Minutes, March 18,2004

Dutchess County/Putnam County AT Management Committee
New York-New Jersey Trail Conference
Minutes of 183rd Meeting
Thursday, March 18, 2004 7:00 PM New Hackensack Reformed Church

Attendance: Ron Rosen, Frank Dogil, Fred Gerty, Jim Haggett, Mike Arthur, Ross Geredien (ATC staff), Walt Daniels, Ralph Ferrusi, Salley Decker. (9)

The meeting was brought to order by Chair Ron Rosen at 7:07 PM.

0. The following items circulated in the "For Your Action" (FYA) collection:

• Scoping Notice for NPS Oral Rabies Vaccination Program [includes AT]_comments due 3/25/04
• Request for Press Contacts from NYNJTC
• West Mtn. State Forest Scoping Session for Mgmt. Plan 4/14/04

The following items circulated in the "For Your Information" (FYI) collection:

* AMC/CT Agenda for 2/3/04 and 3/2/04; * NYNJTC Agenda for 2/12/04 delegates meeting, minutes of 10/18/03 delegates meeting; * Trails Council agenda for 2/5/04 and minutes from 12/4/03; * Email from Walt Daniels to TC staff concerning Supervisor forms (based on discussion at our 1/04 mtg); * News item: BIA Grants recognition to Schaghticoke tribe; * Ross Geredien's letter of introduction; * AP article on homeless burglar supposedly living on our AT section; * ATC sign catalog update Email; * Scenic Hudson 2003 Annual Report; * Post card announcing Backpacker's Trekker's Handbook; * Catalog from Trail Services, LLC [Lester Kenway's company]; * Poughkeepsie Journal article on Harlem Valley Rail Trail maintenance; * Ten Mile River Preserve proposal update (email from Bambi Lawson); * Ted Kerpez' comments on alleged mountain lion sighting in Pawling & NY Times article on similar topic (cougar sightings); * Pok. Dutchess County Transportation Council Update Oct_Dec 2003, incl. notice of I_84 commercial vehicle rest area study (from Jane Geisler)

1. The minutes of the 182nd meeting, January 19, 2004, were approved as published.

2. Meeting feature:

Nuclear Lake Issues: Ron reported that the principals of Pawling Mountain Land Corp (Pawling Mtn. Gun Club) have contacted the Assistant Secretary's Office [Dept. of the Interior] to express thier interest in having their caretaker assist or act in the caretaker role for Nuclear Lake. Committee members' reactions suggested a possible conflict of interest with a private club managing public lands and wondering about their motivation. NPS (and AT Park Office) representatives are likely to arrange a visit to meet with Pawling Mountain representatives around May 17th, the date of our next meeting, and they also plan to meet with us at our next meeting. The consensus of the Committee is to continue the resident caretaker position as the best way to prevent misuse of the property.

3. Old Business, short updates, etc.:

A. Acquisitions and Survey update: Apparently the Putnam County Hartmann survey maps have not yet been delivered to the AT Lands Office. Ross will follow_up on their status.

B. Trail Assessment project update: Walt Daniels said that the raw data from his GPS efforts have been collected and distributed to each supervisor. Supervisors need to contact Walt regarding issues and work items in their area. Walt mentioned specifically that he included viewpoints that require re-opening. Walt has obtained digital boundary data from the AT Lands Office [from the survey work] that he intends to import into his GIS and to combine with his field data. In unrelated matters, Walt noted that chainsaw certification courses are upcoming soon, and slots are still open. Also, Walt asked that anyone with tool assets let him know so they can get added to the NYNJTC master tool inventory.

C. Water Testing & Water Projects Update_Ron read the work description for the RPH well and received comments and updates.

D. Bulletin Board replacement: Mike Arthur provided status of the Eagle Scout project for three replacements with a target of June 30. Ron reported that it appears that YRDC's plans to build and install some of the bulletin boards this winter has apparently fallen through. Walt inquired about possible trail work for YRDC.

E. Ron discussed the two projects planned for Mitzvah Day; Mike Arthur is set to proceed with the steps at West Dover Road, and Jim Haggett is ready to proceed with the work near Route 52. Ron provided the leaders with materials from Scenic Hudson so that the projects can be included in the Great River Sweep program.

F. ATC Reorganization: Walt Daniels provided an update of the ATC strategic planning activity. The Board of Managers needs to be reorganized, and additional directors are being proposed. An additional AT ranger is being proposed. Regional Management Committee reorganization is underway; greater involvement of the agency partners is an objective. Policy implementation is a current problem thru the existing organizational structure. A business plan and funding proposal have not yet been done, so the costs and implementation concerns have not been fully addressed. Walt will include our comments in his ongoing comments to the AT Board and working groups.

G. "Hike of the Week" article series for Poughkeepsie Journal: Ralph Ferrusi has volunteered to lead this project, originally proposed by the Publications committee of the NYNJTC. Ralph updated the group with a suggested format and template for articles for the Pok Journal. Ralph has prepared descriptions of several AT hikes. Mike Arthur, Jane Geisler, Ron Rosen, Georgette Weir, Walt Daniels, and Ralph were volunteering articles. It was suggested to initially classify hikes as introductory vs. advanced hikes. There is another meeting with Pete Colaizzo of the Journal on Tuesday, April 6th, to finalize the arrangements. Jane Daniels is expected to produce the lead-off article.

H. Trail crossing survey: Ron reported that the NYNJTC is developing a survey program for road crossings, and the present form proposes collection of data concerning crossing safety, parking, etc. Walt mentioned his trail assessment contains most of the items, excluding the safety items (sight distances, road speed limits, etc.). Ron suggested this might be an appropriate project for YRDC (Public Lands Corps).

4. Reports

A. Area Supervisors Summaries:

Ron read from Jane Geisler’s written report of March 15th: Mike Musnick, the “Turtle Man” says we should not disturb the banks of Hiller brook as this is where the turtles hibernate. Jane met an Americorps man at the health fair at Poughkeepsie Mall; his position is with Hudson River Community health. She wondered if it might be possible to get him to do our water testing, since their territory includes the Dover area. She spoke with Kevin Zwart of YRDC, who said their bulletin board involvement will be delayed to at least May, and is uncertain even then. Jane noted that she could help on Mitzvah Day/Great River Sweep if Maplebrook School wants to do a clean up. Pedestrian crossing signs are in place at West Dover Road near the oak tree, thanks to Dutchess County. Jane will take care of the lock for the King’s gate near Hoyt Road. Jane will also be out of town on the date of the May meeting.

Frank Dogil, Mike Arthur, and Jim Haggett had nothing to report.

Walt Daniels explained that he had a discussion with the Taconic Region (OPRHP) staff concerning a South Mountain side trail.

5. The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 PM. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 17 at 7:00PM at East Fishkill Library.

Submitted by:

Frank Dogil, with post_processing by Ron Rosen

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