Public Comment- no public was present.

Trail Committee applauds the appointment of Bruce Hilton to the Parks Commission (PComm) for District 3. We look forward to a closer working relationship with the Parks Commission with one of our long time Trail Committee members now on the Commission.

Review notes of September 16th 2008 meeting. Approved and presented by Bruce Hilton to Parks Commission at their October meeting. Bruce Hilton will present November notes at the next PComm meeting on Wed. December 10, 2008.

Approval of Trail Committee (TComm) Applications: TComm accepted and approved of the application from Dorothy Jennings. Ernie will submit the application to PComm for approval.

Staff report: Ernie Del Rio

• We would like to select a date for a June Trails Day event in coordination with Holly Sletteland of ECOSLO, SLOPOST and 3CMB at the January 13th meeting.
• October 25th 2008 “Make a Difference” Trail workday on the Falcon Trail at Santa Margarita Lake was a great success. Over  25 volunteers were in attendance. Trail worker were shuttled across the lake to the northern end of Falcon trail where tools were waiting. After a safety talk the volunteers worked on several projects including installing new “Falcon Trail” signs at the beginning of the trail, working on trail tread to prepare it for the wet weather. After several hours of work volunteers were treated to an excellent bbq at White Oak Picnic Area.
• The 1st annual Turkey Festival on November 16th at Lopez Lake was a great success. An estimated 350-400 attendees. The Turkey Run had 60 entries.
• Ride Nipomo the volunteer group who has adopted several trails in the Nipomo area had a training day with Park Rangers. The topics were effective erosion control and the safe use of power tools for trail maintenance.
• On the BOS Consent Agenda at the 11/18/08 the proposal for SLO County Parks to purchase a parcel of land at the Pirates Cove area was approved.

State Parks Report- no report. But it was noted that the Parks Commission approved 5-0 to support allowing a “fee collection system” for Montana de Oro State Park.

Immediate Goals and Objectives

• Anza Trail Update: Jonalee reported that an access point to the Anza Trail near Curbaril and Sycamore was blocked to all users in an attempt to block illegal 4-wheel drive trespass. She will bring it up at the upcoming Atascadero Parks and Recreation Committee meeting next week.
• Lopez Lake Projects: Kathy reported that they are waiting for some wet weather so that Skip Dyke can do the final work on the gate into Lopez from the High Ridge Connector Trail. Once we get some substantial rain SLOPOST will have a volunteer work day to do repairs.
• Nipomo Pathways and Woodlands Trail- no report. The TComm has not had a permanent member representing the Nipomo area for almost a year. I
• Coastal Trails Update: none
• Bob Jones Trail-Helene sent by email to Ernie. He is to forward report to committee and add it to the notes.
• Volunteer work on adopted trails- no report
• SMLake- No further action on the SML loop trail has been. Route scouting (staff and 3cmb) days will start once the weather cools. SLOPOST would like to provide corrals and other materials to establish a horse camp inside SML Park. They have purchased some corral panels and would like to work with Parks staff to select possible sites. Ernie suggested two possibilities: one is the camping area by the entrance kiosk and the other further inside the park by the Grey Pine trailhead. SLOPOST would also like to provide a hitching post for the camp/picnic area at the northern end of the Falcon Trail. They would provide the materials and labor to install. Jonalee reported the jack pump at the horse camp is broken.
• Atascadero Trails and connectivity to County managed trails- Jonalee reported that the City of Atascadero has taken over a RCD grant of $500,000 to finish a project of connecting San Gabriel to the Anza Trail. When the grant required the trail to be ADA compliant the RCD backed out of the grant. Connection to and possibly through the proposed Eagle Ranch develop could connect the City of Atascadero to Cerro Alto Camp ground of the Los Padres National Forest. Jonalee will contact Melody Fountain at the Santa Maria office of the Los Padres National Forest Service. Jonalee will also bring a map of the Atascadero area to the next meeting so that others can see the area.
• New business: Bruce Hilton contacted the City of Arroyo Grande to get a map of their trail system. He said they had a hard time locating a map but finally had a copy, which he brought. Other trail committee members thought that this was a great idea. Kathy Longacre had a copy of the new City of Pismo trail system she will bring next meeting and will send a copy to Bruce. Ernie suggested that Bruce get on the SLOCAPRA agenda after the first of the year so that he can contact all the local Parks and Recreation people at once.

