Also Inside (printed version only)
- President's Column
- Hikers' Almanac
- For & About Members
- Letters
- Local Advertisers
- Membership & Store Forms
Front Page and Articles
Trail Conference office relocates to Mahwah, NJ
Effective February 1, 2001, the offices of the
NY-NJ Trail Conference will be closer to the trails and parks in which
the organization is active. Moving into an office suite in a small
commercial building at 156 Ramapo Valley Road (also known as Route
202), just north of its intersection with Route 17, this new Trail
Conference office location marks the beginning of a new era.
Incorporated in New York State, the Trail
Conference has been located in midtown Manhattan since we first opened
an office in 1970.
The move was driven in part by the threat of
increasing rents in Manhattan and by the need to better respond to
situations with trail-land partners as identified in our strategic
plan. Although other Manhattan locations were considered, the Trail
Conference board of directors decided to explore in earnest
alternatives to a New York City office. This new office location
places the Trail Conference in closer proximity to the majority of our
membership and more centrally to our trail systems.
"This is an exciting time of change, and not
without some anxiety," says Trail Conference President Gary
Haugland. "Leaving the City may seem to some like a callous break
with our past. But we are seeing it as a move to strengthen our
future. It will be challenging to rethink how we do business from this
new address, and we trust it will make us more effective in doing our
trail advocacy work in New Jersey."
Our new, second-floor office has wonderful views
overlooking the Ramapo River from the back windows�quite a change
from looking at the city skyscrapers in midtown Manhattan! Under the
trees at riverbank�s edge is a great spot for a picnic in nice
weather�an added perk.
Board members Paul Bell, John Gunzler, Tom Humbach,
and Bill Mishler anchored the relocation committee, scouring sites
from Jersey City northward to Tarrytown and Tuxedo, NY. Fellow Board
member Pete Heckler actually found the Mahwah space.
Office hours will remain the same, weekdays from 11
a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Our new telephone number is 201-512-9348; our new
fax is 201-512-9012. Our web site and e-mail address remain the same.
Volunteers: we need you in Mahwah!
With our new location, we need some new local
volunteer help around the office, on either a steady basis or on-call.
Can you help? We need folks to:
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answer telephone inquiries about the trails or
hiking in general. We need coverage all day, everyday�but
perhaps you can help out for a couple of hours one day a week. If
we can get several people giving a few hours one day a week on a
regular basis we can arrange full coverage.
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stuff envelopes for mailings, and/or map sets
into plastic baggies (on call as needed).
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pitch in with general office work.
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help organize our filing system, and files,
better.
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word process to update our many forms and
brochures.
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enter data on our computer systems.
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be our computer repair technician and
"help desk" reference (on call).
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be our librarian�follow up on overdue books
(a few hours once a month).
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suggest something you would like to do.
Let us know what you would like to do and your availability. E-mail
our volunteer coordinator at [email protected]
and we�ll get back in touch with you.
Celebrating NJ�s Millennium Trail
Photos by Dan D'Erico
On
a stunning golden October 21st, the Highlands Trail was feted as New
Jersey�s Millennium Legacy Trail with the opening of another 20
miles of trail to the public. Hikes of various lengths in and around
Spruce Run Recreation Area in Clinton, NJ, followed the
ribbon-cutting, over which Trail Conference President Gary Haugland,
Highlands Trail Chair Bob Moss, and NJ Department of Environmental
Protection Commissioner Robert C. Shinn presided. Celebrants included
many of the Trail�s partners who have teamed with the Trail
Conference to build this nationally-recognized trail.
Greg Marshall, Director of the Division of
Parks & Forestry of the NJ Department of Environmental
Protection, and his wife Judy (foreground) joined one of the
hikes celebrating the opening of new sections of the Trail. |
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Within Spruce Run Recreation Area, the
Highlands Trail (left) features long views over the Spruce Run
Reservoir. |
Robert C. Shinn, Commissioner of the NJ
Department of Environmental Protection and keynote speaker,
noted with pleasure the continuing results of the successful
partnership between the Trail Conference and the State Park
Service, as the Highlands Trail continues to grow and become a
reality. |
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NJ Department of Environmental Protection
Naturalist Stephanie Fox (right) led an interpretive hike along
the Trail in Spruce Run Recreation Area following the
ribbon-cutting. Among hikers learning about the area�s flora
and fauna were (left) Robert C. Shinn, Commissioner of the NJ
Department of Environmental Protection, and (center) Al Gomolka,
superintendent of Cheesequake State Park. |
Two grants support computer upgrades,
membership recruitment, and volunteer recognition
The Trail Conference is pleased to announce receipt
of two foundation grants to upgrade our computer equipment and other
necessary technology.
