Minutes 10/5/2006

DRAFT Minutes
New York-New Jersey Trail Conference
Trails Council
October 5, 2006

          1.  Joe Gindoff called the meeting to order at 6:36 p.m. at the Trail Conference office in Mahwah, N.J.  Present were: Ed Goodell - Executive Director, Larry Wheelock - Trails Director, Eddie Walsh – Trails Projects Director, Heidi Adami - Volunteer Coordinator, Estelle Anderson, John Blenninger, Larry Braun, Jim Canfield, Daniel D. Chazin, Chris Connolly, Ellen Cronan, Walt Daniels, David Day, Monica Day, Jack Driller, Jakob Franke, Jim Gebhard, Joe Gindoff, Lizbeth Gonzalez, Suzan Gordon, Gary Haugland, Bob Jonas, Ron Luna, John Mack, Bob Marshall, John Moran, Gail Neffinger, Glenn Oleksak, Debbie Rundecker, Manny Silberberg, Trudy Schneider, Ike Siskind, June Slade, Pete Tilgner and Bob Ward.

            2.  Announcements.  The following announcements were made:

                        a.  Trails Data Management.  Larry Wheelock announced that the staff has developed a plan to improve data management relating to trails.  Heidi Adami explained that she and Larry Wheelock will be focusing on entering trail data from the last few reporting periods, and will be asking questions to trail volunteers to ensure that the data is accurate and up-to-date.  She noted that every effort will be made to enter all of the data prior to the November reporting period, but that she was not certain that this will be accomplished.                            

                        b.  Stewart State Forest.  Walt Daniels noted that a Unit Management Plan is being prepared for Stewart State Forest in Orange County, which contains some trails.  It was pointed out that many of the trails are used (illegally) by ATVs.  Gary Haugland stated that the area is criss-crossed with old roads.  He further commented that he has investigated the area and does not believe that it is an appropriate location for hiking-only trails.  Ed Goodell noted that Stewart State Forest is the second-largest protected public open space in Orange County.

                        c.  Trail Workshops.  Ed Goodell announced that Trail Maintenance 101 will be offered in two locations on Saturday, October 14th.  He distributed flyers promoting these workshops and suggested that trail maintainers and crew members be offered the opportunity to participate.  In response to a question by Chris Connolly, Ed Goodell pointed out that we have started charging minimal fees for trail workshops because we find that people have a tendency not to show up if no fee at all is charged.  Larry Braun suggested that those who do show up at these workshops be given a coupon with the value of the amount charged for the workshop, which could be applied towards the cost of Trail Conference membership or merchandise.

                        d.  Volunteer Reimbursable Expense Guidelines.  Larry Wheelock noted that he had distributed copies of the new Volunteer Reimbursable Expense Guidelines.  In response to a question by Bob Jonas regarding work being done by volunteers under his supervision, Larry Wheelock indicated that modifications could be made to ensure that work by groups would be considered the equivalent of work by trail crews for purposes of determining which items are reimbursable.

            3.  Minutes.  The minutes of the Trails Council meeting of August 3, 2006 were approved as submitted.

            4.  Kitchawan Preserve and Montrose Point State Forest.  Walt Daniels proposed that the Conference adopt several new trails in the Kitchawan Preserve, including the Old Barn Trail, Chestnut Hill Loop and Hemlock Grove Trail.  He noted that some of the trails extend into New York City DEP lands.  He also proposed that the Conference adopt 1.2 miles of trails in Montrose Point State Forest.  Walt Daniels explained that Montrose Point State Forest is a short roadwalk north of George's Island Park and that, together with adjoining trails on the grounds of the VA Hospital and George's Island Park (all part of River Walk and Hudson River Valley Greenway Trail), there are enough trails in the area to make a trip there worthwhile. It was moved, seconded and unanimously carried that these trails be adopted by the Conference, pending the submission of the appropriate Trail Update form to the Trail Conference office.

