PUBLICITY: Judi B. reported on all the publicity that we know of (to date), including an AP wire that went statewide. Some newspapers printed our 2 page Press Release, and others, like the Albany Times Union and the Lake Placid News interviewed several people and published a customized article. The Hamilton County News gave us front-page (top article) coverage. The New York Mountain Biking Coalition (NYMBC) and the Town of Wilmington included info in their monthly newsletters.

SIGNAGE/USER EDUCATION MATERIALS: Tom Martin was asked to plan 10-20 min. presentation on signage at the next Steering Committee Meeting: e.g., should we have a Œtemplate¹ of an ideal trailhead sign to include a bicycle symbol, what regulations are in place re. signs, sign sources, costs, and kiosks.

TRAILS COMMITTEE : Paul Capone agreed to be Chair, with Joe Moore as co-chairman.

AATV (Association of Adirondack Towns and Villages) Surveys: Eleven (11) have been returned; three (3) are very comprehensive. (Wilmington, Inlet and Long Lake). Lee & Judi to email George Canon and Jean Olsen to thank them for their outstanding support of the Initiative.

Tourism "Corridor Management Plans" Terri M. and Ron O. explained this planning effort, which is backed by Federal money (TEA 21). Corridor planning is currently underway with the involvement of ANCA staff on the following:

With plans in place, Federal funding (TEA 21) is available for trailheads, signage, parking, kiosks, etc. as they relate to recreational sports tourism along the Corridors.

Web Site: www.bikeadirondacks.com The Steering Committee agreed to support Tim Holmes¹ new web site, which will include our MTB Initiative. He expects it will be up during the 1st week of February. Terry M. and Ron O. will find the $1,000. needed to help fund it for the 1st year. Many thanks to both! (and to Tim!)

Local Government Day: 3/21 & 3/22 Terry M. will represent the MTB Initiative at the 3/22 Workshop. Lee to notify George Canon.

IMBA Trail Care Crew: Rich and Jen Edwards of IMBA will be in the Adirondack Park with us from August 3rd to 6th. Tentatively, August 3rd & 4th in Hamilton County (Inlet, etc.) and August 5th & 6th in Essex County (Wilmington, etc.). Everyone should note these days and plan on attending a one-day Trail Building School at the location nearest you.

Look for more information and pictures at www.IMBA.com, including a picture of the Edwards!

Eastern US/Canadian Wild Area Cooperative Our guest, David Gillespie introduced to us the US-Canadian Cooperative whose objective is "to establish an international cooperative that addresses the needs of both the managers and users of the Eastern Wild Areas…involved in non-motorized outdoor recreational activities". It is expected that DEC and APA staff persons will attend the April 18-19, 2001 meeting.

Wilmington Mountain Biking Center Rob E. and Tim T. distributed a 1-page report on progress to date. Five sites have been located as possible multi-use trail networks (three on State Wild Forest, one on Town land and one privately owned property.) They have provided the information to the DEC for inclusion into the UMP process. Rob E. reports that he skied or snowshoed several of the trails and felt they were as good a network as any he has seen in the USA! Wilmington will be appointing a Town resident as MTB Coordinator.

Drainage/Erosion Control Tim T. introduced a concept he used in Stowe, VT in which they used pressure treated wood and used auto tires, halved and buried, to control erosion of MTB trails. Steve E. to investigate whether this measure could be used on trails on NYS lands.

Comprehensive Snowmobile Plan Karyn R. provided the APMB Initiative with a 2 page BRIEFING DOCUMENT that included a draft vision statement, goals and proposed planning process. She suggested that this might be a good model for our Initiative to follow, i.e. develop a comprehensive MTB Plan with a balance in usage by different groups (multi-purpose trails). Copy attached.

UMP Process: Tom M. and Karyn R. led this discussion.

NEXT STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING:
Monday, Feb. 26th, 2001, 9:30 AM
At ANCA, 20 St Bernard St., Saranac Lake, NY
Coffee and Terry¹s muffins will be ready at 9:15 AM!
Please plan to be there on time as we will start at 9:30 AM.

Respectfully submitted,
Judi Borland