COOS REGIONAL TRAILS PARTNERSHIP

Minutes

May 17, 2005

Attendees: Joe Waksmundski (joew@nwyouthcorps.org), Mike Smith, John Bragg, Donna Bishop, Scott McNew, Don Luce, Bob Golden, Reg Pullen, Miranda Shapiro, Tom Sill.

OLD BUSINESS

  1. Welcome and Introductions
     
  1. Approve April minutes – Reg made a motion to approve the April minutes as written and Bob Golden seconded the motion. The minutes were approved.
     
  1. Approval of CRTP bylaws - Reg moved that we separate MOU from Bylaws and Bob Golden seconded the motion, everyone in attendance approved the motion. Reg moved to approve the MOU as it is for now and Donna Bishop seconded the motion, everyone in attendance approved the motion. Reg Pullen said he would prefer officers come from public at large. John Bragg said he would serve a two year term and would like to hand the board chair position to a member of the public.
     
  1. Update on Healthy Hikes – John

58 people attended the hike at Eel Lake. Bob Golden led the hike and John Bragg assisted.  John said that we need to think carefully about the length and complexity of future hikes. He said many people come on hikes that can’t walk that far.  Some comments from hikers were that they don’t like to hike alone because they are afraid of cougars. Women outnumbered men on the hike. Several women hikers commented that they like to hike with a group because of safety.  The hikes are planned through September. 

The next hike is at New River. Don Luce will lead power hikers (2.1 miles) and Reg Pullen will lead the shorter hike (1.2 miles) with an ethnobotanical and bird watching focus. It was suggested to hand out the agenda for the next CRTP meeting at the hike along with information on the upcoming hike including driving time. It was suggested that the information include a question about whether people want to be included on the mailing list.  In general, people are very positive about the hikes. It was suggested that we need a map and description of the June hike.

As healthy hikes participation grows, members noted that we will need State Parks involvement as many trails are located on their land. Miranda suggested meeting with Andy LaTomme.  Bob Golden recommended putting up flyers on the hikes at other clinics. Joe Waksmundski recommended providing information on hikes to schools.

  1. Information on Hospital meeting on 31st – Miranda

Miranda let the group know that there would be a meeting for potential partners at 4 p.m. at the Bay Area Hospital in the Myrtle Room (see minutes attached). This meeting would be followed by a speaker’s bureau featuring Tom Baake of Westways Press who will talk about his three favorite hikes in our area.

  1. Trail cleanup party at Blue Ridge – Bob Golden

There have been two clean ups at Blue Ridge and they’ve taken out a lot of garbage including a stove, all helping keep this trail system clean. On April 23rd there were 14 volunteers and on May 7th, 12 people volunteered to help clean up the trails system.  With the trail clearing/cleaning there will be a nice view for the June hike. Many trails have been brushed and opened up. They still have the south part of the trail system to do. Another clean up is scheduled for July 10th.  Approximately 75 hours of volunteer service were devoted to the two clean ups.

  1. Winchester Trails progress report –Scott McNew

Bob LaPort is still working with the county attorney and commissioners on a proposed agreement. Scott checked trails and some trails are closed that don’t make sense because they are away from the logging. Skyline drilling area will include three different locations and will require several trail closures. John Bragg said that South Slough NERR is drilling pilot wells to determine extent of field (i.e., how much is there, how tappable it is).  This process produces a lot of groundwater. One question is what is the quality of that groundwater? Scott said they will continue working with the county until an agreement is reached.

NEW BUSINESS

  1. Beach trail from Bandon to Port Orford – presentation from Northwest Youth Corps

Joe Waksmundski, Northwest Youth Corps, gave a presentation to the group. NW Youth Corps has been in operation for 22 years and is based in Eugene.  They have projects in Idaho, northern California, Oregon, Washington, and Arizona (spring).  They work with 14-19 year olds and last year they served over 700 youth.  They come down to smaller places like Coos County and visit schools. Funding sources include Title II funds and Category B funds from State Parks.  Regarding the Oregon Coast Trail, Joe informed the group that there are still sections that can be opened.  The Beach Trail is from Bandon to Port Orford.  NW Youth Corps like educators to come for youth (e.g., Backcountry Horsemen talk about Leave No Trace with corps members).  Please contact Joe if you are interested in educating kids.  Joe is working with Chris Church and an Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) called Hunter Creek.  The group invited NW Youth Corps to be a member of CRTP.

  1. Oregon Coast Birding Trail – Reg Pullen

Reg Pullen informed the group about the current process in motion to create an Oregon Coast Birding Trail. This project is based on the Cascade Birding Trail which is very popular and there are great bird watching spots on the brochure.  Bird watching is one of the fastest growing outdoor activities.  Bird watchers also spend a lot of money on equipment and lodging.  Currently, they are in the process of identifying the best bird watching areas along the coast. Some potential spots include North Spit, New River, Millicoma Marsh, Coquille Point, South Slouth NERR, Dean Creek, and the mouth of Tenmile Creek. The guide will be published in January.

  1. Other new business.
    1. Reg informed the group that Stafford Owen, the ATV coordinator for the BLM asked about ATV trails on the BLM district. Pullen said there may be opportunities in areas that are not LSR’s.  Mike Smith is very interested in finding more ATV opportunities outside of the dunes that are in forested areas. One possibility is inventorying potential places in forested environments, like decommissioned roads. ATV users spend a lot of money in the communities they visit. Mike Smith asked about ATV trails on the North Spit.  This will not be possible according to Bob Golden.
    2. Reg also brought up the potential licensing of non-motorized water vehicles like canoes and kayaks at a $20 fee. He suggested that CRTP write a letter in support of this fee.
    3. Reg did meet with Andy LaTomme about Eel Lake and the surfer trail by Yoakum Point.  Yoakum Point is zoned an environmentally, geologically sensitive area so no trail construction would be allowed there.  The state is willing to provide an easement that would be along the base of the bluff.  Regarding Eel Lake, the state already has an easement around the lake. The issue is that both arms of the lake need floating bridges which could be very expensive and could come from Title II funding. NW Youth Corps might be able to help with this effort. One of the fingers is in Douglas County which may be willing to give some funds toward the effort as well as has given money to Coos County before.
    4. Donna informed the group that National Trails Clean Up Day is Saturday June 4th and dump fees are waived on this day. OET is doing a litter clean up at 10:00 a.m. Bring gloves and bags.
    5. Mike reminded the group that there is a big demand for ATV trails and if you don’t provide legal areas people will just ride anywhere they want. Mike suggested inviting Stafford Owen to a CRTP meeting.
    6. Publicity for trail meetings: John Bragg will call the World about meetings. Reg Pullen and the new public affairs officer at the BLM (Megan) will help with publicity and getting the agenda out to news sources. Agenda items will be due the first Tuesday of the month.
    7. Agenda items: Loop trail, Tugman, ATV trails.
    8. Next Meeting, Tuesday June 21st at 6:30 p.m.

    ADJOURN