A foundation donor, which wishes to remain
anonymous, generously contributed $35,000�$25,000 of which is
earmarked to assist with the Trail Conference�s three-year revolving
upgrade of computer hardware and software. The Hyde and Watson
Foundation donated $5,000 for purchase of needed computer equipment.
"We are deeply appreciative of these grant
awards because they recognize the infrastructure and communications
needs of the organization," commented Anne Lutkenhouse, Trail
Conference Projects Director. "It takes many resources to perform
our mission, some far removed from the earth and shovels of the trail
work itself. With these grants, our foundation donors have given us
vital tools with which to manage information, and communicate with,
recruit, and recognize our volunteers."
Grants will aid Strategic Plan goals
In mid-2000, the Technology Committee of the Board
of Directors recommended a three-year program to upgrade our office
computer hardware to enable optimum networking with the new database,
and to improve office technological systems to enhance productivity.
The Board approved this plan. Grant funds from our anonymous donor
foundation will cover the costs of this three-year program.
In this, the first of the three-year cycle, we replaced two
computer workstations and upgraded essential office software,
including Windows 2000 Operating System and the upgrade for QuickBooks
accounting program. In the second and third years, additional computer
workstations and software will be upgraded as necessary to keep
current. In addition, as part of its technology enhancement, the
Conference developed a Web Store, and upgraded the office telephone
system to include voice mail.
The Morris County, NJ-based Hyde and Watson
Foundation�s donation enabled the Trail Conference to purchase a
server to manage the membership and accounting databases. We also
purchased FileMaker software for both the server and office work
stations. Because most of our volunteers and agency partners are
familiar with Microsoft Office, we bought copies for all the
Conference work stations.
The Strategic Plan also calls for greater emphasis
on volunteer recruitment, development and recognition, and $10,000
from our anonymous foundation donor is earmarked to do just that.
A membership brochure is a vital tool for new member recruitment
and volunteer development. With $5,000 in grant funds, the Trail
Conference re-designed and printed 25,000 copies of this new 4-color,
photo-filled membership brochure. It now concisely answers the
question, "What is the Trail Conference and what does it
do?" Potential members learn that the organization maintains
public hiking trails, and that there is a role for every member to
become an active volunteer. Samples of activities in which members can
get involved with the Conference�s work are part of the new text.
The remaining $5,000 from our anonymous foundation
donor will support ongoing volunteer recognition, hosting a series of
regional get-togethers for maintainers, so that they may be recognized
for their trail work and meet their peers in a social�rather than
trail work�situation. The Trail Conference has eleven committees of
active trail workers�representing about 800 volunteers�who care
for 1,300 miles of trail. Being able to give a little something to our
volunteers builds bonds that are an investment in this organization�s
continued service.
The Trail Conference deeply appreciates the support
of our Anonymous foundation donor, and the Hyde and Watson Foundation,
for these important infrastructure needs of our organization.
Trail Conference�s Science Advisory Committee
Holds First Meeting
Nestled amid the rugged hills and sprawling
reservoirs of northern New Jersey, the Weis Ecology Center was the
perfect setting for the inaugural meeting of our newly formed Science
Advisory Committee. On a crisp November morning, scientists from a
variety of backgrounds met to discuss how the Trail Conference can
become more responsive to the environmental issues that these
knowledgeable individuals present.
Over the last few years, some general concerns have
become evident to the Trail Conference. Exotic and invasive species
are proliferating in trail lands, habitats are being fragmented and
shrinking, and many species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and plants
are being identified as endangered or threatened. We want to be better
stewards of the natural environs where trails are located, and to be
more aware of potential negative impacts on places wherewe wish to
build new trails.
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A public information sign on the Gertrude�s
Nose Trail in Minnewaska State Park Preserve educates visitors
about natural resource protection.
