• Introductions
• Approve Minutes from December 9th 2019
• Announcements & Additions to the Agenda
• East Hudson Region overview (Michael)
• NYNJTC organizational changes (Peter Dolan)
• Local Trail Chair reports (Rose, Andrew, Donna, Gary)
• Ideas for summer/fall picnic (Gary and general discussion)
• Trail usage data from the Strava App and its use in Trail planning (Peter Dolan)
The meeting was called to order at 6:15 p.m. by Michael Pashley, Chair.
Participants joined a Zoom meeting for this occasion and introduced themselves.
Present were: Mary Ayers, Kendra Baumer, Marilyn Blaho, Rose Bonanno, Donna Chapman, Chris Connolly, Jane Daniels, Walt Daniels, Peter Dolan, Bob Gurian, Jim Haggett, Gary Haugland, Phil Heidelberger, Carolyn Hoffman, Sam Lee, Sona Mason, John Magerlein, Karen Magerlein, Dave Margulis, Mary Anne Massey, Michael Pashley, Paul Robinson, Ron Rosen, Andrew Seirup, Connie Stern, Fred Stern, Paul Waclawski, Craig Weber
Minutes from December 9 were approved.
SLIDE SHOW For this meeting, a comprehensive slide show is available at https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/164JWVIaFPU4JrWhgGEe9ifUjrzI9nQz-...
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
● Kendra announced that due to current corona virus restrictions, TC headquarters has directed that all outdoor volunteer activities including trail maintenance have been suspended until further notice. In a memo from Josh Howard we are asked to stay at home to help present spread of the corona virus. HQ office is closed, staff working at home, volunteers asked to stay at home. Due to current corona virus restrictions Kendra added that online workshops could at this time keep volunteers engaged since no field work can be done.
● During the meeting an announcement was received from the AT Conservancy also asking volunteers.to suspend all activities on trails until further notice to help prevent spread of the corona virus as trails have become overused, making it difficult to maintain social distancing.
● Breakneck Ridge is open again for hiking after the fire on March 9. Trails are open and fire damage is minimal.
● Peter Dolan in his new position as Trail Program Manager will be attending EH meetings. Hank Osborn is now Director of Programs..Sona Mason is NY Trail Program Coordinator and Melissa Cascini is NJ Trail Program Coordinator. See slide show for NYNJTC staff restructuring details.
● Walt Daniels announced that the new Trail Maintenance Guide will soon be available.
● Jane Daniels heads the Memorandum of Understanding discussion group working on details of agreements between Westchester Parks and the Trail Conference on activities in the parks we supervise as a volunteer organization. Meetings are in progress.
● East Hudson needs a volunteer representative on the TC Policy Council. Nobody volunteered to take on the role.
TRAIL CONFERENCE AWARDS
Michael acknowledged that EH had several members cited for special contributions as volunteers, including Connie Stern, Paul Helbock, Jane Levenson, George Scott, John Graham and Darielle Rayner, and Herb Hochberg. Eagle Scout Jann Mirchandani and Scout troop 165, Yorktown Heights were also recognized for their contribution.
EAST HUDSON REGION OVERVIEW
Michael presented a slide of chairs, supervisors and regions listed as well as maps of the region. 170+ volunteers accrued 8,207 hours for the period from July 1 to Nov. 30, 2019. See slide show for regional heads and maps.
WESTCHESTER LOCAL TRAIL CHAIR, ROSE BONANNO
Rose announced that Connie Stern and Michael Pashley will now lead Wednesday Trail Tramps crew and Mary Dodds will continue as Hudson Highlands South Chair.
INVASIVES: Rose brought up a problem at Ridge Road Park of Japanese knotweed infestation which led to a general discussion of TC addressing not only identification of invasives but a possible workshop on how to effectively remove them.
TURKEY MOUNTAIN REROUTE. Map shown in slide show of reroute in less steep area. Jane reminded supervisors that any changes in trails need to be reported to TC headquarters so that changes can be made on our maps. Peter added that Jeremy Apgar is also responsible for books and publications as well as maps.
BRIARCLIFF PEEKSKILL TRAIL Connie Stern said Tramps crew has worked on bringing the trail up to par, removing brush, broken limbs and clearing tread from Mt. Airy Road to Watch Hill.
EAST HUDSON LOCAL TRAIL CHAIR, ANDREW SEIRUP
Andrew reported ongoing clearing of tornado damage from two years ago at Wonder Lake and retaining wall repair on Brook Trail at South Taconic. He is awaiting approval for work on the Wilkinson Trail. Bash Bish Builders Crew constructed steps to reroute the eroding trail.
John Magerlein, West Fahnestock supervisor gave an overview of projects for the area including new parking , a new bridge and new multi-use trail and progress of the Hudson Highlands trail through Fahnestock and into Connecticut.
Sam Lee, new East Fahnestock supervisor, introduced himself and presented his very appropriate background.. Sam’s bio and maps are on the slides.
AT DUTCHESS / PUTNAM LOCAL TRAIL CHAIR, AT Dutchess/Putnam, DONNA CHAPMAN
As the Duell Hollow bridge is closed, a reroute takes hikers on a 1 mile + road walk. Ron Rosen suggested that application plans for a LLBean grant should be postponed if possible until the end of April due to the coronavirus emergency.
LOCAL TRAIL CHAIR HUDSON HIGHLANDS TRAIL EAST, GARY HAUGLAND
Gary gave an update on the status of the development of the Hudson Highlands Trail in East Hudson.
IDEAS FOR SUMMER/FALL PICNIC
Gary Haugland presented several possible venues. Since we can’t project that far due to present times, we will wait on planning for that event.
STRAVA APP PRESENTATION.
Peter Dolan gave a presentation on the Strava App. STRAVA logs individual trail activities, for those that subscribe. Anyone can see the heat maps produced from this data on the STRAVA website. The heat maps indicate trail usage. So far it is used primarily by bikers and runners. Peter demonstrated how the data can provide insight into trail usage and how this can be used in trail planning.