Jackson Pathfinders Monthly Meeting                               February Meeting Minutes   (Approved)

The monthly meeting was held on Thursday, February 27, 2003  at 8:06 PM at 209 West Veterans Highway, Jackson.  The February 20th meeting date had been rescheduled.   Dawn Rakow, Chairman presided. Members present were Karen Borga, Recording Secretary,  Tom Stevens, Treasurer, Ronnie Bruchez, Biking Committee Chairman, Leo Kissling, Jr., Vice Chairman & Boy Scout Projects Committee Chairman, and Karen Walzer, liaison to the Forest Resource Education Center.  Guests were Captain Dave Newman and Lieutenant Rick Ferrarelli, both from the Jackson Police Department.

The January minutes were circulated and approved with corrections.  

Treasurer, Tom Stevens reported no new spending.  However, $120.00 has been requested for two $60.00 admission tickets for the New Jersey Conservation Foundation Seventh Annual Land Conservation Rally being held Saturday, March 29, 2003 in Trenton, New Jersey.  Visit the NJCF website at  www.njconservation.org for more information, including details of their 26 workshops.  The group approved the purchase of two more admission tickets.  Tom announced October 31 as the township deadline for submitting spending requests.  Tom would like to have all our requests in by the middle of October.  Tom explained that our requisition for two sets of walkie talkies is being traced by Denise Hammerstone, the township purchasing agent.  Tom also discussed money being held for the stream encroachments permits needs to spent right away.

Corresponding Secretary, Sarah Ralston (absent)  reported that she had not written any letters since our last meeting.  An e-mail from  Lara Mangan, Training and Conference Manager of Land Trust Alliance, was circulated.  The e-mail is accepting proposals to present at the LTA Rally October 18th and 19th, 2003 in Sacramento, CA.  The "Call for Presentations" form can be found on LTA's website at  www.lta.org/training/rally.htm.

Membership: Barbara Usack (absent)  reported that her list circulated last meeting is being reviewed.  

Wildlife Preservation: Tony Santa Maria (absent) submitted the following report:  A Barred Owl nest box was installed on the property of Janet Selzam off of 571.  A Screech Owl nest box was installed at the Frank Applegate trail directly across the river from the recently renovated Ravine Lookout area. Tom Stevens and myself had a rather comical time of it to say the least. (ask Tom to elaborate). Materials have been acquired to install the 7th and final bench in the Tall Cedars Sanctuary area. As soon as conditions allow, that bench will be installed. It has been observed that these tall cedars may be the last of their kind. There are no young saplings whatsoever in their vicinity and I am considering planting some in the spring to keep the cycle going. This will require the assistance of the Forestry Resource Center ( who hopefully will make some time to give this issue attention) A wood duck nest box has been assembled and will be installed when the snow melts, on the river across from the Ravine Lookout area. I have received my diploma for completing the Forestry / Wildlife course with a final grade average of 96. Once again, I would like to thank those who supported this endeavor.

Biking: Ronnie Bruchez introduced Captain Dave Newman and Lieutenant Rick Ferrarelli of the Jackson Police Department.  Capt. Newman explained that the route Pathfinders had planned for a 26 mile bike ride was too dangerous.  Capt. Newman explained that Jackson Police could not guarantee the safety of participants and suggested a bike rodeo in cooperation with the police department promoting bicycle safety as an alternative.   Capt. Newman discussed the success of their past rodeos. Rodeos include bicycle inspections, bicycle registrations,  Triple A promotes the use of helmets and has supplied safety handouts in the past.  HealthSouth has previously donated helmets and coloring books. Capt. Newman discussed how Gerry Cribb educates children in riding skills development using an obstacle course with cones during the rodeo.  Lt. Ferrarelli suggested planning an off road bike ride in the future.  Bowman Road, Putnam Park and Johnson Park trails were discussed as possible locations. Both police officers felt that we have enough time to prepare for April 26th.  The group agreed to host a bike rodeo together with the Jackson Police Department.  Pathfinders will set up an information booth during the rodeo.  Ronnie explained that he has a permit to use the parking lot area at the Johnson School parking lot, April 26th.  The officers explained that the bike rodeo will be held at the Jackson Justice Complex.  Capt. Newman suggested Pathfinders contacts the Ocean County Dept. of Parks and Recreation and inquire about expanding the bicycle trail at Patriot's Park.  Tom Stevens explained our long term goal of a town wide trail system and discussed how existing trails are on both public and private property.  Lt. Ferrarelli offered to telephone Lieutenant DeMarco of the Jackson Explorers to find out more information as to when Lakehurst will be hosting its duathalon.   

Boy Scout Projects: Leo Kissling, Jr. discussed talking with Anthony Marano's scout master to schedule Leo as a guest speaker at one of their scout meetings.  Leo offered to e-mail committee chairman with the date and invited Pathfinders to join him.  Leo signed Frank Peterson's paperwork for his eagle project for the trail widening project.  Frank is waiting council approval.  The stream encroachment permit is 90% completed.

