Minutes of Regular Meeting
Girdwood Trails Committee

Alyeska Day Lodge, 7:00 pm 
Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Call to Order
Carolyn Brodin called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. Others present were 
Jonnie Lazarus, Diana Livingston, Jim Braham, Matt Wedeking, Todd Foisy, and Brian Burnett. 

Approval of Agenda
The agenda was approved as presented.

Approval of Minutes, April 7, 2009
The minutes were approved with one change.

Introduction of Guests
No guests.
 
Old Business
	Trails Issues
•	Alyeska Bridge Progress—The bridge is almost finished after a full weekend of work.  One more day of work will be required.  The community has responded extremely well (as usual), by committing to hard work and donations of food.  John Gallup and all the volunteers are to be thanked for their hard work.  We will not keep any old boards because of their bad shape.  Thank-you notes need to be sent out.

•	Other Trails Issues—Brian mentioned that the Beaver Pond Trail has drainage damage, especially in the switch back area.  This is a good project for SAGA.  Some downed trees will be cleared by committee members.

	Budget and Grants
		Carolyn reported that the REI grants are no longer an option for us.	 

		Jonnie 	will send in receipts for the bridge crew food to Isobel Roy 				(MOA), and Isobel will try to get us reimbursed through federal funds.  			Jonnie will try to find out who was working at the bridge from the MOA 			and Alaska Railroad.

             SAGA Arrangements
            	Jonnie said that she has not had confirmation from SAGA as to the dates 	that the 	crews are coming.  Crow Creek Mine is willing to let the crews 	camp there again during their stay.

             Trails Descriptions—GAP Revision
	Preparation for and Attendance of Community Meeting—Carolyn helped 
	MOA Planning update the valley trails map. All the GPS changes were 	made to the map except the new entrance of the Beaver Pond Trail from the 	Gird to 	Bird bike path.  

	The GAP Revision meeting in April was light in attendance, but still 	productive.  MOA Planners listened to goals and the vision of those in 	attendance.   No new issues were raised and our map looked wonderful.
	
	    	Next Steps--Carolyn will talk to MOA Planners and find out the 		 	specifics for our trails chapter in the GAP revision.  Members agreed that 
	 we should pay particular attention to trail design standards as we plan for 	 	 future trails. For instance, bike usage is likely to increase, and we need to 	 	  plan accordingly. 

	Updates	
•	2009 Trails for IGA—Carolyn received a copy of the GBOS resolution, and it will be sent to the Heritage Land Bank for approval.

•	Summer Signs for Moose Meadow—Brian talked to Pete of Alaska Paragliding,  who recommended Arctic Airwalkers.  At this point, it may be best to monitor the situation without signs and apply for grant funding through the Soil Conservation District for geoblock. Jonnie said the grants are small and good for this sort of project.  We may want to use the Byrne money for this if there is no grant money. This situation would require about $1500 of geoblock.

	Brian will look into the grant.

•	Tract F Update—Brian said that the crew is hired for summer work; these people are experienced in Resort trail building. The trail is slightly over1600 feet and will cost over $65,000 to complete. 

•	Nordic/Multi-Use Trail—Diana mentioned that Jim Galanes expects the permitting to be done in a week or so. They have money to spend on permitting.  The Assembly hearing is still May 12.

New Business
	Fungus Fair—Labor Day Weekend
	We will be in charge of the Silent Auction, so proceeds beyond the start-up costs 	will be donated to Trails Committee.	Committee members need to start working 	on donations.

	Jonnie asked if we approve the Fungus Fair Run on the same trail as last year. 	There will be no advertising about the run.  The Committee agreed that this would 	be fine.

	National Trails Day—June 7
	The Committee decided to host a trail hike day for MOA Parks and Recreation, 	HLB, Mayor, Planning Department and Forest Service management. It will be 	Thursday, June 11. We can meet at central place, such as the Park ’n Ride. Brian 	will look into transportation solutions, and Carolyn and Jonnie will write an 	invitation.  

	Jonnie has been working on money for the Alyeska Highway Bikepath, but we 	should take these people on it to show the problems.  Tiny Creek, Lower Iditarod, 	Beaver Pond to Abe’s were also suggested.  

Other Business
	Brian will resubmit his article about staying off trails during May. He announced 	that there will be a bike race on July 11 on the Resort trails. The Classic Mountain 	Race will be held in August and the Mountain Challenge in September. 

The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:30 pm.

Next meeting is June 2, 2009
Girdwood Community Center