Kathy asked about an upcoming Parks and Trails meeting in early 2009- Ernie said it was the District 8 CPRS Conference and that SLO County Parks was presenting on the Quagga mussel.

Next meeting is Tuesday January 13th 2009

If you can not attend please send your reports by email to Kathy Longacre  kll50@sbcglobal.net and Ernie Del Rio at  mailto:edelrio@co.slo.ca.us

1. Public Comment – none.
2. Review notes from July meeting.
3. Trail Committee Applications – none.
4. Staff Report by Ernie Del Rio:  See latest Cal Parks & Recreation magazine for information for trail advocates – good article on Parks, Open Space and Land Conservancy groups working tightly together for public access.  Article is “Open Space Planning – Improving Citizen Understanding” by Craig Kelsey (CSU Bakersfield) pg. 28.
   
   Ernie reported on CARPOSA Conference.  Announced SLOPOST meeting Thursday.  Also Thursday is a volunteer BBQ @ Cuesta Park. Today the Board of Supervisors announced that volunteers had averaged 50,000 hours annually over the last 3 years.  Ernie also reported he is part of SLOCAPRA and working to combine efforts for June and have 2 trail events per year.   CCCMB Event this Saturday – meet at Lopez or Santa Margarita Lake for trail work. 
   
5. State Parks Report by J. Ortiz
   No budget has been delivered yet.  It is on the Governor’s desk and we are hoping it does not get vetoed. 
   Montana De Oro:  Initial scoping of Bluff Trail., it is a  level two tier ADA project  funded through settlement. The ADA improvements would be from Bluff Parking area all the way to Coon Creek Parking Lot Currently there is a new bridge with temporary steps until ADA trail hook in.  Schedule for completion in 2009.
   Hazard Peak/Ridge Trail largely complete. The old trail has been filled in with brush to help close it..
   PG&E property:  Crowbar Canyon surveyed (visual).  Point Buchon Trail open.  CA State Parks has needed help from PG&E the access is from inside MdO
   Wild Cherry Canyon:  Trying to funds in State Parks Budget.  6 months down the road with no funding for maintenance or operation.  Goal MDO trail through Irish Hills to Port of San Luis.  Need to use existing facilities –fire roads, etc.  Will work with Coastal Sector Trail Committee.
   Kathy Longacre would like to recommend Kiosk at MDO by end of year. 
   Discussion ensued regarding Kiosk for information and user fees.  Ideas for discounts included a Local Pass, a free pass for Volunteers, Golden Bear Pass for Seniors,  Disabled Vet Pass for camping.  Kiosk could generate $250,000-$500,000 per year.  Money collected in MDO would stay in MDO.  Estimates to run MDO $1M, they currently get $100,000 from camping fees.  MDO has ranger vacancies still not filled.  1/10 of 1 cent goes to State Parks.  Gov. tried to cut $13M and close parks.  Kiosk could help fund 20 miles of coastal trail.  SLO P&R is operating MDO under an agreement from State Parks.  Also operating handful of odd pieces – Cayucos Vets Hall,Morro Bay Golf Course, Morro Strand next to Cemetery in Cayucos....
6. County Parks Reports:
   ANZA Trail:  Paso trying to get certified.  Lydia Francis in contact with Sally Sheridan.
   Lopez Lake:  Oversaw Taylor Monsor’s Eagle Project of High Ridge Connector Trail.  Project included brush clearing, safety signs.  Ernie needs information on property.
   Nipomo Pathway:  New signs to be installed at Woodlands development trailhead. 
   Pismo:  Dedication of 9 miles of California Coastal Trail – from Pismo Bluff Drive to Oceano Campground. 
   Signage installed:  Harbor Walk, Beginning of Bluff Drive, San Jacinto & Harmony Headlands.
   Bob Jones:  MOU between Land Conservancy and BoS to use Octagon Barn as staging area for trail.  Environmental documents in the works for area between barn and Ontario Road.  Piece by golf course in debate (land transfer).  Rossi agreed to modify fence (shorter) to protect trail.  City portion of asphalt trail is cracking badly and now (city) looking at options for repair.  Trail does not connect at Perfumo Creek @ LOVR.  Considering extending culvert to cross Prefumo Creek instead of installing a bridge.  The bridge over San Luis Obispo Creek at Prado now has bank stability problems and the City is looking at design modifications.  At the LOVR interchange staff is recommending an at grade crossing for the bike trail.  This will be a safety concern for families using the trail, an undercrossing of the trail (similar to the one in Avila) would eliminate this.  **On SLO City Council  agenda for October 21.  Write if you are concerned.
   Santa Margarita Lake:  Falcon Trail: Doug Tait announced Trails Day scheduled for October 25 from 9:30AM to 12:30PM at Santa Margarita Lake.  Holly coordinating.  Doug getting new signs.
   Santa Margarita Loop Trail:  Kathy Longacre, Rangers Doug Tait and Ken Klis, Gregg Bettencourt, Kelly Schrooner – maps, *Karl Knapp – trail consultant to look at Salispuedes Creek crossing. – connect Graypine to Sandstone/.  “Flashy” with extreme season Salispuedes flows.  Looked at BLM trail for sustainable grade for northern connection.  Difficult but do-able.  1.6 miles to creek.  Once crossed –Salispuedes to River Road fairly easy.  No bridge.  Critiqued existing Lone Pine Trail.  Would like to plan workshop with Karl Knapp this fall/winter to train at CCC camp.  Invite people.  Hiring Kelly to put maps on websites for  SLOPOST and CCCMB.
   Atascadero-  Eagle Ranch Project: 6000 acres of county land coming out of Williamson Act 1/09.  Developers holding preview of plans 9/25 at Atascadero’s Pavilion at the Lake 6:30PM.
   
