Port Ludlow Trails/Natural Resources Committee Meeting
01 August, 2006 Minutes
The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m.
The agenda and July minutes were approved.
Sub-Committee Reports:
Financial Report: CFO Jack Manning reported that we have $1050.36 in checking. The PLVC account has $5666.70 of Trails/Natural Resources money. Of that, $2060.00 consists of donations to the Grant Sharpe Memorial. Total Trails/Natural Resources funds are $3606.70.
Stewards: Doris Monti, chief steward, was not present. A message regarding the need for mowing on several trails was recorded.
Grant Sharpe Memorial: No report.
Natural Resources: Dick Ullmann reported that the Port Ludlow Garden Club contacted him about giving us a small grant for native plant planting. Natural Resources has to decide where would be appropriate and how we will get the job done. Larry Nobles suggested that we look at the native plant garden at H.J.Carroll Park as an example of what can be done and how much on-going work would be involved.
Dick was our representative at a recent Friday Market. He gave away several maps, sold a few more brochures and talked with several people interested in the trails.
Trail Work: We have built and are building/maintaining the trail system within Port Ludlow. Maintenance is now the main thrust. We really need more volunteer motivation/participation. The trail sign has been removed from the former entrance to the Interpretive Trail within the RV Park. Parking for this trail is still near the recycling bins but signs now direct walkers down Breaker Lane to the street leading to the PLA offices and the new entrance location. The area between the two flights of stairs has also been re-routed. Jack Riggin is still working on the Rainier Trails every Wednesday morning 9-12 and has re-routed the Upper Rainier Trail so that it no longer crosses private property. A re-routing of the Around the Bay Trail where road construction is in progress on Paradise Bay Road has been planned in conjunction with the Road Dept. for when construction is finished. Mowing has been done several times on the Timberton Loop and the proposed Olympic Trail as well as on the Around the Bay Trail. All of this work has been done by volunteers – but only a dedicated few. They would all appreciate some help.
Unfinished Business:
Maps: No report
Trail Agreements: Still being negotiated.
Mission Statement: Phyllis Hansen presented a new Mission Statement for the Committee. It was moved, seconded and approved that we adopt her presentation. It will be submitted to PLVC for their final approval.
Mission Statement
The purpose of the Port Ludlow Trails/Natural Resource Committee is to develop and maintain the trails and the natural resources of the community. The committee shall also:
· Promote a community awareness and appreciation of the established walking/biking trails
· Inform residents of their role in enhancing and nurturing the natural resources that abound in the area
· Encourage users to help maintain the trails.
Phyllis also showed us a “goodie bag” which the Chamber of Commerce is planning to fill with gifts/advertisements/etc. from local businesses/groups to be distributed to newcomers to Port Ludlow. It was suggested that we provide trail maps for these. Janet Hanz agreed to be the new map distributor, not only for the Chamber, but for the Bay and Beach Clubs.
Meeting with PLA: Mike Porter reported that he and Jack Manning met on 17 July with Diana Smeland from PLA and Kevin Earl from the golf course to tour the proposed Olympic Trail that has been under development for over a year. Kevin agreed to several improvements including removing a slash pile that is blocking the trail and to provide gravel for an area near the bridge that has a lot of roots. Also, we agreed with PLA on a re-routing to move a portion of the trail away from the golf course. PLA will do this work when appropriate equipment is available. About 90% of this trail is on PLA property so we may need to get something written and signed to the effect that we will always have permission to use the trail even if/when PLA leaves/sells. All felt that this trail will be a good asset for all parties.
On 23 July Mike Porter met with Diana Smeland to discuss relocating the entrance to the Interpretive Trail as noted above.
New Business:
Mowing: Individuals, mostly Mike and Jack Manning, have been doing the mowing on Timberton and Olympic Trails. They need to be done about once a month and no other people have volunteered their help. Quality Landscaping has offered to mow for $35/hour. It was moved, seconded and approved that we have the mowing done professionally next year as needed, not to exceed $1500.00.
Interpretive Trail Damage: Mike reported that the picnic table had been pushed over into the creek. He and Willard Gatlin recovered it and cemented it into place. Mike was also bitten by a leashed dog in the RV park. Reports have been filed with the Jefferson County Sheriff.
Budget: Jack Manning presented the budget for the fiscal year 01 Oct. 2006 – 30 Sept. 2007. We will be requesting $1000 from SBCA, LMC, PLA, and PLVC as in the past. A few categories’ expenses have been changed from that budgeted last year, but add up to the same $4000.
Walking Signs: Mike Porter has arranged for “Port Ludlow is a walking community” signs to be made and installed free by the Jefferson County Road Dept. They will be attached to the current signs that say “a village in the woods by the bay” at four locations. There are currently also 13 yellow signs with walking persons around the village.
Port Ludlow County Planner: Barbara Nightingale, the County Community Development Manager, was invited to attend our meeting so she could give us some fresh ideas, especially for the Natural Resources part of the committee. She is especially interested in the marine environment which is so important to Port Ludlow and agreed to help with ideas for projects in that area.
Meeting adjourned at 11:45
Next meeting will be held at the Port Ludlow Fire Station, 05 Sept., 10:00 a.m.
Soozie Darrow, Secretary.