HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-SMC-1997-09-08 Six MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
September 8, 1997
Committee Present: Elizabeth Mulholland, Dan Hoffman (Chair), Nancy Ramage (left early), Jack
Booker, Rick Gray, Peter Fortunato. Ex Officio member: Robert Drabicki (Gorge Ranger).
Committee Absent: Dick Fischer, Mary Gutenberger, Marjorie Olds. Ex Officio members, Chuck
Baker, Larry Fabbroni, Andy Hillman, Thys Van Cort.
1. The meeting began late, at 5:45 pm because a quorum was not reached until then. Dan pointed
out the importance of not notifying him in advance if you are not able to attend the meeting. The
Agenda was reviewed and revised in accordance with the absence of some Committee members.
l.a. While Committee members waited for a quorum, Bob Drabicki gave an informal report on some
recent events. The good news is that not many mountain bikers have been riding off-trail. In Bob's
estimation, this summer has not been a particularly rowdy one. Bob will work until the funding for his
position runs out in the coming weeks.
2. Minutes of 8/11/97 meeting were approved with one correction: On page 3 of the minutes of
8/11/97, Beth clarified her comment on the Cayuga Bird Club, saying that she meant they should be
informed about the establishment of the Natural Areas Commission.
3. Reports: Beth reported that the Greenway Coalition is sending us notices of their quarterly
meetings. Rick and Beth will attend their next meeting. Dan said the Town of Ithaca will resume
consideration of the draft Open Space Plan with the scheduling of formal public hearings this Fall. The
City Forester was not present, and did not submit a report to the Committee. Beth reported that the
slope above the lower reservoir (the area that was regraded after a landslide) now has a thick cover of
wildflowers, including Queen Anne's Lace. "The best sign of all that Nature is restoring the area is
that there are so many seedlings of white poplar, acacia and black locust, which grow very fast," she
said. These trees are all natural to the gorge and they also provide good bird cover.
4. DOGS! Peter gave an overview of problems that have been growing recently, primarily as a
consequence of the number of people walking dogs twice a day, both in the Van Natta's Dam area and
on the South Hill Recreation Way. Loose dogs charging or intimidating innocent persons and the
amount of dog manure in certain areas are the most egregious problems. Beth pointed out, "It's not a
dog problem, it's a people problem." She said that several years ago there was signage posted that said
the City and Town leash laws would be enforced. Evidently, this approach captured people's attention,
and Committee members urged that it be tried once again. To wit: Bob said he would be willing to
post a sign for dog owners on the bulletin board at Van Natta's that reminds them of City and Town
dog ordinances and the behavior expected in the Six Mile Creek Gorge area. He also offered to leaflet
dog owners with such a reminder. The Committee heartily endorsed such actions on his part. Dan
said the most cost effective way to approach the problem is first to appeal to "good citizens," informing
them of the existence of problems that are a result of the sheer number of dogs. Rick pointed out that
dog owners talk to one another, so that the possibility of strictly enforcing leash laws would soon be
known to that group of Gorge users. Peter volunteered to write to the Cornell Sun and the Ithacan
informing students about appropriate behavior in Six Mile Creek Gorge.
5. Land Protection update: Doug Foster is on vacation and Dan had no news from him. Dan did say
that the new owner of the former Guthrie and Raponi properties has no plans for a second driveway.
Nancy is currently drafting a letter to the buyers that encourages them to provide for permanent
protection of the adjacent Rec Way (from a second driveway). Regarding the Sincebaugh parcel, Dan
said the Finger Lakes Land Trust sent a letter to John Sincebaugh (c/o a post office box) but received
no response. He asked if anyone knows John Sincebaugh or where he actually lives.
SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Minutes, 9/8/97 Page 2
6. Other updates on projects in the Natural Area Since Andy and Marjorie were absent, Peter
volunteered to contact them regarding the projects they were monitoring (Andy- repair of lower trail,
restoration of pipeline repair area; Marjorie - bike control measures along Rec Way). Rick Gray does
not yet have an update from Public Works (on pedestrian bridge project and pipeline area restoration).
The meeting adjourned at 6:20 pm. Next meeting is scheduled for 10/20/97 (3rd Monday) -- note this
takes into account the 10/13/97 holiday.
Minutes submitted by Peter Fortunato