Minutes, January 19,2004

Dutchess County/Putnam County AT Management Committee
New York-New Jersey Trail Conference
Minutes of 182nd Meeting
Monday, January 19, 2004 7:00 PM New Hackensack Reformed Church

Attendance: Ron Rosen, Frank Dogil, Fred Gerty, Jane Geisler, Jim Haggett, Pat Colella , Al Fitch.
Mike Arthur, Walt Daniels. (9)

The meeting was brought to order by Chair Ron Rosen at 7:10 PM. Volunteer recognition items were discussed and passed out.

0. The following “For Your Action” (FYA) items were circulated:
* Planned program for AT Critical Incident Management conf., MA, 2/28/04 [(1) any suggestions/changes? (2) Anyone wish to attend?]
* Fire Management Plan for the AT–Scoping Notice: Anyone wish to be involved in the process? Activity in May, location TBA.
* OPRHP Volunteer Service Agreement–anyone else need to fill one out?
* DePaoli Public Hearing, Town Hall, 1/20/04 (lot line realignment 28 Miller Hill Rd., East Fishkill) – concerns? Jim Haggett may be going there.
* ATC Strategic Plan Implementation–get any comments to Walt Daniels!

The following “For Your Information” (FYI) items were circulated:
* Jim Robson Obituary and additional info; * AMC/CT Agenda for 1/06/04; * Trails Council October 2, 2003 minutes & December 4, 2003 agenda; * Adirondack Backcountry Ski Festival Press Release (February 28-29, 2004); * Adirondack International Mountainfest Press Release (January 16-18, 2004); * Dutchess County Planning Federation Newsletter (October 2003); * Mountaineers Books announces “Selected Climbs in the Northeast”; * NY Times article, 1/02/04 “Making Tracks, Making Enemies” –ATV Article; * Letter sent to Dover Planning Board re Ten Mile River Preserve “test firing”; * Dutchess County Planning Federation Awards Dinner, 1/29/04; * AHS Volunteer Vacations brochure for 2004; * Letter to Dover Planning Board re Ten Mile River Preserve; * Fall Maintenance Reports Trails Chair summary

1. The minutes of the 181st meeting, November 17, 2003 were approved as published.

2. Meeting feature: Continuing the activity at our last meeting, the group refined the prioritized list of goals and objectives for 2004.The results are available as a separate document. Included in that discussion were two issues championed by maintainers at this meeting. Pat Collela described the flooding near the Swamp River this past fall and early winter, noting that the puncheon probably needs to be extended to the east, and perhaps raised near that end, as the last few sections were under water. He noted that there seems to be some blockage in the flow near the point where Hiller Brook joins the Swamp River, and that we should have a crew clean out the brook. Similarly, Al Fitch described his efforts to shore up the trail in the northern end of the Pawling Nature Reserve on Hammersley Ridge, where the existing corduroy has pretty much settled into the mud. He has tried to cut some locust stepping-stones, but they too sink into the mire. Both of these specific concerns are reflected in the revised list of goals and objectives through increased priorities and more-specific project proposals.

3. Old Business, short updates, etc.:

A. Acquisitions and Survey update: The NPS now has the new survey maps for Dutchess County, and the AT Lands Office has sent us 7 sets, which will be distributed after this meeting. The question arose as to whether the NPS has electronic versions of the maps, and are they available to us? These would save hand tracing. Walt will check with the Lands office. Ron noted that a set of these maps has been filed with the Dutchess County Clerk, and that the Mounts maps were never filed. If any of the supervisors or maintainers need segment maps, they may be ordered individually through Ron.

B. Trail Assessment project update (Walt Daniels)–distributed copies of raw data. Check for accuracy, or omissions. Some downed trees may be removed already, so indicate. More polished version for next meeting. Supervisors should plan to get together with Walt to review data prior to next meeting.

C. Water Testing & Water Projects Update–we have lost the YRDC Americorps member (actually Dutchess Land Conservancy lost the position) to do the testing. It was suggested that we could add this duty to the job description for the Nuclear Lake Caretaker? Alternatively, we could try to recruit a volunteer.
Concerning water-osystem projects–Michele Miller has prepared revised text for the contract for the RPH well work. Given the fluidity of the situation at Nuclear Lake (no pun intended), this project will be separated from the drilling of a new well for the Nuclear Lake Caretaker’s house.

