May 2026 Minutes

Minutes from Regular Quarterly Meeting on May 4, 2026

Big Canoe Trails Committee

Minutes by Stacy Johnson

Co-Chairs: Liz Scherer & Mitch Waldman

Mtg took place in person outdoors at the Wildcat Pool Pavilion.

Commenced at 4:03 p.m.; ended at 4:25 p.m.

Members in attendance = 34

NEXT MEETING is August 3, 2026 @ 4:00.  - Venue: TBD

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

(i.e. first Monday of Feb/May/Aug/Nov)

NEXT WORKDAY(S):  Seeking volunteers for the following:

  1. Removal of the plastic mesh fencing in the McDaniel Meadows Park that surrounds the once protected White Fringeless Orchid area.
    [UPDATE: Scheduled for Thursday May 14 at 9:00 am; 6 volunteers signed up eff 5/6/26]

  2. Clean up / removal of PVC corrugated pipe located on the now-closed Dead End Trail.
    [UPDATE: Scheduled for Thursday May 21 at 9:00 am; 6 volunteers signed up eff 5/6/26]

Bob Kenyon also reported a piece of rebar sticking out of the ground on Trotter Lane Access that presents a tripping hazard; he requested assistance to drive it flush with the ground.

[UPDATE: Mitch Waldman took care of this by driving the rebar to grade level.]

DEPARTING MEMBERS:

  • Pete Stahlman (moving out of BC)

  • John Mitchell

Thank you for all your work on the BCTC! Sorry to see you go.

NEW MEMBERS: Welcome to the following new and returning BCTC members!

  • Pat Dalbey: assigned Yellow Root Access + Cabin Loop Tr

  • Rick Abbott: assigned McDaniel Meadows Trails with Mark Decker & Ken Bechely

  • Mark Dugan: assigned Nancy Womack Tr. from Valley View to Ponder Point with Mickey Greene

  • Doug & Sandy Ring: assigned Choctaw Loop

  • Gary Kirchner (returning BCTC member): assigned Blackwell Creek Way Access

  • Terry Stewart (returning BCTC member): assigned Playfield Tr., Village Tr., and Running Track with Gary Romeo

NEW TRAIL MAPS FOR BCTC MEMBERS WERE DISTRIBUTED (A handy new tool, folks!)

Liz distributed new trail maps she created for use in the field by BCTC members.

  • This map identifies, on its face, all the Trail Stewards assigned to each BC trail;

  • The map also contains 3 different QR codes you can access while in the field which show you the following info (which automatically updates):

  1. Maps of all the BC trails which also identify the Trail Stewards assigned to each trail (in case the typeface on your printed map is too small);

  2. Roster for BCTC members

  3. The BCTC member website where, among other things, you can access the Trail Report Form to log your time.  Very handy to assist in logging your time while still in the field.

TRAIL MAPS FOR BC RESIDENTS AND OTHER TRAIL USERS:

  • Remember to keep the trail map kiosks filled (not limited to just your own trail; fill all as needed).

  • Additional trail maps for the kiosks are in the BCTC alpha box at the BC postal facility.

  • Tip: Keep a supply in your car so they are handy when needed.

TIPS FOR LOGGING YOUR TIME:

  • Go to the website: bigcanoetrails.com/members (and/or access from the QR code on the new member trail maps Liz distributed at the May meeting.)

  • Always log your time in hours and fractional hours (do not report in minutes). e.g 1 hour fifteen minutes of logged time is reported as 1.25.

  • If multiple people work a project, you list those members and the number of hours worked (e.g. if a team worked on a project from 2:00 to 5:00, you list all team members and you report 3 hours for that project. The form will automatically assign three hours to each member working that project.)

  • Include your travel time to and from the work area.

  • Include your time to prepare, clean and put away your equipment.

  • Include time to/from and at the Borrow Pit to pick up or return equipment.

SPRING / EARLY SUMMER TRAIL MAINTENANCE

  • Goal is to maintain a “corridor” on all trails that is 7’ high and 3’ wide. This requires trimming weeds and branches that encroach on this corridor.

  • Keep the algae and “slime” off your steps and bridges; it makes them slippery.  Control with Miracle Mist, which is stored at the Borrow Pit.  NOTE: Do not spray it on the wire mesh that covers some of the steps and bridges, as the spray can corrode that mesh.

  • Control weeds with Round Up and control poison ivy with Poison Ivy Round Up; both products are stored at the Borrow Pit.

  • NOTE: Bug spray and wasp spray are at the Borrow Pit.

  • Joro Spiders: take them down.!

Q & A:

  1. If you need help on a trail (project too big, special equipment needed, you are out of town, etc): report it to Liz and Mitch.

  2. Should we report pig activity?
    Liz response: It’s not necessary; the pigs rarely stay in the same spot.  Suggest that you repair any damage and move on.

  3. Choctaw has new home construction and the contractors are parking on the BC trail.
    Mitch response: Mitch will reach out to the contractor to see if a better parking solution can be found.

IMMEDIATE “FIELD TRIP” TO BORROW PIT:

Any member interested in visiting the Borrow Pit to see what/where the supplies and tools, etc. are located, you are invited to head over there with Liz and Mitch immediately following the meeting.

Attending this visit: Pat Dalbey, Mark Dugan, Robert Wolfe, Doug & Sandy Ring, Liz Scherer and Mitch Waldman.

Stacy Johnson