Ramona Venegas presented a video for Trail Time on the Michigan Trailways Act to create a Network of Trails (mostly Rail-Trails) throughout the state. Next month we will see one of the videos from our library, the North Country Trail, by the National Park Service.

The meeting was called to order by Joan Young at 7:55 pm. Minutes of the March meeting were read and accepted with one correction. Treasurers report was not available, but since no transactions have been made the balance should be $444.80, the same as last month.

Char Holly took flyers to be placed at WSCC, Ramona contacted radio stations. Angie has a fair amount of information for the newsletter, but would like more pictures and info about how many people were on the last two hikes.

Forest Service Contacts:

• 1. Ramona reports that a horse trail is being constructed west of the Udell TH south of M55. Their trailhead will be at Steinberg Road and will not be shared with the hiking trailhead.
• 2. Joan read a letter concerning construction on Beers Road just west of Hodenpyl Dam. This will have a large impact on the Marilla Trailhead. Probably it will be able to be accessed from the west, but the entire road will be closed with no through traffic. Hikers coming from the east will need to park near the suspension bridge at the north end of the Manistee River Trail. We will need to keep track of when the construction is to begin. We will notify at least the Traverse City chapter because this access may impact their June 23-25 backpacking trip.
• 3. Ramona reminded us that Turkey season opens April 17.

A quick reminder of upcoming events was given, including two opportunities to join the Traverse City chapter. They issued a specail invitation to the April 20 program with the Mahans’ about Lake Superior. They are also leading a backpacking trip from US 131 to Hodenpyl Dam which we would be welcome to participate in.

Trail Work needs:

• 1. We have 26 miles of trail that we have committed to measure for the Manistee Forest South Mapset. Ray Dereske and Joan have agreed to do some. It would be good to have a third person do some, as this is a long segment. No one volunteered. Char would like to go with someone to learn how it is done. It was suggested that we ask Steve Webster.
• 2. We have no more information about either laser cut or routed signs.
• 3. We need to collect the data as to what signs are at every road crossing so we can order carsonite posts and decals. Ramona will take Marilla TH to Udell TH. Char will do Udell to 9-Mile Bridge. Joan will do 9-Mile Bridge to Freesoil. Mary Soule will do Freesoil to Timber Creek. Joan will do Timber Creek to Bowman Lake while measuring. Ray Dereske will be asked to do Bowman Lake South while he measures. This will complete that inventory. It should be done in the next month to 6 weeks.

Income Opportunities:

• 1. The number for our non-profit account at Prevo’s is 002213, they will donate 1% of purchases made with their shopper card.
• 2. The patches are being made and Royal Stewart Enterprises hopes they will be complete by April 22. These have the potential to bring in over $300, if they are sold at $3 each ($1.75 profit on each patch).

Earth Day:
Angie handed out flyers with the events noted. Joan will staff the NCTA table, but would welcome help from anyone.

National Trails Day:
Seth, Kari, Howard, Joan went to Bowman Lake on March 19 and looked at the site. There is a good place to set up the demonstrations at the boat launch, and the possiblitity of several hikes radiating from there or the trailhead.
Howard reported on contacting the Baldwin Ranger Station. Only the receptionist was available. Howard left messages, but neither Roy Ditlow or John Heuske called back. She explained that we would also need to contact the concessionaire for Bowman Bridge, but we do not have that name yet. Howard brought a map of the trails. There was some discussion about the urgent need to get permission to have the event at Bowman Bridge. Ramona gave us two other names of people to contact: Steve Hatting, and Les Russell, the District Ranger. Seth doesn’t have much time in the next two weeks. Ramona will call Russell to explain how they worked with us last year. She will then call Joan and Joan will try to set up a time to meet with representatives from the Baldwin District. We all agreed that we can’t do much else until we know if we can use the site.
Then the committe will need to meet again.
Joan reported contacting the Girl Scout and Boy Scout districts. They will pass information to their leaders requesting possible demonstrations at the event, and inviting troops to participate.
Angie mentioned having it publicized on channel 12 TV. She will pick up a submission form at the Ludington Chamber of Commerce.

Char Holly would like to donate a few camping items to the chapter. Mary Soule moved that we create a camping equipment inventory. Ramona seconded this and it passed. Seth agreed to expand the role of librarian to “curator” of the club inventory. It was noted that the tools should also be listed. Seth reports that we have books, videos and pamphlets and requested that we set a check-out policy. Howard moved that the check-out period be one month. Angie seconded. Motion was carried.

The SOLAR Club from southeast Michigan would like to hear our response to the idea of them building the spur trail to Lake Michigan which was part of the original NPS plan for the trail. The response was generally positive. We would leave the organization and development to them, and would like to be able to help with the work from time to time. Ramona noted that there is a horse trail which might be used for part of the distance. Joan will report to Michael Banks.

Seth moved to adjourn, Mary seconded. Meeting was adjourned at 9:15 pm

Members present: Howard and Seth Hopkins, Mary Soule, Char Holly, Ramona Venegas, Angie Addington, Joan Young

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