Attending: Michael Bartmess, Carol Beckman, Eric Billmeyer, Mary Burger, Steve Jennings, Ed Lynch.  Guests: Bob Bunch, Mike Cotter, Barry Dolan, Spencer Johnston.

Meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m.

Minutes from the previous meeting were approved.

Board Discussion:

The operating plan was submitted.  Forest Service has the copies they want.  It has all the required signatures.  Steve received passes to Pikes Peak Highway from Jack, about forty.  Steve will ask about obtaining more when we use the forty. 

Mary mentioned a concept she’s had.  She’s working on Saint Mary’s Falls design work.  She wonders about sending an invitation for May to accompany her to help plan the work.  She’s thinking of Mondays because she’s free.  The first project is May 23.  Monday, May 4, 11, and 18 are before that.  Michael asked about posting it on the website.  Mary would also specifically like to invite people and know how many people are coming.  John Murphy would be a good person to invite, also.  Mary wants the days just to plan, not to carry tools and work.  Mary will send date and description to Michael to e-mail and post.  Mary believes she has enough work for the year. 

Eric B. reported on the Pikes Peak Corps.  They’ll work three weeks with RMFI and eight days with FOTP on Barr Trail.  They can work above the spur.  Eric is pleased with the response and the applicants.  22 people have applied so far.  It bodes well for next year, also.  Age is 16 and up, leaning toward students who have not graduated.  Students who finish receive $1200.  If they continue, they qualify for an Americorps scholarship of $1000, if they do 96 more hours of work, with RMFI or FOTP.  It was in the Gazette.  South Platte Ranger District is interested.  They finished the travel management plan.  Wild Connections is interested in working on road closures and rehabilitation.  They might work with RMFI next year.  The Pikes Peak youth corps also includes an educational component.  FOTP might be able to obtain grant money for work on the trails on Pikes Peak .  The data on Barr Trail could help obtain state trails grant money.  Frank needs to be included in the discussions.  Pikes Peak Corps will camp overnight June 23 to 25 with Steve.  He returns June 21 and leaves again June 28.  Logistics still need to be worked out.  The crew will camp June 22 and come out June 25.  They’ll work June 29 to July 2.  Volunteers are welcome. 

Michael received a letter from Lexis-Nexis about their Earth Day.  Michael told them he will attend.  He needs to get the materials from Mary.  He’d like to see the display board updated.  He’s thinking of ways to make to more portable.  We usually use it two or three times a year.  Eric S.’s brochures for Ring the Peak would be a good addition for a new poster.  We don’t know how things stand on offering the brochures.  Eric can overlay he information on USGS maps.  FOTP used to have brochures describing what FOTP does.  Michael will assemble a brochure and e-mail it around.  Steve will look for a copy of the old brochure.  Michael suggested that a brochure with something useful, for example, a map on the back, people will keep it.  April 28 is the Lexis-Nexis day. 

Michael explored sites with event calendars, looking in Colorado , especially Denver and Colorado Springs .  He posted events on the Gazette site.  He also worked with Peak Radar, although their emphasis is on art events, plus some sports events.  Pikes-Peak.com seems to be a pay for use for commercial items.  Another had an industry partner.  He also found YourHub and posted events there.  He found volunteermatch.org.  KRCC might also be a possible media for announcements.  Mike C. offered to check into that since it has date rules.  Eric requested e-mailing Liz at RMFI for who they use.  The Gazette YourHub/MyHub might be a possibility.  Steve could send something to the Gazette for that. 

The work days are up on the website.  Michael has not seen any sign ups yet.  Steve has not either.

Spencer came to talk about Barr Trail.  It might be the most used trails in Colorado .  It needs more maintenance.  Barr Camp counts people visiting Barr Camp.  25,000 people visit annually.  The caretakers tally visitors.  The Incline users add to that number.  Spencer photographed problem spots on the trail from the top of the Incline.  He passed the photos around.  The social trails cause damage.  The fence on the trail has broken rails and weak spots.  At the bottom of the trailhead is a donation box.  The sign is damaged.  A better sign would probably increase donations.  Frank said Manitou Springs is thinking of putting in a new sign.  Painting the donation box should be easy.  Marc offered to help with a chain saw to block off social trails.  Steve talked to Frank about some of the issues.  Closing social trails is allowable.  Sue has the sign boards for informational signs.  Mary can drive it up.  Bob measured off some of the bottom trail.  Spencer and Bob have installed steps.  The man who used to maintain the railing is now busy.  Two other men charge $18 per hour plus 30%.  The Incline Club is often willing to help carry railings.  Fort Carson adds to the use.  Contacting the right person should get the word to the soldiers.  Michael will try to find a contact at Fort Carson .  Railroad ties are working well for steps.  Ed has a contact that might be able to get railroad ties.  The Cog replaces ties annually, and might be a source.  Another need is crew leaders.  Education is key.  Bicycle traffic on Elk Park Knoll trail is heavy.  For auditing purposes, having two people handle money is best.  Spencer would like to take the OSI training.  It’s a $50 fee.  FOTP will reimburse it.  Spencer and Bob will report hours for the annual report to the Forest Service.  Mary will e-mail the waiver form to Bob.  Another trail dog is active around Barr Camp, the sections below.  He works with a friend.  Spencer suggested having a sign and asking for sign ups.  Mary suggested an 8.5x11 laminated piece of paper on a pole to stick into the cone.  Mary offered to make it up.  Spencer has sunscreen to hand out.  Michael can make cards.  The parking lot belongs to Manitou Springs.  Rustoleum can be used to paint the tube.  Steve gave Spencer the key to the road. 

Bob mentioned that stabilizing the trail will take many steps.  He doesn’t see another way to stabilize it. 

Meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.