Photo Pete Heckler |
Attending this first meeting was an eclectic array
of individuals willing to share their expertise about, and their
passion for, the natural world. The meeting was co-chaired by Joan
Ehrenfeld, Professor of Ecology at Rutgers University, and Trail
Conference President Gary Haugland. Other members included: Michael
Batcher, ecologist and consultant; Steve Clemants, botanist at
Brooklyn Botanical Garden; Patrick Cooney, botanist with the Torrey
Botanical Society; Matt Gompper, biologist at Columbia University;
Chris Harmon, land steward for The Nature Conservancy; Robert Masson,
natural resource monitor at Morristown National Historic Park; Laura
Newgard, environmental scientist and a Trail Conference trails
supervisor; William Richardson, hydrologist with the NYC Watershed;
and Lance Risley, Professor of Ecology at William Paterson University.
The Trail Conference was also represented by Walt
Daniels, experienced trail supervisor, Appalachian Trail Conference
board member, and chair of our Technology Committee, and Sandy Parr,
chief of our New Jersey Trail Crew.
Gary Haugland spelled out the reasons for forming this committee
and offered some goals for discussion: 1) developing methods of
assessing trail and hiker impacts in sensitive areas, 2) producing
guidelines for trail construction and maintenance, 3) educating Trail
Conference members and volunteers about environmental issues, 4)
establishing better communication between the TC and land managers on
scientific issues, and 5) developing volunteer-centered activities
including research and education.
Joan Ehrenfeld then laid out the areas of concern
that this committee should consider. Committee members were invited to
amplify this list based on their knowledge and interests. This
included threatened and endangered species, exotic and invasive
species, use of trails by animals, effect of trails and hikers on
habitats, wetlands management, potential land management conflicts,
need for local expertise, monitoring ecosystem health, educating the
hiking community, and getting students involved in research.
After some lively discussion, the group recommended
the following actions:
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First, to start a program of educating trail
users. Members will write articles for the Trail Walker and the TC
web site specifically addressing environmental issues. Future
trail maintenance workshops will include sessions of scientific
interest, starting with the next one in May;
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The committee will review present guidelines
and policies and make recommendations to make them more
ecologically informed;
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The Trail Conference will become more closely
involved with experts in particular areas who can participate in
the training of volunteers;
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The woods are perfect laboratories for
scientific research. The committee will establish partnerships
between institutions of higher learning and the TC;
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Trail problem reporting procedures will extend
to reporting ecological problems along the trails.
What does this mean for Trail Conference members?
Not only will there be more channels for expanding
your knowledge about trail-side science, there will be increased
opportunities for protecting habitats, identifying and removing
invasive species, teaching responsible hiking behavior, and in general
becoming better stewards of the lands that the hiking trails traverse.
We are excited about this new direction. It
presents us with new ways of living up to our mission, and we have
never shied away from the ever-changing challenges of trail work.
Thanks to all who participated.
See also the web
pages of the committee where there will be ongoing information.
|
Five of the six grandchildren, and one
great-grandchild, of Raymond H. Torrey (left to right): Warren
Millett, Laura Millett, William Torrey, Eileen Torrey, Raymond
Torrey, Robert Torrey, Robert Millett, and Laura�s dog, Jazz
Millett. |
Torrey Memorial Hike attracts five of Raymond Torrey�s
grandsons
Photos by Val Caliandro |
|
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Meyer Kukle, Conference honorary member and
long-term steward of the annual hike tradition, confers with
Carol Ash, Executive Director of the Palisades Interstate Park
Commission (above) and accompanies Conference President Gary
Haugland on the Long Path to the top of Long Mountain (left). |
The first Torrey Memorial hike of the new millennium returned to its
roots�as 5 of Raymond Torrey�s grandchildren joined Trail
Conference members and friends.
The hike honors one of the Conference�s co-founders, Raymond H.
Torrey, as well as the Long Path, a trail Torrey championed and which
is used to access the Torrey Memorial tablet atop Long Mountain in
northern Harriman-Bear Mountain State Park. From the summit there are
panoramic views over Turkey Hill Lake, Harriman Park, and the
Shawangunks.
Held each year on the final Sunday in October, the Torrey Memorial
event includes the hike to the mountain�s summit, a brief ceremony,
and a social gathering of hikers who meet on the summit via any number
of trail routes. It relives the day in October 1938 when hikers
gathered to scatter Torrey�s ashes to the wild lands of Harriman
where he labored so diligently to build and maintain the park�s
trail system.
Meyer Kukle, Conference honorary member who has championed the
annual hike tradition for decades, passed his coordinating role to
fellow Trail Conference member Jules Orkin, who has vowed to keep the
tradition alive.
