Jackson Pathfinders Monthly
Meeting June Meeting
Minutes
June
Meeting Minutes (Approved)
The monthly meeting was held on Thursday, June 19, 2003
at 95 West Veterans Highway, in the employee
lounge in town hall, Jackson. Dawn Rakow, Chairperson called the meeting to
order at 8:15 PM. Members
present were Karen Borga, Ronnie Bruchez, Leo Kissling,Jr., Barbara Usack, Tom Stevens, Treasurer, Karen
Walzer, Roger Friend and Bill Tuohy.
The May minutes were circulated and approved.
Treasurer, Tom Stevens reported new spending in the amount of
S745.05, $538.00 for weed whackers, $90.35 for refreshments from National
Trails Dav, S50.00 NYNJ Trails Conference membership and $27.40 for the digital
camera case.
Recording Secretary, Sarah Ralston, absent, no letters were
written last month. The group discussed ideas for several letters. Karen B.
volunteered to forward those ideas to Sarah.
Website, Fred Gan,
absent. Submitted the following report: Pictures from the Spring Festival at
the Forest
Resource Education Center held April 5th were posted. Photos from the bike
rodeo and safety check held May 10 were posted under recent events. The
calendar and home page were updated. Files on the site are backed up.
Mapping, Tom Stevens reported that some of the Bunker Hill Bogs
to Johnson Park trail, about one fourth
of the way was flagged for pruning. Tom stopped during National Trails Day
during the heavy rain. Tom explained that the Bunker Hill Bogs trail is about
three miles. Tom has been researching township owned property and pointed out
the colored areas on the map. Tom pointed out the Vista 115 acres that has been acquired by the township. This
area is nearby Jackson Mills Road and 195. Bill Tuohy and Barbara Usack
discussed buildings by the lake being demolished.
Biking, Ron Bruchez reported no activity since last meeting. Ron
made some suggestions concerning ways to
improve next year's bike rodeo. Next year Ron will set up the canopy and banner
along with an information
table with Pathfinders tablecloth.
Forest Resource Education Center, Karen Walzer reported that the
FREC would allow Pathfinders to sponsor a moonlight hike and would also be
available to supervise. The group chose August 12th. Karen W. will send an e-mail with more details.
NJCF Frank Applegate Nature Trail, Ron Bruchez and Leo Kissling
described how the streams are
overflowing and many areas of the trail are under water. Some of the trail has
standing water four inches deep. Leo
described reflectors that he noticed on our trail markings. Leo described
seeing a trout in the flooded area under the bridge and also described all the
standing water in the back area of the trail nearby the boardwalk. Karen Borga decided not to cancel the 9:30
am trail clearing planned for Sunday, 6/22. The group agreed to work as much as
possible around the flooded areas.
Boy Scout Projects, Leo Kissling, Jr. explained that he sent a
letter of completion for Frank Peterson for trail work that had been done at
the NJCF Frank Applegate Nature Trail. Dawn Rakow explained that she gave the
bridge plans to Dan Burke, and she has since been advised that the plans have
not been approved. Anthony Marano is still waiting for the bridge permit.
Grants, Karen Walzer explained that the grant for Walmart has been
submitted.
Membership, Barbara Usack explained that she will make calls and send e-mails to verify
member information as time permits. Barbara also described the
many different ways she can sort the membership list.
Wildlife
Preservation, Tony Santa Maria, absent, submitted
the following report: A study conducted by the
Forestry Resource Education Center under the direction of the N.J. Fish and
Game dept. has been completed
regarding the present state of the Barred Owl population in the Jackson area.
The results of this study have
yielded valuable information which will
be made public in the near future. I was able to assist in this study by
guiding the researcher to and around some of the proposed sites during the
daylight hours. The actual research
was conducted between the hours of 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. and has resulted in
confirming their presence in several
of the target areas. In an effort to protect the present population, the
locations will not be disclosed A Barred
Owl nestbox has been installed at the recently acquired Bog site I will have to
return to the site to do a little
manicuring of the surrounding vegetation. The site seems to be rather suitable
to their needs. Keep your fingers
crossed. I recently planted some additional plants at the F.A. trail site.
Marjoram, Silver Dollars, Borage, and
more Milk Thistle. The garden has been
weeded and the Teasel as well as the Foxglove
are flourishing nicely.
The surrounding area is in need of weed whacking and lawn mowing however the
entry way is far too wet and
swampy to bring in any equipment. A lilac bush was also planted and seems to
still be alive. It may not make it
however and should it die, another will be planted in its' place.
Land Acquisition, Karen Borga explained there has been no
activity since last meeting.
Scrapbook, Alison & Lauren Stevens will add all the digital photos
that Roger Friend printed from recent
events.
National Trails Day, Karen Borga reported this year was
the best turnout yet. Fourteen attendees and the
refreshments were great. The early start time was good since the heavy rained
ended the work at 12:30. The
group decided next year to order two packs of the promotional National Trails
Day t-shirts for handouts to
participants.
Tom
Stevens circulated the Goetz School yearbook pointing out a student wearing a
Jackson Pathfinder t-shirt.
Meeting
was adjourned at 9:45 pm.