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Meeting Agendas & Notes
Academic Year 2018-2019
October 10
September 12, 2018 - CANCELLED
North Campus Subcommittee meeting
September 12, 2018
at noon
August 8, 2018 - CANCELLED
July 11, 2018 - CANCELLED
Academic Year 2017-2018
June 13, 2018 - CANCELLED
May 9, 2018 - CANCELLED
April 11, 2018 - CANCELLED
March 14, 2018
February 14, 2018 - CANCELLED
January 10, 2018 - CANCELLED
December 13, 2017 - CANCELLED
November 8, 2017 - CANCELLED
October 11, 2017 - CANCELLED
September 13, 2017
September 12, 2017 North Campus Subcommittee Meeting
11 a.m. in the Facilities Services Conference room (122)
Committee Members: Mark Oldmixon (chair), Alan Tonne, Nick Crawford, Dan Callahan, David Fee, Ken Tape, Kellie Fritze, Kara Axx (ex of), Jason Garron (ex of),
Approval of Minutes
Agenda - Changes / approval
Manager's Report
Public Comment – 3 minutes
New Business
- Parking
- Road conditions
- Yankovic
Second Public Comment – 3 minutes
Next Meeting Date:
October 11, 2017
August 9, 2017 - CANCELLED
Meeting starts at noon.
July 12, 2017 - CANCELLED
Academic Year 2016-2017
June 14, 2017 - CANCELLED
May 10, 2017 - CANCELLED
April 12, 2017 - CANCELLED
March 8, 2017 - CANCELLED
Meeting is cancelled
February 8, 2017
Meeting Agenda
February 8, 2017 North Campus Subcommittee Meeting
12 Noon in the Facilities Services Conference room (122)
Committee Members Mark Oldmixon (chair), Alan Tonne, Nick Crawford, Dan Callahan, David Fee, Ken Tape, Martin Klein, Kara Axx (ex of), Jason Garron (ex of),
Approval of Minutes
Agenda - Changes / approval
Manager's Report
Public Comment – 3 minutes
New Business
- Tee Boxes for Disc Golf (Cam Chase)
Second Public Comment – 3 minutes
Next Meeting Date:
- March 8, 2017
Meeting Notes
February 8, 2017 North Campus Subcommittee Meeting
12 Noon in the Facilities Services Conference room (122)
Committee Members: Mark Oldmixon (chair), Alan Tonne, David Fee, Ken Tape, Martin Klein, Kara Axx (ex of),
Absent: Nick Crawford, Jason Garron, Dan Callahan,
Approval of Minutes – Add Pam Groves to minutes
Agenda - Changes / approval
Manager's Report
- Kara interviewing for student assistant position
- Birch Sap collecting research project approved
- Jason working hard, but help is on the way
Public Comment – 3 minutes
Stan Justive:
- Ski-A-Thon – March 13 – Arboretum trail requested – Requesting snowshoers to pack trail
- Would like a back-up machine
Cameron Chase:
- Disc Golf rep
- Proposing tee pads, FDGA funded and installed,
- Include clearing
- Do get complaints
- Cameron to work with Kara on specs and details of proposal.
New Business
- Tee Boxes for Disc Golf (Cam Chase)
Second Public Comment – 3 minutes
Next Meeting Date:
- March 8, 2017
January 11, 2017 - CANCELLED
December 14, 2016
Meeting Agenda
December 14, 2016 North Campus Subcommittee Meeting
12 Noon in the Nanook Lounge, Patty Center
Download PDF of Meeting Agenda
Committee Members: Mark Oldmixon (chair), Alan Tonne, Nick Crawford, Dan Callahan, David Fee, Ken Tape, Martin Klein, Kara Axx (ex of), Jason Garron (ex of),
Approval of Minutes
Agenda - Changes / approval
Manager's Report
Public Comment – 3 minutes
New Business
- Draft Motion for possible DOT project in NC
Second Public Comment – 3 minutes
Next Meeting Date:
● January 11, 2017
Meeting Minutes
December 14, 2016 North Campus Subcommittee Meeting Minutes
12 Noon in the Nanook Lounge, Patty Center
Download a PDF version of the minutes
Committee Members: Present Mark Oldmixon (chair), Nick Crawford, Dan Callahan, Ken Tape, Martin Klein, Kara Axx (ex of),
Absent: David Fee, Alan Tonne and Jason Garron (ExOff)
Approval of Minutes
Agenda - Approved
Manager's Report
Working with Nathan Belz to update NC maps…will be a spring project, new maps will be ready for next season
- Recommendations?
- As a part of the process GIS database will be cleaned up…making Kara and Jason project next spring/summer of marking all research sites easier.
Public Comment –
New Business
NCS encourages DOT to continue the bike path along Yankovich and opposes continuation the bike path along the UAF North property line. Motioned By Dan and Seconded by Ken. Unanimous.
Second Public Comment – 3 minutes
Next Meeting Date:
● January 11, 2017
November 9, 2016
Meeting Agenda
North Campus Subcommittee Meeting
November 9, 2016
12 Noon in the Facilities Services Conference Room (rm 122)
Download a copy of the agenda
Committee Members: Mark Oldmixon (chair), Alan Tonne, Nick Crawford, Dan Callahan, David Fee, Ken Tape, Martin Klein, Kara Axx (ex of), Jason Garron (ex of),
Approval of Minutes
Agenda - Changes / approval
Manager's Report
Public Comment – 3 minutes
New Business
- Possible new DOT project in NC
Second Public Comment – 3 minutes
Next Meeting Date:
● December 14, 2016
Meeting Minutes
November 9, 2016 North Campus Subcommittee Meeting
12 Noon in the Facilities Services Conference Room (rm 122)
Download PDF of Meeting Minutes
Committee Members: Mark Oldmixon (chair), Alan Tonne, Martin Klein, Kara Axx (ex of), Jason Garron (ex of), Nick Crawford
Absent: Dan Callahan, David Fee, Ken Tape,
Approval of Minutes - Approved
Agenda - Approval
Manager's Report
- Trail installed to Smith Lake
- Machines out of the shop
Public Comment – 3 minutes
- Stan has money left over, willing to buy a sled
New Business
- Possible new DOT project in NC
- Map sent to members, some attended a walk
- 3-6 Months to get Public Comment
- No impact to CIGO
- Committee is not excited about the possible scale of this project. Interested in finding compromise between a Federal standard bike path and a quaint trail in the woods. Could UAF pay for the trail to avoid a DOT path?
- Kara and Jenny making a Pro/Con list
- Plug from Nick for the March for Skiing
Next Meeting Date:
● December 14, 2016
October 12, 2016 - CANCELLED
September 14, 2016
Meeting Agenda
North Campus Subcommittee Meeting
September 14, 2016 - 12 Noon
In the Facilities Services Conference Room (rm 122)
Committee Members Mark Oldmixon (chair), Alan Tonne, Nick Crawford, Dan Callahan, David Fee, Ken Tape, Martin Klein, Kara Axx (ex of), Jason Garron (ex of),
Approval of Minutes
Agenda - Changes / approval
Manager's Report
Public Comment – 3 minutes
New Business
Second Public Comment – 3 minutes
Next Meeting Date:
● October 12, 2016
Meeting Minutes
North Campus Minutes
September 14, 2016
Download a copy of the minutes
Attendees: Nick, Mark, Ken, Kara
Public: Stan Justice
Manager Report:
- All committee members renewed, thanks everyone.
- Smith Lake Connector will be constructed in winter 2016/2017 as soon as ground frozen enough to drive on with equipment. Jason and I met with DDC and decided that using contractor would be to our benefit. Contractor says they can complete the work in 1-2 days.
- Jason and I will be working to update GIS and all research projects locations compete with metadata, probably starting in the spring to avoid adding traffic trails to areas that shouldn't be disturbed.
- Summer Trail Maintenance – from Jason
- Clearing trails and removing deadfall from last year's heavy snowstorms. Over 100 trees came down next to or over the trails.
- Clearing drainages.
- Fixing signs and map displays
- Working on blocking off areas where atvs have been or could be accessing.
- Standard mowing etc.
- Eco Dump FYI…fence installed around compost pile.
- Quick update about MPC…requesting permission to put off the Master Plan 5-7 year update…budget and strategic pathways.
New Business: None
August 10, 2016 - CANCELLED
July 13, 2016 - CANCELLED
Academic Year 2015-2016
June 8, 2016 - CANCELLED
May 11, 2016 - CANCELLED
April 13, 2016
Meeting minutes
North Campus Minutes – April 13
Attendees: Nick, Dan, Alan, Kara, Student design group, Mary Pagel
Public: none
Manager Report: None, moved into student presentation.
New Business:
Student engineers presented their findings for the Smith Lake Access trail. The decided to go with the longer trail option from original proposal. Quarter acre permanent loss and one-tenth acre temporary loss. With this Army Corp Engineer willing to waive mitigation cost. They are okay with mulching of 65 cubic yards of material. The trail would 15' width per Stan's suggestion for classic and skate. Should be noted the group did not meet with Jason. They believe they worked through the safety concerns. Jason and Kara will need sign the area appropriately.
Dan – How many trees will be cut? 2 large birch at intersection, 3 spruce, 5 spruce at entrance to lake
Motion: Crawford, Tonne 2nd NCS recommends MPC approve Smith Lake Access Trail as designed by student engineer firm – Colles and Assoc. Design Firm. Passed: Unanimous.
Meeting agenda
North Campus Subcommittee Meeting
April 13, 2016
12 Noon in the Facilities Services Conference Room (rm 122)
Committee Members: Mark Oldmixon (chair), Alan Tonne, Nick Crawford, Dan Callahan, David Fee, Ken Tape, Martin Klein, Kara Axx (ex of), Jason Garron (ex of),
Approval of Minutes
Agenda - Changes / approval
Manager's Report
Public Comment – 3 minutes
New Business
- Smith Lake Access
- Project Presentation, Colles and Associates Design Firm
Second Public Comment – 3 minutes
Next Meeting Date:
May 11, 2016
March 9, 2016
Meeting minutes
North Campus Subcommittee - March 9
Attendees: Martin, Dan, Kara, Mark,
Public: Stan, Lokken
Agenda and Minutes approved
Manager report:
Kara reports a great ski season despite little snow. Shepra is in the shop and taking longer due to foreign part orders. Events calendar for North Campus online. New bike path being used heavily. State funding for second half of bike path has been pulled, FMATS looking to Federal funding. A few options exist, some impact UAF trails.
Army Corp wants to see trail plan before the decide upon mitigations. UAF engineering students are working with Army Corp to get design planned.
Compost pile located on the Eco-dump was brought to attention of UAF campus, including Facilities. Mark said the events of the Eco Dump are not run through NCS and should be. Kara treats the Eco Dump as a special management area, like CIGO, Dear yard, rifle, etc. MPC would need to clarify if NCS wants to be more involved. Stan's opinion that Special Management areas should receive more attention by NCS, than general areas. Stan quotes the North Campus plan as saying Facilities needs MPC approval for major changes. Dan requests us to look into the area and Stan's concerns about our responsibility.
Public Comment:
- Support for good connections to Smith Lake.
- Stan wants the work to be done in the Spring, thinks the Fall work won't happen well.
- Kara wants the student engineers to review the whole project to make certain we are making the best choice.
Discussion moved to history of whole project. Shuffle lane, versus groomed, versus skate lane. Discussion circled around how fast we can legally do the project with regards to permits from Army Corp.
Not enough committee support to charge ahead of student engineer proposals. No action taken.
Meeting agenda
North Campus Subcommittee Meeting
March 9, 2016
1 2 Noon in the Facilities Services Conference Room (rm 122)
Committee Members Mark Oldmixon (chair), Alan Tonne, Nick Crawford, Dan Callahan, David Fee, Ken Tape, Martin Klein, Kara Axx (ex of), Jason Garron (ex of),
Approval of Minutes
Agenda - Changes / approval
Manager's Report
Public Comment – 3 minutes
New Business
- Smith Lake Access
Second Public Comment – 3 minutes
Next Meeting Date:
- April 13, 2016
February 10, 2016
Meeting agenda
Nice weather and trails call for a ski meeting.
Meeting place: Ski hut
Time: 12 p.m. (noon)
No official NCS business will take place, but we might inspect the area around Smith Lake or any other areas the committee would like to.
December 9, 2015
Minutes from Dec 9, 2015
In attendance: Mark Oldmixon, Kara Axx (Ex-off), Dan Callahan, Nick Crawford, Jason Garron (Ex-off), Martin Klein, David Fee, Ken Tape Absent: Alan Tonne Guests: Stan Justice
Minutes: Stan wanted to make a correction to clarify a mis-understanding in September minutes. The 2004 North Campus plan showed a map Arboretum Plan as ungroomed classic trails. The 1960's plan cited in the minutes referred to the Arboretum plan. The 2004 plan designated the Arboretum as "ungroomed classic."
Mangers Report: Kara updates that the contractor put back bollards they removed for bike path. A few cars got onto trails (one of Skarland and one on Butro). Lakes are impacted by overflow/warm temps. Disc golf covers seem to be working.
Public Comment: Stan says the walking trail out of Ballaine Lake parking lot is working. He suggests it be graded for plowing since it isn't groomed.
New Business:
Smith Lake Access – Brought forward by Trails Club and highlighted by public support. The area is a gem in Fairbanks. How can access be improved? Drop-offs? Single classic trail isn't intuitive. Great area for beginners, but not when access from the Ski Hut.
Nick asked about standing water. An Army Corp permit would be needed.
Dan is find with current trail conditions, but would support better signage.
Stan mentioned that the NCS Plan requests a Smith Lake Access improvement.
Jason and Martin wonder is Smith Lake has a designation?
General support for improved signage. Skate width lane would be welcome if easy. Nick not concerned about conflicts on Whizzy. Bank needs to addressed, but can't be done without a permit.
Stan: Trails club would prefer skate lane size and would pay for it.
Wetland permits need to be explored. The cost of the whole project needs to be explored.
Kara and Stan to work with DDC regarding permit/project procedures. Not a motion.
Martin brought to attention that we have also added a loop connection.
Motion: Improve two-way traffic signage at Big Whizzy Smith Lake connector.
Just brought it to the committee's attention that a powerline may be moved south of the new bike path along Yankovich. Much research is needed on this.
November 11, 2015 - CANCELLED
October 14, 2015 - CANCELLED
September 9, 2015
Minutes from September 9, 2015
In attendance: Mark Oldmixon, Kara Axx (Ex-off), Ken Tape, Martin Klein, Dan Callahan, Nick Crawford, Jason Garron (Ex-off)
Absent: David Fee Alan Tonne
Guests: none
Minutes approved from August
Mangers Report
DOT working on transitions from trails to bike path. The flooded trail is awaiting to lower water or they may pump up. When site is released, FS will patch work as needed and install new barriers between path and NC.
Alumni Association supported development of the Himalaya trail.
Public Comment: None
New Business:
UAF Trails Club is an official UAF Student Org. They annually produce a list of priorities to improve the trails. They are frustrated to not make the agenda on a regular basis. Mark offered to put the top 3 items on the agenda and have action finalized.
- Ballaine Lake walking trail.
Trails club proposes new walking trial from Ballaine Lake parking lot that leaves from the same trailhead as skiers. Trails club claims that the existing walking trail (that leaves from a different location) doesn't get used enough. Due to the non-obvious start of the walking trail, many people end up walking on the ski trail as they head to the range road. Dan and Kara, believes additional signage for the existing walking trail, year-round, would educate the users. At this time NCS doesn't want to cut a new trail. Jason will do additional signage and make the existing trail "official." We will give a year and review.
"NCS moves to make the existing walking trail official and install permanent signage year-round for the period of one year and then review." Motion by Mark and seconded by Dan. Passed unanimously (5-0).
- Grooming the arboretum
UAF Trails club requests that the arboretum to be groomed year-round with tracks (except on steep hills).
- The plan for 1960's calls for the area to be "unmaintained."
- 2 years ago NCS approved the area to be groomed for the Trails Club "Ski-a-thon" event. The tracks would then be "killed" after the event. Jason rolls the trails as a low-priority item in order to have the area ready for tracks in March. This motion has been executed for two winters/races.
- Kara has received feedback that the tracks are liked.
- The trail is designated as "unmaintained trail," the use is not designated or restricted. It is not advertised as a bike trail, but technically not restricted.
