Goals for the meeting
- Voice official opinions about safety practices document
- Sign up for helping at Clearwater June 17-18, 2017
- Learn about Cartography at the Trail Conference and Youth Projects
5:45 Networking
6:15 Meeting
- Additions to the agenda
- Approve minutes
- Announcements
- II Love My Park Day - May 6th
- National Trails Day - June 3rd
- Hudson Valley Ramble - Weekends in September
6:25 Reports from Headquarters
- Jeremy Apgar - Cartography at the Trail Conference
- Policy Council - John Magerlein, Fred Stern
- Risk Management (Safety Pratices) - Fred Stern
- Publications and Development
7:30 Reports from the Region
- Sign up sheets for workshops (what ones do we want to give) and tabling events (Clearwater Revival will be held this year)
- Working with Youth - Rose Bonanno and the John Jay High School Project
- Trail Approvals
- Westchester LTC's Partners Breakfast
7:50 Website - update with questions and answers - Walt Daniels
8:30 Adjourn
Jeremy Apgar, Marilyn Blaho, Rose Bonanno, Geof Conner, Jane Daniels, Walt Daniels, Mary Dodds, Gary Haugland, Karen Magerlein, John Magerlein, MK Moore, Hank Osborn, Ron Rosen, Andrew Sierup, Connie Stern, Fred Stern, Bob Ward
Minutes from the December meeting were approved with one addition. Christina Taylor has received $15000 grant …
I Love My Park Jane asked what plans have been made for May 6 and added that announcements can be added to PTNY.org when ready.
National Trails Day, June 3 MK Moore announced that there will be work events in Flushing Meadow Park and Forest Park Plains. Jane said there will be a trail opening in FDR Park. Ron Rosen added there will be an event in Pawling with a hike.
Hudson Valley Ramble again will take place on September weekends and events can be planned.
Presentation by Jeremy Apgar, Trail Conference Cartographer
Making the Maps, a detailed description of both the history of Trail Conference mapping as well as step by step details of current map production.
Mapping began in the 1930s with hand-drawn black/white versions and as technology permitted, colors and details were added over the years until in 2003 GPS technology allowed greater accuracy, and Daniel Chazin hiked all trails to verify.
Jeremy showed the “27 easy” steps of mapping from first determining what should be mapped to creating a base for field work using newly developed software labeling, reviewing and finally printing, the finished product being the culmination of work of volunteers, publications managers and many organizations who help fund the operation.
He asked for volunteers to assist in the proposed revision reprinting of East Hudson maps. He also stated that availability of trail maps on Avenza has not necessarily cut into sales of paper maps, nor has the supply of free maps which Avenza makes available.
Ron Rosen asked about possible reprinting of AT maps, but that is not presently in the works.
Pollicy Council John Magerlein and Fred Stern will send it the Policy Council Risk Management documents for comments prior to the committee’s meeting next week. There will be possibility of making changes or additions to the documents when received.
TC Website Jane discussed the progress of the TC website, as there are still features to be fixed and testing before full functionality is reached. She expressed hope that by when June reports are due that everyone will have access. Walt proposed to send trail data to supervisors for their review. Details have to be entered correctly before reporting can be done.
Youth Programs in Westchester Rose Bonanno reported on Youth Programs in Westchester
What began as environmental classes and TM 101 classroom work has developed, in its third year into senior internships where seniors leave school from 5/8 to 6/9 to work with different trail supervisors 5 days a week learning trail maintenance skills in different parks. Originally began at John Jay High School, the program has been expanded to Sleepy Hollow High School.
AK Moore added they do an Earth Day program f9or youngsters in which they pick up trash, get coloring books and learn to appreciate parks more. He goes to Queens schools to promote community service opportunities, which are required of students, in trail maintenance and invasive education.
Jane added that Westchester area schools seem to be more ready to join programs than other areas. Emphasizing the features of safety, fun and getting some work done is primary toy these programs.
Walt added that photos and information can be added to the TC website by sending them to him at this time.
Trail Approvals
Sylvan Glen Park Preserve Jane showed map of the proposed trails which have been approved by the Town of Yorktown and are awaiting environmental inspection and approval.
Other: Jane asked for volunteers for the Clearwater Festival, June 17 and 18. Rose and Marilyn volunteered for Saturday morning. Ron Rosen reported the AT Monitoring class on April 9 was a great success with 6 new volunteers interested. Fred suggested Amber announce class on social media which seems to have been an excellent way to attract class participatio9n.
Rose asked Hank if money for tools was still available as there was need to supply interns for their trail work and Hank said there was still funds available.
Ron Rosen announced that the Harlem Valley AT Community in Pawling and Dover has been nominated for an award by the Dutchess County Tourism Board. The winner will be announced on May 9.
Next Meeting
Jane will get back to us with date and guest speaker.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:20pm, Rose making the motion and Gary Hoagland seconded.