   
7. New Business:  Prop 84 Funding – Bill AB31 being distributed only to people in                                urban areas.  $400M.  Must be under-parked – create parks where none exist.  Be a critically underserved community.  Must demonstrate efficient use of water.  As it is we will not get any money.  It is not to late to call the Governor.  He does not read e-mails. Likes hand written letters.  This was not the original intent of Prop 84. Please write or call. Coastal Clean up this Saturday.
   
   
8. Next Meeting:  Tuesday November 18th.  6:00PM
   
   
   

1. Public Comment:      None
2. Review notes of March meeting- Dorothy has not submitted
3. No Trail Committee Applications- side note: has Holly Sletteland submitted an application?
4. Staff Report
• BLM Trail naming- Briefly discussed Greg Bettencourt’s suggested names- Panorama Trail and Sandstone Crags Trail. Let’s get some more people out there to enjoy it and see if we get any more suggestions.
• Grand Opening of the BLM Trail- discussed the ribbon cutting celebration. It was well attended by staff, volunteers, CCC staff and press. Great job Stacey King with press releases.
• Holly Sletteland reported that she and one other person had been trained and certified on application of Round-Up for trail maintenance. Also several members of Ride Nipomo (volunteer group for Calendar and Knollwood Trails) have been trained on use of weed whackers for trail maintenance.  
• Brief discussion of a co-sponsored event with ECOSLO, SLO County Parks, SLOPOST and CCCMB. Kathy suggested that Holly Sletteland contact Greg Bettencourt about a possible “Trail Werks” event.
• Trail Committee appreciates Supervisor Jim Patterson’s support of the Committee’s goal to complete the SM Lake Loop Trail. Supervisor Patterson attended the BLM Trail Ribbon Cutting.
5. Letters have not been sent out as of the meeting. Please respond back if you receive one and still would like to be on the Committee.  We are just trying to stay current.
6. State Parks Report- no one there to report
7. Immediate goals and objectives: it is our goal to have at least one person representing each area of the County. Please try to attend or at least send an email report on what is going on in your area.

• Anza Trail- Kathe Hustace was not present but Lydia Francis reported that there was a “Follow the Dream” workshop going on all this week. Also the NPS representative Sally Sheridan is coming on June 9th to follow up.
• Lopez Lake- High Ridge Trail- Kathy Longacre had nothing to report as she has not had a chance to get out there.
• Nipomo Trails- Barbara Verlengiere(Penny Smith passed this position on to her) was not there to report. Nipomo area really needs to have a representative.
• Coastal Trail- Nancy Graves reported that the Coast Trail signs will be going up in Pismo Beach from the Bluff Trail (above Pirates Cove) all the way down to Pier Ave. in Oceano. Nancy will be attending the CA Trail and Greenways Conference in San Diego at the end of the month. The Coastal Trail (director?) will be speaking there. (Kathy Longacre will be attending too) Nancy had a question for Jan Dileo about coastal OTD’s. The CA Coastal Conservancy has changed their policy to now accept OTD’s where appropriate. Nancy will follow up with Jan. The Big Sur Master Trail Plan is proceeding slowly.
• Bob Jones Trail- Helene was not there to report, but Denis Philbin reported that in March, Supervisor Lenthall was involved in the organization of a volunteer work day on the Bob Jones. The goal was to work on the paved shoulders where the soil was eroding away. Several Parks Staff and Supervisor Lenthall were they but the volunteer turnout was poor. The work still got done.
• Woodlands Trail development- Barbara Verlengiere was not here to report
• Volunteer Work Parties on Trails- possible large event discussed above. Trainings reported above. Vineyard Trail has scheduled monthly work party, as do the Callender Grove and Knollwood Trails.
• SML Loop Trail- Kathy and Greg are still working to get Karl Knapp (CA State Trail expert ) to come look at the Salsipuedes Segment. He has been scheduled twice but has had to cancel.
• Prototype trails- Now called the Adopted Trails and reported elsewhere.

