HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-04-12 Minutes
Draft minutes – Not yet approved by Committee
NOTES OF MEETING OF
SAMUEL WILMOT NATURE AREA
MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
HELD TUESDAY APRIL 12, 2016
7:00 PM
Present: Patrick Bothwell Leo Blindenbach
Kate Potter Paul Davidson
Melanie McArthur Dyan Amirault
Suzanne Land James Hodge
Brian Reid
Regrets: Taullie Thompson Councillor Corinna Traill
Jim Cleland
1. AGENDA
MOVEDSECONDED
: by Leo Blindenbach by Patrick Bothwell
THAT
: the agenda for April 12, 2016 be accepted
CARRIED
2. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
Approval of Minutes
MOVED:SECONDED
by Kate Potter by Melanie McArthur
THAT:
the minutes of March 8, 2016 be approved.
CARRIED
SWNA April 2016 Minutes
2
3. ITEMS/UPDATES
Operation Clean Sweep
On Saturday April 9 the committee participated in Operation Clean Sweep. It was a great
success with 2800 lbs of garbage collected at the SWNA, Port of Newcastle, and Bond
Head.
Approximately 70 people participated including 18 people at the SWNA. Garbage was
collected along the edge of the marsh, creek, and lake front. Operations collected the bags
for disposal. Following the litter pick up Brian Reid re-installed 16 bird boxes on the
Toronto Street side. Brian and Jim Cleland will coordinate the installation of the remaining
bird boxes. Brian Reid also reported that the Martin House has been removed by Operations
and delivered to his house for cleaning and painting. Operations will be notified to re-install
the Martin House once it is done.
2016 Trail Construction Project
At the March meeting Peter Windolf presented the latest plans showing the proposed trail
alignment and bridge crossing location for the new woodland trail that will connect the
Waterfront Trail to the existing trail along the north side of the sewage treatment plant.
Since that time Engineering staff have met with the GRCA to confirm that an 11m bridge
will be required to cross the creek. Installing a bridge of that length and weight will be
challenging due to the steep grades and mature trees in the creek valley. Staff are now
investigating different pedestrian bridge options considering the challenges of getting a
bridge to the proposed location.
Bill Bickle Wildlife Photography event
Brian Reid has arranged a presentation by wildlife photographer Bill Bickle for Sunday
November 6 at 2:00PM at the Newcastle Recreation Centre. Bill Bickle will present and
discuss his photos in a presentation of approx. 1 hour. Although the event would not be
specifically about the SWNA, it would help promote the area by highlighting some of the
flora and fauna that could be found at the SWNA.
Brian Reid will contact Bill Bickle to obtain an image that could be used in the promotional
material for the event.
GRCA Invasive Plants walk
GRCA Biologist Ken Towle has confirmed his availability to lead a walk on Saturday June
18 at 1:00PM to identify and educate the public about invasive plants. The event would
highlight the ecological damage and the toxic effects of some invasive plants found at the
SWNA. A poster for the event will be created to advertise the event through Clarington’s
social media platforms.
The committee suggested advising the municipal representative on the Agricultural
Advisory Committee as there may be interest from local farmers about the event.
SWNA April 2016 Minutes
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Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup
Jenni McNish a Hampton resident has registered the SWNA for the Great Canadian
Shoreline Cleanup. This is a Canada wide event that encourages citizens to clean up the
shorelines of lakes and rivers around the country.
Leo Blindenbach is the committee’s liaison with Jenni and will coordinate the committee’s
involvement in the event. The tentative date for the event is September 9, with a rain date of
September 16.
North Viewing Platform Repairs
The Operations Department was notified about rotting wood on the north platform after the
March meeting. Since that time the platform has been closed to public use. Brian Reid and
Peter Windolf will do an inspection of the deck to determine the extent of the rot and will
report what needs to be done to repair the platform.
4. OTHER BUSINESS
None
5. MOTION TO ADJOURN
MOVED:
by Patrick Bothwell SECONDED by Paul Davidson
THAT:
the meeting be adjourned.
CARRIED
Adjournment 7:35 PM
Next Meeting: Tuesday May 10, 6:30PM ON-SITE.
Meet at the Toronto Street entrance to the Waterfront Trail (approximately 200m
north of the Sewage Treatment Plant)
Notes prepared by: P.Windolf