Having Raymond H. Torrey�s descendants join us was a
serendipitious happening. In August, an inquiry via e-mail came from
Warren Millett, who was looking for copies of the newspaper column his
grandfather wrote in the 1930s. Mr. Millett�s mother was Raymond
Torrey�s daughter. Needless to say, since Raymond Torrey was a
co-founder of the TC, our archives contain all the newspaper clippings
of "The Long Brown Path," the long-running column he wrote
for the New York Evening Post. Thus was the connection between the
NY-NJ Trail Conference and RHT�s descendants established.
Once Warren, and his cousins Bill and Bob, learned of the Torrey
Memorial hike, they decided to gather as many Torreys as possible to
attend�no small feat, since all 6 grandsons are widely scattered
across the country.
I had a great time at the Year 2000 Raymond
H. Torrey memorial hike. (I wonder how many know that the
"H" stands for Hezekiah!?)
Everyone made us feel welcome in short order,
and helped me gain a greater appreciation of the impact my
grandfather and all of his associates, and all past and present
�disciples of the long brown path,� have had on the
continued availability of hiking opportunities for everyone.
If it were not for the mountain of records in
the Conference office we would not know very much about our
grandfather. We were aware of some of what he did�the NY Walk
Book, and his legacy�but not to the extent we know now.
Thanks again for a great time and for the
memory of my grandfather.
-Warren Millett |
Congress Passes "Un-CARA" Bill
In October, Congress passed and President Clinton
signed the "UN-CARA." That�s the Trail Conference and ADK�s
moniker for a budget bill (HR 4578) that is a poor substitute for the
landmark Conservation and Reinvestment Act (CARA) that we supported
for the last two years. Only bits and pieces of CARA made it into this
budget bill.
HR 4578, officially known as the Land Conservation,
Preservation and Infrastructure Improvement Act, eliminates guaranteed
funding to the states for wilderness and park purchases. HR 4578 sets
aside a much smaller amount and the money must be appropriated by
Congress each year. For the past fifteen years, Congress has failed to
fund the state land acquisition program portion of the Land and Water
Conservation Fund.
The Trail Conference and ADK supported CARA
legislation HR 701/ S.2123 and its Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
plan. This fund would have given back to the states money that was
rightfully theirs. Congress promised back in the 1970s that these
monies, which are generated by off shore oil leases, would belong to
the states for open space and parks. Instead, Congress has been using
the money over the years to offset budget deficits and buy federal
lands.
The House passed the CARA bill we supported back in
June 2000. Over sixty senators supported that landmark bill, but it
was never put to a vote. Instead, the White House and budget
appropriators negotiated a deal for the scaled down and temporary
conservation funding measure as part of the large federal budget bill.
A Poor Substitute for CARA
The Trail Conference and ADK supported language
that would guarantee permanent land acquisition funding every year for
all the states. The landmark CARA bill would have provided $450
million to the federal government and $450 million to the states for
open space land acquisition, state parks, ball fields, and greenways.
New York alone would have received $28 million every year for
wilderness and state park projects. By contrast, the approved budget
bill provides New York with only $4.7 million this year. There is no
guarantee that any state will be given any funding for state land
acquisition in a non-election year.
Under HR 4578, only $90 million is to be divided among all the
states, compared to the $450 million that was proposed in the CARA
legislation. While the bill protects this small pot of money from
being spent for other things, it does not guarantee that even one dime
is actually appropriated by Congress in succeeding years. Congress
will have to go back to the drawing board each year to authorize the
level of funding for each state. New York and New Jersey and all the
states will have to fight for their share every year.
To help offset the failed CARA bill, the federal
budget will also include $60 million for the Forest Legacy Program.
This money could be used in New York to preserve working forests and
open space, and pay for more canoe and kayak access. New York recently
received Forest Legacy money for Sterling Forest and acquisition of a
canoe put-in on the Hudson River Gorge.
CARA�s Future in Doubt
The Trail Conference and ADK, and many other
environmental and recreation organizations nationwide, are looking
into the possibility of resurrecting CARA when the new Congress
convenes. CARA�s future is obviously clouded by a very murky
political situation in Washington as this article is written in
mid-November.
Literally hundreds of thousands of groups around
the country supported the old landmark CARA bill. The NYS Office of
Parks and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation did a
wonderful job of uniting many groups to support CARA.
Neil Woodworth served on a state Task Force of
environmental and recreational group leaders to organize support for
CARA. The job remains undone and we must convince Congress to do its
duty and appropriate federal dollars to help the states buy lands like
Sterling Forest, and the Hudson Highlands.
