Westwoods Trails Meeting
November 17, 2003
Guilford Community Center
Chair: Paul Proulx.
Meeting began: 7:30 PM
Attendance: (11 people) Bob Handschumacher , Peter Johnson, Susan Kukle, Joe Ortoleva, Paul Proulx, George Richerson, Mary Richerson, Matt Richerson, Kevin Smith, Simon Stewart, & Audrey Teofilo.

Approval/corrections of minutes: Minutes from Oct 20 should be corrected to "Karen Owen-Buckley" instead of "Susan Kukle" for the C Team leader.

Resignations/New Members/Members news: Bill Blaha has resigned from WWTC after many years of dedicated service. Bill's letter was submitted to Paul.

GLTC Report:
Land near West Lake property was reviewed by Susan Kukle with the GLCT. It might be acquired by GLCT in the near future.
-The GLCT held a successful fall walk where approx 20 people attended.
-GLCT is intending to create its own website sometime soon.
-GLCT reports somebody is dumping at the Nut Plains Park entrance. CT Forest and Park: Paul announced that the CFPA recently awarded to the GLCT a "2003 Trails Award" for "Outstanding Organization in Connecticut". Paul displayed the plaque. The placement of the plaque is yet to be determined. Susan Kukle will look into getting publicity about our new award. FYI…Paul located a 1972 "Merit Award" given to WWTC by the Recreation Park Association.

Trail Reports
Westwoods: Paul reports a lot of blow downs recently. One big blow down on White Circle Trail near power lines. Please report any blow downs to Paul for cutting.
-Team A: (12 hrs) Yellow Circle Trail - Bob Handschumacher recently held a work party (see below).
-Team B: (15 hrs) Orange Circle Trail. Cut down 82 trees since last meeting. Approx ½ done with last section of Orange Circle Trail. Assisted by Paul Proulx, Kevin Smith, Peter Johnson, & Ellsworth Mathiar. Work to be continued.
-Team C: (16 hrs) Red Diamond Trail was recently cleared by a work party. Matt & Mary Richerson have blazed the Red Diamond Trail. Audrey Teofilo reports she checked Red Triangle to power lines. The condition is muddy and several places have overgrown brush that needs to be cut back.
Nut Plains: Kevin Smith to check out dumping situation. He will also do inventory of signs and bridges.
Paul Trail: Peter Johnson commented that the trail rarely gets used.
Kampmeyer: Susan Kukle reports the bridges need assistance.
Eastwoods: Paul reports that it is good shape. GLCT held a walk at Eastwoods recently.
Hoadly Creek: No report
Spencer Creek: No report.

Past Work Parties:
-Red Diamond Trail clean up was held on Nov. 2. In attendance were Richard Judson and his wife and daughter, Paul Proulx, Peter Johnson and Mary Richerson.
-Rerouting of Yellow Circle Trail was held on Saturday, Nov. 8. Blocked old portion and rerouted it. Painted gray color over old yellow marks. Bob Handschumacher may put up a "Caution: Cliffs" sign in the future. Reblazing needs to be done in future (Dec. 6). In attendance were Bob Handschumacher, Fred Richards and Paul Proulx.

Future Work Parties:
-Rerouting of Yellow Circle Trail Part II: Dec. 6, 10:00 a.m., meeting at Moose Hill Road (Green Rectangle) to finish work done on Nov. 8. See Bob Handschumacher.
-Every Sunday at 10:00 a.m., Paul Proulx has a small work party for cutting trees. Everyone is welcome. If interested, call Paul.

Old Business:
-Tree removal update - See all above notes. Paul does cutting every Sunday. The DEP has given us more signs regarding hunting for entrances. Many signs have been stolen in the past. Bob Handschumacher will install signs.
-Analyze Trail Design - Shelly Green not present at meeting. No update.
-Web Site - One webmaster is needed, not yet determined who that will fill that role. Paul has old WWTC articles (from Fred Richards) which has good history information about West Woods. A calendar page for upcoming events is desirable. 5 e-mail addresses come free with domain name. The e-mail addresses might be useful for reporting blow downs. Website will soon move from www.guilfordct.com/westwoods and be transferred to www.westwoodstrails.org. Handschumacher suggested posting time elapse photography to show different stages of new growth.

New Business:
-Peter Jensen visit - Peter is a national trails designer. Thursday and Friday he walked Westwoods & Eastwoods trails. He walked blue rectangle and green rectangle to Branford Quarry, with Paul Proulx. Susan Kukle had met with him also. He discussed possible new land near Madison border. He gave a public lecture in Madison.
-Nominating Committee - Sandy Porter will report at next meeting. Bill Blaha was Vice Chairman, so that position will have to be filled. Paul Proulx announced his desire to continue 3 more years as chairman.

Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 8:55pm.
Recording Secretary: Joe Ortoleva