The meeting began at 5:40 PM at the New Jersey DEP North Region Headquarters in Franklin N. J.

Chaired by Acting Chair - Larry Wheelock

Attending were:

Jill Arbuckle, Shawn Viggiano, Robert Sickley III, Bradley Clawson, Philip Selleck, Ernest Kabert, Paul Stern, John Keator, William Foley, Larry Miller, Wes Powers, Karen Lutz, Mark Payne, Tibor Latincsics, James Gregoire, Jim Cowell, Debbie Cowell, Frank McNulty, Larry Wheelock (19)

Old Business:

Pochuck Floodplain Crossing final stages were briefly reported on.

It was indicated that the "No Parking" signs between Meadowlark Drive and just short of the AT crossing on Rt. 517 had been removed by the town of Vernon. (Verified through Roy Wherry - Vernon Chief of Police on Nov. 8^th by L. W.). Karen Lutz indicated that the Route 517 crossing parking issue remains open.

Shelter, water and sanitation issues were updated.

Deckertown crossing water supply is permanently shut off. The DEP is phasing out hand pump water supplies due to continuing pollution problems. Wes Powers indicated that a treated water supply at this location would cost close to $50,000 dollars and would be subject to vandalism making it an unlikely prospect now or in the future. Two possible sources of water for the nearby Mashipicong shelter were discussed. One is a possible side route from the AT to the Steam Mill camping area, (a one-way distance of no less than two miles). Few if any hikers would be likely to use that. The other is a treatable source at a stream crossing on the Iris Trail less than a half mile off of the AT and about one mile north of Deckertown crossing. Signage at the road crossing could be installed to direct hikers to this source.

Pochuck shelter water supply at the former Goens house off of Liberty Corners Road will remain on throughout the year.

The Rutherford Shelter latrine needs to be redug. The plan to install a new composting latrine has been put on hold because of the concerns of a nearby neighbor. Karen Lutz indicated that the DEP should make a determination that the new latrine is necessary. Paul Stern agreed to provide the name of the complainant to the Committee so that they can be approached for discussion. Paul Stern said, "It is undetermined whether a permit to construct a sub soil septic disposal system is needed for this facility. DEP has not issued a letter of determination regarding composting toilets. Ms Lutz offered to aid Parks and Forestry staff in acquiring the letter, by providing testimony and documentation used in other states to gain approval. Parks and Forestry will attempt to acquire a letter of interpretation from DEP by working through our Trenton staff. ATC assistance is appreciated."

ATC's Group Outreach Program: Bob Sickley III reported that this program had come to a standstill because the written material had not yet been produced. It was commented that this program needs to get off the ground and that there are a number of volunteers who've come forward to assist with it. The ATC needs to commit to keeping this program going. Mark Payne said that the A.I.R. program had not reached the desired audience this year and that this program might have more impact in conjunction with the ATC program. An updated list of group users compiled from the Ridge Runners reports will be made available to the Committee at the request of Brad Clawson with the DWG-NRA.

Ridge Runner Program: Another successful year of work by the RRs was briefly reported on. Paul Stern indicated that severe cutbacks in the DEP's budget put funding for next year's program in doubt. An immediate effort will be necessary to secure funding for this program.

N. J. AT Management Plan revision: This revision process has not moved forward since the last meeting. It was agreed that all Committee members should review the Plan and submit proposed changes by the end of March, 2003. WOULD A VOLUNTEER BE WILLING TO PROCESS THE CURRENT DOCUMENT INTO ELECTRONIC FORM? Much of the plan will have to be scanned as jpgs but there are 50 to 60 pages that need to be word-processed. L. W. will send a paper copy to Brad Clawson immediately.

NPO's AT Natural Heritage Monitoring Program: A brief report on this successful program was made.

New Business:

Inter-Committee communications: A discussion was held regarding the occasional lapses in communications between Committee partners. A number of incidents were reported where appropriate committee members were not informed of work or other activity on the AT. It was agreed that this problem works both ways in regards to the communication needs between the government organizations and the non-government organizations. It was pointed out that the value and importance of the volunteers should not be underestimated by the GOs. It was, also mentioned that sharing information between partners on upcoming projects would be of mutual benefit to GOs and NGOs.

Maintenance guidelines for the Pochuck boardwalk and bridge: BOARDWALK; In regard to the need of cutting back vegetation along the boardwalk it was pointed out by Wes Powers that we would not be able to remove enough to serve as a firebreak. It was agreed that some removal of growth from the walkway itself would reduce the buildup of organic material between the boards and help prevent decay. It would appear that some removal from the immediate area of the walk late in the season would be beneficial. Wes went on to indicate that some tasks such as replacing tread could be completed by volunteer workers but that any structural work should be taken on by the Park staff. He also recommended that an inspection reporting procedure should be set up. Bill Foley said that he would prepare an inspection form to be used by those who would be monitoring the walk.

SUSPENSION BRIDGE; The suspension bridge is currently being maintained by Tibor Latincsics and Paul Bell who apply wood preservative and grease the cables when necessary. This, as with any structure under State Park management should be overseen by Wawayanda Park staff. It was, also pointed out that the bridge is currently being inspected every other year by the Federal Highway Department as was allowed for in the Plan. Tibor pointed out that the bridge is a significant investment and should have a formal plan for maintenance. He went on to mention a couple of weak points of the bridge construction that would need some attention. These are the tops and bottoms of the towers that may start to show dry-rot and the bridge stringers that are showing signs of checking and cracking. Tibor offered to find out what utility companies use for preservative.

Backpacker site - to close or not to close: A discussion was held regarding the value of this popular camping site on the AT in Worthington. It was pointed out that relatively few thru-hikers use this site and that the bulk of overnighters are out for just one or two nights and that it might be worth considering closing the site to help reduce the impacts of groups using the AT in this area. Karen mentioned that an attempt in PA to close a group campsite and allow only dispersed camping had resulted in such significant impact that the group campsite was reopened. She also pointed out that the AT was not built specifically for thru-hikers and that group use should be expected and accommodated for.

This discussion renewed the earlier one regarding group use on the AT and how to help educate these users. One suggestion was put forth that a "trail advisor" be posted at the Dunnfield Parking area, and possibly other busy trail heads at the beginning of a busy holiday periods to make direct contact with groups and provide guidance and advise for minimizing their impacts while camping.

Wallkill river crossing: The Committee began a discussion of the necessary preliminary work for developing a plan for an improved crossing of the Wallkill River and removing the AT from approximately ½ mile of road walk on either side of the current crossing. Tibor Latincsics presented a proposal to bring in the New Jersey Institute of Technology as a resource for developing and building a crossing of the river. At this time it is to early to assume that a new bridge will need to be built. It was suggested that we may be able to have a walkway added to the existing bridge and that funding might be more useful in helping to acquire additional land to help remove the road walk. Since there has been no significant preliminary work done yet to scope this area for all possible options to this challenge it was determined that a meeting would be necessary between the principals involved.

Pool Colony Trail in DWG-NRA: A brief discussion was held to reassess the Committee's concerns regarding this trail's potential use by bicycles and its close proximity to the AT. It was explained that this trail has been designated as a hiker only trail and has been adopted by the AMC's Mohican Outdoor Center for maintenance.

Additional items:

Dam maintenance: An inquiry was made concerning the status of plans to maintain or drain the two Banks ponds and the one east of Goodrich Road in Wantage. Karen indicated that she would approach Bob Gray on this matter for update.

Next meeting:

February 27, 2003