|
SWIMBA MEETING MINUTES 2/20/02
Old Business: Minutes from previous meeting approved with the change of REH to REI. Ron Dillon made an unscheduled presentation, going over points in his e-mail correspondence with Harley. He indicated Idaho Mountain Touring is more upset about trail issues than anyone else, and said a couple of guys are beating the drums on trail and racing issues. One guy at IMTcame here from Salt Lake City and is mad because he can't race on the Boise Front. Ron wants to know why he can't have competitive events on the Boise Front and if races can be held on new trails proposed for Seamon's Gulch. He wants a place for freestyle riding. Ron thinks poor decisions and poor communication between the powers that be and riders are problems. He has offered to help with marketing. He has issues with the salary of the position created to deal with the Foothills levy. He concluded with reading an article, "Stamp Out Fun", from Mountain Bike Magazine, which attacks IMBA's position on free riding on spontaneous trails. Shafer Butte Logging - Forest Service Presentation Laurie Fink brought maps of the area of the sale proposal to the west of Shafer Butte. The Forest Service wants input on uses for the area post logging and there may be the potential for trails. They would like SWIMBA to address these issues by March 15, 2002: 1. Does SWIMBA see an opportunity to do something recreational in this area? 2. If so, what type of recreation? Non-motorized? ATVs? 3. What are opportunities to enhance mountain biking, such as loop trails, etc. General feeling is that if new single track is created, no ATVs, but if using existing roads it is probably OK. There could be room for everyone. Larry Tripp wants SWIMBA to provide as much detail as possible, identifying what adverse effects we see to current mountain biking activities. The proposal will have to go through the NEPA process regarding truck traffic, harvest impact, etc. Trees taken will be smaller diameter trees. It is not a cash cow of timber sales, but the Forest Service believes it needs to be managed. There is a fairly thick understory that needs to be removed, which can only be done through a timber sale. Some will be helicopter logging, 100,000 board feet a day, 20-25 log trucks, 45-55 days. If a decision is reached this year it will take a year to mark it, if it sells in 2005, roads would be built by the contractor over 2 years so 2006-2007 could be the actual logging season. It isn't known if the area would be closed to the public during logging operations. It is reasonable to expect no public use on log haul routes. Post sale trails would be a secondary activity, the Forest Service wants to be sure those opportunities are not foreclosed. They need to know how to preserve and protect those opportunities. It is suggested SWIMBA look at it in the conceptual vein with a couple of suggestions. The more information we can give on adverse issues, the better. March 15 is the deadline for initial public comments. Trails could be included in the NEPA document or it could be done by letter. It would be more efficient to do it in the same document, but may not be possible. John McCarthy, Idaho Conservation League (ICL), said he will approach Larry on how it will work for them, too. He thinks there are real opportunities for mountain biking and to make the area look really good. ICL would like to partner up with SWIMBA on this opportunity. He thinks ecological logging is viable here, there is already a road system, thinning can take place, leaving the good stuff. The Resource Advisory Council has some money to spend enhancing trails, he wants to talk with SWIMBA about where we are going. A committee consisting of Christine Hahn, Dave Beck, Mark Anderson, Greg Bearce and Harley Parson was formed to respond by the March 15 deadline. The committee is empowered to prepare and send the letter on SWIMBA’s behalf. Larry offered Laurie’s assistance if necessary. Terry Heslin, BLM, said he was at the Western Trail Builders National convention last weekend. IMBA east and west coast crews were present and distributed a book. They gave an excellent presentation on sustainable trail building. He said the BLM is finally in the trail business, there are lots of fall line trail and they want to build sustainable trails. Terry wants to learn more about and understand the phenomena of free riding, if it can be reasonably accommodated it will be. He will be included in meetings on Ron Dillon's issues. Tour de Fat Todd is in the application process which involves location, security, porta potties, sound, concessions and beverages. He requested help and a committee of Sue Chelstrom, Jeff Skillern, Bill Peck, Margie Rosenberg, David Law Smith and Todd was formed . Dave Thomas indicated he had talked to Suki at ICL and they are interested in participating. Harley talked to IMBA and an effort will be made to dovetail Tour de Fat and IMBA McCall events. Marketing Harley indicated he has an application for a grant for assistance with our web site. The proposed fee schedule was adopted, $15 regular membership, $30 family membership, $60 premier. For an additional $10 a T shirt can be purchased. A draft membership brochure will be presented at the March meeting, with the final version available at the April meeting. 501C3 David Law-Smith has it ready for signing, a $150 fee is required. Ridge to Rivers Open House 3/5/02 Tim Breuer will have an Open House presentation from 5:00-7:30 at Fish and Game headquarters on projects, concepts and ideas in the foothills, trying to get feedback. A few pedestrian only trails have been designated to create alternate experiences. New trails are proposed for the Seamons Gulch area. He wants to do a survey on conflicts to get a reality check on equilibrium among users. They are trying to balance perspective and usages and want to continue to partner with SWIMBA. Tim’s telephone number is 384-3360. The process is to solicit feedback from the public through the Open House, SWIMBA and other groups and pass it on to the Parks Board or whoever the land is on. The information helps mold proposals. The public input process is not binding to the staff or board. The Reserves, in answer to Ron’s question, is a term used by the City to describe a natural park, undeveloped, to be administered by the city. They include Military Reserve, Foothills East, Castle Rock, Oregon Trail, Wetlands. Administration can be difficult due to different jurisdictions and private property. Help and support is needed. New Business: Leo Hennessey wants $3100 in labor, 310 man hours for trail building, yurts and work in the Banner ridge area. Harley made a commitment on SWIMBA’s behalf. Todd Olson will put a letter from SWIMBA President in his newsletter, Harley wants to put it on the web page also. Todd has a 3/15 deadline. Tim advised the Corps of Engineers will do some cleanup of unexploded ordnance on trail 4 and 6. It shouldn’t affect trail use much, if any. The bridges aren’t back in Upper Hulls yet, may be put in May or June, involves helicopters. These are pedestrian only trails. Jeff Skillern will start picking up mail at SWIMBA’s post office box. Discussion was held about a possible phone number for SWIMBA. Harley offered his phone number. Roger Phillips has reserved a camp site in McCall for 7/20-7/21 for group rides. There is space for up to 50 people. Call or e-mail Roger. There could be some trail work. Harley was approached by IMBA about IMBA Epic. He told them McCall is ready. They are looking at the week after Tour de Fat. There will be about 70-100 people including media. Dave Thomas is looking for volunteers for the Northwest Tandem Rally in Boise 5/25-5/26. There is an optional MTB ride 5/27. Terry Heslin of BLM indicated Ken Waugh of the Forest Service wants to keep open the lines of communication. He coordinates 5 areas of the district. Meeting was adjourned. |
|||