            5.  Relocation at Eastern End of Popolopen Gorge.  Ike Siskind explained a proposal to relocate the eastern end of the Timp-Torne, 1777W and 1779 Trails.  He noted that these trails currently end on the west side of Route 9W, and the proposed relocation would route them under Route 9W and up to the Fort Montgomery Historic Site, ending at the new Visitor Center, where they would connect with the Twin Forts Trail.  He also pointed out that this trail section required a great deal of stone work, and that it was constructed by a contractor engaged by PIPC.  Ike Siskind noted that the Visitor Center will be dedicated this coming Saturday.  After discussion, it was moved, seconded and unanimously carried that this reroute be approved by the Trails Council.

            6.  Highlands Trail in Putnam County.  Gary Haugland reported that, over the past year, work has been progressing on a proposed extension of the Highlands Trail through Putnam County, partially using existing trails through Hudson Highlands and Fahnestock State Parks.  East of there, he explained, a new trail route will be constructed, partially through lands of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection and through Putnam County parks, which are open only to county residents, and over Nimham Mountain.

            Gary Haugland explained that there would be a pedestrian route along the Hudson River Greenway Trail and local roads that would extend from Storm King Mountain, on the west side of the Hudson, over the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge, and then south to near Breakneck Ridge, where the Highlands Trail would follow existing trails.  He then outlined the proposed route of the Highlands Trail for the 28.5 miles east from the Taconic State Parkway to the Connecticut border.  Gary Haugland noted that local people would be leading efforts to scout the trail route in this area.

            At the conclusion of Gary Haugland’s detailed presentation, it was moved, seconded and unanimously carried that the Trails Council approve, in concept, this extension of the Highlands Trail.

            7.  Highbridge Park Trails.  Bob Ward explained that the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail in Manhattan currently dead-ends at the High Bridge over the Harlem River (which is closed to the public), and he proposed that a connecting trail be constructed up to 175th Street and Amsterdam Avenue.  It was noted that the park has already approved this new trail.  Joe Gindoff pointed out that this is a “high-profile” project.  It was also noted that the trail route currently exists, but that the trail is in poor condition and needs to be rehabilitated.  Chris Connolly commented that this area has been frequented by vagrants and drug addicts, but Joe Gindoff pointed out that these undesirables have been evicted from the park.  After discussion, it was moved, seconded and unanimously carried that this trail extension be approved by the Trails Council, pending the submission of the appropriate Trail Update form to the Trail Conference office.

            8.  Reroute of Blue Trail Crossing of the Staten Island Expressway.  Bob Ward explained that the Blue Trail formerly crossed the Staten Island Expressway on an abandoned overpass that was built for an interchange that was never constructed.  However, he explained that the overpass has been closed by the New York City Police Department because it was used by vandals to throw stones on passing cars.  Accordingly, he stated that the trail has been rerouted to utilize local streets that cross under the Expressway via an underpass.  After discussion, it was moved, seconded and unanimously carried that this trail relocation be approved by the Trails Council, pending the submission of the appropriate Trail Update form to the Trail Conference office.

            9.  Highlands Trail in Voorhees State Park.  Glenn Oleksak outlined a reroute of the Highlands Trail that would eliminate a roadwalk connecting Spruce Run Reservoir with Voorhees State Park in Hunterdon County, New Jersey.  He explained that this reroute was suggested by the superintendent of the park, and would utilize the existing Vista Trail (constructed many years ago by Boy Scouts), an old road and recently acquired parkland, and would also require the crossing of a little-used railroad.  He stated that the eastern section of the relocation, which does not require the crossing of the tracks (and would eliminate part of a roadwalk), would be constructed first.  It was also noted that part of the western section of the relocation crosses a swampy area.

            David Day pointed out that this represents the first interaction between the Trail Conference and this park in quite a while.  After discussion, it was moved, seconded and unanimously carried that the Trails Council approve the initial (eastern) section of this relocation, pending the submission of the appropriate Trail Update form to the Trail Conference office.

            10.  Highlands Trail from Long Valley to Stephens State Park.  Glenn Oleksak explained that the Patriots’ Path is being extended by the Morris County Park Commission from the Columbia Trail in Long Valley, through Schooley’s Mountain County Park, to Stephens State Park.  He proposed that the Highlands Trail be coaligned with this extension of the Patriots’ Path, and requested approval at this time to blaze the section of trail from Long Valley to Schooley’s Mountain County Park. 

