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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-SMC-1992 J5 'e f�� CITY OF ITHACA 108 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 TELEPHONE: -1713 CODE 607 SIX MILE CREEK GORGE COMMITTEE , Minutes of January 11 192 meeting . PRESENT : John Johnson , Guy Gerard , William Dress , Richard Fischer , Beth Mulholland . Chairman Johnson presided . The Minutes of the January meeting were approved . The Beaver Resolution of the Board of Public Works was reviewed ; the Six Mile Committee a pecially wishes to be informed of the D. P .W beaver damage monitoring . Beth reported a Shad tree cut down at Van Natta/ s , it was one planted several years ago by Circle Greenway to commerate Richard Fischer's many years of using Six Mile for class field trips . It will be replaced . The Six Mile Creek Preservation Re§Olution is now befor the Council Planning Committee . Betsy Darlington wishes the word "fauna " to be added to "flora" . The Co mmittee agreed to begin using the term "Native Plant Pre- serve" rather than "Wildflower Preserve" , the latter having been used in a perjorative way in the last campaign . Beth will show the Van Natta Pond enhancement plan at a spring meeting on site . The Committee will encourage the formation of a City of Ithaca Natural Areas Commission in 1993 . The Secretary will prepare information for the 1992 Annual Repo- /� NEXT MEETING: Monday , Febraar 8th at 5 o ' clock in Third . Floor Conference Roomy AGENDA; 1 . Annual Report Items 2. 1993 Goals 3. Beavers - DPW Monitoring Report 4. Membership 5. Friends of the Gorge An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" j.'.'' '.,.% fill ♦ '/�T ekx II Vai I®I�111"iJl ;r tmii CITY OF ITHACA 108 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 TELEPHONE: 272-1713 CODE 607 SIX MILE CREEK GORGE COMMITTEE , Minutes of January 13 meeting . PRESENT : John Johnson , Dan Otis , Chuck Baker , Bill Dress , Guy Gerard , Richard Fischer , James Scilia . Beth Mulholland . The meeting was called to order by the Chair . Two new members were introduced : James Scilia ( Tompkins County Planning Depart- ment ) and Guy Gerard, Liaison from the Board of Public Works ) . It was announced that Dan Hoffman will be our liaison with Com- mon Council . The Minutes of the November 18th meeting were approved , also approved was the draft Annual Report for 1991 . John reviewed the additions to our Constitution and By- laws suggested by City Attorney Guttman . Circle Greenway reported on lack of progress on Van Natta Pond parking lot projects . Beth requested assistance in cutting a path at the washout near the "Pipe Place" . During a discussion on beaver eating habits , Dan said it all : "They eat anything . " . We will replant the parking lot area with native Six Mile - __ trees , all unobtrusively fenced . The Gorge Ranger selection time is approaching ; John will talk with the Personnel Office and , at the next meeting, we will review the Ranger job requirements and a committee will be appointed . Jim Scilia noted that material about Six Mile is available in the County Planning Office , especially their Natural Areas Report which includes the Wesley-Ostman survey . , Chuck Baker reported that 1992 priorites for Six Mile work are : 1 ) clearing of the silt dam upstream of Burns Road , 2 ) work on the 60 foot dam according to DEC requirements , 3 )prepare for and watch for zebra mussels, and 4 ) maybe , work on the service road from Giles Street to the 30 foot dam. Jim Scilia noted that because of budget problems there will be no County stream mainte- nance this year. The meeting adjourned at 6 : 30 ; there was no time to pursue the An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" last agenda item , "Plans for 1992" . Members are asked to come to next meeting with good ideas . NEXT MEETING : Monday , February 10 , at 5 o ' clock in the 3rd floor conference room. Elizabeth Mulholland Secretary IT `` %����••• ~~�_i 14111 1c? a® 1 o 7.I1TI i 1ybOk. •f,♦,m CITY OF ITHACA 108 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 TELEPHONE: 272-1713 CODE 607 MINUTES OF THE SIX MILE CREEK GORGE COMMITTEE , February 10 , 1992 PRESENT : Munna Rubaii , Guy Reder , Dan Otis , John Johnson , Chuck Baker , Superintendent William Grey , Beth Mulholland . John Johnson called the February meeting to order. Chuck reported that Jim Lister would like the Gorge Ranger job again this summer and suggested the possibility of using his own overtime money to provide extra ranger hours . A brochure "Six Mile Creek Gorge. Information for the Gorge Ranger" was passed out to Committee members . It contains the job description in terms of ranger relationships with City agencies , with Gorge users , and with the Gorge environment . Superintendent Grey presented an overview of the access road problems to the 30 foot dam and the 60 foot dam. The "Upper Path " to the 30 foot dam has great importancerrontinuous maintenance of the pipeline . Its upgrading will include cutting a 20 foot swath along the present path , it will look drastic at first but will soften with new growth . The main track will eventually be about 12 feet wide . The project is