Trails Committee Minutes May 6, 2008

 

The Trails Committee met May 6 at the Bay Club The agenda was accepted and approved and the minutes from the last meeting were approved.

 

Jack Manning presented the Finance report. Discussion arose on the need to purchase two more weed pullers. Larry Scott will report at the next meeting on the costs.

 

Niblicks Loop was discussed. Although not completely finished, the trail can now be completely walked (about 2.5 to 3 miles). Larry has approached Diana Smeland of PLA and there is agreement in concept to hold a Grand Opening of the new trail. It was decided to officially open the trail on July 4 at the golf course parking lot. This will be publicized and will include a hike of the Niblicks Loop. The initial plan is to offer hot dogs, chips, and soft drinks at a nominal charge. If the concept materializes, the Trails committee will partially underwrite the costs. Larry Scott will see about getting some press out on this

 

Maps can now be updated to include the Niblicks Loop. Jack Manning will work with Larry and the software people to get the new maps out for the July 4 opening.

 

A Natural Resources report was read and is included as follows.

 

“Our seventh annual Scotch Broom event was very successful. This year PLA joined with us and eliminated the Scotch Broom that had infested the area around their offices. We had 26 workers and we covered a dozen sites. We were able to eliminate or reduce the number of plants in each of these areas. We served 45 for dinner at a cost of approximately$160.00. In addition to all the workers, thanks go to Judi Scott, Anthony Monti, Neil Robinson, Tom Carter, and Robbie Robinson who organized and prepared the food and drink and Adele Govert who picked up the weed wrenches.

 

We are fortunate to have several new helpers at the Native Plant Garden – each of whom is concentrating on a particular area to oversee. Most of the plants are doing well. Blossoms and leaves are appearing a little more each day. Two of the transplanted Rhodies are in beautiful bloom. Five Rock Rose plants have been transplanted to the area around the welcome sign and several of the Heathers have been re-assigned as well. A few windflowers are peeking up through the weeds, and, hopefully, many more will emerge over the next few weeks.

 

According to Joan Carson – the Bird Lady – we shouldn’t be too upset about not seeing Purple Martins. ‘ Purple Martins are making the phones ring and the e-mail chatter. Where are they? Have you seen any yet? They were back in early April last year. These birds have some serious problems when spring temperatures take a sudden nose-dive. If the cold persists, they can even perish. They are sensitive to the weather. They aren’t about to throw caution to the wind and arrive on the same date as last year unless conditions are in their favor. Will their voices be heard overhead today, tomorrow or next week? They don’t start nesting until late May. When they do arrive, it is the males that show up first. Will that happen this year or are both sexes bunching up somewhere to the south, waiting for better weather? If that is the case, then we can all take hope.’ ”

 

Native Plant Garden

It was decided that mulch with weed control was needed. The bags cost $4.95/bag.We will start with 25 bags and buy more as required. It was estimated that 125 bags would be needed but should last for two or three years.

 

Stewards

Randy Duhon will do ABT 20 to 25

Skip Rasmussen will take care of ABT 15 to 20

 

Trail Status – Generally in good shape. The Timberton Spur will be changed in name to be part of Niblicks Loop. Maps will have to be changed accordingly.

 

New Business

Larry Noble presented background and thoughts on the Iron Mountain development along with an aerial map and overlay.

 

The next Trails meeting is scheduled for June 3 at the Beach Club.