- Martin is concerned about the change in culture if we go further and groom it regularly.
- Trails club believes if people want ungroomed trails they can go anywhere in Alaska, Birch and UAF are the only manicured trails. Jason doesn't believe students have that opportunity as easily accessible.
- Trail designation needs to be identified.
- Nick is supportive of grooming or at least packing. Jason wants to reduce regulation in that area. The area is used by a wide variety of users, not just skiers.
- Kara, Jason, and Dan are concerned with the ripple effect of grooming the trails. Will it lead to skate lanes and then separated walking trails. Jason would need cut 20 trees if grooming was going to be regular.
- Nick argues that they are maintained, despite what is dragged. Nick believes if we are already running the snow machines in the area, might as well drag it.
- Dan says the online comments are not requesting it, don't change. Dan supports the existing policy.
- Jason is concerned about additional man power required to maintain the additional mileage.
- Nick still concerned about the "packed maintained." Nick wants all or nothing.
- Martin concerned setting a track will add conflicts.
- Conversation turned towards perhaps the ski-a-thon should not be out there in the first place. Martin doesn't see the historical value of running the ski-a-thon through there.
NCS moves that the area stays unmaintained and will only be packed to prepare for the ski-a-thon as resources allow. Motion by Dan, Seconded by Ken. Passed unanimously (5-0).
Time running short: we briefly discussed making a skate lane to Smith Lake. Should Big Whizzy be two-way traffic in that area or possibly the whole trail?
August 6, 2015 (changed to August 12, 2015)
Minutes from August 12, 2015
In attendance: Mark Oldmixon, Kara Axx (Ex-off), David Fee, Dan Callahan, Alan Tonne, Nick Crawford,
Absent: Ken Tape, Martin Klein
Guests: Tom Marsh-DDC, Stan Justice
Minutes approved from April
Mangers Report
Nick is looking for volunteers for Home meets; course direction, timing. Home meets 9/3 & 5.
NCS Memberships being renewed currently.
Jason removed t-field barb-wire. Hauled chips to mud on Skarland. Storage at Eco-dump or equipment. Cut a trail into Skarland for access. Sink hole filling in potato fields, chipping and brush clearing.
Dan commented that the chipping was done pretty aggressively, tough for running.
Public Comment:
Tom Marsh representing DDC. The Miller Hill project is a DOT project on UAF campus.
- Many committee members were surprised at the project.
- Trail head Contractor will ramp off transitions to trails, although it wasn't in the drawings.
- Project will be completed this year. Roundabout to LARS.
- Some not paved (old all-weather trail by Smith Lake).
- Right-of-way preventing a full circle. Plans to widen Yankovich too.
- There is a grassed ditch between street and path (about 8-feet). Some areas are different.
- Dan: "My opinion is that this is a wide swath of trees taken for the bike path."
- Planning ahead to widening Miller Hill and Yankovich
- Tom and DDC is pushing them to fix the driveways and trail connectors.
- NCS should put together our concerns through Mary.
- Tom wants comments in writing to Mary.
- Bollards and signs were destroyed.
- Tom says they are responsible to replace.
- Alan observed very aggressive contractors with debris piles.
- Marathon trails are an area on concern in 3 separate spots. The commuter trail is another key point that needs attention.
- Prefer a 10% grade.
- The cross walk signs were confusing and contractors were not allowing trail users to access to the trail heads.
New Business:
- Disc Golf baskets: Bear with FS will be installing canvas covers over the disc golf baskets to minimize labor required to set-up and take-down each season. The committee is okay with this as long as the baskets do not impede Jason's ability to groom or pose a risk to skiers. The question was asked about the Tee-markers. Those are generally closer to the trail.
- Mark will be bring three items forward from the Trails Club to give closure (either action or vote against action). This includes:
- A walking trail from the Ballaine Lake parking lot
- Grooming the Arboretum year-round
- The Smith Lake Connector trail
July 8, 2015 - CANCELLED
Academic Year 2014-2015
April 8, 2015
Minutes North Campus Subcommittee 4/8/15
Members present: Alan Tonne, Dan Callahan, David Fee, Martin Klein, Kara Axx (NCM)
Members Absent: Christina Turman, Ken Tape, Jason Garron, Mark Oldmixon (Chair)
Public Present: Stan Justice, Jonathan Shambare (MPC), Janet Matheson
Minutes – 9/10/14 minutes approved
Agenda approved
Mangers Report
- Skiathon went well, 64 participants thanks to Stan for organizing.
- Trails have been in great shape, thanks to Jason and Quinn.
Public Comment:
Stan Justice: would like to see a walking trail connection added in the area north of the Ballaine Lake wayside to the walking trail on range road. The problem in that area is that the correct access currently is the bike path along Farmers Loop Road, but many walkers use the ski trail to access range road.
New Business
- Botanical Garden Amphitheater Access Plan – Janet Matheson, Representative of the Georgeson Botanical Garden Society (a non-profit group to support activities at the GBG) presented a request to add 2-3 handicap accessible parking spaces on the north side of the farm/garden along the commuter trail(gated farm access road) (see attached). The non-profit group has raised approximately $30,000 in funds dedicated to this project. The gate currently located at the top of the road in the lookout parking lot would not need to be moved, only opened for the special events. Currently, most garden users park on the south side of the farm/garden and walk up to GBG. Currently no handicap accessible access to the Drew Amphitheatre exists so it can't be rented for events.
North Campus Subcommittee Discussion/Concerns:
- This project is located solely within the farm and should not be a NC issue.
- Using the commuter trail as a road is a NC issue and that should be the focus of discussion.
- Gates were installed for a reason; having gates open leaves the area open for non-approved vehicle exploration. The farm will be vulnerable to access, as well as research projects in the area.
- No turn around space, one lane trail (not a road).
- Road would only be open in summer, and it is assumed that garden staff would maintain (not confirmed).
- There are temporary water lines buried beneath the current commuter trail, traffic could interrupt service/damage the lines.
- Making the current trail a road would greatly change the character of the area that has been a dedicated trail for many years.
- Drainage concerns, how to control.
- To get legal accessible access spots, trail may need to be improved into an actual road.
- Opens the area up for not only accessible needs, but deliveries for special events, etc.
Motion (Dan Callahan, Seconded David Fee): The North Campus Subcommittee does not support changing the usage of the commuter trail to a road for access to the garden. Passed 4-0.
Next Meeting Date:
- May 13, 2015
NCS April 8 meeting notes(PDF)
Botanical Garden Accessible Parking Photo(PDF)
February 11, 2015
February 11, 2015 North Campus Subcommittee Meeting
12 Noon ******AT THE SKI HUT******
Committee Members Mark Oldmixon (chair), Martin Klein, Christina Turman, Dan Callahan, Ken Tape, David Fee, Kara Axx (ex of), Jason Garron (ex of)
Approval of Minutes
Agenda - Changes / approval
Manager's Report
Public Comment – 3 minutes
New Business
- Ski Meeting on the trails!!!
Second Public Comment – 3 minutes
Next Meeting Date:
- March 11, 2015
December 10, 2014
December 10, 2014 North Campus Subcommittee Meeting
12 Noon in the Facilities Services Conference Room (rm 122)
Committee Members: Mark Oldmixon (chair), Martin Klein, Scott Jerome, Dan Callahan, Ken Tape, David Fee, Kara Axx (ex of), Jason Garron (ex of),
Approval of Minutes
Agenda - Changes / approval
Manager's Report
Public Comment – 3 minutes
New Business
Second Public Comment – 3 minutes
Next Meeting Date:
● January 14, 2015
September 10, 2014
September 10, 2014 North Campus Subcommittee Meeting
12 Noon in the Facilities Services Conference Room (rm 122)
Committee Members Mark Oldmixon (chair), Martin Klein, Scott Jerome, Dan Callahan, Ken Tape, David Fee, Kara Axx (ex of), Jason Garron (ex of)
Approval of Minutes
Agenda - Changes / approval
Manager's Report
Public Comment – 3 minutes
New Business
- Review of Disc Golf over the summer
- Review of the T-Field Road Commuter Trail
Second Public Comment – 3 minutes
Next Meeting Date:
- October 8, 2014
Academic Year 2013-2014
April 9, 2014
April 9, 2014 North Campus Subcommittee Meeting
12 Noon in the Facilities Services Conference Room (rm 122)
Committee Members Mark Oldmixon (chair), Linda Zanazzo, Scott Jerome, Dan Callahan, Jim Brashear, Ken Tape, David Fee, Kara Axx (ex of), Jason Garron (ex of)
Approval of Minutes
Agenda - Changes / approval
Manager's Report
Public Comment – 3 minutes
New Business
- Continuing discussion over the request for permission to allow bikes on the ski trails
- Discussion for NCS recommendations for possible 2014 summer projects
Second Public Comment – 3 minutes
Next Meeting Date:
- May 14, 2014
Minutes North Campus Subcommittee 4/9/14
Members present:
Mark Oldmixon, Kara Axx (manager), Dan Callahan, Scott Jerome, Alan Tonne
Members Absent: David Fee, Ken Tape, Jason Garron (ex of), Linda Zanazzo
Guests: None
Minutes --Approved with a friendly amendment that reads "Jonathan Shambare was not accepting feedback on the roller-ski loop at the time. This was simply to share the idea and generate excitement.
Agenda approved. Request for Jonathan and Scott to present further on the roller ski loop.
Mangers Report:
- Thanks to Stan for hosting the Ski-A-Thon and Jason for setting the course.
- Kara and Mark's opinion is that the Arboretum should not have tracks in the downhill sections to allow for better snow-plowing. At this point, we don't see a need to change the motion regarding grooming in the Arboretum.
- Mark and Kara met with Lindy regarding family friendly activities for the trail system. Maybe improve the Mobile App presence or activities at the trailhead.
- Kara shared an example of the statistics that can be generated from the "counters" on the trail. Will be helpful when making decisions in the future.
- Jason's summer project list for himself
a. Remove barb wire
b. Widen Walking trail to LARS by brushing it out
c. Chip replacement on classic only Skarland
d. Clearing brush and mowing trails
e. Cleaning up more downed trees
f. Installing isgns
g. Removing T-Field road fence
Chair Comments: The agenda and minutes will be posted the Friday before the next meeting. The meetings will not be advertised beyond the Master Planning website. Should the schedule change, it will be announced more broadly. Items can be added to the agenda at any time prior to the meeting. In the future items will only be added to the "New Business" when official proposal is attached. The "Fat Bikes" conversation should have only be an FYI to committee members that a guest will be coming to the meeting.
New Business:
- NCS Suggested project list. Utilizing Stan's list as a starting point, the committee discussed our view of these projects. We quickly reviewed Stan's list and will collect new ideas in May.
a. Scott Jerome again offers to use his team to help with a project.
Project List Conversation
- Beginner Area: NCS has not taken action due to a preference for a bigger plan/proposal. The XC ski class wasn't using it in the current state.
- Smith Lake Access from Sheep Creek: Approved the idea, but concerned about snow machine access. Need to re-evaluate a plan to have the most positive impact. Summer project for committee.
- Chip trail renewal: On Jason's list for the summer.
- Ring Road and Trails: Jason currently rolls the abandoned Skarland trail near Cutler. The crossings need to be improved when road is paved. This is on the Trails and Greenways committee.
- Committee feels that Jason has appropriate equipment.
- NCS will not be updating the North Campus plan
- Barb wire is on Jason's summer list
- Trail leveling: Will keep on the list because it can always be better. Specifically the stadium humps and holes.
- Connecting to the Musher trails: NCS will not be taking any action.
- Grating of the drop-off from T-field road to Smith Lake could be improved.
NCS will work to develop an on-going list of North Campus project list. This was a good start, using Stan's list.
March 12, 2014
March 12, 2014 North Campus Subcommittee Meeting
12 Noon in the Facilities Services Conference Room (rm 122)
Committee Members Mark Oldmixon (chair), Linda Zanazzo, Scott Jerome, Dan Callahan, Jim Brashear, Ken Tape, David Fee, Kara Axx (ex of), Jason Garron (ex of)
Approval of Minutes
Agenda - Changes / approval
Manager's Report
Public Comment – 3 minutes
New Business
- Lindy Larson – Kids activities in NC
- Fat tire biking on Ski Trails
- 2014 Summer Maintenance
Second Public Comment – 3 minutes
Next Meeting Date:
- April 9, 2014
Minutes North Campus Subcommittee 3/12/134
Members present :
Mark Oldmixon, Linda Zanazzo, Jason Garron (ex of), Ken Tape, Kara Axx (manager), David Fee, Dan Callahan, Scott Jerome
Members Absent : James Brashear
Guests : Jonathan Shambare
Agenda approved
Mangers Report:
- NCS website is being updated regularly with agenda and minute
- Research Update: Raptor Falcon boxes requested. Proximity to Sparrow boxes is a concern. Both research groups believe they can both exist but with strategic placement. No need for formal NCS approval
- Trails and Greenways plan was presented at MPC, updates being made. Presentation to Chancellor's Cabinet scheduled in near future.
Public Comment – 3 minutes
Stan Justice: Request NCS publish meetings on trail-l list-serv with agenda. Stan would encourage tracks to set earlier and left set after Ski-a-thon in Arboretum.
Elijah Lyke – 2 concerns about biking on trails; trail degradation and safety. Prefers no change to UAF trail policy. UAF is a great place to learn to ski.
Lindy Larson – Wants to enhance child wellness by making the trails for family friendly. Lindy will work with Kara and Mark to develop ideas. NCS will be informed of any initiatives and decide as needed.
Heike Merkel – Would like to allow FatBikes on trails. Motivated as a bike commuter, but has skied for 14 years. Would like to ride on the trails versus Yakonvich for safety reasons. Commercial areas have allowed tin the Lower 48. Crowds not a problem, trails are empty. Phased implementation seems to be successful elsewhere. Surface area of FatBikes is lower impact than skis, according to the science.
David Fee: What is allowed for biking now?
Mark Oldmixon; Allowed on Commuter trail, LARS to Satellite dish walking trails, and SRC trail. Not allowed on pooch-loop.
Jonathan: UAF is working with DOT to provide a bike path around Sheep Creek, Miller Hill and Yankovich. Construction to start in July from Round-About. 1/3 will be completed this year. Private property rights are a hurdle. Will be a separated bike path.
Stan: Pointed out the off-campus trail North of Skarland, parallel to Yankovich.
Scott: Against the idea for numerous reasons. How would we police details; tire-width, temp/pressure, and safety? Worried about skinny tires.
Heike: Can't police. Don't expect a large group. Concerned about assumptions NCS is making.
The voting and approval process was explained. NCS would get public comment, vote and send recommendation to MPC which if approved, would go to Chancellor Rogers for approval. Process explained.
Jonathan: Will DOT Bike path change your request?
Heike: Speaking for herself. In general it would be nice to have biking open in general. The bike path does help her personal commute. UAF is a campus and needs
Bruce Gard: Cyclist, runner, skier. UAF is a beginner ski friendly location. Has Fat biked and disagrees that it won't impact the area.
Sally Enestad: Speaking on behalf of Audun. Olympic biker herself. Many other places in town to bike and only 2 areas exclusive to skiing.
Bruce Jamison: Co-president of Nordic Ski club. Birch is the "elitist" area and aggressive trail system. UAF is a great place with a different style of trail. Bruce and John Estle wrote echoing letters. Safety and quality of experience are the issues at hand. The ruts will create dangerous ruts of skate skiers. Details are unenforceable.
Stan Justice: Expand knowledge of opportunities available to bikers via the map. Stan has pushed for other connections and ideas. Nothing has happened with the Master Plan or MPC.
Scott: Take offense to Stan's attacks. The NCS does not have the purse strings to make everything happen that Stan and Trails Club requests. Sometimes a non-decision is the decision.
New Business:
Roller ski loop: 3k roller loop, 12 feet wide, paved. Steve Sparrow is receptive. Eventually would like to have snow making and a tunnel under Butrovich Hill. This path is needed for safety as roller skiing on the roads is extremely dangerous.
Fat Bikes:
David Fee motioned for further discussion by the committee. Ken Tape seconded. Committee conversation focused on the broad idea of bikes and the in ability to police the trails. Safety was a major concern all around. While biking as a whole doesn't seem to be welcome, specific biking trails, corridors would be more appealing to some committee members. Should this idea be considered a possibility; public comment would be gathered outside of the meetings via a survey and/or tabling. Officially, David Fee retracted his motion when a vote was called for by Scott Jerome. There is no motion on the table currently.