now in design stage . The Committee suggested it could have a role in preparing the walking public for the inevitable disruption of the path . An access roadway to the 60 foot dam is becoming necessary by the zebra mussel threat . The present path from Route 79 is too pre- cipitous for trucks , a possible way from Burns Road would have to cross steep grades . The south bank might provide a better route . The engineering staff will look into each site and pre- pare a report) perhaps by summer. A discussion of land purchase problems pointed out the desirability of obtaining rim land as buffers for the core Gorge ecosystem. The Water Department , however wants money spent only on land immediately adjacent to water, either stream or reservoir. It was decided to concentrate our 1992 Committee activities on the land purchase project and to investigate our possibilities for providing public information about the value of Six Mile Gorge. The 1984 report of the Six Mile Creek Study Committee was passed "An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" out to members so they can become informed about present City policy about the Gorge , and also to see if new ideas are required . Chuck Baker will provide and post new signs : "NO BIKES" , "NO SWIMMING" and "NO PUBLIC ACCESS" . A new meeting time was agreed upon so that our Council liaison can attend ; we will try the first Thursday at 5 o ' clock . Elizabeth Mulholland Secretary NEXT MEETING : Thursday , March 5th , at 5 in 3rd floor conference room. Bring the 1984 Report . SIX MILE CREEK COMMITTEE Minutes of April 14, 1992 meeting PRESENT: Munna Rubaii Chuck Baker Guy Gerard William Dress Dan Otis Beth Mulholland Dan Hoffman Dan Schmohe, Guest In the absence of the Chair, Beth opened the meeting. Dan Schmohe, City Forester, described the beaver destruction in the Gorge between Van Natta's Pond and the 30-foot dam. It is so serious that large trees are falling into the Creek, thereby causing pileup of stream debris . Banks are eroding from tree uproot and wash, and deeply girdled, very tall trees present danger to trail walkers . A DEC consultant will survey the damage and recommend an action which may entail removing beavers from the area. This will require DEC permission. The Tree Crew will remove dangerous trees . Dan also reported on the planting of 53 Black Locust trees by an ecology class from Cornell . A few were planted at Van Natta's Pond and the rest around the perimeter of the slide area at the 30-foot dam. These trees are remainders from a CU research project. Chuck reported that the Gorge Ranger will be able to start duty on the Memorial Day weekend. Draft resolutions on Gorge Preservation were prepared by Beth and Dan Hoffman. A lively discussion about Gorge use priorities became strained when it was learned that the Water Department is exploring the idea of building a new filtration facility on the slide area near the 30-foot dam. It seemed best to let members study the two resolution drafts . They are similar and will be discussed and combined at the next meeting. Some members will assist at the Committee's display on Earth Day. Beth will provide a map of the Gorge and a handout on Gorge usage. John arrived as the meeting broke up--car trouble! NEXT MEETING: TUESDAY, MAY 19TH, 5:00 P.M. IN THE 3RD FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM. BRING RESOLUTION DRAFTS. !! 11 CITY OF ITHACA 108 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 CIRCLE GREENWAY TELEPHONE: 272-1713 CODE 607 SIX MILE CREEK GORGE MEETING. Minutes of June 8 , 1992. PRESENT: Richard Fischer , John Johnson , William Dress , Guy Gerard Charles Baker , Beth Mulholland , James Lister, Dan Hoffman . John Johnson chaired the Meeting ; the Minutes of May 19th were ac- cepted with a correction . ite Gorge Ranger Jim Lister that due to cool water in the reservoirs he had few swimming problems ; bikers , however are too numerous and too damaging . There were many families in the Gorge over the Decoration Day weekend , possibly due to article in "Leisure" . He noted much beaver destruction since last summer, especially at Van Natta ' s Pond parking lot. The new Resolution on Gorge Preservation was reviewed , the words "the foot of Potter ' s Falls " should be added at Resolved no .5 , after "open to the public up to" . The first Whereases shall remain as written . A 4th shall be " In 1983 Mayor Shaw appointed a special Six Mile Creek Study Commission which , in 1984 , produced its report "People and Preservation " . The 5th Wheras shall be the former 9th Whereas , "the Common Counc in response . . . " . The rest follow in original order. Map- No. 9 of the- Town- of Ithaca ' s Conservation Advisory Committee ' s "A Heritage to Preserve" will be included when this Resolution is presented to the Board of Public Works on July 1 , 1992 . Guy said we need to concern ourselves with bike damage , that we shouldn ' t just "send them to the other side" , the whole bike problem will be discussed at the next meeting . Elizabeth Mulhollan d ,reSecretary NEXT MEETING: Monday , July 13th at 5 o ' clock in the 3rd floor meeting room. An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" k4d _ "ti 1111 . �_.I®ONE rtml 4,5 ayg : .. I1'�O •........ .. i�/i 'gPoRA7E0=v_ CITY OF ITHACA 108 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 CIRCLE GREENWAY TELEPHONE: 272-1713 CODE 607 SIX MILE CREEK GORGE COMMITTEE , Minutes of July 13th Meeting . PRESENT: Munna Rubaii , Guy Gerard , Robert Dirig , Dan Hoffman , William Dress , Charles Baker , John Johnson , Beth Mulholland ? James Lister. Beth opened the meeting . Jim reported some arrests for nude bathing and for trespassing in the pump house at Van Natta ' s . Bikes con- tinue to be a problem. There has been some temporary posting of "No Bikes" signs . Total trespassing violations for May and June were 58 at the 60 foot dam and 60 at the 30 foot dam. Other viola- tions were fishing , boating , alcohol and a fire. He saw a young beaver at Van Natta ' s and signs of new beaver damage along the Wildflower Walk . Jim also displayed a large poster mounted with photos and a map of beaver activity ; he will keep a daily log . Dan suggested that trees showing the beginning of beaver damage be immediately fenced. Bill strongly said that the beaver must go if we are to maintain a plant preserve of woodland species . Beth reported the difficulty of getting heavy maintenance work done by the over-burdened Streets and Facilities crews . She suggested we might look into the possibility of forming a small and committed "Friends of Six Mile Creek" to do the light maintenance that keeps the area lookinf cared for. But heavy tree and surface work would still have to be done by F&S. John took the Chair. Chuck reported slow progress on signage. The Board of Public Wgrks has received our Preservation resolutions ; they requested several changes including more information about our Committee . They also want the three Gorge uses prioritized - which we thought we had done . Dan will rewrite to state that water usehas highest priority but plant preservantio and passive recreation are supportive of that use and are compatible , as shown by how well a three have worked so well together over the last eight years . NEXT MEETING: Monday , August 10th , 5 o ' clock at VAN NATTA' S POND POND PARKING LOT. M72. An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" ti 4 • + `L � '�' lA��-ice .0 2 ImI._� MI ; ,!PoRATEO==_ CITY OF ITHACA 108 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 _ CIRCLE GREENWAY TELEPHONE: 272-1713 CODE 607 SIX MILE CREEK GORGE COMMITTEE : Minutes of August 9 , 1992 meeting . PRESENT: Richard Fischer, - John Johnson , Beth Mulholland , Guy Gerard , Chuck Baker , James Lister; Dennis Shimer. This meeting of the Six Mile Creek Gorge Committee was held at the Wildflower Preserve ; Beth presided until John arrived . We welcomed the attendance of Dennis Shimer, Director of the Water Division . Ranger Jim Lister reportrd that swimming has not been as much a problem as previous years due to cold and rainy weather ; still trespassing at the Sixty Foot Dam Reservoir; and beaver damage appears to be dimishing . Also , the Van Natta Pond bulletin board was ripped from its post but found at Van Natta ' s Dam and repaired and re-mounted by Chuck Baker and his staff. Beth reported a daily user of the Gorge paths complained about a resurgence of "crummy people" in the woods , Jim , to a certain extent , corroborated this by his own observations of har assment . The Gorge Resolution of use priorities has not been written , Beth will write one and present at next meeting . John arrived and presided for the rest of the meeting . We took a walk up the Wildflower Path to see beaver and other damage. It is unclear , within the present budget constraint , how much the City Forester ' s crews can maintain tree and surface work in the Gorge ; Chuck is willing to do some clearing on his own time brat cannot involve his meager staff . A°Friends of Six Mile Creek' volunteer group is a possibility for light maintenance; after consulting with Dan Schmoe , we could post a notice that Sunday mornings at 10 o ' clock will be a time to gather for such work , John abd Beth will coordinate . It was suggested that Guy get in touch with the DEC beaver authority for a fall session . Richard suggested calling Milo Richmond for more beaver information and Dan Otis will also be contacted . Members of the Committee - in no time at all - closed off a mountain bike path with logs and branches from a downed beaver tree at the first rocky place on the Wildflower Path . It was noted that this "An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" place is difficult and dangereous for walkers ; John will contact the City Forester to see how much time he can put into this , and other, projects already planned . John and Beth will complete Gorge Resolution and Committee By-laws revisions for next meeting . o NEXT MEETING: Monday, September 14th ate .o ' clock in the third floor conference room. AGENDA: Ranger Report "Friends of Six Mile Creek" ? By-laws Resolution on SMCG preservation Goals for ' 92 , are they being met? Budget for 1993 • T ~�•e e ,~1111 ftai. i1 Coq f4; 1'111\pOIRpTEO= � CITY OF ITHACA 1 08 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 TELEPHONE: 272-1713 CODE 607 SIX MILE CREEK GORGE COMMITTEE, Minutes