Minutes and Treasurer’s reports were accepted.

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Tour of the State Fair facilities was conducted by the group. Many deficiencies for the Forum were noted. Jim Jennings will price Syracuse Holiday Inn and Conf. Center.

Next meeting will be Aug. 2 in Syracuse.

Gerry Ivison

6775 Townline Rd.

Byron, NY 14422

585.548.9951

Trails Coordinator Report

June, 2008

Club trail identification

Clubs needing a trail identification number for their club trails need to determine how many nonfunded trails the club wants identified and send that information to the Trails Coordinator. When that is received, each nonfunded trail would be assigned a number. When the club receives this information, it can order club trail ID blanks from the bulk sign order form or contact Voss to secure signs for each club trail.

Club trail mileage

Nearly all club trail mileage information has been received. Only Cortland Co and a few clubs in Essex Co and Erie Co have not yet sent information stating the approximate mileage of club trail the club maintains. This mileage is not to include funded trails, as that information is already available.

Bulk Sign order

Orders for trail signs under the 08 Bulk Sign Order is starting to be received at the NYSSA Office. The due date to receive sign orders is July 3^rd. Signs will be ready for distribution beginning at the August Board of Directors meeting. Order forms are posted on the Association website under the Trails menu. Signs listed on the bulk sign order are those authorized by OPRHP for use on funded trails. Please review the instructions carefully, especially as it pertains to sales tax and payment of the signs.

Trail Access issues

Trail access issues are ever increasing in light of DEC outreach, OPRHP information gathering to establish community connectors, movement on establishing a permanent recreation plan on former International Paper property in Hamilton County, APA discussions on snowmobile issues that are halting all progress on UMP implementation, canalway organizations that are meeting to move their trail agendas for inclusion along the 500+ miles of canals in New York, and the development of trail routes on former Finch, Pruyn property in the Adirondacks purchased by The Nature Conservancy.

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The Nature Conservancy

TNC purchased large tracts of land from the Finch, Pruyn Company to protect the ecology of the property. TNC met with the Association and the affected towns in the Adirondacks to receive input on how to best use the property to the benefit of the communities. A high priority issue from the towns and the Association is to develop community connector snowmobile trail routes. TNC has done exactly that and has plans to open trails that will eventually connect five townships. These connections will create trail loops to snowmobile on instead of riding one direction and then coming back the same route to return.

TNC also is disposing of some smaller tracts of land that may not be suitable for logging by selling these tracts to the State for incorporation into the Forest Preserve. This is occurring in the Town of Ft Ann in Washington County, Bleecker in Fulton Co, and Edinburg in Saratoga Co. In some cases, the easement for trails will be sold to the DEC while the property would remain in active logging. In other cases the property and trail easements will be sold to DEC making trail mileage count against the mileage cap.

Canal Corporation

A great deal of interest in completing the Erie Canalway trail is increasing helped with efforts from the National Park Service especially in Onondaga and Monroe Counties. The same is now happening along the Champlain Canal that connects the Hudson River with Lake Champlain. There may be similar efforts going on with the Oswego Canal and the Cayuga-Seneca Canals in central New York.

It is imperative that any snowmobile club that is currently using any canal property owned by the Canal Corporation or OPRHP research what local trail projects are currently going on in their area. This is also true for any club that sees potential in using canal lands for trail connections. It is imperative that snowmobiling be represented at any project aimed at establishing trails. Clubs should not take any confidence that any other local group is going to speak on your behalf.

Clubs with an interest in using Canal Corporation lands needs to understand that historically snowmobiles have been prohibited from using canal lands. It was reported that this prohibition came from the days of the canals when a great deal of commercial traffic traveled the canals. Two years ago a change was proposed that would allow Canal Corporation to issue permits to clubs that want to establish a trail that would help connect their trail system. For some reason the proposal was deleted, so the prohibition continues. What also continues is the effort to reverse the prohibition.

Canal Corporation is sponsoring its Third Annual Canal Splash on August 8 – 10. Organizations may conduct events that highlight the history, beauty, culture and recreational appeal of the New York State Canal System and Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. For more information, go to www.canalsplash.com. Participating in an event near you could highlight the presence of snowmobiles on the canals.

