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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-08-08 Minutes '06flUG15 PM 3:52:17 Draft minutes - Not vet aDDroved bv Committee NOTES OF MEETING OF SAMUEL WILMOT NATURE AREA MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE HELD ON TUESDAY AUGUST 8, 2006 AT 7:00 P.M. Present: (\I oting) David Best Jim Cleland Joe McKenna Leanne Sobol Arthur Burrows Allan Hewitt, Chair Karin Murphy, Vice Chair Councillor Don MacArthur John Stoner Brian Reid Greg Wells, ORCA Peter Waring, MNR Also Present: Peter Windolf, Staff (Non-Voting) Regrets: Dianne Graham 1. Agenda Additions There were no additions to the agenda. Acceptance of Agenda MOVED by David Best, seconded by Don MacArthur THAT the agenda for August 9, 2006 be accepted. CARRIED 2. Minutes of June 13, 2006 Approval of Minutes MOVED by Brian Reid, seconded by John Stoner. THAT the minutes of June 13,2006 be approved. CARRIED 3. Issues arising from the Minutes None 4. Introduction of Peter Waring, MNR Peter Waring introduced himself as it was his first appearance at a SWNA meeting. Peter is the Area Supervisor for the YorklDurham Region of MNR. He has received our minutes in the past. Peter apologized for not having more regular representation by MNR on the committee since Tim Rance retired. He is aware of the bridge erosion issue that we are hoping to obtain matching funding through MNR to repair. He indicated that our project was discussed but hat it was not approved as a priority for funding under MNR's grant program. He is not optimistic that it would be approved in the future. Peter Windolf inquired if our existing CFWlP grant from MNR could be used for the bridge project instead of the Lake Meadow planting project. Peter Waring will look into it and let us know. 5. Project Updates Kiosk Photo's of a CLOCA kiosk recently constructed at West Beach Road were passed around to the members to show the type of information panels and kiosk design that could be incorporated into the proposed kiosk at the Cobbledick parking lot. It was agreed that our interpretive signage program already provides ample information on the ecology and wildlife habitat of the SWNA and that our kiosk should provide information on upcoming events and possibly a detailed trail map. The Wilmot kiosk could also be designed to include natural stone columns to match the stone cairns. Trail Upgrades The Operations Department has committed to trail repairs once their staff is available. The will arrange for repair of the trail and installation of culverts where required. A request will be made to see if the repairs can be completed for the August 26 Butterfly event. Bridge Repair The Totten Sims Hubicki (TSH) assessment of the bridge's structural stability was discussed. Their assessment determined that the bride is in no danger of being undermined by the current. The concrete abutments are constructed on top of 4m deep piles. While the bridge is structurally sound the trail around the west abutment continues to erode away so TSH has recommended some hard armouring at the abutment to protect the trail. A copy of TSH's proposed design was given to Greg Wells for review by the GRCA. Any work within the creek is not permitted after September 15 unless special permission to divert water is obtained from MNR/GRCA. The project may need to be deferred until spring 2007. Nest Boxes Arthur was unable to contact the Wilmot Creek Woodworking Club because they are on summer break. He was able to get a Marten House built by an acquaintance for $40. We will prepare a cheque requisition to cover his cost. The Marten house now needs to be mounted on a pole high above the ground. Peter will contact Operations to see if they can assist. 6. Sub -Committee Updates Special Events The butterfly event is now confirmed and schedule for Saturday August 26 with tours at II :30 and I :30 PM. James Kamstra, a wildlife biologist, will lead the tours and will discuss bugs, butterflies and birds. The event will also include planting perennials to attract butterflies in the Lake Meadow and the construction of butterfly houses. Councillor MacArthur will bring the materials to construct 6 butterfly houses. T -bars will be requested from Operations to mount the boxes on. James Kamstra will be asked to identify a good location for the butterfly garden along the new section of the Lake Meadow Trail leading to the new shelter. Karin Murphy was given a list of butterfly friendly plants that she will try to source. Once a source is found Peter will arrange for the order and Karin will pick up and deliver to the event. Karin will also arrange for water and drinks to be provided at the lake shelter. Peter will ask Operations to provide 2 picnic tables at the Cobbledick parking lot and one at the viewing shelter by the bluff. Six t-bars to install the butterfly houses will also be requested. Communications Joe advise that a draft of the Newsletter is 50% complete and will be available for mailing later for this later this summer. The newsletter will re-cap Earth Day and our Butterfly event. John Stoner will prepare a flyer to be sent out to all those on the Wilmot mailing list to promote the Aug 26 event. An ad on page 2 of the newspaper will also promote the event. Leanne and Arthur will be notified once the poster is available so that they can distribute them as they see fit. 7. Other Business Karin, Arthur and Jim attended the "Check Your Watershed" day organized by the Ontario Federation of Angler and Hunters. Volunteers were asked to inventory culvert locations and measure stream widths for the Wilmot Creek Reconnaissance Survey. They reported it was a great learning experience. Peter Waring discussed the possibility of MNR relinquishing their ownership of the valley lands to either the Municipality or GRCA. The issue will require further discussion. Adjournment: Next Meeting: Notes prepared by P. Windolf 8:30 P.M. Tuesday, September 12,2006 7:00 p.m. Meeting Room lA