Announcements
TC�s
Big
Move
|
The
Trail Conference office will be closed M-F, January 29-February
2, inclusive, for the purpose of moving. We apologize for
the inconvenience. Thank you for your patience. |
See Calendar for Delegates Meeting February 8
Trail News
Pioneer Trail Closed
The Pioneer Trail has been closed by the Delaware
Water Gap National Recreation Area due to its close proximity to Bald
Eagle wintering habitat and safety concerns about a section where a
mud slide bared a rock ledge near the river. See closed
trails.
New Wildcat Mountain Trail opened
Connects Routes 17A and 17 junction with the Elk
Pen
The Wildcat Mountain Trail, Sterling Forest State
Park�s fourth new hiking trail, was finished and opened to the
public in October. It provides a footpath link between Harriman-Bear
Mountain and Sterling Forest state parks, starting in one and ending
in the other.
From its southern terminus near Route 17A, the
3-mile-long trail climbs Wildcat Mountain, affording a broad vista to
the south and east. It then proceeds north at an elevation of about
1,000 feet, providing views of Sterling Forest to the west and the
Indian Hill property to the north, and then descends to terminate on
Old Orange Turnpike (County Route 19) just across from the historic
Southfields Furnace. (See the Trail Conference�s Sterling Forest
Trails map, northeast corner, and Harriman-Bear Mountain Trails map
#4, grid B-3.)
At that point, a hiker can access the Southfields
Furnace Trail, taking that trail to the Indian Hill Loop Trail, which
connects to the Appalachian Trail on Mount Arden (a little west of
Agony Grind and Route 17). Thus a hike of about 8 miles�from the
Route 17A and 17 junction to the Elk Pen in Harriman-Bear Mountain�is
now possible with the opening of the Wildcat Mountain Trail.
The parking lot off the southbound service ramp to Route 17A from
Route 17 holds about 30 vehicles. Short Line busses serve
the Route 17 corridor, too. The Sterling Forest State Park Information
Center is about 1/4 mile south of the trailhead on Route 17.
Mark Kassop and Mary and John Mack will maintain
the Wildcat Mountain Trail. Our deep thanks to all who have
contributed to the development of this beautiful new footpath.
Pete Tilgner and Suzan Gordon
Trail Supervisors
Sterling Forest State Park
Storm King State Park trails still closed
Even though the Army Corps of Engineers completed
their ordnance clearing project on the hiking trails in Storm King
State Park, the trails are still closed�pending a review by the
Palisades Interstate Park Commission of the Corps of Engineers�
final report.
The Army investigated 235 items within one foot of
the trail surface and destroyed 21 ordnance�fourteen 75 mm shells
and seven artillery shell fuses. The threat was not theoretical!
The Trail Walker will report whenever the
PIPC announces that public access is again permitted.
New parking lot in Black Rock Forest
Hikers are reminded that there is a new primary parking lot for the
main entrance to Black Rock Forest since their new Science Center was
constructed. Hikers now park on the main forest entrance road shortly
after its junction with Route 9W. The Duggan Trail begins at this
parking lot and takes hikers to the Reservoir Trail. The parking lot
that was just short of the Upper Reservoir is now closed to the
public. (See the Trail Conference�s West Hudson Trails map #7.)
Hard Rock @ Black Rock
The next time you visit Black Rock Forest be sure
to check out the beautiful new stone staircase leading from the Duggan
Trailhead parking lot to Reservoir Road. Constructed over this past
summer, this project was the result of the combined efforts of
students from The Fieldstone and Storm King Schools along with the
help of Forest Manager John Brady and four teachers from Fieldstone.
Many thanks to these members of the younger generation for a job well
done.
View from Albany
By Neil Woodworth and Margaret Carr
Speak Up Now for the Catskill Forest Preserve!
In mid-January, 2001, you will have the best
opportunity in 20 years to speak up for the Catskills. The Department
of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is drafting unit management plans
(UMPs) for many beautiful areas of the both the Catskill and
Adirondack Forest Preserves. These plans will determine how our
Catskill Forest Preserve will be managed for decades to come. The DEC
has scheduled six public meetings around the state to hear your
opinions. The NY-NJ Trail Conference and the Adirondack Mountain Club
(ADK) asked DEC for out-of-park hearings so that all New Yorkers would
have the same opportunity to be heard as those fortunate enough to
live near these marvelous lands.