Trails fund questions

The Snowmobile Unit is stating that any club with a trails fund grant question must go to their local sponsor to get it answered.

0708 Phase III

Documentation data and Attachments submitted to the Snowmobile Unit are being processed quickly so that the 30% vouchers can be sent out to local sponsors. Local sponsors are shouldering the responsibility of determining that all data sent to OPRHP is complete, accurate, and lawful.

0809 Phase I Application

The Phase I application for the 0809 trail grant season is posted on the OPRHP website at http://nysparks.state.ny.us/grants/programs/snowmobile.asp. If local sponsors need to secure quad maps form OPRHP, a form in the application is needed to order the maps. Those local sponsors that have provided GIS mapping data need to print out their own maps for their clubs to use. Maps are needed to verify trail location and identification, verify trail junction identification information, indicate where parking exists on the trail system, and indicate any changes from last year’s application. Changes from last year’s application could be requesting a secondary trail be classified as a corridor trail or that a Class B trail be classified as a Class A trail or that a new trail be considered for funding in the statewide system. It was announced to local sponsors in March that the Snowmobile Unit will be taking a very close look at any new trail requests with the goal of keeping new mileage at a minimum.

Any request for a change must be accompanied by a Justification. A page in the Phase I application lists the guidelines for preparing a Justification.

The deadline for submitting the Phase I application from the local sponsor is June 30^th. The Phase I application also contains significant detail in preparing GPS trail data for conversion into GIS files. Any trail data must be sent to OPRHP by the local sponsor. OPRHP can not accept raw GPS data, but will accept GIS files from the local sponsor.

0809 Phase II

It is expected that the Phase II trail grant application will be available to local sponsors in July. All notifications from the Snowmobile Unit of trail approvals and denials should be completed no later than August 18^th. Completing the three-year plan with written narratives are part of the Phase II application. The Snowmobile Unit will be issuing guidelines clarifying what is to be done in completing effective the three-year plan and trail narratives. The local sponsor is responsible for writing the three-year plan with the assistance of clubs. Local sponsors are also responsible for completing SEQRA.

Equipment Approval Form

The Snowmobile Unit has just released to local sponsors the reinstated equipment approval form. The form is needed for any equipment purchased over $2500. Equipment purchased from April 1 to June 4 is considered approved, but a form needs to be completed and sent to the Unit for their records. There are a couple of differences in the new form from the old one such as stating if the machine will be used outside the local sponsor’s jurisdiction and a listing of all equipment over $2500 already owned.

Field Staking Surveys

80 clubs submitted a field staking survey by the May 30^th deadline. Clubs from 32 counties participated. The Snowmobile Unit as well as the Trails Committee has received a copy of the Survey summary.

Trail Signage

As a result of comments on surveys, it does need to be pointed out that trail signing guidelines fall to the authority of OPRHP. OPRHP, as administrators of the trail grant program has established guidelines to guide clubs in making trail signage decisions. The Association’s Board of Directors does not make any trail signing decisions. It needs to be certain that clubs understand what the trail signing guidelines are and the parameters of those guidelines.

Trail Signage Changes

OPRHP has announced changes in trail signing for the upcoming season which were shown at a trail signing workshop on Friday of the Forum. It is expected that by the end of July the Snowmobile Unit will be issuing an amended trail signing handbook. Signage of curves and blind hills in fields, woods, and seasonal roads has been clarified. Depending on the severity of a curve, clubs may select the Curve sign, the Turn sign or the Hairpin Turn sign. Blind hills need a warning sign in addition to the Stay Right sign.

OPRHP is distinguishing between Keep Right and Stay Right as two separate signs. Keep Right is a white regulatory sign that means to stay to the right of the sign. It would be on the snowmobiler’s left side and used only in a divided trail. Stay Right means to stay to the right side of the trail and would be positioned on the snowmobiler’s right.

Trail Signage Changes Online

A trail signing PowerPoint program will soon be posted on the website. Several other training programs relating to signage on state land, field staking, and club trail ID signs will also be posted on the website.