New Business

Holly Sletteland reported the Morro Coast Audubon Society is in the process of acquiring 8 acres adjoining the Sweet Spring Preserve. They will be restoring the property and adding a connecting trail to Sweet Spring Preserve.

Adjorned 6:50 pm. 

• Attendees: Kathy Longacre, Rick Mathews-5th district Parks Commissioner, Nancy Graves-CA Coastal Trail, Bruce Hilton, John Janowitz-SLO County Ranger, Juventio Ortiz-CA State Parks, Barbara Verlengiere-Nipomo, Greg Bettencourt-CCCMB,
  
  
• Parks Staff: Ernie Del Rio-SLO County Parks Staff.
  
  
• Review notes of November 13th meeting- none submitted (Kathe Hustace took notes??)
  
  
• Approval of Trail Committee Applications- Ernie had not received anything back from Jonalee as we hoped she would join the Trail Committee to represent the Atascadero area. Ernie will contact her again by email to encourage her to join.
  
  
• Staff Report- Ernie Del Rio
• BLM Trail needs a name. Ernie will send out “Naming policy” to Trail committee list
• Access behind Chalk Mt. Golf Course is now closed. It was posted “closed” early December 07 and only 1 compliant so far.
• SLOCAPRA has released a brochure on Prescription Trails. The brochure is being distributed to local agencies and Doctorsr as a way to encourage the use of trials throughout the County as a means to fight obesity.
• Knollwood, Calender and Vineyard Trails scheduled to be adopted by the BOS on 1/29/08 as a demonstration volunteer program. County Parks has been in contact with ECOSLO the non profit who oversees the City of SLO Trail volunteer program. ECOSLO to submit a proposal to County. This could include a docent program.

• Discussion on proposed use of a portion of the Chalk Mt. Golf Course- this item was added by request of Jonalee, but she did not attend.
  
  State Parks report- Juventio reported
  
• Hired Dan Falat as Supervisor Ranger (?)
  
• Piedra Blanca Motel Workshop was held in Cambria for ideas on uses for the old Motel site. Suggested uses were Hostel, Information and Interpretation Center.
  
• Coastal Conservancy funded a new section of boardwalk North to South of the Elephant Seal viewing area.
  
• Marina ADA Trail is proceeding slowly.
  
• CA State Parks is partnering with Cayucos Land Conservancy (CLC) to help open the Harmony Headland State Park. Day Use only, using existing ranch road. CLC will provide signs, trail work and help with monitoring.
  
  Immediate Goals and Objectives
• Anza Trail- no report
• Lopez Lake projects- Kathy reported that after the rains have past she will organize a work day to improve the gate and signage for the High Ridge Connector. Ernie reported that FOLL has been working to help with new signs in the park.
• Nipomo Pathways- Ride Nipomo is main volunteer group for 2 of the trail volunteer program. They are ready and waiting.
• Coastal Trail- Nancy Graves reported that the Coastal Conservancy will be meeting in Avila Beach on 1/17/08. Coast Walk goal for 2008 is trying to get the Coastal Trail signs up. Where possible they are using existing poles.
• Bob Jones- Bridge is open and the trail under it is open. Public has requested re-striping pathway and to paint bridge???
• Woodlands trail- no report
• Santa Margarita Lake- Greg Bettencourt brought up the idea of hiring a “High Sierra” trail consultant to look at the southern connection over the Salispeudes Creek. Kathy will ask SLOPOST for funds.

Greg also indicated that the 3CMB is working a developing maps of various trail locations.

Meeting adjourned