Port Ludlow Trails/Natural Resources Committee (NRC) Meeting

05 August 2008

Attendees: John Bonderson, Dan Darrow, Soozie Darrow, Stan Gustin,

 Jack Manning, Doris Monti, Skip Rasmussen, Dick Ullmann, and Chris Whitehurst.

The meeting was called to order by Dick Ullmann. The agenda and last month’s minutes were approved.

Sub-committee Reports:

            Finance: Jack Manning reported our operating balance as of 7/31/08 is $1661.61.

            Maps: After much discussion, it was moved, seconded and approved that we have 500 copies made after editing trail descriptions, adding Niblicks Loop and Beaver Pond, and adding “Suggested Donation $1” on the front.  The individual copies of each trail that are in the Bay and Beach Clubs will also be edited and a new Master Copy made for Niblicks Loop. Chris Whitehurst offered to take on the job of map distribution once they are prepared.

            Natural Resources: Brochure sales of $24 were turned over to the treasurer.

The Interpretive Trail remains the major project for NRC. The temporary entrance now has 132 native plants and 29 non-natives for your viewing pleasure. A weed-whacking crew is needed as well as further weeding.

            Jack Manning and Dan and Soozie Darrow all reported being busy pulling the very noxious weed Tansy Ragwort throughout the community recently. If anyone is familiar with this plant and sees one that is accessible, please pull it out of the ground or, at the very least, cut off the flowering part.

            Stewards: We are in immediate need of at least 3 stewards for the Niblicks Loop. Anyone who is willing to participate please call Doris Monti at 437-0716 as soon as possible. The trail really needs attention at this time of year – as do they all. A call for stewards will be sent to the Hiking Club e-mail roster.

Trail Status:

            Timberton Loop needs mowing in spots. Around the Bay Trail by the retention pond needs weed-whacking. Otherwise, the trails all are in good condition.

Old Business: We would like to create a list of people who own, and are willing to lend or use, a gasoline powered weed-whacker. If you are so inclined, please contact Doris Monti at 437-0716.

New Business: Phyllis Hansen has been maintaining the art work in the kiosk by the recycling bins for the Trails/NRC Committee for several years. She would like to focus her attention on other projects now and, therefore, we need someone with some artistic ability to take on this 3-times-a-year job. She is willing to assist for the Fall exhibit. Anyone interested in helping out with this project please call Dick Ullmann at 437-5010.  Dick will contact the Artist Guild to see if someone from that group would take on the task.

We discussed augmenting a short side road near the bench at #13 on Timberton Loop. If Timberton hikers would take a look at it and give us their opinion we would appreciate it.

Goals and Priorities:

            Discuss owning/storage/renting equipment

            Timberton 13 side road

            Around the Bay Trail across from Kitsap Bank

            Lower Rainier Loop drainage (dry until the wet season)

Next meeting will be at the Bay Club, 9:00 a.m. on 02 Sept.

Submitted by Soozie Darrow, scribe