Trail Signage Brochure for Snowmobilers

The idea of an informational brochure for snowmobilers was presented at the Forum and was very well received. A draft of a brochure is being presented to the Trails Committee for their review. The brochure is being modeled after the Landowner Information brochure that was released a few years ago. The trail signing brochure will be posted on the website and available for clubs to download, customize, and print for distribution to members. It can also be made available at dealers, restaurants, and other places that the brochure would be readily available to snowmobilers.

Respectfully submitted,

Dave Perkins, NYSSA Trails Coordinator

New York State Fairgrounds

Executive Committee met privately with the new president, Mike Fischer.

Each Director who had turned in current paperwork was certified.

6 people ran for 3 Board of Director at Large positions. Deb Perkins, Rich Rozzi and Gary Batchelder were elected. Kathleen Bryant, Thomas Baker and Hal Fleischman were defeated.

New president, Mike Fischer, addressed the group with his ideas of restructuring the organization, as well as assuring his ideals for opportunities, recommendations and strengths and weaknesses of NYSSA.

• Mike suggested 5 regional directors representing Western, Central, Adirondack/Tug Hill, Mohawk and Hudson areas/regions that would be members of the Executive Committee.
• Each regional director would serve on a committee and, as a suggestion only, be elected as chairperson of that committee.
• Each of these committees would have subcommittees/task forces that would be assigned special areas of responsibilities.
• All of these regional directors, committees, etc. serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.
• Board meetings could be held in each of the five regions at least once a year giving local clubs more access to meetings.

Steve Lewis, of OPRHP, addressed the group.

• OPRHP wants to be partner with NYSSA. Originally the local sponsor was the "guiding light" and he would like this to be that way again.
• Original trail plan called for 3,000 corridor miles and remaining trails would be "feeder" trails. This plan has been completed and we need to more to a new phase where we draw people to the NYS trail system.
• OPRHP is supporting the Use and Utilization Survey.
• Trail maintenance documentation – any equipment purchase over $2,500 needs to have prior approval from OPRHP. Any bridges over $5,000 value need to have stamped plans.
• 10,800 miles of trails and 700 groomers.

Group broke out into committees: Governmental Affairs, Membership, Safety and Education, Trail Development and Funding, Public Affairs and Communications, and Budget and Finance.

Public Affairs and Communications has six subcommittees/task forces: Meetings, Events and Promotions; Fundraising and Third Party Fulfillment; Public Relations; Corporate Relations; Awards, Benevolences; Publications.

The Board of Directors meeting was reconvened.

Executive Director Report – Jim Jennings was absent, report was sent to clubs.

Trails Coordinator Report – Dave Perkins – report sent to clubs

• Bulk sign order with Voss is due July 3 with money. See form on NYSSA website.
• Field staking survey is due by the end of May.
• Dave and Parks are looking for ideas on what should be included in a three year plan.
• Next year there will be an emphasis on educating the snowmobiler on signing. There are 3 new arrow signs; one is for a hairpin curve.
• Clubs need to be consistent across their entire area when signing blind hills and curves..

Budget and Finance – Chairperson, Gary Batchelder and Scribe, Dave Vanderlinde

• Finalized approval for people and dollars for the International Snowmobile Congress in Idaho.
• Approved transferring $5,000 to PAC.

Governmental Affairs Committee – Chairperson,

• Committee discussed sportsman registrations.

Membership – Chairperson, Mike Denapole

• Working on accounting portion of on-line registration and data base

Trail Development and Funding – Chairperson, Jason Kowalczyk

• Will be looking at ways of encumbering dollars in the trail fund so that they do not appear as a surplus.
• Under this committee is an insurance subcommittee.
• Ann O’Dell reported on the NYS Trail Council and her report has been sent to the clubs.
• Groomer Grant applications will be available in November 2008 for the next grant round.

Safety and Education Committee – Chairperson, Jim Meyers

• Will be checking out the 2 trailers to make necessary repairs and replenish supplies.
• Rich Rozzi and Roger McCabe each have one of the trailers at this time.

