Port Ludlow Trails/NRC Committee Meeting Minutes

04 Sept. 2007

The meeting was called to order by Trails Chairman Larry Scott at 9:00 a.m.

The day’s agenda and the 07 August 2007 minutes were approved.

Sub-committee Reports:

               Finance:  CFO Jack Manning was not present. No report.

               Natural Resources: Dick Ullmann reported that Tansy Ragwort, a poisonous noxious but pretty yellow weed, is still thriving in our community and should be removed by anyone so willing.

   Dick also reported good sales of our Natural Resources brochure at the Friday Markets.

   The wild flowers that were planted and cared for by Dick are looking especially nice now. The individual plantings will need weeding maintenance in perpetuity and hopefully the flowers will reseed themselves each year. A few more native plants will be purchased and planted this fall, with more added in time.

   It was suggested that some of the bird houses that were put up in the forest be moved closer to the margin of the forest as that might be preferable to some of the birds we are trying to attract.

   A spiffing-up work party will be held Saturday, 08 Sept. to prepare the trail and entrance for the dedication on 16 Sept. See below – Interpretive Trail – for more information.

               Stewards: Doris Monti, Stewards Coordinator, reported on her recent survey-of-the-trails. There are several places where numbered posts would be helpful on the Around the Bay Trail (#6, 7, 10 and 11 and arrows on the Timberton Loop (near #5 and 3). Dean Morgan has acquired the necessary signage and equipment for these and they are on the list of planned installations.

   Doris also reported that we need more stewards. Skip Rasmussen is our newest steward and will be patrolling the Around the Bay Trail #18-25.

   Dan Darrow reported that the Bill Lane Trail near the Bay Club is in excellent condition. Check it out!

Trails Status:

               Interpretive Trail: The leaner tree by the bridge is still leaning. We had received a bid for its removal but the contractor has since been unresponsive. Larry will solicit another contractor’s bid.

               Grant Sharpe Memorial: Marge Carter, leader of the ad hoc committee for this project, reported that Sunday, 16 Sept. has been chosen for the dedication of the new part of the trail. The “listening area” has new seating built and installed by Mike Porter and a compass rose which he also created. After this ceremony, the ad hoc committee will have no further commitment. Any monies left in the Grant Sharpe Fund will continue to go toward this trail’s upkeep, and then the Trails budget will be responsible.

               Ludlow Cove: PLA has indicated that they would like us to help remove the massive Scot’s Broom growth on this trail. We are still considering ways to make this trail a loop.

               Rainier: Bicyclers have been using this trail despite posted signs at beginning and end. We need to check to make sure the signs are still there. Any other suggestions to discourage this activity would be appreciated. Timberton Loop is the only trail on which bicycles are allowed.

New Business:

• Soozie Darrow reported that in some sections of the Around the Bay Trail the asphalt is becoming dangerous due to tree roots heaving the asphalt. Suggest that we look in to various methods and costs of taking care of these areas.

• Dan Darrow reminded us that it is hunting season and we may hear gun shots and/or encounter hunters on the trails, especially Timberton Loop. Hunting is allowed on the Pope property through which the trail goes. We discussed posting signs at the boundaries of the Pope/PLA properties but came to no decision. Just be aware of your surroundings

• Doris Monti informed us that this Fall marks the 10^th anniversary of the Timberton Loop being open after much trail blazing by Doris, Dottie Johnson, and Don Derrington. She would like to have a celebration sometime this Fall, perhaps a hike and lunch at Niblicks. Watch the VOICE for further news.

• The recognition and appreciation party for trails workers and stewards will be 3:00 p.m. Friday, 5 Oct. at the Beach Club. The committee will provide all hors d’oeuvres and a program. Guests are to bring their own choice of beverages. An RSVP by 26 Sept. is requested. (Actually, invitations have already been issued to the Trails/NRC e-mail list).

Goals & Priorities:

               1. Signage for all trails

               2. Niblick’s work

               3. Lower Rainier water drainage – now that we’re approaching the wet season.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:35 a.m. Next meeting will be held at 9:00 a.m. 02 Oct. at the Beach Club.

Submitted by Soozie Darrow, Scribe