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Present were: Charles Johnson (F,P,&R), Rosemary Shea (CTA), Kevin Murphy (VAST), Bryant Watson (VAST),Domanique Cloud (WCC), Dana Hearn (WCC), Amy Bell (Bike & Ped. Cord.), Paul Moffat (Wiloughby Trails), Greydon Stevens (VOGA), Ben Henson (UVM).
Secretary's Report: The minutes of the T&GC meeting Sept. 9, 1997 were passed around and accepted.
Treasurer's Report: The budget was approved and accepted. Discussion took place on the Trails & Greenways Organization Directory.
Chair's Report: Bryant reported that $7.5 million was appropriated to the National Recreation Trails Fund (NRTF)for the next 6 months, that would mean $60,000 would be available for Vermont. The NRTF will be discussed further, on what will be appropriated for the second 6 months. The Trails & Greenways newsletter would not be done, if the NRTF did not receive more funding.
The Trails Grant Applications will go ahead based upon the amount of money recieved from the NRTF over the year.
Sharing:
Paul reported that the WRVTA is preparing for depositions in the Town of Stockbridge's discontinuance of Class 4 roads. A new Statewide organization is being created called VT Mountain Bike Advocates (VIBA). They will work to give a voice to mountain hikers in Vermont.
Kevin reported VAST trails will open Dec. 15, 1997. The effects of the organization called Property Owners Standing Tall (POST) was discussed.
Amy Bell introduced herself as the new Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator for the State of Vermont. She discussed how she will work to speed things along within the VAOT.
Greydon reported that his organization VOGA has been growing rapidly. He discussed the issue of being left out of and niot listed in the Directory of Trails Organizations. Greydon once again, will be there to be sure that Landowner Liability passes this year.
Ben Henson who had done his Student Internship in putting together the T&G's newsletter, will also be doing his thesis paper on Landowner Liability. He has offered his help in the passage of landowner liability.
Paul Moffat passed around pictures and information on the Westmore Town Forest.
Dana Hearn reported on the exciting and diverse programs that the VYCC runs and spoke of some of their funding grants available.
Charles reported that the Forest, Parks, and Recreation Department's number one issue in the upcoming legislative session is Landowner Liability.
Rosemary reported that membership in the CTA is way up, with the early season snow. She discussed how 3 landowners, out of 120, have closed their land for the upcoming season. The CTA has opened up 3 cabins along the Catamount Trail.
Old Business: Nothing to report.
New Business:
(A) The Mad River Path Assoc. submitted an application for the Village Path, to be recognized as part of the VT Recreation Trail System. The application was discussed and accepted as part of the VT Recreation Trail System.
The Winooski Valley Park District application was sent back for more information.
(B) Landowner Liability was discussed about a preliminary plan of the bill's passage.
(C) The Northern Forest Stewardship Act was discussed on the possible effects on recreation in Vermont.
(D) It was agreed by all that, Dennis Shafer (GMC) will be greatly missed in Vermont's Trail Community and we all wish him the best of luck in his family's new endeavors in Washington State.
Next Meeting was set for Tuesday Jan. 14, 1998 at the VAST building in Berlin at 9:00am.
Respectively submitted,
Paul H. Rea
