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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-04-10 MinutesI -4 Draft minutes — Not vet approved by Committee NOTES OF MEETING OF SAMUEL WILMOT NATURE AREA MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE HELD TUESDAY APRIL 10, 2012 AT 7:00 P.M. Present: (Voting) Brian Reid (Chair) Karin Murphy Jim Cleland Pat Mulcahy Bonnie Seto Geoff James Clayton Morgan Tim Lizotte Melanie McArthur Michael Goleski Staff Present: Peter Windolf Regrets: Councillor Corinna Traill Absent: Warren May — MNR Greg Wells — GRCA 1. Agenda Acceptance of Agenda MOVED by Councillor Clayton Morgan, seconded by Melanie McArthur THAT the agenda for April 10, 2012 be accepted. CARRIED 2. Minutes of January 10, 2012 Approval of Minutes MOVED by Karin Murphy, seconded by Bonnie Seto THAT the minutes of January 10, 2012 be approved. CARRIED 3.- Sub - Committee Reports There were no sub - committee reports but Jim Cleland questioned the reason and process that lead to the cancellation of the March meeting. Brian Reid responded that the SWNA Traffic/User Survey was the only significant agenda item for the meeting and that since he was unable to present that item to the committee there was no need to meet in March. I 4. Updates Trails Open 2012 At the January 10 meeting the committee discussed the merits of participating in 2012 Doors Open / Trails Open Ontario. It was decided that if a Doors Open destination was in the general vicinity of the SWNA visitors may be more inclined to also take a guided hike at the SWNA. Staff contacted Clarington's Doors Open representative, Marilyn Morawetz, who explained that since the Doors Open events would be in Courtice in 2012 a Trials Open at the SWNA would not be a logical fit for the program. Clean Water /Healthy Land rJ ants The committee decided to apply to GRCA for a Clean Water /Healthy Land grant to plant additional trees along Toronto Street and the north side of the Waterfront Trail. The area along the west side of Toronto Street was identified as a potential area for buffer planting. Several trees were previously planted along that stretch but more. trees will enhance the buffer. The date for the tree planting (subject to funding approval from GRCA) would be Saturday May 12 at 9:OOAM. Members will meet along the side of Toronto Street at the hydro corridor at 9:OOAm. Participating members should bring a shovel or spade. A hard rake and wheel barrow would also be beneficial. Confirmation of the planting event will be-given at the May 8 SWNA meeting. Port -a -potty The Operations Department has budgeted for one Port-a -potty for the SWNA in 2012. The committee agreed that the Cobbledick Parking lot was the best location. The tentative installation date is May 11. 5. SWNA User /Traffic Survey Brian Reid made a presentation to the committee about the possibility of conducting site surveys to learn more about the level of use and the types of users at the SWNA. He described a similar survey done at the Lemoine Point Conservation Area in both 2001 and 2007. The committee was provided copies of the two survey forms used at Lemoine Point. One survey was a basic count of people, dogs and vehicles. The other survey was much more detailed with questions about the age of users, frequency of visits, likes and dislikes of users, etc. Brian suggested that the SWNA committee could consider doing one or both types of surveys, acknowledging that the basic count would require less commitment from members but would not yield the same amount of information. Some members questioned the need for the survey and what the information would be used for. Brian explained that the survey would give the committee and the municipality an idea of the number, demographics, and types (e.g. cyclists, joggers, anglers etc.) of users This in turn could assist with planning of events, capital expenditures and maintenance improvements. Several members offered opinions on the level of detail the survey should have and the frequency that it should be done. Pat Mulcahy and Mike Goleski agreed to work with Brian Reid to refine the survey. They will present a revised survey at the May meeting. The general consensus was that a basic count of users, dogs and vehicles should be done and afterward it would be determined if additional surveys would be beneficial. 6. Other Business Mulching Toronto Street Trees The existing trees along the west side of Toronto Street are in need of mulch. Approx. 6 yards of wood chips have been stockpiled on the west side of Toronto Street for the committees use. Mulching the trees will take place on April 28 in conjunction with the Spring Clean -up. Committee members can meet at 9:00AM at the Toronto Street Parking lot for both the Spring Clean -up and mulching event. Pat Mulcahy will lead the clean -up on the Cobbledick side of the SWNA. Trail Maps The committee would like to have a trail map available to visitors of the SWNA. The map would show the trails. and other site features with distances to each. A map will be prepared for review at the May meeting. Once it is approved several maps could be printed and laminated. The intent would be for visitors to use the map while on site and return it drop boxes located on the entrance kiosks. Birdhouse Re- installation Both Karin Murphy and Jim Cleland have re- installed the birdhouses they kept over the winter. Brian Reid has the seven remaining birdhouses and will install them soon. Trail markers and Tree labelling At the January meeting Brian Reid asked about the cost.to purchase more of the 4" diameter SWNA trail markers. A quote for 50 trail markers was obtained and the cost would be $280. The committee had also suggested that labelling some trees along the trails at the SWNA would provide an added level of interest for visitors. Peter Windolf will investigate having both the trail markers and tree labels made by the Tech class at Courtice High School. They have assisted with many projects in the past and might be able to make them. M 7. Motion to Adjourn MOVED by Clayton Morgan, seconded by Melanie McArthur THAT the meeting be adjourned. CARRIED Adjournment: 8:30 P.M. Next Meeting: Tuesday May 8, 6:30 PM On -Site Please meet at the Waterfront Trail Entrance on Toronto Street. Notes prepared by R Windolf