Adirondack Park Mountain Biking Initiative
Steering Committee Minutes
May 30, 2002 9:30 AM
APA, Ray Brook, NY
Attendance:
Steering Committee:
Lee and Judi Borland, APMBI Facilitators; Rosemary Redmond, (for Randy Beach), Empire State Development; Brian Delaney, High Peaks Cyclery; Steve Erman, APA Economic Affairs; Terry Martino, Exec. Dir., ANCA; Peter Grupe, Supervising Forester, Region 5, DEC (for Tom Martin, Regional Forester, DEC)
Other Members of the Initiative and Guests:
Tim Holmes, Holmes & Associates, ANCA; Gary C. Thomann, Trails Comm.; Bert Yost, Wilmington MTB Coordinator; Chuck Smith, Lake Pleasant/Speculator MTB Coordinator; Dean Nervick, Lake Pleasant Trails Comm.; Wayne Glass, Vice President, Community Initiatives, Adirondack Economic Development Corporation (AEDC).
Excused/ Absent: Paul Capone, Trails Chmn.; Robert Eccleston, Trails Comm; Joe Moore, Adk Council, and APMBI Trails Comm.; Ron Ofner, Director Essex County Tourism; Tim Tierney, Director of Field Programs, Adk Mt. Club, Ted Christodaro, MTB Coordinator, Inlet
Lee Borland opened the Meeting at 9:40 AM with a welcome to all in attendance. Lee told those present that he felt that having quarterly meetings, with communication in between via emails, phone calls and sub group meetings seems in most instances to be providing the forum for getting the job done.
Wayne Glass, recently appointed VP of Community Initiatives for the AEDC (Adirondack Economic Development Council) was welcomed. It was noted that Wayne had helped us in his previous position at the Technical Assistance Center in Plattsburgh, with research and a report on the economic impact of mountain biking. Wayne explained that his new responsibilities include working with the CAA (Central Adirondack Association) on the development of a bike trail in Old Forge, and as a resource for small business development.
I. Report of Pres. Bush Earth Day Visit to Wilmington on Monday, April 22, 2001
Bert Yost, Wilmington Mountain Biking Coordinator, gave a report, using Power Point, on President Bush’s visit, including several excellent photos. The Presidential visit was a “surprise”, as Bert and the Town officers did not find out about it until late evening the Thursday before the President’s Monday visit. Bert observed that the Hungry Trout parking lot was full of DEC and other official vehicles. There were trail crew volunteers from Wilmington Mountain Peddlers, the Nature Conservancy and Americorps, etc. A lot of trail work was accomplished prior to, during, and after the visit. The DEC was extremely helpful in providing tools, signage, and organizing the work. The President’s (and Governor Pataki’s) visit included helping with building a bridge over a stream, turnpikes over low wet areas, testing water quality, trail clearing and moving a campsite further from a stream. Bert felt the visit was of great importance to the Town of Wilmington, the Wilmington Mountain Peddlers, and the Adirondacks in general; he felt that the boost should provide impetus for several months, if not years. The Peddlers will take advantage of boulders moved for the President’s visit to provide access to the trail to bring in more gravel where it is needed.
Lee telephoned Gary Grady, a member of the Wilmington MTB Committee, after the Earth Day visit to get Gary’s comments on the President’s visit. Gary’s quote was that “It doesn’t get any better than this-- when you have the President and our Governor walking around with you, seeing what you have done and are trying to accomplish.”
Jeanne Ashworth, Wilmington Town Supervisor was extremely excited about the President’s and Governor’s visit. She emailed Lee and Judi that “ I am convinced that the efforts you have made to bring attention to the Mountain Biking Initiative and to sustainable trail building contributed to the White House staff decision to come to Wilmington. This is an example of your devoted work and a good idea. It has been rewarded with national attention for the Adirondacks, the Town and Mountain Biking.”
Lee held up several newspaper clippings about the Earth Day visit. He also highlighted an article written by reporter Ned Rauch that appeared on the front page of the Plattsburgh Press Republican on April 3, 2002, entitled “Advocates aim to boost biking into Adirondack forefront”. Lee also showed a very supportive Editorial in the same newspaper on April 13, 2002 entitled “Biking ideal for this region”. Copies of the editorial were made and distributed by Steve Erman to those present.