January 8, 2014
January 8, 2014 North Campus Subcommittee Minutes
Members present: Mark Oldmixon, Linda Zanazzo, Jason Garron (ex of), Ken Tape, Kara Axx (manager)
Members Absent: James Brashear, David Fee, Dan Callahan, Scott Jerome
Guests: Josh Greenburg
Minutes – Not officially approved due lack of quorum
Agenda approved
Mangers Report
- Telephone pool repair will not require trail plowing. Some trees will be cut around Learning Area to clear room for wires. Contract bids due soon and project done before next meeting.
- Trails and Greenways report for BDS and Corvus coming soon. Trying to improve access to trail system from core.
Public Comment: None
New Business
We discussed Stan's "North Campus Input" document. Mark drafted a response to each a point. The NCS is not Jason's supervisor. Some of Stan's request should be sent directly to Kara, Jason and Bear. NCS will maintain their own list to help direct funding when it comes available. Our list will incorporate all users, not just skiers/runners.
- Beginner's area - NCS to vote on during Spring semester and work to be during Summer 2014 if assigned.
- The motion passed last summer is tabled. We need to address the snow machine traffic, Smith Lake restrictions and wetlands permit. Jason thinks there is a better solution, but not much can be done before a wetlands permit solution. Will be added to Old Business
- Damage to ski trails by walkers, bikers, runners - Specific information is requested on conflict sites. T-field road fence will be pulled out this summer. New signs installed.
- Chip Trail Renewal - Jason has coordinated with Stan for this and Bear supported volunteers in a controlled environment.
- Ring Road and Trails - Jason says these have been groomed (no tracks) for two years, but the crossing is terrible. Jason only sees foot traffic.
- Walking Trail Quality - This is a maintenance issue and isn't happening due to funding and lack of wetland permit. Wetland permit application is in process. Funding needs to be acquired.
- Grooming Capacity - Trails club needs to address this request to Facilities Services.
- Renew North Campus Plan - Josh Greenburg and Bear discourages a new plan but welcomes an appendix/amendment if needed.
- Add the sign plans
- Groomers policies
- Barbwire - will be removed around disc golf course. Volunteers will not be used for this due to increased risk.
- Trail leveling - Ramps on the lakes have been done. Ballaine was done years ago and Smith was done the last two summer. Specifics are requested if Trails Club disagrees.
December 11, 2013
December 11, 2013 North Campus Subcommittee Minutes
Members present: Mark Oldmixon, Scott Jerome, Linda Zanazzo, Jason Garron (ex of)
Members Absent: James Brashear, Ken Tape, David Fee, Kara Axx (manager), Dan Callahan
Guests: Stan Justice, Audun Enestad
Minutes approved
Agenda approved.
Mangers Report – None, due to Kara's absence
- UAF Trails and Greenways committee did not meet.
- Jason warned that work will need to be done on the lighted-loop to bring the lights back online after the storm. This will require plowing the trail.
Public Comment:
Audun shared some feedback of grooming. He would like to see priority given to classic tracks after fresh snow if temperatures are well below zero and predicted to stay there. Having groomed skate lanes and good classic tracks during cold temps is not logical. Audun is happy with the current firmness of the tracks, last year he would punch through a lot.
Jason expressed concern that if he responded to Audun's suggestions, Jason would hear complaints from other users about the no skate lanes being fresh.
Stan read the list of requests (in order of priority) from the UAF Trails club. Mark will forward the list to the committee as well as establish an NCS priority list in response (work that should be done ASAP, work for the summer and projects the NCS doesn't fully support).
Scott offered his team as a volunteer work crew to Jason. Scott says he offers every year with no response. Jason accepted the offer and will schedule a day in the spring for the team to do some work, possible remove fencing/barb-wire.
New Business:
- Learn to Ski Area:
- Audun and Stan produced a more accurate map of the area around the Satellite dishes. They continue to advocate for clearing more space just inside the gate to prevent a bottle neck and give a space for folks to get ready without being in the trail.
- The suggestion of moving the gate was explored after last meeting by Kara and Mark with Bear. Due to impacting traffic on Tanana Loop and EMS access Bear was not comfortable moving the gate.
- Scott Jerome said he would support refining of the area if it came to a vote.
- Regarding the newly expanded LTS area.
- Audun and Stan request further expansion.
- Jerome stated that he can get 30 strides (15 each side) in that area.
- Audun forfeited using the area and Jason will not focus his efforts on this area. It takes a significant amount of time to groom and set tracks. Jason will only set 2 sets of tracks and no more until Audun requests it with the promise of using them.
- Mark said he has had customers respond positively to the area (being on top of the hill and near the warming hut). In the past they would go to Ballaine Lake.
- Regarding the kink in the trail around the grooming equipment
- Scott, Audun and Stan believe this can be straightened without much effort.
- Biathlon
- Biathlon was an approved activity by NCS some years ago (About 3).
- NCS at the time requested signs be posted to warn recreational skiers that biathlon was happening.
- We also do not allow biathlon participants to have bullets in the gun while skiing.
- Jason has some simple trail improvements to do to make the area more functional for biathlon events.
- Kara and Mark spoke post meeting, they will ensure that a biathlon section will be included in the developing Rifle/Archery Range Management Plan.
October 9, 2013
October 9, 2013 North Campus Subcommittee Meeting
12 Noon in the Facilities Services Conference Room (rm 122)
Committee Members Mark Oldmixon (chair), Linda Zanazzo, Scott Jerome, Dan Callahan, Jim Brashear, Ken Tape, David Fee, Kara Axx (ex of), Jason Garron (ex of),
Approval of Minutes
Agenda - Changes / approval
Manager's Report
Public Comment – 3 minutes
New Business
- New Committee Member introduction
- Beginner Learning Area Expansion
Second Public Comment – 3 minutes
Next Meeting Date:
- November 13, 2013
Minutes North Campus Subcommittee 10/9/13
Members present:
Mark Oldmixon, Scott Jerome, Linda Zanazzo, Kara Axx (manager), Dan Callahan,
Members Absent: Jason Garron (ex of), James Brashear, Ken Tape, David Fee
Guests: Stan Justice, Audun Endestad
Minutes approved
David Fee and Ken Tape approved as new members. Both are traveling for this meeting.
Agenda approved.
Mangers Report
- Disc Golf Removed
- Jason to groom Cutler trail. Complete Trails Committee has put it on the list to expand/improve.
- Tanana Loop Road is open and being used regularly. Gate to trails is not effective and request to make it permanent to Bear. No crossings marked. Committee is open to a "lolli-pop" trail to concentrate the crossing to one spot. Linda would like a University architect to review the area before we motion. We will request signs for the crossings to be placed by Jonathon.
- SRC trail is back in front of Butrovich.
- Ruts need to be fixed West end of the field in front of SRC.
- Archery Range: Connex was moved. To be sided and painted in spring. Range Management plan forthcoming.
- Access Control – Lock box at Hut an option. Polar Express key box option, but would require network connection (placed in IARC).
- Complete Trails met this morning. BDC contractor hired to develop a "greenways" plan. Our draft goals are going to the Chancellor soon. We also prioritized certain social trails that need attention as HIGH priority.
- Suicide Hill
- Trails behind SRC
- Junction to the West of Butrovich
- Yukon Dr Sidewalk
- Grooming of Arboretum motion is under review by Chancellor Rogers
- Locking the gates motion approved
- Disc golf feedback was minimal
- Smoking was unfortunate. Mark to ask smokers to not. Consider language for signs.
Public Comment: None.
New Business:
- Learn to Ski Area: Audun's Comments
- Tight turn around new dish will be a congestion area. Certainly got worse with new construction. This is where his class congregates.
- Too short of an area between dishes and sloped poorly (for skating). Audun used the airport runway scenario and the space it takes to turn around.
- Plan A for improvement:
- Fix the tight corner and brush out the area south of older SAR dish.
- Plan B
- Widen T-Field road for downhill instruction
- Currently too tight for downhill beginners
- Audun would really like to have a scenic trail from the lookout parking to create a beginner friendly loop
- Trees are good for wide protection, but wind not a concern here. Audun could clear the area himself quite fast.
- Audun doesn't like the "stadium" because it is too short and requires folks to go downhill.
- Audun really enjoys the southern exposure view and dislikes the darkness of black spruce forest.
- Stan's comments:
- Concerned about congestion around new dish.
- Dog leg near grooming equipment
- Scott believes the ski hut is in the wrong place. Moving the location to the overlook is nice, but the back of the GI is possible too. Scott would like a long-term plan.
- Audun wants the view.
- Parking a concern too.
- Improved trail from overlook needed if hut is moved there.
- Audun and Stan to put their plan on an accurate map.
September 11, 2013
September 11, 2013 North Campus Subcommittee Meeting
12 Noon in the Facilities Services Conference Room (rm 122)
Committee Members Mark Oldmixon, Linda Zanazzo, Scott Jerome, Dan Callahan, Knut Kielland, Jim Brashear, Kara Axx (ex of), Jason Garron (ex of),
Approval of Minutes
Agenda - Changes / approval
Manager's Report
Public Comment – 3 minutes
New Business
- Road Closure During Spring Thaw
- Gate Access to NC
- New Committee Member
- Beginner Learning Area Expansion
- Roller Ski Loop
Second Public Comment – 3 minutes
Next Meeting Date:
- October 9, 2013
Minutes North Campus Subcommittee 9/11/13
Members present:
Mark Oldmixon, Scott Jerome, Linda Zanazzo, Kara Axx (manager), Jason Garron (ex of), James Brashear
Minutes from August Approved
Agenda Approved
Manager's Report
ˇ ASF reflector for antennae is done except for some wiring for a photo-cell.
ˇ Disc golf installed, map to be placed on DRAW and NCS sites. Course to be removed Oct 7. Mark to post this closure. Mark will also draft a policy/procedure for closing the course for Special Events.
ˇ North Tanana Loop to be open for the winter. Signs warning walkers of cars and cars to be warned about walkers, will be placed.
ˇ Complete Trails committee to meet Oct 10th
ˇ SRC ski trail in front of Butrovich is being graded and eliminating the road/trail by contractors. This needs to be fixed. Linda will contact Senior Project manager
ˇ Solar Panel project might be moving forward
New Business
ˇ Road Closure During Spring Break-Up and Gate Access to NP
o Key access has been a long standing issue. Despite having the locks changed last year, a number of keys have been issued without Kara's approval. Also Erik Ofelt has a key, but it isn't documented anywhere.
o The Farm has put their combo lock on the gate. Jim says access through the farm is difficult from his experience.
o Linda will follow up with the key shop about how this is happening. There is a new key program rolling out soon from FS.
o Eliminating access is not an option either. Is there another way to allow access without making it Kara's full-time job? Kara will research how realtors get access to homes.
o We are wasting money repairing the road each year.
o Scott Moved. Linda Seconds
§ Motion to chain all the gates accessing North Campus during the weeks of break-up. The chains will not be set where they will impact runners. They will be locked with Knox locks so that fire department will have access. The dates will be set at the discretion of the NCS Manager and Trail Groomer to minimize impact during "mud season." Announcements will be published in Cornerstone, emails to researchers and departments as well as one from Facility Services (i.e. Marianne Freelong).
o Motion approved 4 – 0
ˇ New Committee members
o Jim Brashear is on a 9-month contract and offered to vacate for a 12-month faculty. He admitted to not making the committee aware of his contract limits. His offer was politely declined. In April, we will decide if summer meetings are needed.
o We have lost Peter Fix and Knut. NCS has two vacancies. Our membership needs to include a wide variety. Community, Athletics, Recreation, CLA Faculty, and Facilities are represented. Research and the Farm are not represented. Bio, Forestry, Agriculture are suggestions from the NCS Plan.
o Do we want representation from the Farm? Alan Tonne for example. Jim recommends contacting the current active researchers. Scott recommends Paul Reichardt and department chairs.
o Jim confirmed Faculty have the responsibility to do roughly 10% service. Junior Faculty is a safer bet. Jim offered to call the Bio department.
o Kara has an ad to use. Kara and Mark will work to make contacts and recruit new members.
ˇ Scott asked about Farm ownership emails between Peter Fix and Brian Rogers.
o To be decided at MPC
o Josh Greenburg says "The Farm" gave up land rights when they became an official part of the University.
o Gate Count
§ Ski Hut
§ Overlook parking
§ North side of commuter trail
§ Between two buildings on farm property
§ Bottom of sheep creek commuter trail
o Scott has also heard people access through the GI storage site. Suggests blocking that too.
o Jim recommends more awareness through the Researchers, Departments, Deans, Provost, etc. Scott supports the email, but it doesn't solve the whole problem.
o Jason mentions that people will do research without any permission, they won't be contacted.
o Our research contact list has a hole of two years and is incomplete. Kara will create an email list.
ˇ Learn-To-Ski area expansion
o Flattening current learn-to-ski area?
o Bear not sure he will get to it this year. Bear will try to seed per SWWPP.
o Jason says it can't be flat, needs to shed water. Is there a middle ground between now and flat? Jason is concerned about the materials as well as pitch. Requires a big picture fix.
o Audun's opinion required before we go further for the beginner extension conversation.
o Will improved Smith Lake access help his classes? Jason is waiting for winter to brush the area.
ˇ Stan asked about posts for signs that were approved last year
o Kara mentioned the new signs are ordered from Powerhouse.
ˇ Mark will try to minimize paper at meetings in the future by utilizing email and screens.
DRAFT – Disc Golf Closing Procedure
1. All Events need to complete the UAF Public Events Form.
2. The North Campus Manager (NCM) will determine if the events overlap with disc golf users
3. If yes, the NCM will contact (via email) the Director of DRAW who is responsible for closing the course
4. At minimum the DRAW will
a. Post notices on-line through their websites and Facebook in advance.
b. Post a Sign-A-Cade at Hole #1
c. A running list of closures will kept on-line and in the Kiosk at the Ski Hut.
August 14, 2013
August 14, 2013 North Campus Subcommittee Meeting
12 Noon in the Facilities Services Conference Room (rm 122)
Committee Members Peter Fix, Linda Zanazzo, Scott Jerome, Dan Callahan, Mark Oldmixon, Knut Kielland, Jim Brashear, Kara Axx (ex of), Jason Garron (ex of),
Approval of Minutes
Agenda - Changes / approval
Manager's Report
Public Comment – 3 minutes
New Business
- Skiathon/Arboretum
- Improved Smith Lake Access
- Beginner Learning Area Expansion
- Roller Ski Loop
- Road Closure During Spring Thaw
- Gate Access to NC
Second Public Comment – 3 minutes
Next Meeting Date:
- September 11, 2013
Minutes North Campus Subcommittee 8/14/13
Members present:
Peter Fix, Dan Callahan, Mark Oldmixon, Scott Jerome, Linda Zanazzo, Kara Axx (manager), Jason Garron (ex of)
Guests: Stan Justice
Manager's Report
- ASF reflector for antennae is ahead of schedule.
- The lights in the area will not be turned on until December. The remaining electrical work will not impact skiing.
New Business
- Peter Fix is resigning from the committee.
- Mark Oldmixon enthusiastically agreed to serve as the chair.
- Proposal for grooming of the Arboretum for the Skiathon.
- Jason prepared three options:
- Pack with snowmachine, then set tracks. Would be a poor quality trail.
- Pack with friction drag. Would require the removal of approximately 8-10 live trees. Would produce a good quality trail.
- Use six foot roller. Would require the removal of approximately 12 trees.
-Jason expressed concern about packing the trail for the first time of the season immediately before the race
- Stan discussed some aspects of the race
- aises money for the Trails, to date $10,470 raised
- Grooming the arboretum would eliminate course changes and the figure 8
- The arboretum was traditionally used
- Stand discussed aspects of skiing at UAF
- Susan Todd's survey: 76% classic skied
- UAF is viewed as the "classic skiing area"
- Discussion of the committee:
- No tree clearing
- No widening of trails
- If it were packed year round, people would use it
- Perhaps it is something that should be tried for a year
- Motion by Scott Jerome: Approve Jason's first option (packing with the snowmachine). The trail would be packed throughout the year, but with low priority. The trail would be groomed before the Skiathon. Jason has the final say on whether conditions are adequate for grooming. No trees would be cut. Seconded by Mark Oldmixon.
