Port Ludlow Trails & Natural Resources Committee Meeting

07 October 2008

Attendees: John Bonderson, Dan Darrow, Soozie Darrow, Tom Kingston, Doris Monti, Barbara Nobles, Larry Nobles, Larry Scott and Chris Whitehurst.

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

The agenda for the day and the minutes of the 2 Sept. meeting were approved.

Sub-committee Reports:

            Finance:  As of 30 Sept. the accounts show a balance of $1336.83, with $7604.70 in the reserve fund. Dan Darrow suggested that we prepare a budget for 2009 to present to PLVC at the November meeting.

            Maps: The new maps are in the final editing stage.

            Natural Resources: No report.

            Stewards:  Several new volunteers have offered to be stewards: Jim and Janet Boyer, Jane Navone and Elizabeth Van Zonneveld. Doris will decide where they are most needed.

Doris Monti reported that new stands for dog refuse bags have been ordered for Niblicks Loop. Also, Kehele Park trail users need to be more responsible in removing dog refuse from the trail. Bags are available at the park for this purpose though they may not be located right at the trail.

Trail Status:

            Most of the trails currently have little or no problems.

            Timberton Loop: Steward Tom Kingston reported that the grass on the trail is getting long. It was decided that this late in the season we should not spend the money to rent mowing equipment.  Dean Morgan and Stan Gustin placed rocks at several forest road intersections that were created when the recent logging operation. These rocks have now had directional arrows painted on them so that hikers do not go down the wrong road.

            Around the Bay Trail: We received a request to put a no biking sign at the end of Mariner Dr. on marker #25 as some bicyclers have been using the trail unsafely. It was decided that we should ask the Bay View Village president if it was deemed necessary. (I have since contacted him and he would like us to put up the sign).

            Ludlow Cove Trail: Lots of scots broom, blackberries, etc. need to be removed so that hikers can easily get to the gazebo at Picnic Point.

            Bay Club Gazebo: At last month’s meeting we heard that the steward suggested new chips for this trail. Two members of the committee examined the trail and established that this was not necessary.

            Lower Rainier: We are still looking for access through private property near the problem areas so work parties can get equipment there easier.

Old Business:

            Two new weed wrenches have been ordered. (Larry actually received them shortly after the meeting).

            We still have no one volunteering to maintain the Trails Kiosk.

New Business:

            A group of horse owners have requested access to the trail system. This was discussed at length and we finally voted to invite one of their representatives to come to our next meeting to discuss the matter. If anyone has any thoughts on this matter, feel free to come to the meeting.

Goals and Priorities:

            ABT across from Kitsap Bank/Ludlow Cove

            Lower Rainier chipping & drainage.

The next meeting will be at the Bay Club, 9:00 a.m. on Nov. 4.

Submitted by Soozie Darrow, scribe