Port Ludlow Trails & Natural Resources Committee Minutes

3 March 2009

Attendees: Larry Scott, Larry Nobles, Barbara Nobles, Tom Satterlee, John Bonderson, Chris Whitehurst and Soozie Darrow.

The meeting agenda was altered so that equestrian use of Timberton Loop could be discussed first.

The minutes of the 3 Feb. meeting were approved.

Old Business:

            The equestrian issue was revisited because an official MOU between PLVC and Pope from 2002 was brought to light, which specifies pedestrian access to the Timberton Loop. It was also discussed that our committee, although a sub-committee of PLVC, should cede the authority to allow equestrian use or not to the PLVC Board of Directors. A motion was made by Soozie Darrow, seconded by Chris Whitehurst, to rescind the 6 month permission to allow equestrian use of Timberton Loop, based on the Trails agreement between PLVC and Pope in 2002.  The motion was carried, with one dissenting vote.

Sub-Committee Reports:

            Finance: Tom Satterlee, our new CFO, gave the YTD treasury report.  As of 28 Feb. 2009, our checking account has $1933.17 as we have received $1000 from both LMC and SBCA as well as had some debits for supplies. Our reserve fund stands at $8061. It was suggested that we might deposit that amount, or some of it,  in a CD.

            Maps: Chris Whitehurst reported that $34 has been received from various sources for maps. PLA has agreed to purchase 50 maps and will send $50 to the treasurer. A volunteer from the Olympic Peninsula Visitor Center asked whether they could have some maps. The committee’s decision was not to advertise our trail system too widely, since the trails are supported and maintained by residents of Port Ludlow.

            Natural Resources: Saturday, 21 March will be a work/fun day at the entrance to the Interpretive Trail, rototilling, seeding, weeding, etc.

            Wednesday April 1 is Noxious Weed Removal Day. Sign up at either club. Work will be from 1:00 – 4:00. Barbecue at the Beach Club afterward. Dick Ullmann would appreciate it if active committee members would bring wine and/or beer to serve.

            Dick reported that 38 birdhouses were cleaned, 14 nests found, and a few houses removed to be replaced due to deterioration. The purple martin houses that were on the golf course have been moved to Ludlow Cove due to disinterest on behalf of the martins.

            Stewards: We need stewards for Ludlow Cove now that it is in usable condition. We also need a temporary steward for Ward’s Walk and permanent steward(s) for ABT #12 – 6.

Trails Status:

            The trails all appear to be in good condition at this time.

            Timberton Loop: John Bonderson reported that the Timberton/Niblicks junction sign has been replaced.

            Ludlow Cove: Larry Scott presented some ideas for improvement of the Ludlow Cove Trail now that it has been cleared of Scot’s Broom. Trails/NRC is responsible for the care of the gazebo.

            Lower Rainier: Several wet spots have been filled with sawdust-like material.

Old Business:

            Kiosk: Dale Wills has agreed to take care of the kiosk.

            Ludlow Days: We need to be sure the trails are all in good shape for these hikes.

            Positions: Jack Manning has volunteered for the NRC chairmanship in 2010. Larry Scott also has a volunteer assistant who shall remain nameless.

New Business: None

Goals/Priorities: Remain the same.

Next meeting: 7 April, 9:00 at the Beach Club. Come be the substitute scribe for the day!