Minutes, March 21, 2005

Dutchess County/Putnam County AT Management Committee
New York-New Jersey Trail Conference
Minutes of 189th Meeting
Monday, March 21, 2005 7:00PM New Hackensack Reformed Church

Attendance: Jim Haggett, Ron Rosen, Frank Dogil, Jane Geisler, Salley Decker, Mike Arthur, Fred Gerty, Steve Klauck, Patty Robson, Gerry Richardson, Mark Jordy (BSA), Todd Remaley (NPS AT Ranger) (12)

• FYI and FYA items were circulated:

FYA (For your action):

• Hard copy mailing list: cross off your name if electronic copy is sufficient

FYI items:

• “Invasive Tree Pests Update: An Informational Workshop” April 7, 2005
• “NY Urban & Community Forestry Council Conference” July 28 – 30, 2005
• New paperback “Best Hikes with Children – Catskills and Hudson River Valley”
• Two Poughkeepsie Journal articles about YRDC’s problems
• Poughkeepsie Journal’s article “Fending Off Sprawl”
• CT – AMC February 2005 minutes
• News report: AT hikers stranded in snow covered Smokies

• Meeting feature: Special guest Park Service Ranger Todd Remaley

Todd introduced himself and explained his relationship to the Mid Atlantic regional office. He explained that ATC has just hired a new boundary technician, Sally Naser, and he plans to work closely with her to identify problems on the Corridor.

An open discussion of boundary monitoring and discovery of incursions ensued. Todd suggested that we document all discussions with neighboring landowners involving small incursions, either on a Boundary Report or an incident report.

Todd mentioned a recent case in Dalton, MA involving a serious ATV incident. Todd suggested that we make contact with local law enforcement in any similar cases. He indicated that the Dalton incident involved photographs that actually led to resolution of the case. Given volunteer and staff turnover, good documentation of incidents is extremely important! Todd is setting up a system for tracking documentation that comes into his office.

Mike Arthur asked if NYNJTC’s web site is set up for electronic submission of incident reports. Ron suggested that we ask Walt if such a change were possible.

Todd indicated that he plans to meet with sportsmen’s clubs in the Cumberland Valley and bring an exhibit of the boundary marking; he suggested we consider a similar program.

• Review and approval of minutes of the 188 th meeting held January 17, 2005. The minutes were approved as published.

• O ld Business, short updates, etc.:
• Water Projects status – RPH, testing

Jim talked with Michele last week. The contracts for the Robson roof, the new well for the Robson house, and refurbishing the RPH well are all in process. The target for completion of all these projects is the end of May. Concerning water testing, it has now been about 9 months since our last testing. Gerry Richardson agreed to start at least quarterly testing of Morgan Stewart’s well. Jane has initiated discussions with Sky Shook, a SCA intern for the Environmental Management Council, who may agree to do some testing for us.

• Bulletin Board replacement (Mike Arthur)

Mark Jordy reported on his Eagle Project to install bulletin boards at the RPH shelter, Route 52 crossing, and at Nuclear Lake. All the wood has been bought and two sets have been cut. He will have one extra 4x4 lexan sheet. Mark has received funding from the K of C, East Fishkill Rotary, and Williams Lumber ($300 Gift Certificate). He is waiting for the ground to thaw before installing the Bulletin Board.

• ATC Regional Partnership Committee meeting (Ron)
• ATC Nominating Committee for ATC Stewardship Council – Ron’s experience
• Relocation plans ( Nuclear Lake & Harlem Valley State Hospital) – environmental assessment: Don Owen plans to come up in the May timeframe to review the proposed relocations.
• Mitzvah Day 2005 on May 15 – project status.

Gerry talked about using Nuclear Lake poles to use for supporting posts. Gerry and Mike will go out and do the field work to obtain the poles. Jane thinks ADK will be able to provide some funding if needed. Gerry and Mike plan to get planks from Dill’s Lumberyard.

• Trail blazing workshop—Jim approached Ralph Ferrusi and George Muller to see if they would run a training session; both agreed, but need to identify maintainers that would be willing to follow through.
• Nuclear Lake access road work: Jim reported that the pothole does not go through the culvert metal. He was able to fill most of the hole.
• Tim Messerich, through EMS, is looking for a project for National Trails Day (June 4 th). Jim was thinking that the AT south from Long Hill Road might be a possible candidate. Jane suggested some of the wet areas in Pawling Nature Preserve.

• Reports:
• Area Supervisor Summaries:

Jane Geisler:

Jane passed around map/brochures on the Dover Knolls project for Harlem Valley Psychiatric Center. They plan to start on the West side of Route 22, and they plan to have some defined open spaces. They are not clear yet on whether they plan to use the existing reservoir and the water and sewer system, or drill wells and provide septic systems. This site is a beautiful location for commuters. At the public meeting, Jane asked who would manage the open space, and did not get any immediate response. About 60% of the land is planned as open space. Frank Dogil asked if we know who the lead agency is for the project. Jane thinks the Dover Town Board may be the lead agency.

Jane is contact with Lynn Murphy of Poughquag, who has an adventure Boy Scout group, and they may be able to do some maintenance. Jane has put signs up warning hikers that Hiller Brook has been overflowing in three places, and the lower boardwalk has been inundated. Jim mentioned correspondence he had with Walt Daniels, indicating the equivalent project at Route 9 and 403 would have run about $3,000 without discounts. Jane considered asking Lynn Murphy if her group might be interested in this project. We should ask NYNJTC (Larry) to provide staff support for any require permitting.

County 20 Oak Tree Protection: Bill McTighe (our “oak tree protector” volunteer) suggested boulders would be the best way to reduce the problems near the tree (guide rail posts could disturb the roots). Jane suggested moving the parking to the north end.

Jane mentioned that she contacted the Dutchess County 911 staff, and apparently they are working to pinpoint landmarks to help them locate significant points on the AT. Jane is not sure whom she talked with.

Frank Dogil:

Needs to know additional information on the Dover Knolls developer, and will follow through with the management to make sure they have a correct understanding of the AT ownership.

Mike Arthur:

Jerry has taken all the deadfall. Steve Klauck is waiting for the materials for the bridge over Whaley Lake stream. Steve thinks that water sealing for planks will be sufficient. Mike needs to contact Wayne McDaniel to see if he is still willing to work on the Beekman Uplands Loop.

Jim Haggett:

NPS got a request from ConEdison to take trees down on the AT lands near Long Hill Road. Jim went out with a subcontractor and a ConEd line person. They want to take down 13 trees on the corridor. Jim has a problem because they took more than their fair share during regular maintenance last year; two of the trees they marked have already been taken down. They seem to always want to take poplar trees down (solely because they are weak-wooded). Jim is concerned that some of the trees will have an impact on the trail itself, significantly opening the view of the power lines. Discussion suggested not accepting their justification and checking with NPS to see if the ConEd ROW has been resolved, and perhaps connect up these two issues.

Walt Daniels was not present. Walt MAY have received the Putnam County Hartmann maps…

• Other reports: Chair’s report: Sally Naser has replaced Russ Geredien as the Boundary Program manager.

• Adjourned at 9:58 PM.

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