D. Nuclear Lake Issues–
Most present were already aware of the untimely death of Nuclear Lake caretaker Jim Robson, there since the ‘80s, on Christmas Eve. The NPS has told his wife Patti that she can remain there through the spring, or into early summer as she needs. We discussed the question of the future of the caretaker position. Our Committee has already strongly recommended to the NPS that a caretaker is essential to maintaining the quality of the hiking experience at Nuclear Lake. Accordingly, NPS had planned to keep the caretaker and to proceed with required improvements to the house and to drill a new well. Presuming there is no preferred alternative athat arises now, these improvements might be made between residents.
Ron reviewed the alternatives that have surfaced so far for a replacement caretaker. Bob Gray has suggested we could house an NPS staffer from ROVA, who would have limited duties at Nuclear Lake. Any new caretaker would need to be trained in dam certification. As an alternative, our committee could nominate a candidate. Another suggestion for caretaker would be to approach the local NYSDEC Forest Ranger for the area. We need to get a copy of the proposed caretaker’s agreement that we were working on with NPS for review. Ron will contact Rita, and share any draft document received.

E. Bulletin Board replacement: Mike Arthur reported that the Levers grant application is in (for the Eagle candidate project) and those three sites have been scouted. The candidate has various fFund raising projects under consideration.
YRDC is working on a grant application for two more bulletin boards, so far, they have no alternate funding sources. (We estiamte the bulletin board cost at $700+ per each.)

F. 2004 Meeting Schedule (update)–We currently have the East Fishkill library reserved on Monday, March 15, and a at least two cannot make that date. We decided to go with Thursday, March 18th at the library (if available), or at the New Hackensack Reformed Church otherwise. Ron noted that we do have the Library conference room reserved also for Friday, March 19th, which we could use as a weather date if needed. For the rest of the year, we will return to meting on the third Monday of odd months, at the East Fishkill Library. The dates are: 5/17, 7/19 (picnic), 9/20, and 11/15. The summer picnic will probably be at a trail site.

G. Hunting Season 2003 final review–Our press release ran twice in the Poughkeepsie Journal. No calls, concerns, or incidents were reported..

H Possible presence of Cougars on/near the AT in Pawling [and elsewhere?]–Ron received a phone call from Jim Mullen (former AT volunteer), whose friend in Pawling reported sighting a cougar near Hurds Corners Road. There does not appear to be any independent confirmation. Fred Gerty will ask DEC wildlife staff of any other reports. Sightings are noted here and there, but none with prints, photos, or hard evidence. The Committee will not react without more positive evidence.

I. Mitzvah Day 2004–April 25–Once again the Dutchess Jewish Family Services will be running a Mitzvah Day, on April 25th this year, and is seeking projects for its volunteers. We came up with the following:
–Steps for the southbound side of West Dover Road. Mike Arthur will lead
–Rock work in wetlands, at Route 9 junction with Route 403 in Putnam County was judged to be too far from the Jcc [Walt Daniels would have been the leader]
–Erosion control in parking lot on Route 52. Jim Haggett will lead, and he can use up to six people.
–The two projects will start at 9:30AM. Ron will pass the information to the JFS.

J. Swamp River Puncheon–Pat Colella–reviewed earlier during the “meeting feature” discussion.

K. Mountain View Estates III Public Hearing--Ron and Jane attended the public hearing of the Town of Beekman Planning Board. A dead-end road (with entry off of Depot Hill Road) with 10 homesites is being proposed, on lands west of the Trail lands north of Depot Hill Road. This development actually revises an existing “on-paper” subdivision called “Pond Hills of Poughquag” by adding some of Mr. Cunningham’s other lands. Project III is not contiguous with the “conservation easement” area next to the trail lands that had been presented when the earlier Mountain View Estates was approved by the Town of Beekman.. At the public hearing, Ron asked the status of the easement between the earlier project and the trail lands. Mr. Cunningham, the developer, believes there had been some contact with the NPS, but Ron is not aware of any easements arranged through the NPS. At the hearing, the proponents [Mr. Cunningham and his environmental consultant] told us (and the Planning Board) that Map #10644 filed with Dutchess County details the conservation easement and the earlier subdivision. Ron will check with the AT Lands Office to determine if anything has been deeded, or if in fact any previous communications has occurred. The one significant outcome of this public hearing (for us) is that the developer stated that the conservation easement area will remain structure-free in perpetuity.