            After discussion, it was moved, seconded and unanimously carried that the Trails Council approve this extension of the Highlands Trail, pending the submission of the appropriate Trail Update form to the Trail Conference office.

            11.  Indian Pass Trail.  Walt Daniels explained that, several years ago, an 0.6-mile trail was constructed to connect the Appalachian Trail with Indian Pass Road in Dutchess County, thus providing an additional access point to the A.T.  He stated that this trail has been approved as an official side trail to the A.T. and that the appropriate Trail Update form has already been submitted to the Trail Conference office.  After a brief discussion, it was moved, seconded and unanimously carried that the Trails Council approve the adoption by the Conference of the Indian Pass Trail.

            12.  Bull Wheel Trail.  Jim Gebhard explained that the Bull Wheel Trail, which was just opened two weeks ago, extends from the Minnewaska State Park Preserve office on Route 44/55 to the High Peters Kill Trail.  He noted that this trail has existed for many years as an unofficial trail, and that it was adopted as an official Conference trail by the Trails Council a year ago.  However, the park has requested that the trail be renamed the Bull Wheel Trail because the original name (Dickie Barre Trail) was considered to be misleading.  After a brief discussion, it was moved, seconded and unanimously carried that the renaming of this trail be approved by the Trails Council.

            13.  Peters Kill Loop.  Jim Gebhard explained that the staff of Minnewaska State Park Preserve has requested that a section of the Peters Kill Loop, which follows a cliff edge and can be treacherous in wet weather, be rerouted to bypass this cliff edge.  He noted that much work has already been done on this relocation.  After a brief discussion, it was moved, seconded and unanimously carried that this relocation be approved by the Trails Council.

            14.  Change in Name of “Shore Trail” Supervisory District.  John Moran requested that the name of the “Shore Trail” supervisory district in New Jersey be changed to the “New Jersey Palisades” supervisory district.  This request was approved by the Trails Council.

            15.  Policy for Number of Annual Maintenance Trips.  Walt Daniels noted that we do not currently have a policy specifying the number of times that maintainers are required to visit their trail each year.  Larry Wheelock noted that this issue requires extensive discussion, for which there was insufficient time at this Trails Council meeting.  Accordingly, discussion of this issue was postponed to a future meeting.

            16.  New Jersey State Trails Plan Committee.  Ed Goodell stated that the staff needs guidance from this committee on the proposed revised New Jersey State Trails Plan.  Gary Haugland commented that a visioning session will be held in the near future, and he stated that, based on conversations with representatives at a recent public meeting, he thought that opportunity for public comment would be very limited.  Monica Day commented that the committee is looking for guidance to determine the focus of their efforts.  Ellen Cronan indicated that the committee has never appointed a chair.  In response, Larry Wheelock stated that the committee needed to determine themselves what they would like the New Jersey State Trails Plan to look like.  Ed Goodell stated that the committee should be proactive, rather than reactive. Bob Jonas stated that he believed that the issues that have been raised have obvious answers as far as the Trail Conference is concerned (such as whether all trails should be multi-use).  Monica Day commented that the Trail Conference has a presence in less than one-quarter of the counties of New Jersey, and little or no presence in central and southern New Jersey, where few hiking-only trails exist.  She also stated that it would have been more effective for Ed Goodell to communicate with members of the committee privately rather than bringing the matter publicly before the Trails Council.

            Ellen Cronan stated that the committee believed that the 1996 Trails Plan was of little use to the committee as a guide, as its goals radically diverge from those of the Trail Conference.  Ed Goodell agreed to submit to the committee a memorandum setting forth the issues on which he needs guidance.