A. DEC UMPs—How are these going?
Peter Grupe gave a report for Tom Martin. He said that the UMPS are the Governor’s #1 Initiative. Several high level DEC managers are presently sequestered for 3 days at Minnow-brook, regarding the UMPs. The Saranac Lakes Wild Forest UMP is being contracted out. The UMP for Champion lands, where there are around 200 miles of trails (mostly logging roads), may also be contracted out. At present there are conflicts with the landowners over what users will be allowed on the property. There is particular concern over ATV’s and their potential damage to the road system. DEC could be held responsible for road repairs, for which there are no resources available. The entire road system is presently open for mountain bikers, hikers and horses. However there are no official published maps. Brian Delaney expressed an interest in getting an unofficial map, and checking out the trails/roads there; he will contact Peter Grupe for a map. Gary Thoman has access to the GPS data for Champion lands. (See info on Saranac Lakes Wild Forest in attachment: S.C. Meet Paul Rep. 5-30-02)
B. Signage Specifications Committee. In Paul Capone’s absence, Brian Delaney gave his report, which is attached to these Minutes. Brian felt that the main concerns outlined were the need for consistency throughout the park, and that bigger trail networks would need numbered trails. The main reason for trail signage is to prevent people from getting lost.
Following the report an extensive discussion on signage ensued.
1. Brian reported that an extensive horizontal network of trails is being developed at Whiteface (vs. the present highly technical vertical trails). The signage specifications at Whiteface and Mt. VanHovenburg will be the same, and consistent with the Wilmington Wild Forest.
2. Bert Yost questioned the sudden appearance of round trail markers with T-1, T-5, etc. on the Wilmington trails. He is unaware of who placed them and when, and what they mean. He also remarked that the DEC placed several 5” x 5” square yellow plastic “mountain biking trail” markers prior to the President’s visit, and gave several to Bert afterwards. Peter Grupe was unfamiliar with that particular signage. Lee stated again that we need consistent signage for all Adk. Park Mt. Biking trails.
3. Bert also feels there is a need to determine officially the boundary lines between ORDA and NYS lands in the Wilmington/whiteface area. Lee asked Bert to coordinate with Forester Jim Papero on the signage and boundary issues.
4. Terry Martino stated that consistent trail signage specifications from MTB Center to MTB Center are VERY important for users/visitors of the trails. Building a coordinated network of bicycling centers requires consistent symbols and signage; trails should have grading for difficulty, and description of trail type on maps (e.g. dirt road, singletrack, and double-track.)
5. Peter Grupe said that the norm is square signs for trailheads and colored round discs for on the trail, especially at intersections.
6. Bert expressed his frustration at their being at least two DIFFERENT standards for signs.
7. Lee pointed out that he recalled that Paul emailed sample signage and kiosk designs to the Committee and to Towns early on, and then later sent the “official” sign standards via email to the Steering Committee and the 3 model town coordinators in January. Lee suggested Bert pass on his questions and concerns to Paul & Peter.
8. Tim Holmes suggested that officials from the DEC (e.g. Jim Papero, Tom Martin), Paul Capone and the mountain biking coordinators from the 3 model towns get together to coordinate wording, size, shape, color, etc. We need Paul to coordinate wording, size, shape and color.
9. Gary Thomann said that the snowmobile trails use colored discs as trail markers. Multi-
use trails use the same standard. Most bike trail markers are 3 ½” discs. He emphasized that good maps are most important, as signs can be stolen or vandalized.
10. Peter Grupe said the DEC has a big notebook of standard signs, and signs can be ordered from it. Paul Capone came in to the DEC and spent time looking through the book and made copies of some signs. He suggested that the standards need to come from high up in the DEC—i.e. Karyn Richards
11. Bert Yost agreed, saying we need an edict from the NYS governor’s office, so changes can be made from the top down. His Town has only one month to kickoff of their trails and ribbon cutting.
12. Steve Erman said we first and foremost need to meet the needs of the public. He suggested we talk with Tom Martin re. our concerns on the signs and that the sign committee meets with Karyn and Peter Grupe..
13. Terry felt that we need to keep the momentum going for both Wilmington and for Lake Pleasant and that signage issues need to be resolved ASAP.
C. “Model” MTB Towns: Reports from Town Coordinators:
1. Inlet: is among the missing. Despite calls and emails reminding them of our meetings we have had no communication from Ted Christodaro. Lee talked with Town Supervisor JR Risley after the last Steering Committee Meeting and expressed our concern about the communications gap. Lee was told they had ordered $2000. worth of signs but we don’t know what they look like or if they are in keeping with the DEC standards. Lee will try again to contact them.
2. Wilmington: Bert Yost said his committee hoped to have their ribbon cutting in early July. Materials have been donated for the kiosks. Tom Martin will be contacted re the DEC building them. The DEC kiosks are patterned after the hiking trail registers. Kiosks are for the trailheads, and trail markers are along the trails.