L. Poughkeepsie Journal meeting re “Hike of the Week:” Ron joined George Petty (NYNJTC Publications Committee) and Maureen Walsh (NYNJTC staff) in a meeting with Poughkeepsie Journal staffers Dan Shapley (Environment) and Pete Colaizzo (“Players” editor in the Sports section), at which we (TC) proposed a weekly series of articles each describing one hike in the region. The Journal staffers think it’s a wonderful idea, would like 2-3 columns, and will work with the Sports Editor to carve out space for the project and develop a general design and format. We will need people to be “hike authors” and a coordinator for the series. Any one volunteer would write up a hike every 4-6 weeks; the hike could be anywhere in the mid-Hudson area–Catskills, Storm King, etc. Of those present, Ron, Jane, Fred, Mike, and Walt agreed to help. Georgette Weir (Trail Walker editor has also agreed to help), and Jane Daniels would like to prepare the kickoff article. Jim Haggett suggested Ralph Ferrusi as a likely volunteer, perhaps as coordinator. The project does not require the volunteer to lead a public hike, just prepare a story on a hike people could take themselves. The next meeting at the Journal will be on March 9th, at 4:00 p.m.

M. Other items--
Walt announced there will be a trail maintenance workshop April 17-18, at Hubbard Lodge in Fahnestock Park, at the junction of Route 9 and Route 301. Ron will do a maintenance workshop on the 18th and Walt will do an advanced maintenance workshop on that date. Helpers are needed.

4. Reports
A. Area Supervisors Summaries:

Jane Geisler–nothing not already discussed.

Frank Dogil–likewise.

Mike Arthur reported a new house on Johnson Hill Road which abuts the corridor; he is monitoring the project, and so far everything is OK.

Jim Haggett noted that Joe Hrouda reports water squirts out the top of the pump. Also, the Southern Dutchess News reports that the Thruway authority wants to close two rest areas on the long hill on Route 84, and relocate at a location near Lime Kiln Road that would be visible from the trail. We surmise that this change probably won’t affect the cell tower plan at the present rest area. Jim also reported ATV activity on the trail lands near Route 84, at the dead end section of Stormville Mountain Road, where the dog incidents have occurred.
Jim has also determined that the Appalachian East development on the west side of the trail lands north of Long Hill Road, is proceeding to build the houses on the western side of road; the last house can be seen from the trail in the winter, but may not be visible in summer.

Walt Daniels talked about the ATC reorganization–the proposal is major expansion of each regional management committee, which he feels may be somewhat grandiose so far. The process may include some revision of region boundaries to better equalize trail milage. Another possible outcome would be one or more a new regions. Each region would identify or create ATC-Partnership locations, with offices and meeting space.
The ATC Board Committees continue to work on a variety of related issues, By-laws, etc.

B. Other reports

Chair’s report–Ron circulated a copy of the Maintenance Statistics for the Fall 2003 season (with the FYI papers–his Chair’s report). The reported total hours included 859.5 for maintainers, 376 for the four supervisors, and 141.9 for the Chair. Ron reminded supervisors to have their volunteers be sure to use the most recent forms for reporting; and to include administrative hours, filling out reports, etc. [none of the maintainers reported any administrative hours this time]. The forms are available from the NYNJTC web site. Bob Gray reported a problem with the siphoning system at the Nuclear Lake dam, possibly related to the vandalism last summer; no one present had been aware of the incident or the dam problem. A dive team may be needed to check the siphon, and the lake might have to be drawn down next summer for repair. Finally, Ron reminded the supervisors that it is time for monitoring reports to come in.

5. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 10:25pm (No where even close to the target of 9:30 PM) .

Submitted by Fred Gerty, with post-processing by Ron Rosen.

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