            17.  Stonetown Circular Trail Relocation.  John Moran noted that our request for the establishment of a parking area for the Stonetown Circular Trail along Stonetown Road adjacent to the Monksville Reservoir has been rejected.  As a result, he explained, it has been decided to alter the route of the relocation of the Stonetown Circular Trail on the western side of Stonetown Road so as to preserve the parking on Lake Riconda Road, and to retain a portion of the Stonetown Circular Trail on the eastern side of Stonetown Road as the yellow-blazed Ricker Hill Trail.  After a brief discussion, it was moved, seconded and unanimously carried that the Trails Council approve this revised route of the relocation of the Stonetown Circular Trail and the creation of the new Ricker Hill Trail, pending the submission of the appropriate Trail Update forms to the Trail Conference office.

            18.  Trails Chair Reports.  The following reports were presented:

                        a.  Orange-Rockland A.T. Management Committee.  Gail Neffinger reported, on behalf of the Orange-Rockland A.T. Management Committee, that the major project being worked on by the committee is the relocation of the A.T. on Bear Mountain.  He also reported that there have been problems with ATVs on the Bellvale Ridge, and that the committee has also worked on several minor relocations.

                        b.  Metro Trails Committee.  Bob Ward reported, on behalf of the Metro Trails Committee, that Pelham Bay Park has been added to our trails system, and that a sign has been erected at the terminus of the White Trail on Hylan Boulevard in Staten Island pointing out that the trails in Great Kills Park are right across the road.

                        c.  Central Jersey Trails Committee.  Ellen Cronan reported, on behalf of the Central Jersey Trails Committee, that her committee has done much work in Pyramid Mountain County Park in Morris County, and that they are focusing on ATV problems in Garret Mountain and High Mountain Parks in Passaic County.  She also reported that work is progressing on a trail link between Split Rock Reservoir and Pyramid Mountain.

                        d.  Long Path Committee.  Jakob Franke reported, on behalf of the Long Path Committee, that, for the second year in a row, a runner covered the entire 325-mile Long Path in only 12 days.  He also reported that we have received permission to construct the South Gully Trail in the Sam’s Point Preserve.  Finally, he noted that trails are being put into place on properties that are currently owned by the Trail Conference along the Shawangunk Ridge, so that these trails will exist when the properties are conveyed to the State of New York.

            Ed Goodell reported that it is expected to be announced tomorrow by the Palisades Interstate Park Commission that the closed section of the Long Path around Mud Pond in the Shawangunks (which traverses the former Awosting Reserve property, now part of Minnewaska State Park) will be reopened as soon as it is clipped and reblazed to Conference standards.

                        e.  East Hudson Trails Committee.  Walt Daniels reported, on behalf of the East Hudson Trails Committee, that we are trying to find supervisors for the 40-mile trail system in Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in Westchester County.  He also stated that there have been problems with ATVs on Beacon Mountain, and that trail maintenance there has been temporarily suspended due to confrontations with ATV riders.  Lizbeth Gonzalez suggested that the Trail Conference request a meeting with the local District Attorney’s Office to discuss this issue.  It was noted that local police officers are among the worst offenders with regard to ATVs.

                        f.  Dutchess-Putnam A.T. Management Committee.  Walt Daniels reported, on behalf of the Dutchess-Putnam A.T. Management Committee, that the committee has recently worked on a number of trail relocations, including a long one near the Harlem Valley Hospital, which was just opened last week.  He pointed out that this latter relocation decreases the length of this section of the A.T. by 0.3 mile.

            19.  Participation with Land Managers Who Charge Parking or User Fees.  In the absence of Malcolm Spector, discussion of this issue was postponed to a future meeting.

            20.  Hike Leader Training.  Walt Daniels noted that this issue of whether the Trail Conference should offer training for hike leaders had arisen in an e-mail comment.  He suggested that the Trail Conference might want to consider offering training for hike leaders.  It was commented by several members that since the Trail Conference does not lead hikes, we should not be in the position of training hike leaders.  It was also suggested that publicity by the Trail Conference could enable our member organizations to reach a wider audience with their own hike leader training programs. After a brief discussion, it was suggested that this issue be discussed at the forthcoming Delegates’ Meeting so that the feelings of the delegates on this issue could be determined.   

            21.  The meeting was adjourned at 9:22 p.m.

                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,
                                                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                Daniel D. Chazin
                                                                                                Secretary

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