strictly electronic. Michele Dudash presented the 2004 Treasurer's Report. She reported that the ASN's investments, now managed by Betsy Etges of Morgan Stanley, are performing as well as can be expected given the current financial market and the size of the funds. Kari Roane of the University of Chicago Press presented the business report. Circulation of the journal "The American Naturalist" is on a downward trend and has fallen 10% this past year, reflecting the trend in other membership-based societies. Michael Whitlock presented the 2005 American Naturalist editor's report. Betsy Etges of Morgan Stanley presented an ASN financial report. The society's previous arrangement involved multiple investments and eroding finances; ASN now has a consistent and committed broker and CPA, and fees have been halved. The issue of student travel awards was revisited. Michele Dudash proposed that for 2006 and future domestic meetings, ASN will offer 10 awards of $300 each to students.