- Passed 4-1.
- Smith Lake Access
- The issue of upgrading access to Smith Lake was discussed.
- Jason pointed out a route that would use existing trail, but also utilize a pond to prevent summer use on a trail too wet to support summer use.
- Motion by Scott Jerome: Authorize Jason to brush and clear the trail he identified. The trail would be packed by snowmachine in the winter, but not groomed for skiing. Designate the trail as an official winter trail. Seconded by Peter Fix
- Passed 5-0
July 10, 2013
July 10, 2013 North Campus Subcommittee Meeting
12 Noon in the Facilities Services Conference Room (rm 122)
Committee Members Peter Fix, Linda Zanazzo, Scott Jerome, Dan Callahan, Mark Oldmixon, Knut Kielland, Jim Brashear, Kara Axx (ex of), Jason Garron (ex of),
Approval of Minutes
Agenda - Changes / approval
Manager's Report
Public Comment – 3 minutes
New Business
- Roller Ski Loop
- Skiathon/Arboretum
- Improved Smith Lake Access
- Beginner Learning Area Expansion
- Road Closure During Spring Thaw
Second Public Comment – 3 minutes
Next Meeting Date:
- August 14, 2013
Minutes North Campus Subcommittee 7/10/13
Members present: Peter Fix, Linda Zanazzo, Dan Callahan, Mark Oldmixon, Scott Jerome, Dan Callahan, Jason Garron (ex of)
Manager's Report
- ASF reflector for antennae scheduled to be installed August 8th to the 30th. Coordination will occur for the August 17th high school running race. The UAF running race is scheduled for Sept. 5th; only affected if installation is delayed.
- Ski hut work is complete. Twenty keys were issued.
New Business
- Ski hut: leave open or lock and issue keys?
- In the past it has been left open.
- The committee felt that 1) there have not been issues with vandalism in the past, 2) there is nothing in there to steal, and 3) the purpose of the ski hut is to allow use by trail users essentially 24/7.
- The NCS recommended keeping the historic "unlocked" policy.
- Deon Barnes research application
Devon Barnes submitted a research application to study the effects of moisture level on the forest floor. He proposed to pump water from Smith Lake and, using hoses running across the T-Field Rd., apply it to study sites to the east of the T-Field Rd.
- The proposal was unclear regarding the duration of the study, the types of pump, and the size of the hose running across the T-Field.
- The proposal asked for vehicle access, the committee was concerned about driving when the road was wet.
- Concern was also expressed over existing research in the area.
- A phone call was made to Devon. That call clarified:
- The study duration included time to sample prior to the moisture treatment and time to sample after the treatment
- The pumping of water/water application would only take place one night, and would be late at night
- The pump and hose would only need to be in place one night
- The experiment requires a dry period, so driving when the road is wet is not an issue
- The researcher was not aware of the eddy-covariance tower located in the area
- The researcher had not actually visited the site
It was arranged for Jason Garron and Peter Fix to meet with Devon the following day to inspect the site.
- The site did not have the desired vegetation and would not work anyway.
- Jason suggested alternative sites on North Campus.
Academic Year 2011-2012
July 11, 2012
Meeting Documents
Problem Statement
The new ASF antennae on West Ridge will block an existing ski trail. The ski trail:
ˇ Is used for several UAF ski classes;
ˇ Receives heavy use throughout the winter;
ˇ Is an access trail for the public;
ˇ Provides access to the trails from the ski hut;
ˇ Provides connectivity among several trails;
ˇ allows skiers to complete a loop; and
ˇ In addition to the winter use, the trail serves as a start/finish for collegiate and high school cross-country running races.
Improvements on this section of trail to better facilitate UAF ski classes were scheduled to be complete Spring 2012, but were put on hold due the pending construction of ASF antennae.
Potential Solutions
On July 11, 2012, a subgroup of the North Campus Subcommittee consisting of Scott Jerome, Mark Oldmixon, Dan Callahan, Kara Axx, and Peter Fix met with Scott Arko and Wade Albright to discuss the plans for the antennae and propose solutions. The subgroup discussed several potential solutions to the displacement of trail users. While discussion is still needed to develop a preferred alternative, several principles were agreed upon and the alternatives can serve as a starting point for planning.
Principles for mitigation agreed to by committee members:
ˇ Preserve a loop
ˇ A teaching area must result from any mitigation
ˇ An area with a level surface for cross country running meets must result from mitigation
ˇ Public access must be maintained.
Discussion was also initiated regarding placement functionality of the ski hut. It was noted that during the day, there is no public parking near the ski hut. Also, congestions occurs when parents drop off children at the ski hut. Of question is whether a better placement of the ski hut could provide better access for the public and alleviate traffic congestion.
Three main alternatives were discussed. Note, any discussion of moving the ski hut is contingent upon the ski hut physically being able to withstand a move.
1. Dedicate a public trail access parking area at the existing overlook, move the ski hut to the overlook, and create a teaching/beginner area near the parking area/ski hut. Re-vegetate existing trail.
ˇ Provides a service/outreach to the public.
ˇ Alleviates congestion associated with the current location of the ski hut and makes ski hut more functional for the public.
ˇ Locates the teaching/beginner area in a sunny area.
ˇ Creates a new trail clearing/does not utilize existing trail (more trees removed, visual impacts).
ˇ If parking is "official" lines, parking blocks, etc., might result, limiting the available parking spots.
ˇ Potential aesthetic impact of ski hut lower on hill?
ˇ Potential for a long planning period
2. Move ski hut to NW corner of Elvey parking lot, upgrade existing stadium area to beginner area and cross country ski race start/finish. Loop trail around new antennae, use as much of the existing trail as possible.
ˇ Less trail construction, resulting in quicker turn around on planning and construction.
ˇ Utilizes existing trails.
ˇ No public parking near ski hut (could be added).
ˇ Would need to create pull out/turn around to avoid congestion in this area
ˇ Sunlight is limited during winter.
3. Keep ski hut in current location, loop trail around new antennae, improve the existing trail west of antennae for teaching purposes. Construct pedestrian path from overlook parking to ski hut.
ˇ No need to move ski hut.
ˇ Minimal construction of new trails (teaching area improvement already approved).
ˇ Utilizes existing trails.
ˇ Teaching area not adjacent to ski hut.
ˇ Might not alleviate traffic congestion at ski hut.
3a. Further discussion of alternative 3 brought up an idea to move the ski hut west of its existing location and to the south of the trail. A trail could then be constructed from the overlook parking area and the West Ridge area to the ski hut. The ski hut would not be excessively visible from the approach to campus, but would be relatively accessible to the public and in a sunny location.
Alternative 1 would be the most costly, perhaps costing up to $50,000. Alternative 2 would likely require landscape modifications for the ski hut and a pull out/turn around for ski hut access, in addition to the trail improvements. This might cost as much as $30,000. Alternative 3, without moving the ski hut, likely would be the least costly, perhaps around $15,000. A ski hut move for Alternative 3 would increase the cost.
May 9, 2012
May 5, 2012 North Campus Subcommittee Meeting - Agenda
Committee Members Peter Fix, Linda Zanazzo, Scott Jerome, Dan Callahan, Mark Oldmixon, Jim Allen, Knut Kielland, Nicole Nordstrand (ex of), Darren Edson (ex of)
Approval of Minutes
Agenda - Changes / approval
Manager's Report
Public Comment – 3 minutes
New Business
ˇ Scott Arko – ASF Antenna
ˇ Driving on T-Field Road
ˇ Dogs off leash
Second Public Comment – 3 minutes
Next Meeting Date: ˇ Pete out of town June 13
Minutes North Campus Subcommittee 5/9/12
Members present:
Peter Fix, Scott Jerome, Dan Callahan, Mark Oldmixon, Jim Allen, Knut Kielland, Nicole Nordstrand (ex of)
Guest attending:
Scott Arko, ASF
Wade Albright, ASF
New Business
1) Jim Allen announced his resignation from the committee (due to leaving UAF).
2) Scott Arko and Wade Albright presented plans for the construction of a new antenna on the West Ridge. Two locations (to the west and east of the existing antennae) were proposed.
The following motion was made, seconded, and discussed:
The North Campus Subcommittee supports the concept of the ASF Antenna on the West Ridge East site. The North Campus Subcommittee and Master Planning Committee will be involved during the design phase to provide input on location of the trails. ASF will initiate (with UAF public relations) a public awareness campaign.
A few notes regarding the motion:
*The motion uses the term "concept." By concept we mean we support moving forward with the project at the WR East site.
*The NCS felt the impacts to research and trails would be much less at WR East site (than the west site). In addition, the WR East site is somewhat cleared of trees already and there are fewer trees to the east of the site to deal with.
*The term "trails" includes the ski hut.
*There was discussion that funds should be available through the project for trail mitigation. Scott Arko was going to provide a dollar figure prior to construction.
*Items to include in the public awareness campaign are the benefits to UAF and the scientific community resulting from the antenna and the fact that NCS will be involved in trail impact mitigation as well as mitigating any impacts to other research. The NCS will seek to incorporate improvements to the trails that have been desired by different groups (e.g., ski instructors, the public).
The motion passed 6/0
April 11, 2012
Minutes North Campus Subcommittee 4/11/12
Members present: Peter Fix, Scott Jerome, Dan Callahan, Mark Oldmixon
Guest attending: Stan Justice, Kara Axx
Manager's update
ˇ Nicole Nordstrand passed out Bear and Jason's top 10 priorities for summer 2012. Funding for projects might be available, and will be determined at a special projects meeting the week or April 23. Depending on the level of funding that becomes available, they might ask the NCS for input on the list.
ˇ Kara Axx will take over as North Campus Manager, she will be dedicated to the NC Manager position, effective 7/1/12.
ˇ Outdoor days set up is May 7 with the event taking place May 8 – 10th.
Public Input
Stan Justice reported there will be a course change to the skiathon, and passed out a map displaying the change.
Old Business
New Business
1. We heard from Steve Taylor regarding the Sluice Box 100, a 100 mile race open to cyclists and runners. The entry is limited to 85 individuals and 15 teams, thus there could be up to 100 people on the course at any one time. The race proposes to start in front of the Patty Center and utilize the T-Field Road and Equinox Trail in the NW corner of NC. Once racers pass through the North Campus, they will not return.
There was a motion and a second to approve the request. The motion passed 5/0 with Jim Allen's proxy vote.
2. Mark Oldmixon presented a proposal to widen, straighten, and level the trail to the south of the SAR dish access road. This area is used for three classes two times per week (i.e., RECR 170D,E & F; Outdoor Adventures classes). However, there are several problems with the area:
ˇ The cross-section of the trail is uneven and presents challenges for beginners
ˇ The corners are difficult for beginners to negotiate
ˇ Because of the corners it is difficult for the instructor to see the students
The proposal is still in the conceptual phase, Mark was seeking approval to move forward with the project. A key component of this project is that it would be funded by the UAF Trails Club.
A motion was made, with a second provided, that affirmed Mark should continue to move forward with developing a more concrete proposal, with the following stipulations.
ˇ The project should adhere to a principle of minimizing tree cutting.
ˇ Mark will flag trees proposed for removal and the committee will review. If there is objection from the committee we will revisit.
ˇ If the trails club cannot fund 100% of the project, it will need to be ranked against other projects.
The motion passed 5/0 with Jim Allen's proxy vote.
After the meeting Mark flagged the trees. Through email, committee members debated the scope of the project. Again by email, Mark Oldmixon made the following motion:
- Grant permission to DDC and contractors to begin work on the beginner ski area.
- UAF Trails Club will fund 100% of the project. Stan authorized $5000 and the bid came in below $5000.
- The contractor will only take flagged trees, and those between the flagging and existing trail. DDC will work with the contractor on what to do witht the felled trees.
- The area will be scraped, bulldozed, graded, etc to allow for no more than 3% grade
- 36 feet of groom-able trail width.
- A public awareness campaign will be conducted by UAF Outdoor Adventures (radio PSA, web-site, e-mails, etc.)
The motion was seconded by Scott Jerome.
Discuss resulted in a proposed amendment by Dan Callahan to limit the area to be cleared to the marked area on the southside of the current trail. Seconded by Peter Fix.
Vote on the amendment: 5 against, 2 in favor.
Vote on Mark's original motion: 5 votes received in favor.
February 8, 2012
Minutes North Campus Subcommittee 2/8/12
Members present:
Peter Fix, Forrest Carr (for Scott Jerome), Dan Callahan, Jim Allen, Mark Oldmixon, Knut Kielland, Linda Zanaazo.
Guest attending:
Stan Justice
Managers update
Public Input
Old Business
New Business
Jason presented his assessment of the trail work completed on the Skarland Trail. He felt some corners were too tight to be groomed and wondered how skiers evaluated the flow of this section of trail. He also stated he had to do considerable leveling before the trail was acceptable. He was concerned as to whether some of these same issues would be present after the Big Whizzy construction. Linda will look into what happened regarding the contractor on the Skarland Trail and get back to the committee.
Academic Year 2009-2010
December 8, 2010
Minutes North Campus Subcommittee 12/8/10
Members present:
Peter Fix, Kellie Fritze, Jim Allen, Cynthia Steiner, Scott Jerome, Mark Oldmixom, Nicole Nordstrand (ex. of)
Guest attending:
Stan Justice, UAF Trails Club
Manager's Report
Link to the North Campus trails website has changed so UAF.edu/trails will take a person to the NC website, this will be better for PSAs
Manager has talked to the Police Department about driving 4-wheelers on the ski trails. Should not be an issue in the future (unless for emergencies, of course).
Public Comment
Stan Justice, UAF Trails Club
ˇ Mark walking trails, the walking trails are virtually unsigned
ˇ Once you leave the exterior, it is not well signed
ˇ Need signs at intersections
ˇ Need signs in area near Culter Apts., where lots of people walk
ˇ Would like to put signs on Skarland trail
ˇ Regarding signs
o Color coded for walking/skiing
o Placed at problem areas w/ symbol
o In summer place permanent signs
New Business
1. Matt Olson's application for interpretive trail between LARS and T-Field balsam experiment
ˇ Need to find out if he proposed permanent signs or temporary signs
ˇ Issue with permanent signs is the Landscape and Outdoor Art Committee (would need to approve)
ˇ Committee liked the idea of starting at LARS, wondered how long the walk would take
ˇ Stan Justice suggested using the Winter Walking trail and asking for improvements
Committee liked the idea of having a sings on the winter walking trail so it could be used year-round
ˇ Ask Matt to include a request for trail improvements in his grant proposal
Scott Jerome moved to "Approve on winter walking trails and request funding for trail improvement."
ˇ Preference would be for stand-alone signs (i.e., enough information so an additional brochure is not needed) in place permanently.
Peter Fix seconded the motion
ˇ Passed 6/0
November 10, 2010
Minutes North Campus Subcommittee 11/10/10
Members present:
Peter Fix, Kellie Fritze, Jim Allen, Cynthia Steiner, Scott Jerome, Knut Kielland, Mark Oldmixom, Nicole Nordstrand (ex. of)
Guest attending:
Stan Justice, UAF Trails Club
Manager's Report
Brochures have been printed, could people volunteer to drop off at locations around town? Contact Jason if interested.
Public Comment
Stan Justice, UAF Trails Club
ˇ Need to look at the connection to Borough trails
ˇ Can a split rail fence be installed at Big Whizzy and Sheep Creek?
ˇ Need to have a backup groomer in case Jason is unable to groom
Old Business
Looked at various proposals submitted by the trails club that had not received formal votes or actions by the NCS.
1. Grooming offer by Dave Norton
ˇ UAF will not have volunteers groom the trails. Jason will periodically conduct some grooming on the trails in the arboretum.
ˇ The NCS felt Jason should check out the equipment Dave Norton has developed for grooming classic trails. Dave could email Jason to discuss.
2. Ring Road Trails
ˇ Memo sent to MPC on January 11, 2010, no further action needed at this time.
3. Jersey Barrier by ski hut (Trails Club would like it removed)
ˇ Motion by Mark Oldmixon to "Replace with a split rail fence when/if money is available." Second by Scott Jerome. Passed 7/0
4. Memo submitted by Trails Club regarding damage to ski trails caused by walkers
ˇ The NCS will not submit a memo to Nicole, but we will work to identify high priority areas (i.e., areas that need attention). This can be new business at the next meeting.
