San Juan Island Trails

November minutes 2010

Facilitating and participating actively in the creation, maintenance and use of a network of trails for non-motorized use on San Juan Island.

San Juan Island Trails Committee Minutes

November, 2010

Present: Sam Connery, Peter Dawson, David Dehlendorf, Susan Dehlendorf, Louise Dustrude, Liz Illg, Ann Jarrell, Don Jarrell, Jill Johnson, Kyle Loring, Doug McCutchen, Cinda Pierce, Mark Pierce, Tracy Roberson, Howie Rosenfeld, Bill Severson, David Zeretzke

Volunteer Hours this Month:

November Steering Committee: 12
Today’s meeting: 17
General volunteer hours reported by     attendees: 32
Work Parties: (all on Land Bank projects)
Roche Harbor Stewardship Group:  30.5
Total Hours: 91.5

Call to Order:

The regular meeting was called to order by Chairperson Dave Zeretzke at 5pm, after the 15 minute social hour.   Minutes from the previous meeting were approved as circulated by email, with noted amendments to be changed on the website posted minutes.

Trail Tale:

New trail at American Camp from the Readout to South Beach has been walked and enjoyed by many Trails Committee members, as noted by Louise Dustrude.

Jill Johnson shared information about a hike at Goldstream Park on Vancouver Island.

Notices:

Beaverton Valley Land Bank work party Sat. Nov. 20th– register with Dianne Kinnaman at 370- 7655

Final approval of Trails Plan of Land Bank, Parks, and Public Works-Nov.30th SJC council. Time will be announced on the SJC website. All members are encouraged to attend. David Dehlendorf suggested making a summary of the plan for distribution, and asked if there is any mention of the Public Works trails standards. Doug McCutchen explained that the plan had a dual purpose, future planning and also as an aid to applying for potential funding through State grants.

Trail Walks 2011.Each walk must have a Trail leader who is on file with Island Rec with a background check and criminal check. Some of us have them; others do not. Red Cross people need only show proof of current training and that can be put on file with Sally Thomsen at Island Rec. If you can help…call Eileen Drath at 378-5646.  List of dates and places will be posted on the Trails Committee website.

Old Business:

First Aid trained volunteers: Call Island Rec 378-4953 re: next class for CPR training. We need more Trails Committee volunteers. This is information and practice that everyone can use.

Volunteers needed for social hour treats: for Jan. and Feb.

Mitchell Hill NPS Assistance: Bill Severson gave us a review: Trails has offered to help facilitate community meetings to promote multi-use discussion and decisions. Possibly signs will be posted at the entrance to Mitchell Hill to announce upcoming plans and community forums; but need to be approved by Peter Dederich.

Bill Severson attended the Trails Coalition Conference and shared information learned there about a similar situation on DNR property in the Cascades that was damaged by unauthorized use and almost shut down. They found that community meetings with special interest groups were very effective in solving detrimental land use problems.

Liz Illg informed that Olympic National Park is a multi-use park, so there is a precedent in the National Park system.

Hiking Merit Badge: Trails members are asked for any input re: a reward plan for hiking the San Juan Island trails. Due to our limited budget we will probably need to do some sort of certificate instead of a badge. Any ideas will be appreciated!

Thank you’s: Eileen Drath and Sue Buettell are sending them out. The list was reviewed and any additions passed on to Eileen and Sue.

Trail Status Reports:

Airport Trail: The goats are gone and the final (hopefully) mowing done for the season by Don Jarrell. Members are asked that if they do any trail maintenance on their own, please call and inform the Trail Boss so that they don’t go out there unnecessarily!

Hospital Trail: David Dehlendorf is working with the hospital landscaper on positions of trails. There may be two trail systems; one that is on the hospital campus and one that skirts the outside and connects over to San Juan Valley road. Don Jarrell suggested that the Port may be interested in improving and connecting the Airport Trail with the Hospital Trail.

Beaverton Marsh Preserve: Doug McCutchen reported that a plan has been started. It will probably be a simple mode path that is seasonal. Environmental issues are diverse and must be considered carefully, especially since the area is Ag land with migrating waterfowl and wetlands

American Camp Connector Trail: Cinda Pierce reported that Public Works put in a culvert at Louisa Nishitani’s property. Mark Pierce leveled the entire area as a one-man work party—very much appreciated. Trail signs will be placed.

Public Works has ordered signs for the Minnie May trail and will install them. The trail will be maintained by the neighborhood. Public Works will complete surveying from Minnie May to Cattle Point Road. Cinda Pirece wrote a letter to the all property owners along the trail with a Trail update, and received a positive response from someone formerly opposed to the Trail! Kudos to Public Works for all of their efforts despite budget restrictions.

Fairway Drive: Still awaiting a legal description from the Homeowner’s Association.

Jackson Beach: David Dehlendorf will meet with the Home Trust this Spring about a temporary trail.

Lost Hiker Final Report: Saltchuck does not want more signage placed on the property. They feel that what is there already is more than adequate.

New Business:

Steering Committee retreat: planned for Dec.4th to discuss public education, strategic planning and workload.

WA State Trail Coalition Reports: will be sent by mail.

Hunting Signs at Roche Harbor: installed 11/6 by David Dehlendorf. Hunting season is intermittent from Sept.-Dec. 31st.

Airport Trail: Almost no dog refuse was found on the Trail and is not considered a problem for the Trails Committee.

Trash on Centennial Trail: Determined to be from the High School, which was notified.

6:30pm: meeting adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

xxx

Secretary, Jill Johnson