These hearings are the perfect opportunity for
Trail Conference members to have their say. Maps and information will
be available at the meeting locations. Attendees will be able to talk
to the DEC planners about their hopes and concerns for the areas
listed and to make verbal or written statements. Written statements
may be submitted after the meetings.
Perhaps you want some more hiking trails in the Shandaken Wild
Forest. Maybe you�ve had difficulty enjoying cross-country skiing in
the Catskills because certain trailheads haven�t been plowed. Or
perhaps you�ve seen an all terrain vehicle (ATV) in use on a
favorite hiking trail in Sundown Wild Forest, even though such use is
prohibited.
Now is the time to voice your thoughts and concerns
about how the Forest Preserve could be managed. Any new trails or
other user facilities must be included and approved in a UMP. This is
your chance to speak up for:
The Niagara Falls of the Catskills
A major planning issue for the Catskills is how to
address the heavy foot traffic and slope scrambling at Kaaterskill
Falls. Management of this area is being addressed in the UMP for the
Kaaterskill �North Mountain Wild Forest.
Kaaterskill Falls is one of the most striking natural features in
the state. It has two great tiers: the upper falls drops 175 feet and
the lower drops 85 feet. The falls see a great deal of day use because
it�s less than a half mile from Rt 23A. From spring to fall, a constant stream of tourists visit the
area. Once to the base of the falls, many are inclined to scramble up
the steep slopes to a high point or to the top. Due to their geology
of unstable shale and limestone, the slopes suffer from a tremendous
amount of erosion. Established trails have been difficult to maintain
because of this instability.
Management options to address the slope include:
building a cement staircase and platform to a high point for viewing;
building a natural rock staircase to a high point; or building a
simple platform and posting signs that prohibit hiking to the top.
Clearly, none of these proposals is a lasting solution to the erosion
problem at the falls, but with an educated public and enforcement,
perhaps one of these ideas will curtail the use problems. How do you
think the area at the falls should be managed? What kinds of overuse
have you seen or experienced there?
Whither Our Wild Forests?
The DEC is being asked to widen many snowmobile trails throughout
the Adirondack Forest Preserve. Some snowmobile clubs and local
governments have asked for reconstruction of snowmobile trails so that
the wider, faster models can use backcountry trails. These groups are
also asking for grooming of trails by tracked grooming machines. This
could result in 10-15 foot wide snowmobile trails, since Class A
tracked groomers require such width to operate and handle corners. The
Trail Conference and ADK believe that the operation of these groomers
on trails in the Forest Preserve is not consistent with the
"forever wild" clause of the state constitution. Current law
and policies limit these trails to a maximum of 8 feet. We do not know
yet whether or not similar requests will be made for snowmobile trails
in Catskill Wild Forests in the future.
Hikers use snowmobile trails in the warm months.
While the Trail Conference and ADK are not opposed to snowmobile use
in the Forest Preserve, we hope you will urge the DEC to stick to the
current regulations which require that snowmobile trails have the same
character as footpaths with a maximum width of 8 feet.
Parking Lots, Stewardship and Illegal Use
There are many other management details that Trail
Conference members may find important. While as issues may seem less
than exciting, such details become critical in the day to day use and
protection of the Preserve. For instance, the Prediger Road trailhead
to the Indian Head Wilderness is in great need of an established
parking lot: sometimes there are 15-20 cars parked along the road and
on people�s lawns to access this popular trailhead. If the DEC sees
enough support, a parking lot will become reality for this area.
Also, voice your support for better stewardship of
the Preserve. Funds for signs, informational kiosks, and proper trail
conditions will go a long way in helping preserve these lands.
Finally, let the DEC know of any instances in which overuse,
vandalism, refuse dumping, or illegal use are occurring. This is the
opportune time to raise these issues. DEC�s management plans will
hinge greatly on these current use patterns and problems.
Revision of the Catskill Park State Land Master Plan
DEC planners have also resumed work on revisions to the Catskill
Park State Land Master Plan (CPSLMP). The CPSLMP is the management
blueprint that determines how wilderness and wild forest areas are
managed for human use. It is an very important document for protection
of the "forever wild" character of the Forest Preserve. For
example, it is the CPSLMP that prohibits the use of all terrain
vehicles on trails in the Forest Preserve. Amendments to the CPSLMP
will greatly influence how the Catskill Forest Preserve is managed for
the next 20 years. The Trail Conference and ADK support amendments to
the plan that would prohibit mountain bike use on steep, single-track
trails such as the Devil�s Path on Hunter Mountain. We believe that
mountain bike use should only occur on trails that have been
specifically marked to permit bike use. This policy revision would
designate trails suitable for mountain bikes in the same manner as
horse and snowmobile trails.