New Business
1. Life Sciences Building construction use of N. Tanana Loop
ˇ It is possible construction will impact Skarland Trail
ˇ Need to find out if it has been specified whether the contractor will use that as an access road
2. Memo to Chancellor to request a meeting to discuss decisions regarding special management areas
ˇ A draft memo was reviewed
October 13, 2010
Minutes North Campus Subcommittee 10/13/10
Members present:
Peter Fix, Kellie Fritze, Jim Allen, Scott Jerome, Knut Kielland, Mark Oldmixom, Nicole Nordstrand (ex. of)
Guest attending:
Stan Justice, UAF Trails Club
Don Lokken
Old Business
Recapped archery range proposal (showed pictures of targets, brief discussion of proposal).
Peter Fix made motion to "Approve with dirt berm extending to cover the entire backdrop and signage, with design and placement developed in consultation with Risk Management, and paid for by ADF&G, put in place."
Second by Scott Jerome.
Passed 7/0
New Business
1. Marie Heidemann presented the UAF Invasive Plant Management Plan
ˇ Propose to hire an invasive plant coordinator part time
ˇ Three overall goals included in plan:
o Implement a best management practices program to prevent the spread and new establishment of invasive plant infestations.
o Promote awareness and education about invasive plants to the UAF and Fairbanks community.
o Manage invasive plants using integrated weed management strategies.
ˇ Goals for North Campus:
o Keep invasive plants out of undisturbed natural areas.
o Eliminate several invasive plants, which have a low infestation; and cost-effectively eliminate or control others.
o Focus volunteer weed pull events on these areas.
ˇ For North Campus implementation actions might include:
o Signs
o Volunteers
o Herbicide
ˇ North Campus Subcommittee would review actions taking place on the NC before they occur
Scott Jerome: motion to "recommend approval of IPMP to Master Planning Committee." Second by Knut Kielland
ˇ Passed 6/0, Cynthia Steiner abstained from the vote.
2. Stan Justice presented a case that the "short cut trail" should be open.
ˇ Based on the language in the MOU stating "Existing trails within the 500-800' foot buffer shall remain open."
Peter Fix made a motion to "Verify if "short cut trail" is outside of 500' foot buffer. If the trail is outside of the 500' buffer, the committee believes the agreement states the trail should be open." Second by Scott Jerome.
ˇ Passed 6/1
September 8, 2010
Minutes North Campus Subcommittee 9/08/10
Members present:
Peter Fix, Kellie Fritze, Jim Allen, Nicole Nordstrand (ex. of), Paul Dick (for Bear) (ex. Of)
Guest attending:
Dan Jordan, Rifle Coach, UAF
Bob Hunter, ADF&G
Matt Dunlap, Assistant Cross Country Coach, UAF
New Business
1. Review of the archery range proposal – presentation by Bob Hunter
ˇ Funding is through the Pittman Robertson Act
ˇ No public archery range in Fairbanks
ˇ ADF&G looking for archery venue
o Looked at Creamer's Field, but access was an issue
o Looked at location off of Fideler Rd., but vandalism was an issue
ˇ The cleared area off of Range Road eliminates these two issues
ˇ Archery is safe
o Backdrop of trees at Range Road site
ˇ Growing interesting in archery
ˇ Fish and Game coordinates archery programs in schools
o West Valley is active with archery
o Ryan Middle School has had an archery program for 5 years
o Will be conducting training for North Pole High and Middle schools
o Over 40 schools in Alaska participate in the National Archery Program
ˇ The range would start small with removable targets, then expand if demand is there
ˇ The money can be used for infrastructure and other needs, and is available until June
Committee comments
ˇ Signage would be needed, where would that money come from? Can it come from the 10k? (Response was yes)
ˇ Surprised at how many people do not know NC is there. Can we promote the archery range? Can Outdoor Adventures rent equipment?
ˇ The range would have to be mowed a couple of times per season
ˇ Is the range year round or just summer? (Response: Targets would be stored for winter, perhaps at rifle range.)
ˇ Is there a possibility of people shooting outside of range? (Response: Unlikely but cannot guarantee. Problems arise when there is no place to shoot.
ˇ Dirt might be available from current UAF project to extend the backstop.
ˇ Budget is needed for targets, signage, etc.
2. Inner Big Whizzy loop – Moving forward with public involvement discussed by Matt Dunlap
ˇ Nicole would like to see budget of what it would cost before moving forward
ˇ Also needed are clear statements of why it is needed
July 13, 2010
Minutes North Campus Subcommittee 7/13/10
Members present:
Cynthia Steiner, Peter Fix, Kellie Fritze, Scott Jerome, Mark Oldmixon, Nicole Nordstrand (ex. of), Bear (ex. Of)
New Business
Reviewed 2010 summer trail maintenance schedule.
ˇ Estle Connector identified as a high priority
We discussed finding a new community representative
ˇ Advertising (Sun Star, Newsminer, etc.) would be a good option
ˇ Need to define what we are looking for in a committee member
May 11, 2010
Minutes North Campus Subcommittee 5/11/10
Members present:
Cynthia Steiner, Peter Fix, Kellie Fritze, Scott Jerome, Mark Oldmixon, Nicole Nordstrand (ex. of)
Guests attending: Stan Justice
New Business
Segway proposal
A proposal to run Segway tours between the botanical gardens and the musk ox farm was submitted by the proprietor of Segway Tours. The NCS reviewed the permit and noted this goes against the nonmotorized policy of the North Campus. The committee was unanimous is denying the request (note, Mark Oldmixon arrived at the meeting after this discussion and vote.)
Marking of "inner Big Whizzy"
Scott Jerome revived the proposal to develop a trail inside the existing Big Whizzy trail. This trail would extend the Big Whizzy and provide more elevation change to the UAF trail system. The committee determined this would represent a major change and input from the UAF community would be needed. A timeline was set to present a proposal for the trail in September.
Agenda 7/13/10
ˇ Approval of minutes
ˇ NC maintenance for summer and fall
ˇ North Tanana Loop
ˇ Replacement for Cynthia Steiner as community representative
March 16, 2010
Minutes North Campus Subcommittee 3/16/10
Members present:
Cynthia Steiner, Peter Fix, Nicole Nordstrand, Darrin Edson
Guests attending: Jennifer Day, Stan Justice, Don Lokken
Managers update
Outdoor Days, Set-up Monday, May 3rd, Event Days, Tuesday -Thursday
- Developing long term agreement
- Depending on snow and road conditions vehicular traffic may be allowed to the T-Field to transport equipment
- Will do a walk though on Monday.
Smoke jumpers will parachute again this year… (as part of outdoor days)
- Pat Holloway OK with this
Corp of engineer permit…
- Ballaine Site existing permit… reinstating permit… (covers pooch loops)
- Ŋ way through permit, need additional info…
- "30 days" have passed and the permit is closed, Corp will not waive permit, but we can reopen in the future.
Viereck trail. Funds for signage. FS might have funds to contribute. Donations only about $3,000…
Skiathon: signboards will be in place. Jason will come in on Friday night and make sure tracks are set in right spots.
Trail Maps: review by NCS before publishing…
Invasive Plant Task Force
ˇ Task force assembled by graduate student. Facilitated groups of people across campus, meeting every Monday. Working on mission statement, what invasive species mean to (farm, LARS, etc.) Which plants they will attack first, etc. Don't know if they will do it by plant, or zone, or area of use. Botanical garden and farm different treatment than trails, FS takes care of flower beds, Farm & Bot. garden takes care of their area. Developing protocols for washing vehicles, etc.
ˇ Action: grounds crew for areas FS manages. Farm for their area… Volunteer day to pluck plants, etc.
ˇ Permit process, include checklist for bringing in invasive plants…
ˇ Will be done in April.
ˇ Open to public.
Stan's memo re: walking trail signs
ˇ Subgroup formed to explore the issue
Academic Year 2005-2006
April 10, 2006
Minutes from North Campus Subcommittee Meeting on April 10, 2006
Present: Scott Jerome, Linda Zanazzo, Tim Stallard, Pete Fix, Dan Osborne, Rich Boone (chair), Luke Hopkins (ex officio and North Campus Manager)
Absent: Cynthia Steiner
Guests: Stan Justice, Don Lokken
Meeting came to order at 12:05 PM. A quorum was present.
Minutes from April 2, 2006 meeting approved.
Manager's Report – Luke Hopkins
Luke communicated to Dr. Kim that the proposed location for his equipment was unacceptable to the Geophysical Institute (Dan Osborne's group). Luke will work with Dr. Kim to find an alternative location.
Permit request from Diane Wagner and Pat Doak was reviewed. The proposed work should not impact other researchers; low-impact vehicles will be used for any summer access.
Ongoing work on walking trails reviewed. Suggestion that walking trails options be presented to students in early September for their consideration.
Public Comment
Stan Justice requests to see approval for Skiathon application. Stan notes that minutes are inaccurate because approval process never got to completion. Stan notes that individuals on campus have discouraged use of certain trails. He requests that issues be sent "up the chain" so that individuals cannot unnecessarily quash trails proposals without going through the process. Luke responded to Stan's comments regarding approvals.
New Business
Dan Osborne moves to approve the application from Wagner and Doak. Tim Stallard seconds. Luke noted that the work should have very little impact on the trees and that it will not impact other research. There is an agreement between Luke and the applicants that the equipment must stay on the roads. The motion to approve the application passed 4-0.
Continuing Business
Luke proposes creating four plans instead of one.
Dan is against a new trail connector from the Pooch Loop to Smith Lake. He doesn't support establishing trails for winter walking in areas that are wet in the summer. Establishment of those trails in winter will encourage unwarranted walking on the same (wet) trails in the summer. Dan thinks we shouldn't intentionally steer people into swamps. Dane notes that winter trails may be widened if people use the same trail (then wet) in the summer.
There was a general discussion of Luke's maps with Options A-D for winter walking trails.
Meeting adjourned at 1:30P.
April 3, 2006
Minutes from North Campus Subcommittee Meeting on April 3, 2006
Present: Scott Jerome, Linda Zanazzo, Tim Stallard, Pete Fix, Dan Osborne, Rich Boone (chair), Luke Hopkins (ex officio and North Campus Manager)
Absent: Cynthia Steiner
Guest: Stan Justice, Don Lokken
Meeting came to order at 12:00 PM.
Minutes from March 6, 2006 meeting approved.
Manager's Report – Luke Hopkins
Luke gave an overview of the discussion about campus walking trails at the most recent meeting of the Circulation & Parking Subcommittee (CPS). CPS members agreed to visit trails before the end of this snow season, especially the trail behind the houses on Chandalar Drive and the trail south of Yukon Drive. NCS members had a general discussion of some of the issues regarding main campus trails. The possibility of a trail from Yukon Drive to the Patty Center was raised. Luke pointed out that safety issues would need to be considered. A working group from the CPS will meet later today (April 3) to look at campus trails.
The issue of deciding the switchover from ski season to non-ski season was discussed. The trails are still in good shape now. Luke will put up a sign that trails are still being groomed and is preparing a sign to announce when grooming is over.
A request for Outdoor Days was received. Luke is working with UA Real Estate and Statewide Land Management on the request.
A request was received from Student Activities to hold a "Mudrun" on North Campus, as part of UAF Springfest on April 28. Luke said he would identify trails that might be used for the run. Dan Osborne suggested using the farm fields for the run.
Resolution of Dr. Kim's permit request is still in process.
Luke raised the issue of using eminent domain to secure trails. Ralph Seekins (state senator) has proposed a bill (Bill 318) that a 2/3 majority from municipal government would be required to secure trails via eminent domain.
There is a statewide trails conference in Fairbanks this week, starting on Wednesday. One guest speaker is a developer who includes trails in his developments and maintains that trails are important to economic development. Information about the conference can be found at the Borough's Park and Recreation web site. There will be a workshop on grant writing for trails improvement.
The T-field ASF reflector was vandalized. Footprints were found leading to the reflector, which was bent. ASF staff removed the reflector, repaired it, and re-installed it.
Public Comment
Stan Justice reported that the Ski-athon was successful and raised $1700. Stan noted that he had not received notification that his permit application was approved. He said that notification needs to be timely. He also noted that inaccurate maps were submitted for the phonebook and visitors map at the last NCS meeting, when there was no quorum. Stan objected to the omission on the submitted map of (1) the trail that crosses from the Beaver Slide Trail to the T-field, and (2) the trail south of Smith Lake.
Old Business
Pete Fix reviewed a summary of the walking trails survey. Notable were the large portion that don't walk to Smith Lake (63%) and those that don't walk on the Pooch Loop (57%). 64% preferred to walk side x side. 92% preferred to walk on trails <60 minutes. Half of the respondents want a trail length <3 miles. Only 6% were against allowing dogs on trails. 18% were against allowing bikes on trails. 57% would use trails 1-2 times per week. About half of respondents would contribute to grooming of walking trails.
There was a general discussion of the survey results. It was noted that in general people who responded to the survey and at the focus group showed they are respectful of the need to maintain trails for skiers in the winter. Luke believes our information may not sufficiently include the needs of walkers from West Ridge.
Member of the NCS will meet at Tim Stallard's office at 4P Wednesday, April 5 for a walk to examine possible winter walking trails.
Meeting adjourned at 1:25P. The next meeting of the North Campus Subcommittee is planned for Monday, April 10, 2006.
February 6, 2006
Minutes from North Campus Subcommittee Meeting on February 6, 2006
Present: Tim Stallard, Dan Osborne, Pete Fix, Scott Jerome, Rich Boone (chair), Luke Hopkins (ex officio and North Campus Manager)
Meeting came to order at 12:05 PM
Manager's Report – Luke Hopkins
Fairbanks Shakespeare Theater (FST) will locate their Summer 2006 production to the wooded area north of the museum (outside the North Campus).
Luke reported on the February 2, 2006 meeting of the Master Planning Committee (MPC). At the MPC meeting John Craven had raised a concern about reports of a "squashed motion" within the North Campus Subcommittee (NCS). Luke offered at the meeting that he was not aware of a squashed motion and suggested that perhaps Craven was referring to an email from the Chancellor regarding walking trails. Luke had pointed out that the email was forwarded to the North Campus Subcommittee after the NCS Chair contacted the Chancellor for approval to distribute the email. Kathleen Schedler presented a plan at the MPC for building sites west of the Natural Sciences Building.
Luke forwarded information to the Circulation & Parking (C&P) Subcommittee regarding suggestions for connections between campus trails and the North Campus as well as for expansion of the trail network on the central campus. Chris Bennett (Chair of the C&P Subcommittee) will be forming a working group of members from the NCS and C&P Subcommittees to formulate a joint plan.
Luke and Rich met with Nick Nugent (President of the Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks, NCSF) regarding formulation of a Memorandum of Agreement between the NSCF and UAF regarding trail grooming in the North Campus.
Luke commented on the plan from Alaska Fish & Game (AF&G) for fish stocking in Ballaine Lake. Comments from UAF are still welcome. A stocking of 3000 fish/yr in Ballaine Lake is planned for 2006 and 2007. The AF&G plan allows for a maximum stocking of 8,000 fish.
Luke will meet with Dr. Kim during the week of February 20, 2006 regarding his request to locate equipment on North Campus, near a research site used by Dan Osborne.
Rich asked whether the NCS should review the Ballaine Lake stocking plan. Luke is drafting comments on the plan now. Rich suggested that discussion of the plan be included as a agenda item for the next NCS meeting.
Public Comment
Stan Justice shared UAF put a high school student from Eagle River in touch with him regarding the trails at UAF. The student is a skier and may be interested in attending UAF.
Don Lokken suggested upgrading the ramp/entry to Ballaine Lake for winter access.
There were general comments about the need to upgrade the Calypso Nature Trail.
Old Business
CIGO Trail issues: Luke provided a reminder that the NCS at its January 9, 2006 meeting passed a motion to relocate the Beaver Slide Trail (outside the 500' buffer around the CIGO facility) to satisfy concerns of CIGO staff. There was a discussion about the connector trail to the north of the CIGO site. Jack Townsend favors elimination of the trail. Luke reported that Roger Smith (GI Director) appears open to a compromise solution. Luke presented the option of a compromise solution that would involve some realignment of the trail so that it crosses the CIGO road further north of its current location, which is near the CIGO parking area. Rich and Dan both supported the concept of a compromise solution.