3. Lake Pleasant: Chuck Smith reported that the Speculator Loop Trail system would be ready for riding by June 1st. They have 2 bike loops: the largest (The Outer Loop) is 13.7 miles long, and the shorter (Inner Loop) is 7.2 miles. This is entirely a road system (on International Paper property) and is restricted to bicycles only. Chuck and Dean brought samples of their signage. The DEC was constructing the kiosks. They had samples of their draft brochure with trail map, which will be edited again this week before distribution to the Chamber of Commerce and for placement in the kiosks. (Tim Holmes suggested that they add the bikeadirondacks.org web site to the brochure.) Eventually they want to put their time and money into off road single-track trails. They want to have their ribbon cutting in July, perhaps even over the July 4th weekend.
4. Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies: The goal is to get Governor Pataki to attend one or even all ribbon cuttings. We feel we gained a lot of credibility and recognition during the President’s and the Governor’s Earth Day visit to the bicycle trails in Wilmington; also this is an election year and the politicians are more amenable to attending events such as these.
Rosemary said that we need to coordinate with the Governor’s office: let her know several available dates and she could send the request thru channels. She reminded us that the Governor always attends the Travers race in Saratoga; she would find out that date and email us so we avoid that date. Brian said it would be good to schedule the Wilmington ribbon cutting around a big bike race at Mt. VanHovenburg in August; many of the people coming for that race would be interested in attending the Wilmington ribbon cutting and riding the trails. Brian will let us know that date. Tim offered to put the Ribbon Cutting dates on the bikeadirondacks.org web site.
D. Adirondack Regional Tourism Council 5/28 Board Meeting presentation:
Lee and Judi Borland reported on their 20 minute presentation on the APMBI to the ARTC Board, at the request of Director Ann Melious, They prepared and distributed 10 information packets to the board members. The packets included press releases, newspaper articles, an editorial, lists of focus group and steering committee members, and of the AATV towns and villages that signed up to become involved in the APMBI etc. Also included were our goals and progress to date. Lee and Judi challenged the ARTC Board to be supportive of APMBI’s efforts because of the potentially large positive impact on the economy of the Adirondacks of this newest sports recreation tourism activity.
Lee and Judi recommended that funding be obtained to develop a Master Plan for Mountain Biking in the Adirondack Park, similar to the Bicycle Master Plan for road biking prepared in 1994, approx. 8 years ago, by Holmes and Associates and sponsored by ANCA. (This report was prepared before interest in mountain biking started to escalate.) This project would include the development of a database of current and potential trails/ mountain biking centers.
Terry Martino requested a copy of the packet prepared for the ARTC Board so she could distribute copies to her ANCA Board.
(Secretary’s note: After the meeting, Lee spoke with Terry Martino (ANCA) and with Rosemary Redmond (Empire State Development [ESD]). ESD may have available funds (up to 50K) available for ANCA to pursue this project; Rosemary provided Terry (and Lee) the official Project Information Questionnaire to use to (potentially) start the process of application for the funding.)
E. Spring 2002 “Fact Finding Trips”:
1. Judi and Lee reported briefly on their mountain biking trip to DuPont State Forest near Brevard, NC which has 90 miles of trails. This area was privately owned until the past year or so, and now is owned and run by the state. Judi and Lee attended the 1st anniversary meeting of the “Friends of DuPont Forest”, a volunteer group which has have raised a considerable amount of money and put in thousands of hours of work on the multi-purpose trails in the Forest. The kiosks, trail signs and trailhead parking were in place and very were very well done. One of the trails the Borlands rode was the “Galix” trail which Jen and Rich Edwards (IMBA’s Trail Care Crew #3) guided and helped build in spring 2001! Their web site is www.dupontforest.com.
2. Brian Delaney reported on his family’s trip to Moab, Utah, including Slick Rock
State Park, which has the reputation of being “the” place to mountain bike in the US. He
said several of the trails were really challenging, and even though they got pretty dirty on
the rides; they had a great time. Brian brought some good pictures to share, and some
maps and brochures. There was no central place to obtain information on the area trails,
but the bike shops had the best information.
3. Paul Capone and family enjoyed a bike trip in a mountain bike mecca located in the Nantahala N. F. near Bryson City, NC. His report is attached to these minutes (–see S.C. Meet-Paul Rep. 5-30-02, pg. 2)
A. Trail Maps & Handouts at Trails.
1. Chuck Smith brought their draft Trail map/ handout from Speculator/Lake Pleasant, which seemed to have all or most of the recommended components. Dean based their map on a topographical map and traced it for their map.