Website:  George Nebel & Fred Gan (absent) reported that the back-up method for our website is being reviewed.  Pathfinders website is being constantly updated with additions of photos from events and posting of new information.  The website is current as old information is taken down in a timely fashion.  A web page promoting the Spring Festival day at the Forest Resource Education Center was added,  http://www.jacksonpathfinders.org/pages/new_jersey_forest_service_needs_.htm.  A group photo from the January 19th Frank Applegate workday is on the home page.

Frank Applegate Nature Trail:  The January 19th workday was productive in spite of all the snow.  Bob & Dennis Decasse, Leo Kissling, Jr., Tom Stevens, Steve Usack, Tony Santa Maria and Karen Borga participated.  Two benches were installed at the Ravine Overlook and some brush clearing was completed.  The group discussed hiring a professional to help move woodchips farther back on the trail.  Leo offered to call Andrew Parks.  The group discussed renting a kaboda for a day.  Dawn circulated a brochure from a company with lower priced  interpretive signs.  Ronnie told the group about the "watch" snowman he created at the wildlife viewing area.  Leo announced April 1st through June 30th as the time of year  when stream embankment work is prohibited.  This rule is for trout protection.  Ron explained owl activity he has noticed near the first bridge.  Tom explained the last venture when he and Tony Santa Maria went into the woods to check the nest boxes trudging through six inches of snow.  Tony climbed the ladder, was removing leaves and startled a sleeping squirrel who flew up and out of the nest box and onto Tony's head.  Tony was able to stay on the ladder and the squirrel flew off him and up the tree and away.  All involved were unharmed.  The March 2nd workday is rescheduled for Saturday, March 29th, 8:00 am - 1:00 pm.  The groups discussed looking for property markers along the boundaries of Frank Applegate.  

Johnson Park: Sam Wimmer (absent)   Leo asked that Pathfinders make a request for replacement Plexiglas that has been vandalized in our trailhead sign.

Grants: Karen Walzer is going to submit a grant application to Wal-mart.  The group discussed wording for use of the money.  "Educational Interpretive Trail Signs" was decided.  Trust for Public Lands has a grant Karen W. is checking. 

Bowman Road/Forest Resource Education Center: Karen Walzer reminded the group about the Forest Resource Education Center upcoming Spring Conservation Day, Saturday, April 5th, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, rain or shine.  Karen W. said that she will circulate a sign up sheet for volunteers to help with the information table at Pathfinders next meeting, March 20. 

Mapping:  Tom Stevens explained no mapping activity since the last meeting.  The two new trails at the Forest Resource Education Center are next on the "to be mapped" list.  Tom offered to contact Jim Doyle, Elaine Grist and Bill Tuohy and ask if they could lead a hike and GPS map those trails during the forestry spring festival day.   

Land Acquisition: Karen Borga circulated an e-mail from Chris SanFilippo who contacted Pathfinders about donating a portion of his land.  Karen B. forwarded Chris's information to Theresa Lettman of Ocean County Lands Trust.  Theresa sent Chris a brochure explaining homeowners options.  Tom pointed out SanFilippo's property on the map.  Dawn contacted the Albergatos about their land donation. Dawn reminded Karen B. to contact OCNLT for a current list of properties being worked on.  Block 80, lots 6 & 7, Block 79, lot 3, Block 83, lot 1, Block 108, lots 3.03, 5 & 8 may have been acquired by the township.  The group discussed reviewing our list and have it ready for Andy Strauss, Jackson township hired land acquisition advisor, who is going to speak to the group at Pathfinders next meeting, March 20th.

Publicity: Roger Downing (absent) requests ideas from committee chairmen or members for the newsletter he is making.

Scrapbook: Alison & Lauren Stevens (absent) reported adding photos from the January 19th NJCF Frank Applegate Trail workday. 

Discussions:   The group briefly discussed the idea of becoming a 501 C charity.  Tom asked about the Adopt-A-Trail committee.  Karen B. offered to contact Tina Wolek about picking up the paperwork.  Karen B. explained that the group can not commit to participate in National Trails Day, June 7th until we hear from Mayor Kafton, Kevin Starkey or Andy Strauss as to the actual date of conveyance of the bogs property.  The Jackson Township Recreation Commission's next meeting is this coming Monday, March 3rd, 7:30 pm in town hall and Dawn reminded the group to attend. The group discussed our "wish list."  Leo briefly discussed Andy Strauss's presentation at this past Monday night's town meeting.  Andy is making another slide presentation at the March 10th township committee meeting.  Leo stressed the importance of attending that meeting, 7:30 pm sharp, main meeting room in the municipal building.

The next monthly meeting is scheduled for March 20, 2003, main meeting room, municipal building, 8:00 pm.

Meeting was adjourned at 10:00 pm.          Submitted by Karen Borga, Recording Secretary