Update on walking trails: Pete gave an update on the web page survey to obtain input on walking trails. The web page will be active shortly. There was a general discussion of a timetable for getting a walking trail plan to the MPC. The following was decided:
early March (first 2 weeks): focus groups on walking trails
mid-March: Comment period period ends for comments via the NCS web site
mid-March to mid-April: Formulate plan for walking trails
April 15-30: Obtain public comment on walking trail plan
Early May: Forward final walking trail plan to MPC.
Skarland Trail grooming: There was a brief discussion about whether the northwest portion of the Skarland 6-mile Trail should be groomed or not. The discussion was tabled for continuation at the next NCS meeting on Monday, February 20, 2006.
Meeting was adjourned at 1:30P.
Academic Year 2002-2003
April 22, 2003
Meeting with Facilities Services, April 22, 2003
The North Campus subcommittee met on April 22, 2003
In attendance: Rich Boone, Carol Adamczak, Tim Stallard, Pat Holloway, Mike Hay, committee nominees Deb Wilkinson and Cynthia Steiner and invited guests Rick Caulfield, Deb Brownfield and Steve Titus, Brian Barnes
Next meeting, May 6, Tues. 9:30 a.m. at the Experiment Farm visitor's center
The bulk of the meeting was devoted to a discussion of the Tanana Loop road, particularly the portion north of West Ridge Rick Caulfield and Deb Brownfield, both from Master Planning Committee, clarified the history of the road, basically stating that it had been in the Master Plan for many years and is a major component of campus circulation by re-directing traffic from the center of campus to the periphery. It has been approved by the Master Planning Committee, the Chancellor and Board of Regents and will proceed pending funding and design approval. Steve Titus. Deputy Director, Design and Construction, Facilities Services, presented a map with two proposed alignments (by Harding ESE dated 4/16/02) that will impact the North Campus area at two locations: north of the West Ridge complex, and west of IARC and Arctic Health. The first re-alignment will impact trails and the Biological Reserve. The second will impact the location of a trail head and ski hut.
Dr. Brian Barnes, Director, Institute of Arctic Biology, spoke to the committee on the impact of the re-alignment on the biological reserve and long term research as well as the animal holding facilities at the north end of the Irving building. They are looking at significant impact from increased traffic, noise, possibly vandalism in the animal facilities as well as relocation of permanent research plots. The committee asked if Mike Hay could help identify potential impacted areas and to share this information with the Master Planning committee.
Pat Holloway asked Steve Titus to predict the maximum "footprint" of the road. Steve said without knowing slopes, location of ice, drainage requirements, heights above grade the maximum footprint could be about 80 feet. During the next year, the committee will identify impacts of the road re-alignment and describe ways to mitigate impact on trails, structures and educational and research plots.
Although the road has been approved, the exact location of the road is still very much up for discussion. Several committee members took issue with the two options on the map and wondered if there couldn't be an option C that would skirt the edge of the parking lot north of Irving, O'Neill and Elvey and have a lower speed limit. Rick Caulfield stated that an option to re-direct traffic along Sheenjek was not an option, but there was plenty of time to consider all others. He advised the committee not to make it an immediate priority, but to prepare information for the Master Planning Committee on all impacts that must be considered.
April 9, 2003
Meeting of April 9, 2003
The North Campus subcommittee met on April 9, 2003.
Attendees: Carol Adamczak, Tim Stallard, Bill McDonnell, Pat Holloway, Peter Fix, Mike Hay, Rich Boone, committee member candidate Deb Wilkinson
Next meeting: Next meeting, Tues April 23, 9:30 -11 am at the Visitor's center at the
Experiment Farm
We reviewed the initial results of our public meetings. Pat Holloway shared the "stickies" comments that were placed on the posters during the meeting. Pat also included oral comments that she received at the meetings and requested that all members write down oral comments they received to be included in the list. The comments were coded by type (dogs, ski, research, etc.), and Peter Fix suggested they should be further coded by response type such as (positive, negative, neutral, or some other ranking). Pat will try to code the comments and return the excel files to the committee members.
Peter tabulated the responses from the 54 surveys that were returned. He showed beginning trends but cautioned the sample size was very small and not representative of the entire population of users. He and Mike will add to the tabulations as more surveys come in.
These data will be shared with committee members as they are completed, and ay final tabulations will be placed on our web site.
March 25, 2003
Meeting of March 25, 2003
The North Campus subcommittee met on Mar 25, 2003
Attendees: Carol Adamczak, Tim Stallard, Rich Boone, Pat Holloway and consultants: Peter Fix, Mike Hay
Next meeting:PLEASE NOTE NEW TIME AND DAY, April 9. Wed. 3:30 - 5p.m.
Most of the meeting was dedicated to refining the outstanding posters designed by Peter Fix and Mike Hay. Peter hopes to have the posters completed by Monday, Mar 31. Changes included formatting the posters to highlight the questions we want answered, changing the location of some information from one poster to another, making sure outreach includes more than just recreation.
The issue of Tanana Loop was raised and whether it should be included as a debatable question on the posters. Pat Holloway stated the existence of the Tanana Loop Road is already approved by Master Planning and the Chancellor. We can have no input on that. It will happen. However, we can help the road planners by informing them of potential conflicts with trails and the biology research yard. We can help them minimize impact to these areas and request mitigation if, for instance, a trail must be re-routed. The decision for the exact plaecment of the road will be debated by the master planning committee and Design and Construction at some later date whenever funding becomes available, and no doubt public input will be solicited. One thing the committee can and should debate is any potential parking lots proposed for the North campus area.
Everyone at the meeting was asked if they plan to attend the public meetings. Peter Fix has a conflict with one of them, but everyone else agreed to be there to answer questions and receive comments.
Carol Adamczak arranged to have the display boards in place for the meetings. Pat Holloway agreed to bring all the supplies (clip boards, etc) for the event
Peter Fix introduced his supplemental questionnaire to be handed out at the meetings. He received great comments for his efforts and will continue to refine it. He will include contact names and phone numbers as well as drop-off points so people can hand in the questionnaires later if need be.
We will plan to arrive about 1/2 hour before the meeting times to make sure everything is set up properly.
We discussed PR about the meeting. Rich Boone contacted Dermot Cole, and an article appeared in this morning's News-Miner in Dermont's column. Public service announcements went out to everyone on the UAF public relations list last week. Pat H. was contacted by one of the television stations that will air a short piece on it .
Tim Stallard said the color posters would be ready tomorrow for distribution all over campus. He will give copies to members so they can distribute more.
We discussed the possible addition of two new members, and Rich and Pat will follow up on getting the chancellor's approval should they agree to serve. Pat also mentioned another possible group of individuals who might be represented on our committee would be a representative from the Chancellor's task force for Native issues. We might consider asking that a member of that task force be on our committee. We will take this up again at a later meeting.
March 11, 2003
Meeting of March 11, 2003
The North Campus subcommittee met on Mar 11, 2003
Carol Adamczak, Tim Stallard, Mike Suplis, Pat Holloway, Peter Fix, Mike Hay
Next meeting, Mar 25, R, 174 Arctic Health, 8:30-10a.m.
We reviewed documents prepared by Peter Fix relating to the public meeting posters. The documents (attached) provided an excellent review of the issues and value statements to be covered at the public meetings. All committee members agreed to critically review those documents and provide input diretly to Peter about format for the posters and key issues that need to be pulled from the summaries for the posters.
Peter provided sample surveys with the documents, and we decided they should be handed out at the public meetings to gather additional information.
At the meetings we will have:
- posters with lots of pictures, big maps and key issues to stimulate public comment
- Surveys
- Fact sheets, one on the description and history, others on the value statements
Tim Stallard gave us an update on the 11 x 17 color posters to be placed all over campus. He will also give committee members some copies for distribution as far and wide as possible. He received pictures from Peter Fix,, and the poster layout was conpleted by the Wood Center graphics layout crew. They should be available next week,.
We discussed a variety of issues relating to management of the lands and how one gets permission to do anything in the area. There are a lot of pieces to this issue that need sorting out such as land use permits, work order requests, notification of events on the "Event Planner". Pat Holloway talked to Linda Zanazzo about the land use permits. Linda, in turn, will provide information on when they are necessary, who must approve the use, and who is exempt. More on this later.
Mike Supkis described the existing "Event Planner" calendar maintained on the health and safety web site. When events are scheduled anywhere on campus, this site links that information to security, fire, facilities services, etc. all the individuals who might need to respond to these events. It sounds like something the north campus subcommittee needs to include in any events schedule for the north campus area. More on that later.
We discussed some of the points addressed in a memo sent earlier from Pat Holloway to the subcommittee on maintenance issues in the North campus area. Actions taken on that memo include:
The committee approved:
- Establishing a work order system for all maintenance work requests in the north campus area. This may nvolve requesting a modification to the work order web site to include the north campus area. This work order system will specifically exclude grooming of the ski trails.
- Sending a request to the Master Planning committee to appoint a member of Facilities Service grounds maintenace staff as an ex officio member of the North Campus subcommittee
- Summer work requeats by Ed Foster:
- continue annual mowing maintenance of the trails
- Resolve an issue relating to hazardous barriers designed to keep snowmobilers off the trails. We will assist Ed in resolving issues between horse owners and skiers relating to the height and possible style if these barriers. Once a good compromise is agreed upon, Ed will proceed to remove the hazardous barriers and replace them.
- All other requests for trails maintenance and construction are on hold until after the public meetings and when the committee is satisfied they have enough information to proceed. We request that Ed Foster prepare a list of all projects and evaluate them in terms of disturbance level. Will the project result in irreversible changes to the North Campus area? Are there some quick fixes that might help solve an immediate problem without significantly impacting existing conditions? Following prioritization, we will meet with Ed Foster to discuss additional maintenance projects that might be completed.
Other issues were touched upon but need more work:
- Land manager position- begin to discuss te type of person we might hire to be a land manager, qualifications, where they would be housed, responsibilities. All committee members are asked to think about what this person should do so we can begin to formulate a job description. Keep in mind there is no money for this (yet).
- Consider hiring an outside consultant for developing a trails maintenance and management plan
- Consider a process similar to an Environmental impact statement for future users of the area; perhaps a checklist of people who need to have input on proposed projects; perhaps a kind of "Event Planner" notification system; perhaps a list of questions to make sure use is compatible with master plan. Just a good thought from Mike Supkis.
Attached: working documents from Peter Fix and memo to committee from Pat Holloway.
March 4, 2003
Meeting with Facilities Services, March 4, 2003
On Tuesday, Mar 4, Rich Boone and I met with Ed Foster, Superintendent of Operations, and Darrin "Bear" Edson, Grounds Supervisor, to begin a dialog regarding management of the North Campus Area. Our goals were to:
- begin involving Facilities Services personnel in the master planning process since they are the ones who will be responsible for carrying out maintenance and construction projects in the area;
- establish procedures for work requests in the North campus area, especially during this time when the master plan is not completed;
- discuss the possible hiring of a natural resources manager
- discuss the current list of project requests
Currently, Ed Foster receives most of the requests for work in the North Campus area and coordinates his staff to work with faculty, staff, students and community personnel in carrying out various projects. He has encountered conflicts with various user groups even on projects previously approved by the Master Planning Committee mostly because all of the users had not been identified. Hopefully, we will improve that situation with the master plan. He has also encountered activities such as unauthorized vehicle access, snow machine access, non-approved trails maintenance activities, unsafe construction projects and is seeking guidance from the North Campus Subcommittee on methods of reducing such activities.
Bear is the person on the front lines. He supervises a crew of full time and student employees whose responsibility is campus grounds maintenance. When a directive comes down to remove a bunch of trees, smooth out trails, improve access, install barriers, etc., Bear and his crew are responsible for completing the work. He would like to attend the NC Subcommittee meetings to become better informed and possibly provide expertise on the "realities" of implementing our plan.
Below are some action items for the subcommittee:
- Rich and I enthusiastically supported Bear's request to come to the meetings on a regular basis. The subcommittee can, if desired, formalize that request by adding a Facilities Services representative as a permanent member of the subcommittee or by establishing a non-voting, advisory position to be filled by Facilities Services Personnel (1).
- We recommend that all requests for maintenance or construction work in the North Campus area be routed through the existing work order system. This system is available to everyone with a UAF web site access and will provide a permanent record of work requests and actions taken by Facilities Services personnel to complete, revise, deny, etc. the work.
Establish a link on the NC subcommittee website directing people how to submit work orders.
Develop forms for use of the area, one each for research, education and outreach/recreation. Who gets these first, Ed, or the committee? Should these, somehow be incorporated into the work order system or separated(2)
- We recommend that Ed Foster (and other Facilities Services personnel, as needed), compile all work requests and meet with the NC Subcommittee a minimum of 3 times each year, possibly monthly, to discuss/approve/deny submitted work requests. The question for the subcommittee is, how far we should micro-manage the requests. Should all requests be approved/disapproved by the subcommittee, or only major construction projects, or whenever Ed decides he needs advice? I can see this relationship evolving over time, and at least until a master plan is completed, perhaps we recommend that all requests come through the committee. That way the committee can learn more about the needs in the area and possible conflicts, and Facilities Services can understand the desires of the NC Subcommittee. (2)
- Ed suggested that we think about the natural resources manager (forester, land manager) position. He would like to compile a JEF (job evaluation form) that costs nothing to produce but would give all of us a better understanding of what we would want this person to do. I suggested it was a bit early in the game since we have no approval for this position, but Ed suggested it doesn't hurt to work on a job description and revise it as we go along. He said it would be very beneficial to the hired person to be in on the master planning discussions as early as possible (4)
- Current work requests: Ed has two projects he wants to complete this summer:
- continue annual mowing of trails for ski maintenance,
- Ed has been working for the past year to rectify a hazardous situation. The (Trails Committee, Ski Club?), in an attempt to eliminate snow machine traffic from the trails in winter, erected barriers at major entrances. According to Ed, the barriers are too low and create a winter hazard when they are buried by snow and cannot be seen. Facilities Services has been slowly replacing the barriers with taller ones (railroad ties) and wishes to complete all replacement this summer. Carol Adamczak later pointed out to me that the horse riders have a hard time negotiating those taller barriers and prefer the shorter ones. We need to resolve this issue and approve or disapprove this work.
- Ed has received a list of project proposals from the Ski Club relating to trails construction and maintenance projects. Previous committee discussions have basically divided the projects into two camps: maintenance and construction. Previously, the NC Committee recommended that all construction projects be put on hold until the master plan is complete. This list would include:
In addition, some committee members recommended that some of the trails maintenance projects could be accomplished if Ed and Bear had the time and finances to manage them. However, this list was generated with a single use in mind without attention to educational and research needs. Even the maintenance projects might interfere with these programs. For instance, one of the trails maintenance projects is to level the hilly, thermokarst pits near Smith Lake/potato field to make it safer and faster for skiers. Steve Sparrow told me this area is heavily used by soils classes as classic examples of the effects of land clearing. There are several more examples, but the bottom line is, the requested maintenance projects need scrutiny from all sides to make sure educational programs and research projects are not impacted.
These conflicts led to the conclusion that all proposed trails projects need to be delayed until a comprehensive trails plan is completed. We need to know the extent of permafrost, exactly where the problem areas are with tree roots, etc. Rather than complete piecemeal maintenance projects that might have serious impacts on other uses in the area, we recommend delaying all maintenance projects with the exception of annual mowing until a trails maintenance assessment can be completed. As part of the baseline data-gathering process, we need to contact specific users of the trails, have them accompany (Peter? Mike? A member of the committee?) along the trails and map problem sites, identify hazards, detail wet areas, identify areas that should not be disturbed because of their importance to classes, etc. This needs to be repeated in spring, summer and fall to ensure that problems buried by snow now are revealed.
What all this boils down to is:
- Should the committee delay all maintenance and construction projects with the exception of the two identified by Ed Foster as needing immediate attention?
- We need to complete a trails assessment including all user groups.
- Who should do all that?
Finally, we also discussed potential actions to be taken if violations occur to university regulations in the North Campus area such as unauthorized vehicles, tree cutting, etc. I suggested it was not in our job descriptions to become cops, but we should be diligent in notifying Security about infractions in this area. Like the work orders, notification of authorities would provide a written record of violations and may help the NC Committee manage the entire area better. We need to contact Security to identify university regulations that already impact that area and include them in the master plan. These may also be posted on our web site or even in the information kiosks so people are aware of the regulations.