The Trail Conference and ADK support the creation
of a new Wilderness Area encompassing the peaks in the Windham High
Peak�Blackhead Range. We strongly support the provision in the
current CPSLMP that applies Wilderness protections to all Catskill
Wild Forest lands over 2,700 feet in elevation. This special
protection is better known as the 2700-Foot Rule. About half of the
Catskill High Peaks over 3500 feet are in Wild Forest Areas. The Trail
Conference and ADK believe these special habitats, now designated as
Important Bird Conservation Areas under state law, should be afforded
the same legal protection as Catskill Wilderness Areas. Many of the
mountain slopes and trails in areas currently protected by the
2700-foot rule have erosion-prone soils which need the additional
limitations on motor vehicle and mountain bike use afforded by the
Wilderness guidelines of the CPSLMP.
Tell DEC: Keep the 2700-foot Rule!
Currently, the 2700-Foot Rule prohibits the use of
snowmobiles and mountain bikes on trails such as the Spruceton Trail
to the summit of Hunter Mountain. The special Wilderness status
conferred by the 2700-Foot Rule also helped the Trail Conference and
ADK convince the state Legislature to reject a scheme to convert the
summit of Hunter Mountain into a massive ski center in 1996.
Some are now advocating for the repeal of this rule. We urge you to
tell DEC planners at the UMP hearings to leave the 2700-Foot Rule in
place.
Statewide UMP Meeting Dates
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NYC: January 23
Warwick Hotel, 5-9 PM
65 West 54th Street, New York, NY
New Paltz: January 24
DEC Regional Office/New Paltz, Rooms 2,3, 5-9 PM
21 S. Putt Corners Rd., New Paltz, NY
Albany: January 25
Guilderland Town Hall, 5-9 PM 5209 Route 20, Guilderland, NY
Meetings will also be held in Buffalo on 1/16, in Rochester
on 1/17, and in Syracuse on 1/18. For info call 518-449-3870.
UMPs for Halcott Mountain, Shandaken, Kaaterskill-North
Mountain, Cherry Ridge & Middle Mt., Dry Brook Ridge,
Windham High Peak, and Hunter Mountain Wild Forests, and
Westkill and Indian Head Wildernesses are in the pipeline.
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Now, It's Up to You
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These are just some of the issues we're facing as the UMP process is
carried out. Please take advantage of the statewide meetings to learn about,
and make comments, on the Forest Preserve. If you can't attend the meetings,
please send us your comments and experiences. Your thoughts and ideas will
provide us with insights. Some topics for your comments include: trail
conditions, refuse or vandalism problems, wildlife/habitat, campsites, canoe
carries, terrain and vistas, overuse/underuse, signage, parking and access,
levels and patterns of use, unique features, and illegal use.
You can send us your recommendations on any of the Catskill units or on the
revision of the Catskill Park State Land Master Plan. For a list of Adirondak
UMPs being completed, please call. Please e-mail your comments to [email protected]
or [email protected]; or write
or call ADK/Trail Conference Public Affairs Office, 301 Hamilton Street,
Albany, NY 12210; 518-449-3870. |
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Get Involved
Field checkers and/or editors
The Trail Conference is currently working on preparing a new
edition of the New Jersey Walk Book. Anyone interested in
assisting with field checking or editing should contact Daniel Chazin
at 201-836-7019, or [email protected].
Regional trails supervisors and trail committee leadership sought
Are you interested in enhancing hiking
opportunities in the network of trails the Conference maintains? The
Trail Conference needs people who are interested in becoming more
involved with trails, interacting with park managers and helping to
solve trail issues and problems.
As a volunteer trails supervisor or trail committee
chair, you will have broader responsibility than a trail maintainer.
You can also have more influence on a regional system of trails.
Volunteer leadership positions require a larger time commitment than
that of a trail maintainer, but the payoffs can be great! Both types
of volunteer jobs allow one to acquire a broader picture of hiking
trails. Training is provided.