Public Affairs and Communications – Chairperson, Ann O’Dell

• Motion was made to renew Whelan Media Group contract for one month until the Public Affairs and Communications Committee can review the contract.
• Committee review of "Honor Our Troops" donations. Approximately $2,300 has been raised. Still on going. Committee asked for $ 1,500 to be donated out of the NYSSA funds. Committee on Budget and Finance requested this be tabled until next month to give them time to consider.
• April 2008 Forum was reviewed with mention on how it could be improved for the coming years.

Mike Fischer requested that clubs/counties turn in full costs for trail expenses. Steve Lewis also agreed that future reports include all costs. Steve will be notifying the local sponsors of this change. The NYS Office of Budget considered this balance in the fund surplus. Mike and the NYSSA advisors are referring back to the original legislation which intended all trail costs be reimbursed.

Gerry Ivison

6775 Townline Rd,

Byron, NY 14422

585.548.9951

ivyscastle@yahoo.com

 

Genesee Co. Step Signage Program Review

3/21/2008

Genesee Co. hosted a trail signage training session that was led by Dave Perkins and well attended. Eight people were certified as Step Safe Trails Advisors.

Genesee Sno-packers and Sleds of Stafford updated their Groomer Operator Guidelines and conducted groomer operator training sessions

Reasons for conducting our own County program

• No one likes someone from outside the area telling us how things should be done. We know our own people and how to motivate them.
• Difficult scheduling in the past – when there is snow, Club reps. and inspectors would like to ride, groom, etc. Landowners do not want ATV’s so impossible to do inspections by wheeled vehicles.
• Local club may not take a single inspectors suggestions seriously or may disregard his authority
• Need for standardized signing from trail boss to trail boss and club to club. A single inspector cannot cover enough of an area to verify this difference. (Locals traveling these trails daily will see differences and cover more of the area noting deficiencies).
• It is easier to come to a consensus when 4,5 or 6 people are suggesting changes
• Many times the Club Pres. or contact person has not ridden the whole club area whereas many of the 4-6 have seen the whole area in their daily rides.
• The county association has a line item on every meeting agenda to discuss step signage in a frank and honest manner
• Many of the attendees at the county association have ridden parts of the county that may never get ridden by an inspector, club president, etc. An open discussion will lead to areas needing attention

Road Crossing Priority

• County Assoc. agreed to use of single signing method across entire county
• Trail boss to trail boss, road crossings are not signed consistently within the same club or club to club within the county.
• Agreed that all Stop Ahead and Stop signs are to be placed to the right of the trail.
• Trail marker signs to the left side of the trail opposite those above.
• Last single sign before a stop ahead warns of two way traffic ahead.
• First single marker after road crossing warns of divided trail ahead.

　Blind Hill Priority

• Blind hills are not signed consistent from trail boss areas to club to club
• Last single sign approaching hill would have Blind Hill and Keep Right
• At least three marker signs dividing lanes over the hill
• First single marker sign past the hill will have Keep Right to designate divided trail

Junction Signing

• Kiosks made from pallets or old trailers, are used at most junctions, garbage cans are for trash, sponsors are advertised, directions are posted etc. (all good ideas).
• Some junction signing guidelines are not followed, essentially, Junction Ahead and trail number signs approaching and leaving.

General Comments

• We did not try to to get Caledonia Trail Blazers, Marilla SnoMob, or Northern Erie Snow Seekers participation – all three had very minor trail mileage within our county.

• The county had snow early in Dec. prior to trails opening and late in Feb. We called each other one day and did the inspection the next day with four people that were available.
• In fairness to the clubs, we had at three storms with warm weather followed by strong winds – signs were blow down each time.
• Two club Presidents participated in the inspections
• Even though all of us thought our trails were well signed – I think we were all surprised by the inconsistencies especially within the same club from trail boss to trail boss
• Because of differences signing road crossings, not only riders but groomer operators had difficulty staying on the correct side of signs.
• In one instance, prior to our inspection, a groomer operator actually lost the trail because of blown over signs.

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