I will compile people's thoughts so we can continue this dialog over the next few weeks. At the next meeting we do need to address:
- Ed's summer work request
- Delay of decisions regarding submitted trails maintenance and construction projects.
February 25, 2003
Meeting of February 25, 2003
The North Campus subcommittee met on Tuesday, Feb 25.
Tim Stallard, Mike Supkis, Pat Holloway, Carol Adamczak, Peter Fix and his graduate assistant
Next meeting: Tues, March 11, 8:30a.m. 174 Arctic Health
The committee discussed poster format. Carol brought in samples of poster style, and the committee decided on a style, glossiness and size that would fit the poster easels being provided by Physical Plant.
The dates of the public meetings were set:
April 1 - Wood Center 11 am to 2 p. The posters will be on display all day, and the committee will be available for comments at the times listed above
April 2- Wien Library- 5:30 - 8:30p.m.
April 3- Globe Room, GI. Location needs to be finalized and time.
We discussed poster content. There will be 6 posters, 3 relating to the overall value statement, and 3 relating to specific issues such as access, potential conflicts among users, etc. In addition, there weil be a handout including map that explains the history of the area, and what the north campus master planning subcommittee will accomplish with the master plan.
We also discussed publicity for the public meetings. Carol Adamczak will contact University Relations and Rich Boone will contact the faculty senate to get the meetings advertised. We will continue to work on publicity to make sure most people who are interested in the north campus area will be able to have input.
Peter Fix, using lists generated from the fall meetings, will develop some trial posters and present them at the next meeting.
Pat Holloway contacted Dean Carol Lewis regarding the Arboretum Committee. A meeting is being arranged for mid March that will clarify the future of the Arboretum committee and its role in the master plan.
Peter Fix will make a presentation at the Chancellor's Summit on Mar 25 regarding progress on the north campus master plan.
Please make any additions or corrections to Pat Holloway.
February 11, 2003
Meeting of February 11, 2003
The North Campus subcommittee met on Tuesday, Feb 11. Because of the bad weather, attendance was sparse, so we decided not to delve into substantive matters at that time.
Next meeting: Tues, Feb 25, 8:30a.m. 174 Arctic Health
Members Present:
Pat Holloway, Carol Adamczak, Peter Fix and his graduate assistant
Please plan to attend these meetings. We need to hear all voices on these issues. If you cannot attend meetings regularly, please hand in your resignation from the committee so we can find others willing to attend.
The Subcommittee received a letter of resignation from Dave Musgrave. The co-chairs wish to thank Dave for his participation on this sub-committee and anticipate he will continue to provide valuable input as we proceed.
Please send in suggestions for possible candidates to replace Dave.
Peter Fix, Rich Boone and Pat Holloway met on Modany, Feb 10, to plan a dialog with Physical Plant on management and maintenance strategies for the North Campus Area. We need to include in the master plan a process of decisionmaking and subcommittee oversight to make sure the master plan we develop will be followed. Peter, Rich and Pat plan to meet with Ed Foster and any other interested physical plant personnel, to discuss possible options. This will happen after Rich returns from his singing engagement in New York! The information will then be brought back to the entire subcommittee for discussion and recommendations for the master plan.
Pat Holloway met with Dean Carol Lewis regarding the Arboretum Committee. This committee is responsible for oversight of the arboretum. Dean Lewis agreed to call a meeting of the old committee to discuss the future of the Arboretum Committee and develop a plan for that area that is consistent with the original intent of the arboretum.
We are beginning plans for our first public meetings that will take place the last week of March. The meetings will occur at 3 locations:one on West Ridge, one on lower campus and at a community site possibly the Wien Library. Carol Adamczak will arrange sites and obtain assistance from physical plant to provide easels for our visual aids. Peter Fix will develop the posters. The meetings will follow the same format that was so successfully used at the master planning meetings. We will have stations with specific questions to ask the public.
Peter Fix presented some suggestions, and we need to formalize these at our next meeting. The questions should include our value statements as well as specific areas such as access to the north campus area. Peter's first attempts are listed below. we will refine these questions at our next meeting so Peter can begin making the visual aids.
From Peter: Here are the 3 value statements:
- Protect the natural integrity of the area while providing opportunities for education, research, outreach and recreation
- Preserve access for education, research, outreach and recreation
- Continue to provide opportunities for community involvement that are compatible with the mission of North Campus
There are sub-goals that go along with this, many were mentioned in the notes from 1-14 meeting attachment.
The questions I currently have in the posters are as follows.
For access:
Is current access adequate?
What types of access points would you like to see more off?
What types of access points would you like to see less off?
For trails:
Is the current trail system adequate?
What types of trails would you like to see more off?
What types of trails would you like to see less off?
For research:
What types of research activities are compatible with North Campus?
What types of research activities are incompatible with North Campus?
The above questions are pretty basic and general, we may need a few more specific questions to stimulate discussion among committee members. I would be willing to meet sometime (although it would probably have to be on Friday), so we can get some thoughts on other relevant issues we should include in the email to the committee.
Academic Year 2012-2013
June 12, 2013
June 12, 2013 North Campus Subcommittee Meeting
12 Noon in the Facilities Services Conference Room (rm 213)
Committee Members Peter Fix, Linda Zanazzo, Scott Jerome, Dan Callahan, Mark Oldmixon, Knut Kielland, Jim Brashear, Kara Axx (ex of), Jason Garron (ex of),
Approval of Minutes
Agenda - Changes / approval
Manager's Report
Public Comment – 3 minutes
New Business
ˇ Disc Golf Survey results
ˇ Roller Ski Loop
ˇ Improved Smith Lake access
ˇ Skiathon/Arboretum
ˇ Beginner Learning Area Expansion
Second Public Comment – 3 minutes
Next Meeting Date:
● July 10, 2013
May 8, 2013
May 8, 2013 North Campus Subcommittee Meeting
12 Noon in the Facilities Services Conference Room (rm 122)
Committee Members Peter Fix, Linda Zanazzo, Scott Jerome, Dan Callahan, Mark Oldmixon, Knut Kielland, Jim Brashear, Kara Axx (ex of), Jason Garron (ex of),
Approval of Minutes
Agenda - Changes / approval
Manager's Report
Public Comment – 3 minutes
New Business
ˇ Sign Plan
ˇ Disc Golf Survey results
ˇ Roller Ski Loop
ˇ Improved Smith Lake access
ˇ Skiathon/Arboretum
ˇ Beginner Learning Area Expansion
Second Public Comment – 3 minutes
Next Meeting Date:
● June 12, 2013
Minutes North Campus Subcommittee 5/8/13
Members present:
Scott Jerome, Mark Oldmixon, Jason Garron (ex of), Kara Axx (ex of)
Guests: Stan Justice, Chris Rogers
Manager's Report
ˇ ASF Reflector scheduled for delivery 6/7/13 with construction scheduled to start 6/10/13.
ˇ Outdoor Days cancelled because of snow, ice, and/or mud.
ˇ Connex for Archery Range to be sided and moved to better location once ground dries.
ˇ Summer construction projects on lower campus, might send more users to NC. Check www.uaf.edu/construction
New Business
No Quorum.
April 10, 2013
April 10, 2013 North Campus Subcommittee Meeting
at 12 Noon in the Facilities Services Conference Room (rm 122)
Committee Members Peter Fix, Linda Zanazzo, Scott Jerome, Dan Callahan, Mark Oldmixon, Knut Kielland, Jim Brashear, Kara Axx (ex of), Jason Garron (ex of),
Approval of Minutes
Agenda - Changes / approval
Manager's Report
Public Comment – 3 minutes
New Business
ˇ Disc Golf in NC
ˇ Committee business over email
ˇ Sign Plan
ˇ Skiathon/Arboretum
ˇ Roller Ski Loop
ˇ Improved Smith Lake access
Second Public Comment – 3 minutes
Next Meeting Date:
● May 8, 2013
Minutes North Campus Subcommittee 4/10/13
Members present:
Linda Zanazzo, Scott Jerome, Dan Callahan, Mark Oldmixon, Jim Brashear, Kara Axx (ex of)
Guests: Stan Justice, Jonathan Shambare, Cameron Chase, Audun Endestad
Manager's Report
ˇ Working on adding trails to UA Mobile app. Limited options, looking to add tours to UA map. Need to create loops. Please contact Kara with suggestions
ˇ Summer construction projects on lower campus, might send more users to NC. Check www.uaf.edu/construction
ˇ Kara and Jason Birch Hill update
ˇ Working group update (Jonathan Shambare)
New Business
1) During the public comment period, Audun Endestad discussed the new beginning learning area not meeting his needs for teaching the UAF XC ski class. The area would need to be leveled and lengthened. There are also several other areas that Endestad would like to see either expanded or improved. Endestad is going to draw up some proposed solutions and provide them to the NCM before the next meeting.
2) NCS discussed allowing a disc golf course to be added to the North Campus area. This was a continued discussion from the previous NCS meeting. Major areas of concern: conflicts between pedestrians/discs, changing the nature of the area, players chasing discs off the trails, possible interference with research projects. NCS decided the issue would be best decided by allowing for public comment period before proceeding. The following motion was made by Callahan, seconded by Oldmixon.
Motion: The NCS is considering allowing disc golf in the North Campus area of UAF (attached map) and is seeking public comment before proceeding.
Motion passed 5/0
3) Committee business over email was discussed by NCS. It was determined that any email correspondence will be released to the public, if requested. This should not limit the use of email, if necessary, to facilitate business when time sensitive issues arise.
March 20, 2013
March 20, 2013 North Campus Subcommittee Meeting
Committee Members Peter Fix, Linda Zanazzo, Scott Jerome, Dan Callahan, Mark Oldmixon, Knut Kielland, Jim Brashear, Kara Axx (ex of), Jason Garron (ex of), Darrin Edson (ex of)
Approval of Minutes
Agenda - Changes / approval
Manager's Report
Public Comment – 3 minutes
New Business
ˇ Bicycles on walking trails
ˇ Disc Golf in NC
ˇ Committee business over email
ˇ Sign Plan
ˇ Skiathon/Arboretum
Second Public Comment – 3 minutes
Next Meeting Date:
● April 10, 2013
North Campus Subcommittee minutes 3/20/13
Members present: Knut Kielland, Scott Jerome, Linda Zanazzo, Dan Callahan, Mark Oldmixon, Peter Fix, Kara Axx (ex off), Jason Garron (groomer)
Public attendees: Stan Justice, Ed Clark, Chris Rogers
Public Comment
Chris Rogers discussed a proposal to put an 18 disk golf course on the trails.
ˇ Evaluated the course last year, found it had low traffic
ˇ There is a disk golf club in Fairbanks with approximately 50 members
ˇ The club hosts five annual events
New Business
1. Allowing bikes on the walking trails was discussed.
ˇ Jason Garron conducted a test as to whether the trail between LARS and the SAR antennae was bikeable and to assess the impats.
o Based on several bikers using the area, he found it was firm enough for bicycle use and there were minimal impacts where they crossed the trail.
ˇ Mark Oldmixon polled several bikers. He found they desired to use the trail between LARS and the SAR antennae for commuting.
Mark Oldmixon made the following motion:
Allow winter biking on the walking trail that runs north-south from LARS to the ASF antennae, as well as the walking trail immediately south of the stadium and the walking trail on ASF antennae access road. The impacts of winter biking on the NC trail system will be reviewed in spring 2014.
Seconded by Knut Kielland.
Passed 6/0
Additional discussion identified three areas that would be assessed in the "review" (but not part of the motion):
1) Walker complaints
2) An increase in bikes and walkers on the ski trails
3) Impacts to classic ski tracks (low priority)
2. The disk golf course was discussed.
ˇ Comparisons were made to Birch Hill
o Low summer use at Birch Hill compared to North Campus
ˇ Would discs interfere with running?
A motion was made to "Approve the concept of the disk golf proposal for North Campus."
3 voted in favor, 3 against.
December 12, 2012
December 12, 2012 North Campus Subcommittee Meeting
Committee Members Peter Fix, Linda Zanazzo, Scott Jerome, Dan Callahan, Mark Oldmixon, Knut Kielland, Jim Brashear, Kara Axx (ex of), Darrin Edson (ex of)
Approval of Minutes
Agenda - Changes / approval
Manager's Report
Public Comment – 3 minutes
New Business
ˇ Trail reroute-Motion to cross under Tanana Loop
ˇ Cutler Apt Loop
● Committee to review trails on campus – update on status
Second Public Comment – 3 minutes
Next Meeting Date:
● February 13, 2012
Minutes North Campus Subcommittee 12/12/12
Members present:
Peter Fix, Scott Jerome (proxy), Mark Oldmixon, Linda Zanazzo, Dan Callahan, Kara Axx (ex of)
Guests: Stan Justice
Manager's Report
Agreement with ADF&G finalized for Archery Range.
New Business
1) The SRC trail reroute was discussed. The following motion was made and discussed:
The North Campus Subcommittee recommends pursing an underground crossing of the SRC trail due to safety concerns of skiers crossing the road, which have been exacerbated by the construction of the Akasofu parking lot. If the solar panel project goes forward we recommend routing the trail to the south of Tanana Loop, with location of a tunnel location determined by safety and technical feasibility, but preferably as close to the round-about as possible (see option 2 as a guide). If the solar panel project does not move forward, the tunnel location should be determined by safety and technical feasibility, with preference to cross below the overlook parking (see option 1 as a guide). If an under the road crossings is not an option, a dedicated crosswalk with rubberized matting on the road should be constructed near the round-about to access a trail on the southside of Tanana Loop.
Motion passed 5/0
2) The NCS asked that, if North Tanana Loop is not being used for construction, can the old route of the ski trail be groomed. Kara will check on the use of the road. Jason said there was a berm that would prevent grooming.
3) An update on the committee to review trails on campus was provided by Kara. This prompted a discussion on the North Campus policy regarding "Fat Bikes." Some committee members felt all walking trails should be open in winter to Fat Bikes, others felt the walking trails should remain closed to fat bikes.
November 14, 2012
November 14, 2012 North Campus Subcommittee Meeting
Committee Members Peter Fix, Linda Zanazzo, Scott Jerome, Dan Callahan, Mark Oldmixon, Knut Kielland, Jim Brashear, Kara Axx (ex of), Darrin Edson (ex of)
Approval of Minutes
Agenda - Changes / approval
Manager's Report
Public Comment – 3 minutes
New Business
ˇ Commuter trail discussion, to plow or not to plow
● Committee to review trails on campus – update on status
Second Public Comment – 3 minutes
Next Meeting Date:
● December 12, 2012
Minutes North Campus Subcommittee 11/14/12
Members present:
Peter Fix, Scott Jerome, Dan Callahan, James Brashear, Kara Axx (ex of – North Campus Manager), Jason Garron (Trails Manager), Darrin Edson (Superintendent of operations, Facilities Services)
Guests: David Maxwell, Associate Professor, Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Manager's Report
ˇ Connex placement at Archery Range approved by Chancellor Rogers
o Working with State for updated agreement
o Rifle/Athletics to be host department
o Range management plan
ˇ Ski Hut Circulation
o No parking, authorized official vehicle parking spot
o Flow through new parking area
ˇ Solar Field near Butro
o Ski trail will be maintained/MPC working on motion to make sure.
ˇ Trails committee meeting updates
o Data collection stage
§ Determining areas of interest ease of connections etc.
New Business
New Member James Brashear, Professor, Art Department, was introduced as a new committee member.
Solar Panel Field If the solar panel proposal is approved and moves forward, the SRC trail will need to be relocated. Scott Jerome prefers a location on the south side of the road. Mark Oldmixon is interested in ensuring this trail remains because at some point in the future Outdoor Adventures (which rents skis) will move to the SRC. Scott Jerome and Jason Garron will look at possible trail reroutes and send a map to the committee.
Commuter Trails Given the committee to address commuter trails, the NCS should revisit its policy regarding trail use. One issue to be addressed is the use of mountain bikes (i.e., "Fat Bikes") on walking trails. For now the NCS has decided to uphold its current policy of no bikes on the walking trails.
Public Comment
David Maxwell commented on the commuter trail that runs behind the farm. He uses that trail to commute by ski to the Chapman building. He is unhappy with the recent change to plow this commuting trail to the gravel and would like to see a skiable surface. However, he does recognize there are other trails he could use to ski to campus. Committee members expressed concerns that plowing the trail increase its visibility as a commuting trail, 1) keeping people out of the farm area and 2) keeping walkers and bikers off the ski trails. Darrin Edson suggested trying to keep a thin layer of snow on the trail.
