TRĀL MONTHLY MEETING

June 9, 2010

In Attendance: Chari Ainsworth, Perri Bachini, David Grunlund, Patrick Frawley, Randy Hill, Barb Hill, Amy Racki, Kevin Thompson,

The meeting was called to order at 7:10 PM by Kevin Thompson.

Area Updates

Mesquite – David Grunlund reported that everything is status quo from the last meeting.  He suggested that the kiosks at Mesquite and Bush Hwy be updated.  Amy would like all the kiosks updated with new material.  For example, fire restrictions need to be posted.  She would like to hold a brain storming session to develop ideas for material.  The FS has a student intern that is also an artist, so maybe they could help too.  We still need Plexiglas for the Bush kiosk, but it will need to be special ordered.  David has a company he’s talked to that may donate a piece of Plexiglas, but he’ll need to approach them again since it’s been a while.  Amy also reported that the FS is buying 30 new kiosks for the Tonto.

Bulldog East & West – No report on the east, but the west remains status quo.  Trash seems to be being picked up regularly.  Patrick is looking to set up a clean-up sometime in the next few weeks.  He’ll send out an e-mail with a date if anyone is interested.

Patrick also reported that there were 3 trucks in the “out of bounds” area, but it was dark and he couldn’t get license plate numbers.

New Projects   

We discussed signing existing routes that we know will be in the TMP, but Kevin suggested we wait until early fall when it cools somewhat.  Amy said the FS can conduct field training on installing signs; detailing how far off the road the signs should be, etc.

Perri reported that the fencing along 4 Peaks Road continues to be cut by shooters.  Shooters are shooting across the 160.  Amy will check regulations on firing handguns in the area.

Travel Management Update

The Travel Management Plan is moving towards Draft Final.  The map should be published by December 2010 with designated routes.  Comments will either be released or repealed and should be out for public review by the end of summer.  The plan will come with alternatives and proposals, and if no comments are received on areas, then the proposal will be it.

The comments the FS will be looking for are process related, like “you didn’t take this into consideration”, etc.  Once the comments are reviewed, it will come down to “no significant impact” or “environmental impact”, which is more extensive and could take longer.  The release will be a “No Action”, “Forest Service Proposed Action”, or one of the two alternatives.  Once it’s released, it will go through a 30 day comment period then the superintendent will sign it and the appeal process begins.

Forest Service Update

Permit information for Jeep Tour Company’s – the map is really outdated and Amy would like volunteers to update the map so it could also be used by the public.

Fire restrictions went into effect on Monday June 7^th.  Kevin suggested we also add a blurb on our web site reminding people about the restriction.

Saturday June 12^th is “Get Outdoors” day.  There will be events taking place around the Tonto if anyone is interested.

Three Eaglets along the lower Salt River didn’t make it.  Game and Fish are doing autopsies to see why they died.  Amy said it seemed that they were late bloomers, which could have played a role.

Open Discussion

Kevin said that we were still looking for a sponsor for the 4 wheel drive area to support TRAL with discounts for our “Friend’s of TRAL” program.  Chari said she will contact a 4WD company for sponsorship.  David said that Rich is still in talks with Cycle Gear, but didn’t know the specifics.  We’ll wait until the next meeting to get an update from Rich.

The group asked about the Yamaha grant and if we submitted for that.  David said he had a local shop that would sign the form for us.  We’ll get an update from Rich at the next meeting.

With no other business to address, the meeting was adjourned at 8:12 PM