Meeting Minutes - 9/1/09

*  In attendance at this meeting.

Minutes 7-1-09:

(Meeting run and minutes taken by Don Covert.  Thanks Don.)

TRĀL Board Meeting Summary

Brian, Patrick and Joe discussed a raffle to raise money for TRAL. 

• Patrick offered several passes for desert tours with his company.
• Joe offered impact wrenches from Copper State Bolt
• Terri offered custom made jewelry for the raffle
• Discussion of other donations for raffle.
• Discussion on where, how & when for the raffle.
• Using E-Bay to auction items was brought up by Brian.

Travel Management

No new updates.

Mesquite Area

Rod reported the staging area is clean and the kiosk is ok.

We need to install Carsonites in the wash with arrows directing traffic away from the hanging gardens. Summer storms flooded a few away. 

Pobrecito Project

Post and rails almost complete.

BulldogCanyon

Suggestions to install post & rail fence around the granite pit area.  New signs needed where new trails are being made.

Updates from Forest Service

Anthony gave us a tutorial of how the Forest Service is organized under the US Department of Agriculture and how it relates to the Tonto Forest & Mesa Ranger District staff.

USDAà Tonto Forest is in Region 3, Tonto Forrest Supervisor is in charge.

Each District Ranger, Mesa & Cave Creek, report to the Forrest Supervisor.

Each District has staffing positions related to Recreation, Admin, Range & timer etc.

The point Anthony made was Tonto has lost staff.  They went from 24 people to 7 people in the past few years.  He also pointed out Mesa is responsible for the Saguaro Lake and Canyon Lake recreation areas.  He understands the need for TRAL volunteers to help manage the OHV recreation

Anthony told us they have 2 Law Enforcement officers for the entire district and they don’t directly report to the District Ranger.  Most of their time is spent at Saguaro Lake and Lower Salt areas.

Volunteer Program Update

In the TRĀL board meeting, we decided to start with a first round of about 25 volunteers to shake out a first cut at a training program and get started on some projects.  We will then take a look at volunteer needs again mid-winter to decide on a next round of volunteers.

Ambassador Training

No discussion

Lower Salt RiverClean Up & TRAL Booth

Potential to sell Raffle tickets for TRAL

Man a booth looking for Volunteers to join TRAL

2009/2010 Project Goals:

Kiosk for new Bush Hwy entrance

Meet & Greet weekend for new Bush Hwy entrance

Short Term projects:

Finish Pobrecito railing.

Travel Management Update

Alan Cross, told us the Public review are tentatively scheduled for October wit public meeting for November.  This should be for Mesa & Cave Creek districts.