Look at the Trail Conference�s web page www.nynjtc.org/volunteers/vol.html
for these job descriptions. If you have questions about the New Jersey
positions, please call 973-823-9999 for Larry Wheelock, the Trail
Conference�s N.J. Field Representative, or Anne Lutkenhouse at 201-512-9348
about those in New York.
Fun with GPS
Volunteers are needed in all areas to help acquire
field data with the Trail Conference�s recently acquired hand-held
GPS units. These extremely light, easy- to-use units will be used to
collect track data to be placed on our map sets. Help the Trail
Conference to update its maps while performing your favorite pastime�
hiking. To volunteer or for more information, contact John Jurasek at [email protected].
Roving chainsaw crew forming in Harriman: leader(s) sought
The Trail Conference is seeking volunteers to form
a new roving chainsaw crew to operate within Harriman-Bear Mountain
State Park.
The crew will respond to the backlog of downed
trees from Tropical Storm Floyd, and handle new blowdowns, on a steady
basis�supplementing the work of the park�s trail maintainers. Ike
Siskind, a Conference Trails Supervisor in Harriman, and Pete Heckler,
West Hudson Trails Committee Chair, are spearheading this initiative.
We are also seeking volunteers willing to lead such
a crew.
To participate, volunteers must be certified by the
Palisades Interstate Park Commission as a volunteer chainsaw operator.
The Park has hosted two training courses already; if enough
non-certified folks respond to this call, another training course can
be arranged.
Fill in the coupon below to let us know of your interest.
I�m willing to participate lead (circle one)
in the Harriman-Bear Mountain Roving Chainsaw Crew.
I�m available to work: weekdays
__________ weekends __________
I own a chainsaw: Yes _______ No _______
Name_____________________________________________________
Address________________________________________________________
City, State,
Zip__________________________________________________
Day
phone(______)______________________________________________
Eve
phone(______)______________________________________________
E-mail__________________________________________________________
Return to: NY-NJ Trail Conference, Attn: Chainsaw Project
232 Madison Avenue, Room 802, New York, NY 10016
How to get your hiking permit for Pequannock Watershed trails
Web News
Web store a success
As announced in the November/December 2000 Trail
Walker, the Trail Conference�s web store is now open, and is easily
reached by clicking on the green Hikers� Market Place menu item on
the left side of the home page.
We have been pleasantly surprised at the sales we
are getting so far. For our first three weeks we averaged three sales
per day, taking in a total of $1869.30 in that period. And almost half
of the sales were from non-members, very encouraging indeed.
Once we completely automate our internal
processing, we will save a lot of time on office work, which means
that the more people who renew their membership, make contributions,
and purchase online the more the Trail Conference will save.
Join our e-mail list
The Trail Conference occasionally sends out email
notices, usually action alerts, to all�or a subset of�our members.
If you did not get that e-mail, it is because: we do not know your
e-mail address, you have changed your e-mail address since you gave it
to us, or we made a mistake in entering it into our database
(sometimes we have trouble reading handwriting, particularly zeros and
ones). The easiest ways to get on the e-mail list or to correct an
incorrect e-mail address are to fill out the form at the Conference�s
web site, www.nynjtc.org/forms/memchg.html,
or to click on the Contact Us menu item where you will find a link to
the form.
Health Hints
by Albert P. Rosen, M.D.
Osteoporosis, which is a loss of bone density due
to insufficient intake of calcium, may be a cause of fractures on the
trails.
There are 28 million Americans with osteoporosis,
resulting in 1.5 million fragility fractures per year. The incidence
is greater in women, and increases as they get older. Smoking, alcohol
consumption, and lack of exercise all increase the risk.
Osteoporosis is the underlying cause in 90% of all
hip and spinal fractures in women. Hip fractures can be life
threatening. Twenty percent die within one year of the fracture.
All adults should ingest 1200 mg (milligrams) of
calcium and 400 mg of vitamin D per day. Dietary intake of calcium is
often too low to supply the daily requirement. For example, many
people drink coffee, tea, or soda. Very few drink milk which is an
excellent source of calcium.
One should approach calcium supplements carefully.
A recent article in JAMA on these supplements declared that many
contain lead. Examine the label and if in doubt ask your pharmacist.
For example, Natural Oyster Shell Calcium 500 mg with vitamin D
contains lead. Tums does not. Walgreen�s calcium supplements are
reliably lead-free whereas Eckerd�s has lead. Also, just because it�s
"natural" doesn�t mean it�s safe.
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