of meeting , September 14 , 1992 . PRESENT : Richard Fischer, Charles Baker , William Dress . Beth Mulholland , Guy Gerard . In the absence of the Chair, Beth presided . The Gorge Ranger sent a list of August violations and will later send a letter of reccommendations . Swimming in the reservoirs was down because of cold and rainy weather. A question was raised about only 2 bike violations were noted for the whole month when we are constantly being told by Gorge users that bikes are a con- stant problem. A discussion of the possibilities of developing a small group of "Friends of Six Mile Creek" for light maintenance resulted in agreement to give it a try , Chuck is willing and Dan Schmoe willbe contacted ( He has since agreed ) . We will post an announcement on the Van Natta Pond bulletin board about work sessions on Sunday mornings at 10 o ' clock . There appears to be no new beaver dammage ; we will continue to monitor. We digressed a few moments for a conversation about the pleasures of reading Henry Thoreau . In order to fulfill our goal of public education we will explore the possibility of holding a Fall Color Day in the Gorge on Sunday , October 11th . It all depends on how much publicity the Journal will give ; Beth will call Kary Solomon . Richard offered fall photographs . The By-laws are completed and the Gorge Preservation Resolution amended and ready for the typist. It was noted that the Baker property appears to be on the market , a rough access road has been built . Is Dan Hoffman still the lead person for property acquisition? The Secretar NEXT MEETING, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1992, 5:00 P.M., THIRD FL OR CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL "An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" 4.); i the CITY OF ITHACA 1 OB EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 CIRCLE GREENWAY TELEPHONE: 272-1713 CODE 607 SIX MILE CREEK GORGE COMMITTEE, Minutes of meeying , 9 Nov . ' 92 . PRESENT : Bill Dress , Richard Fischer, Chuck Baker, Munna Rubaii , John Johnson , Dan Hoffman , Dennis Shimmer , Guy Gerard , Beth Mulholland . John Johnson presided . The minutes of the October meeting were approved . A question was raised about who is the present lead person for acquisition of protective land along the rim of Six Mile Creek Gorge . John will discuss the question with Dan . Appraisals of both high-priority properties are imminent . Chuck noted that use of this land for alienation would make it a ' park ' , which would conflict with water regulations . It was noted that we have not submitted a budget for 1993. Chuck reported that many new "NO BIKES" signs have been van- dalized , especially along the south Hill side . He passed out charts of Gorge rules violations based on the Ranger ' s report . A question was raised about the curious lack of biker sightings . Bikers have made requests for better parking facilities . To better controll Gorge usage the idea of a sign-in arrangement was discussed ; it was decided this would be impractical . Our Resolution about Gorge preservation has gone to the Board of Public Works . The beaver problem was again hotly discussed , especially in light of Mr. Roger Minor ' s ( DEC ) observations on a trip up the Gorgb with interested persons . The question now before the BPW is wether the deletion of beavers should be a Board policy or a Department administrative directive. NEXT MEETING: DECEMBER 15, 1992, 5:00 PM, THIRD FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM AGENDA: Beaver. City Forester , Report on 30 Foot dam. An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" ce,,, Iln,r17—rTn-1 CITY OF ITHACA 1 OB EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 CIRCLE GREENWAY TELEPHONE: 272-1713 CODE 607 SIX MILE CREEK GORGE COMMITTEE : Minutes of meeting , December 15, ' 92 . PRESENT: John Johnson , Richard Fischer , Elizabeth Mulholland , Guy Gerard , Guest Betsy Darlington . John Johnson presided . Betsy Darlington from the Conservation Advisory Commission , described her receipt of many telephone calls and conservations all of which supported the retention of beaver in Six Mile Creek Gorge. Much discussion followed but no new information . With so few mem- bers present there seemed to be a reluctance to have a vote although it was evident that some members were changing their position to ' save the beaver ' . Beth proposed a compromised : the beaver would remain on the condition that the Department of Public Works would start a chedi led (every two weeks , for instance ) walk up the Gorge to monitor and r eport any increasing beaver damage. This compromise was agreed to. It was noted that Committee volunteers should assist in this monitoring . This compromise will be sent to the Board of Public Works . The Committee will also request quicker Forester response to reports of trees downed over the main path . ` / / NEXT MEETING : Monday , January 11th at 5 o ' clock in the third floor conference room. AGENDA I. B.P.W. Plans for the Beavers II. Six Mile Creek Resolution III. Committee Reports IV. Annual Report V. Review of 1992 VI. Plans for 1993 An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program"