November 2021 Meeting Minutes

Minutes from Regular Quarterly Meeting on November 1, 2021

Big Canoe Trails Committee

Mtg took place in person outdoors at Wildcat Pool Pavilion.

Commenced at 4:00 p.m; ended at 4:55.  

Members in attendance = 30 (50 total members, so 60% attendance).

NEXT MEETING is February 7, 2022  - Venue TBD

FYI: Meetings are scheduled for the 1st Monday of 2nd month of each quarter

GUEST SPEAKER: Anu Saxena, Director of Operations & Engineering at Big Canoe  (previously Dir. of Capital Projects)

  • He thanked Trail Committee members for their trail work – both on behalf of his family (they often enjoy the trails) and on behalf of the community.

  • He stressed how much the trails are enjoyed by all, and what an important and highly regarded asset and amenity they are in BC.

  • Shared his philosophy regarding capital projects and amenities, including the trails: If you build it, then build it once; build it the best. And if built, take care of it.

  • Took questions from members regarding ongoing and proposed capital projects and improvements in BC.

  • The POA and management recognize that the trails are a big asset in Big Canoe, and they are working on upcoming initiatives with the Trails Cmte, but not yet ready to be disclosed to the members; Liz Scherer also not ready to discuss with members.

  • He stressed: Make the existing trails even better; maintain and improve the trails we have.

INTRODUCTION of New Members:

  • Mike Sheely -partnered with Steve Papke on Lower Falls trail

  • Beau Long -partnered with Doug Hanley on Jeep Trail

  • David Evans -partnered with Bill Dempsey on Upper Falls Trail

  • Doug Hickman -Partnered with Jim Spearman on High Gap Connector and with Bill Nelson on the Bobcat and Blazing Star access trails

Welcome!

INTRODUCTION OF PROTOCOL For Issues and Concerns

Liz requested that if members have issues, concerns or suggestions, they should  send them directly to her to be heard and vetted with others, including POA if needed, rather than emailing the entire membership.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS 

  1. Reported Hours of Trail Work:

    • Over the last 90 days = 520 hours.

    • YTD reported hours > 1800 hours

    • Reminder: Be sure to report your hours online.

  2. New Trail in Choctaw Village. A new trail in Choctaw near the big bridge was created to lead to recently discovered old mill ruins. The stone pillars that previously supported a grist mill / saw mill built by the Weaver family in mid 1800’s are still standing and are a new trail point of interest. A large piece of gear machinery was discovered and will be included when fabricating a new sign to contain a historical narrative of the site. The Trails Cmte is attempting to obtain permission to create two new parking spaces near the new trail.

  3. General Work: Members have been busy with general maintenance and clean up: clearing downed trees, cutting back vegetation, clearing leaves, fixing bridges and steps. New signs have been created; Vic Shannon has created hand-carved benches for Indian Rocks Park; mulch and trail-lining rocks have been added to the “Fire Hydrant” Trail that serves BCAR; and John and Jim Hansen influenced the creation of additional parking for the John Williams Trail and cleaned up its approach trail.

UPCOMING / NEEDED PROJECTS

  1. Replace steps at Meadows Trail

  2. Replace steps at Lower Falls trail.

  3. Several trails require improvements for erosion control and to improve footing.

  4. Remove small trees blocking the view at some spots on Choctaw trail.

  5. Upper Falls Trail has some wet areas that might require some mulch application or bog walkways installed.

  6. Liz will schedule a time to walk each trail with its respective trail overseer(s) to determine if any additional improvements are needed.

MISCELLANEOUS

  1. Fall Leaves Obscuring the trails: The fall leaves make it difficult to see where some of the trail sections are. Keep those sections free of leaves or mark them with stones or in some other manner to make it clear where the trail boundaries are.

  2. Fall leaves Blocking Water Bars: Remove leaves from your trail water bars to prevent trail erosion during rains.

  3. Borrow Pit on Hubbard Road is now locked after hours: It can be accessed M-F from 7:00 a.m. - 4 p.m.

  4. Trail Map Brochures:

    • New Trail Map brochures are at the print shop; expected to be available next week.

    • Members: Check the brochure holders at your trail kiosks to determine if they are in vulnerable location. Are the brochures getting wet? Getting baked by the sun?

    • Steve Papke suggested scan codes be included at trail heads that link to a map of that single trail so it is easier to read. Liz stated the issue may be lack of cell signal connectivity.

  1. Training Opportunities:

  • Clardy suggested holding training sessions to learn trail building and maintenance skills.

  • Also see the links to training videos on the Trail Committee website.

  • GATC (Georgia Appalachian Trail Conservancy) holds 3-day trail building workshop in late October each year, and there is often limited availability for non-GATC members to attend. Be on the lookout for that.

EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS AVAILABILITY

  1. Downed black locust trees are available to use for trail cribbing. Located at the Jeep Trail near the sign informing you to “engage your 4-wheel drive”.

REMINDER: When using trees for cribbing, remember to remove the bark. Liz has a bark stripper available for this purpose.

Stacy Johnson