2. Gary Thomann recommended we agree on which coordinate system to use when basing the maps on GPS technology. NYS is currently on NAD 27 and is switching to NAD 83. (GPS uses either 27 or 83). The group agreed on using NAD 83 for mapping.
3. Tim Holmes suggested putting the Bike Center maps/brochures on the website.
4. Dean Nervick will email Bert Yost Lake Pleasant’s brochure and map, and Bert will convert these, and then send them, and also Wilmington’s, in pdf to Tim Holmes for the web site.
B. Kiosk Information/Layout:
1. Gary Thomann felt that the kiosk standardization could be another can of worms. The DEC-built kiosks are small (49”) and the trail sign in box takes up 25” of space. The maps to fit this should be about 17 x 22” and could be simple or more sophisticated. The trail information signs and Trail Rules could be somewhat standardized, but need to be customized for the particular bike center region.
Gateways to the Adirondack Park:
Terry Martino gave the report from Ron Ofner in his absence. Ron sent an email earlier outlining the results of his research regarding the costs of producing such a brochure, in several different quantity lots. Terry and Ron discussed the report prior to this meeting and agreed that:
1. First, we need to know what we want to communicate. It appears that we are about a year away from having enough information to include in a brochure. We are just developing the groundwork.
2. Ron and Terry recommend that initially we combine the promotion for all 3 centers on a single 4” x 9” rack card, which would include a short description of each center. Once the cyclists arrived in one of the centers, they could pick up information specific to that area from the local Chambers of Commerce or bike shops, beds and breakfasts etc.
3. Tim Holmes suggested that in the interim potential visitors could use the web site to pull up information on the Biking Centers and print out local maps and brochures.
4. It was recommended that the bike centers solicit local businesses to advertise in their local brochures, thus helping to underwrite the cost of producing the brochures.
5. Terry and Ron wondered if we should rename the activity “off road bicycling” instead of mountain biking, which may have a negative image of bikers racing straight down a mountain at breakneck speeds. The Steering Committee disagreed as most people are becoming aware that mountain biking refers to using a ‘fat tired’ bike on a variety of trail surfaces and elevations. “Mountain Biking” has established name recognition that it would be very difficult for us to change or improve upon.
D. Plan/Schedule of MTB Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies:
1. The Towns need to get back to Lee and Judi ASAP with several alternate dates.
2. Judi and Lee will contact Rosemary with the dates so we can start the process of getting Governor Pataki and other politicians to attend.
3. We have the phone numbers of each of the 3 Chambers of Commerce:
a. Wilmington: 518-946-2255.
b. Lake Pleasant: 518-548-4521
c. Inlet: 315-357-5501
4. The Chambers will know who in their area and surrounding area should be invited to each
of the Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies.
5. The officials and mountain biking chairmen from the other 21 towns and villages that
signed up to be involved in the Initiative should be invited.
6. Officials from all of the other towns and villages in the Adirondacks should also be
invited.
7. Each of the Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies should be highlighted on the web site.
8. In the ceremonies and publicity for same, we need to thank everyone involved in the APMBI effort in the past 18 months.
A. Possibility of becoming a 501C organization? Rosemary said it is very difficult for a small group to obtain this designation (not for profit, so individuals or groups could contribute tax deductible contributions.) We could meet with Calli Brooks of ACT to discuss whether there was a possibility they could serve as an umbrella organization. The “Friends of DuPont Forest” recently got a not-for-profit, per the IRS, 501C designation.
B. Gary Thomann is working to help set up bike patrols in Albany’s Pine Bush.
C. Bikeadirondacks.com webs site: Tim Holmes has received some donations and membership “dues” for the web site. Contributors are asked to donate a minimum of $20. Lee expressed his thanks to Tim for a great job and to ANCA for its support for the site.
D. IMBA Epic Ride in Ellicottville, NY July 20 & 21, 2002. (See info included in attachment labeled S.C. Meet Paul Rep. 5-30-02, pg. 2)
E. Saranac Lakes Wild Forest: (See attachment labeled S.C. Meet Paul Rep. 5-30-02, Pg. 2)
A. Rollout of APMBI to the next 5-10 Towns
C. Reminder to Everyone: Bring back from your trips or vacations this year pictures/ samples of maps, brochures of what other areas have done
VI. Next Steering Committee Meeting: Tentatively Thursday, Sept. 5, 2002, at 9:30 AM at the APA in Ray Brook. Plan to arrive at 9 AM for coffee and networking!
VII. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 12:20 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Judi Borland, Co-Facilitator, APMBI