San Juan Island Trails Committee

Meeting Minutes

April 17, 2013

Present: Louise Dustrude, Eric Adelberger, Audra Adelberger, Kyle Loring, Mark Hetrick, Lee Taylor, Eileen Drath, Barry Lewis, Dave Zeretzke, Leslie Veirs, Val Veirs, Sally Thomsen, Liz Illg, David Harsh, Mike Lazzari, Bill Severson, Stan Mayhew, Colin Blevins, Lars Sjoholm, Eric Kessler

Volunteer hours since 46 ½ (including 18 hours reported by Sue Buettell for

previous meeting: Roche Harbor Trails for Feb. & March, 2013)

Discussion:

• Lee Taylor (National Park Service Superintendent of SJI NHP) delivered a presentation for the Park’s plan to expand equestrian use of trails at American Camp and English Camp. The Park Service recognizes the potential for conflict between multiple uses and has designed the program to avoid those conflicts as much as possible. Other details include:

o Expanded use will start May 1, 2013

o No horses in historic areas

o Riders will need to have one permit for every four horses

o Park Service has issued about 27 permits this year, which is significant increase over previous years, which averaged approximately 4 permits.

o Single biggest concern so far has been manure (unpleasant, and potential vector for introduction of non-native spp.).

o Lee emphasized that this is very provisional use at this point, and intends to limit number of annual permits to approximately 25.

o The mileage of trails for horses increased 5.6 to 9.6 miles, of a total of 27 miles in the park.

o For a map of the trails available for horse use, contact the Park Service.

• Westcott Bay Plan – Lee Taylor also informed the group about the recent NPS purchase of 34 acres called the Webb property (directly adjacent to the northeast side of English Camp). An organization called the Conservation Fund purchased an additional 45 acres (incl. 7.8 acres of tideland), and the goal is to transfer the 36.8 upland acres to NPS when funding is available.

o Lee encouraged public comments on the desired use of the addition to English Camp.

• Mitchell Hill – David Harsh mentioned the need to do some trail work/maintenance and L. Taylor suggested facilitating training for that.

o Young man suggested that area near puncheon could use some maintenance.

• American Camp Trail – Dave Zeretzke explained status of the trail and signage.

o Signs – trail sign and rules signs

o Route – will finalize with SJC Public Works how to travel along road areas

o Need self-motivated volunteers to help with a handful of projects, including signage. Contact Dave Z. with interest.

o June 22nd Know Your Island Walk will unveil the trail, but officially open June 1, tentatively 11 a.m.

o Would like to honor 4 primary partners at opening: Park Service, Airport, Land Bank, (?)

• Know Your Island Walk (March) – Eileen Drath provided summary and noted that a good time was had by all. Doug McCutcheon led the event.

• Know Your Island Walk (April) – Eliza Habeger will lead the walk at Third Lagoon.

Meeting was adjourned.

After the meeting, Lee Taylor mentioned that the NPS will hold a celebration from 1 -3 p.m. at the Webb property.

Respectfully submitted,

Kyle Loring

Secretary