Jackson Pathfinders Monthly Meeting                               March Meeting Minutes   (approved with additions)

The monthly meeting was held on Thursday, March 20, 2003  at 8:00 PM in the main meeting room, town hall, 95 West Veterans Highway, Jackson.  Dawn Rakow, Chairman presided. Members present were Karen Borga, Recording Secretary,  Leo Kissling, Jr., Vice Chairman & Boy Scout Projects Committee Chairman, and Karen Walzer, liaison to the Forest Resource Education Center, Roger Friend, Bill Tuohy, Barbara Usack, Membership Committee Chairman, Bernadette Gill and Art Rosky.  Guests were Andrew Strauss, township land acquisition consultant and Bob Koven.

Dawn called the meeting to order and then gave the floor to Andy Strauss who discussed Jackson Township's plans for land acquisition.  Andy circulated a survey map of the Bunker Hill Bogs area and announced that 327 acres have been dedicated to Jackson Township per plan.  Another 89 acres are being considered in that same area.  This is the Johnson Park to Cranberry Bogs area.  Andy will be making a site visit in the near future on the 89 acres.  Karen B., Bill Tuohy, Roger Friend and Art Rosky volunteered to assist Andy during that visit.  Andy explained the meaning of easements versus outright ownership.  Andy talked about Jackson Township's long range plans to preserve more open space.  

The February minutes were circulated and approved. 

Treasurer, Tom Stevens was absent.

Corresponding Secretary, Sarah Ralston (absent)  reported that she had had completed a survey from the NY/NJ Trails Conference.  The survey was about methods to reduce liability claims.  Questions included member training and insurance coverage.  Sarah return mailed the survey and included a copy of Pathfinders release/waiver.

Membership: Barbara Usack reported that her list circulated last meeting is being reviewed.  Bob Koven had contacted Pathfinders through the website and is here tonight to meet members.

Wildlife Preservation: Tony Santa Maria (absent) submitted the following report: 

A wood duck nestbox has been installed at the F.A. Trail at the base of the Ravine Lookout area, on the other side of the stream and clearly visible from the recently installed benches.
  Several wildflowers are presently planted in my greenhouse for transplanting at the F.A. garden site in the wildlife viewing area. Teasal, Blackhollyhock, Columbine, Milkthistle, Chamomile and other varieties will be planted in the near future.
   Plexiglass has been acquired for the mile markers which will be installed by Tom Stevens and myself at our earliest convenience.
  The wood frogs are presently breeding and can be heard loud and clear from the moment you enter the parking area. Take the time to hear this chorus, you will feel closer to the earth as a result.

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. circulated a sign up sheet asking for volunteers to help with the information table at Pathfinders as well as lead a hike during the day on Project Learning Trail.  Bernadette volunteered and Dawn suggested Karen W. telephone Jim Doyle. FREC has requested an example of an old-fashioned hitching post.  The FREC would like to build some to aid the equestrian folks who trail ride at the Forestry Center.

Mapping:  Tom Stevens (absent) 

Scrapbook: Alison & Lauren Stevens (absent) reported no new additions since our last meeting. 

Discussions:   Bernadette Gill volunteered to chair the Pathfinders Jackson Day committee.  Jackson Day is being planned for Saturday, September 20, 2003.

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