October 10, 2012
October 10, 2012 North Campus Subcommittee Meeting Agenda
Committee Members Peter Fix, Linda Zanazzo, Scott Jerome, Dan Callahan, Mark Oldmixon, Knut Kielland, Kara Axx (ex of), Darren Edson (ex of)
Approval of Minutes
Agenda - Changes / approval
Manager's Report
Public Comment – 3 minutes
New Business
● Storage at archery range (guests attending Gary Johnston (DCC) and Bob Hunter (ADF&G))
Old Business
● Committee to review trails on campus – update on status
Second Public Comment – 3 minutes
Next Meeting Date:
● November14
October 10, 2012 North Campus Subcommittee Meeting Minutes
Minutes North Campus Subcommittee 10/10/12
Members present:
Peter Fix, Scott Jerome, Mark Oldmixon, Linda Zanazzo, Kara Axx (ex of)
Guests: Robert Hunter, ADF&G; Gary Johnston, UAF DCC; Bob Crenshaw, UAF DDC; Stan Justice, UAF Trails Club; Michael Golub, Engineering Student
Manager's Report
ˇ Update on ASF Antenna Construction-Contractor completed and off site for season.
ˇ Beginning learning area/Re-route-Dozer working should be completed today.
ˇ Access road at Ski Hut-plan was to move the gate down to the asphalt. With the width of the new road, the
gate would not block the road. I will be working with ASF, UAF Fire, Bear and Martin Klein UAF Parking Services to determine options.
ˇ Maintenance Updates from Jason- The groomer and roller repairs are all done and the equipment is in place.
The snow machines are up and running. Walking trail from Farmers loop to West ridge is being widened to allow for grooming. Commuter trail from Sheep creek to overlook has been flattened. I have a couple of friction drags I am getting ready to use on the commuter trails. From now until snow I will be checking all trails, updating maps and signs, assisting with leveling of beginner area.
ˇ Events-Skijor Race date set 2/16/13.
New Business
A proposal was presented by Robert Hunter to place a Connex storage unit at the archery range. The initial motion to approve the archery range, passed on October 13, 2010, included approval for target storage onsite (or near the site) but a specific plan for storage was not presented at that time. Recently ADF&G has obtained funding for a Connex box and funds to paint or side the Connex unit.
The committee discussed the pros and cons of a Connex being places there. Among the cons were the push to remove Connexes from campus, aesthetic issues, and potential vandalism. However, from a logistic standpoint, it is highly advantageous to have the Connex onsite. The onsite location would allow targets to be placed in and removed from storage without the need for a vehicle; reducing potential impacts to the ground. In addition, the onsite location would be much more cost effective than storing the targets at the Aurora Dr. location. Gary Johnston had a vision for siding the Connex box so it looked like a permanent facility. Robert Hunter mentioned they had locks and other methods to ensure the storage unit is secure.
The follow motion was made by Peter Fix, and seconded by Scott Jerome.
As the archery range was approved on October 13, 2010 with the provision of storage and as the archery range is not highly visible to public, we approve of a Connex box onsite with the understanding that it would be painted or sided as specified by DCC to look like a permanent facility.
During discussion of the motion, Linda Zanazzo raised a point about liability and what happens if the Connex falls into a state of disrepair. Thus the following amendments were added:
● ADF&G will pay for painting or siding
● Management and maintenance will be internalized into a UAF department.
● If, in the future, management and maintenance has not be internalized into a UAF department or the Connex box falls into a state of disrepair, ADF&G will pay for the removal of the Connex box.
● The approval, with stipulations, are contingent on an agreement between UAF and ADF&G.
Motion with amendments passed 4/0
Public Comment
Michael Golub, Engineering Student, Proposed running the electric snowmobile, that is designed by UAF for competition, on the walking trails to allow them to test it before the competition. This could help groom the walking trails. Speeds of the snowmobile are low, < 20 mph. The completion is normally in March, sometimes they don't have a working machine much before the competition, this year they are hoping to have a running machine as early as November.
The committee felt this would be a good idea and could be used to promote this research. It was suggested that this is something that would need to be coordinated with Jason. Michael will complete the research application and return for official approval.
September 12, 2012
September 12, 2012 North Campus Subcommittee Meeting
Committee Members Peter Fix, Linda Zanazzo, Scott Jerome, Dan Callahan, Mark Oldmixon, Knut Kielland, Kara Axx (ex of), Darrin Edson (ex of)
Approval of Minutes
Agenda - Changes / approval
Manager's Report
Public Comment – 3 minutes
New Business
● Permanent marker signs for Nanook home meets
● Committee member to replace Jim Allen
● Website suggestions
Second Public Comment – 3 minutes
Next Meeting Date:
● October 10
Minutes North Campus Subcommittee 9/12/12
Members present:
Peter Fix, Scott Jerome, Dan Callahan, Mark Oldmixon, Linda Zanazzo, Kara Axx (ex of)
Manager's Report
● Update on ASF Antenna Construction- Construction was delayed a little at the start, but currently the project is ahead of schedule. Forms are being built for the base. The entrance road near the ski hut is getting straightened out next week. Concrete pour will be completed by 9/24, and by the third week of Oct, the contractor should be off site. The reflector should be delivered on or near April 1st.
● Maintenance Updates-Completed: brushed back Big Whizzy & Midnight Express, all trails have been mowed and widened, cleaned up many overhanging trees, filled sink hole on Estle Connector, re-keyed all gates and had several gates repaired. Upcoming projects: Low spot on Beaver Slide, smooth out Smith Lake Trailhead (east end), fix sink hole on Big Whizzy Ext and seed with grass, clear overhanging trees on Skarland, level the beginner area and update GIS database.
● Culvert Construction Project- DDC ran a culvert from the parking lot behind IARC to the Bio Reserve. The project was estimated at 2-2.5 weeks. Completed within 4 days. Jason leveled and chipped the area.
● Mapping Updates- DDC student working with GPS unit off campus. When they have time they will assist Jason and I in mapping the new trails. GIS system will be updated after that.
● Archery Range-Dan Jordan, UAF Safety, DDC and ADF&G are working on a range management plan. The range is NOT open for use. The range plan must be approved before the range is safe and usable.
● Lighting updates-DDC is working on an exterior lighting Master Plan, this includes NC. NC may very well be a great place to test LED upgrades, as the area is isolated from other lighting sources and a huge consumer of power.
● Events-Equinox Marathon, RecFest and Golden Leaf.
● UAF mobile app- If location services are turned on should locate on the trails map.
● Facebook page
New Business
1) Proposal to permanently mark the UAF cross country running race courses.
Scott Jerome presented a proposal to permanently mark the UAF cross country running course. This would involve marking an 8km, 6km, and 4km course (although the courses, to varying degrees, utilize multiple loops). The proposal specified marking the 8km and 6km course in mile units and the 4km course in kilometer units. Sponsors would be solicited to help pay for the signs, with recognition of the sponsors on the signs.
In general the committee was supportive and felt the community would utilize the course. Initial discussion did bring up several concerns.
● There was a question as to whether it would be better use kilometers as the unit of measure for all courses.
● A concern was expressed over the appropriateness of including the sponsor's names (most likely local business) on the signs.
● It was also pointed out that UAF has sign standards and a committee to oversee such matters. This project would need to be approved by that committee.
It was also suggested that the names and times of course record holders be posted.
The follow motion was made by Peter Fix:
"The NCS approves moving forward with permanent markers for the course. Scott Jerome will check into sign standards and report back to the committee with design examples."
The motion was seconded by Mark Oldmixon.
Discussion added the request that Scott Jerome present a map showing marker locations for kilometers and miles.
The motion passed 5/0
2) Replacement committee member for Jim Allen.
● What should the position represent? Social sciences: art, literature, education?
● Do we want a committee member that represents a current use or a group that we would like to see more involved with North Campus?
● Pete Fix will contact the dean of CLA to solicit interest.
3) The Chancellor's trail plan
● All agreed this is a positive direction. But all expressed a desire to avoid duplicating previous efforts related to connector trails, walking trails, bike paths, etc.
● Mark Oldmixon and Scott Jerome volunteered to serve on a trails plan working group.
Academic Year 2010-2011
December 14, 2011
December 14, 2011 North Campus Subcommittee Meeting - Agenda
Committee Members Peter Fix, Linda Zanazzo, Scott Jerome, Dan Callahan, Mark Oldmixon, Jim Allen, Knut Kielland, Nicole Nordstrand (ex of), Darren Edson (ex of)
Approval of Minutes
Agenda - Changes / approval
Manager's Report
Public Comment – 3 minutes
Old Business
Continue with discussion of indicators and standards, special management areas and revisions to the North Campus Plan
New Business
Second Public Comment – 3 minutes
Next Meeting Date: The next scheduled meeting would be January 11, 2012. Suggest waiting until February 8, 2012
November 9, 2011
Minutes North Campus Subcommittee 11/9/11
Members present:
Peter Fix, Scott Jerome, Dan Callahan, Jim Allen, Mark Oldmixon, Knut Kielland, Nicole Nordstrand (ex of)
Guest attending:
Stan Justice
Managers update
New walking trail on north side of Tanana Loop is completed
Public Input
Stan Justice, UAF Trails club. Would like permanent "no walking on ski trail" signs to be installed along T-Field Rd. Trails club could pay for signs.
Old Business
New Business
Motion by Scott Jerome: Endorse "no walking on ski trail" signs on permanent posts along T-Field Rd. Use Trails Club funds for the project. Second by Knut Kielland. Passed 5/0 (Jim Allen not present at vote)
Discussed indicators and standards, presentation by Peter Fix
September 14, 2011
Sept, 14, 2011 North Campus Subcommittee Meeting - Agenda
Committee Members Peter Fix, Linda Zanazzo, Scott Jerome, Dan Callahan, Mark Oldmixon, Jim Allen, Knut Kielland, Nicole Nordstrand (ex of), Darren Edson (ex of)
Approval of Minutes
Agenda - Changes / approval
Manager's Report
ˇ Big Whizzy construction update
ˇ Results of MPC meeting re: Big Whizzy Extension
ˇ Update on maintenance
Public Comment – 3 minutes
Old Business
New Business
ˇ Skarland temp reroute to be a winter walking trail
ˇ Zoning/Arboretum
Second Public Comment – 3 minutes
Next Meeting Date: The next scheduled meeting is Oct. 12. Pete Fix will be out of town. Hold without Pete, reschedule, cancel?
August 10, 2011
Minutes North Campus Subcommittee 8/10/11
Members present:
Peter Fix, Scott Jerome, Dan Callahan, Jim Allen, Mark Oldmixon, Linda Zanazzo Nicole Nordstrand (ex of)
Guest attending:
Javier Fochesatto
Anupma Prakash
Old Business
Discussion regarding the Big Whizzy extension resumed. Issues discussed included to what extent the character of the area would change and the level of support/opposition among the broader public.
Motion by Peter Fix, second by Mark Oldmixon:
Initial approval of the concept of the Big Whizzy extension. Final approval would be granted after additional public involvement in early September. Final approval would be contingent on clearly demonstrated public support. Approval is also contingent on confirming no research is taking place in the area and no classes use the area.
Passed 5/1
New Business
Reviewed request for an 80' eddy-covariance tower to be located off of the pooch loops and a second tower located near the rifle range. Discussion revolved around access requirements, how often the generator would be used, vandalism/injuries to unauthorized individuals climbing on tower, and potential restrictions on use in the area.
Motion by Scott Jerome, second by Jim Allen:
Accept the proposal submitted by Javier Fochesatto for the eddy covariance tower and associated tower near the rifle range.
Additional restrictions added through discussion:
ˇ No ATVs can be used on the pooch loops
ˇ No fence
ˇ Guy wires can be no closer than 10' to the pooch loops
Passed 5/0 (note only 5 members present at this time)
July 13, 2011
Minutes North Campus Subcommittee 7/13/11
Members present:
Peter Fix, Forrest Karr (for Scott Jerome), Dan Callahan, Jim Allen, Nicole Nordstrand (ex of), Darrin Edson (ex of),
Guest attending:
Jason Garron, UAF groomer
Margaret Durst
New Business
Skarland reroute
Items discussed regarding the reroute included whether some of the corners were too tight for the groomer and if the reroute could be made longer to replace the distance of trail lost. Jason noted he drafted a reroute that maintained the distance of the trail and had more gradual corners.
Pete Fix made a motion to approve the proposed reroute with the condition that Jason work with John Estle to explore the possibility of a longer horseshoe shaped loop, with the distance as long as possible. Seconded by Dan Callahan. Passed 4/0
Big Whizzy extension
Discussion regarding the Big Whizzy extension included:
ˇ Whether the public had adequate notice
o Did the PSA, newspaper article, and postings to listserves reach enough people?
o Did they have enough time to respond?
ˇ Tree removal, trails being close to each other
ˇ Wetlands at bottom of trail, do we have the permit for construction in that area
ˇ Trail design and grooming issues
No action was taken on the Big Whizzy extension.
May 11, 2011
May 11, 2011 North Campus Subcommittee Meeting - Agenda
Committee Members Peter Fix, Kellie Fritze, Scott Jerome, Cynthia Steiner, Mark Oldmixon, Jim Allen, Knut Kielland, Nicole Nordstrand (ex of), Darren Edson (ex of)
Approval of Minutes
Agenda - Changes / approval
Manager's Report
ˇ Brad Griffith will be doing the trapping training
ˇ GI has submitted a research proposal
Public Comment – 3 minutes
Old Business
- NCS' view on when special management areas should be required to obtain approval from NCS
- Define a criteria to include in memo to Chancellor
New Business
ˇ SAR dish trail
ˇ Feedback on grooming
Second Public Comment – 3 minutes
Next Meeting Date: June ??? (Pete gone on June 8)
April 13, 2011
Minutes North Campus Subcommittee 7/13/11
Members present:
Peter Fix, Forrest Carr (for Scott Jerome), Dan Callahan, Jim Allen, Nicole Nordstrand (ex of), Darrin Edson (ex of),
Guest attending:
Jason Garron, UAF groomer
New Business
Skarland reroute
Lots of discussion
March 9, 2011
Minutes North Campus Subcommittee 3/9/11
Members present:
Peter Fix, Kellie Fritze, Jim Allen, Nicole Nordstrand (ex. of)
Guest attending:
Stan Justice, UAF Trails Club
Don Lokken
Discussed Borough's proposed connection between UAF and Jeff Studdert trails
ˇ Recommendations on:
o Non-motorized section
o Skiing only section
o Need signage
ˇ Suggestion to vote on approval with guidelines
ˇ A point was raised regarding whether the Borough contacted UA lands about land east of Farmers Loop
o UA Lands needs to know
o Can modify language of what we vote on to reflect what the Borough should do to make it feasible with UA lands
Discussed attendance policy
ˇ Suggestion for two unexcused absences
ˇ Beyond two unexcused absences need to give proxy vote to chair or have someone attend in place
Academic Year 2006-2007
November 6, 2007
Minutes from North Campus Subcommittee Meeting
November 6, 2006
Present: Cynthia Steiner, Pete Fix, Tim Stallard, Linda Zanazzo, Dan Osborne, Rich Boone (Chair), Luke Hopkins (North Campus Manager)
Absent: Scott Jerome
Guests: Stan Justice, Don Lokken, Ed Clark
Meeting came to order at 12:15P. There was no quorum until 12:40P.
Minutes of the November 1, 2006 meeting were adopted as corrected.
Manager's Report – Luke Hopkins
At the recent Parking & Circulation Subcommittee meeting Luke reiterated the NCS request that connections be established between main campus trails and North Campus trails. He noted that the issue of accessibility with respect to campus trails needs to be clarified with UA Statewide.
Public Comment
Continuing Business
The Subcommittee discussed and voted on a motion that Linda had made at the last NCS meeting. The motion: Snowshoeing is permitted on North Campus winter walking trails and on the outside of groomed ski trails. This policy will be in effect for a trial period of one year and will be reviewed subsequently by the North Campus Subcommittee." The motion failed 4-1.
Pete made the following motion (seconded by Cynthia): Snowshoeing is allowed on winter walking trails and other trails not designated for skiing." The motion passed 5-0.
Tim made the following motion: "Winter walking trails should be re-named 'Winter Walking and Snowshoe Trails'". Motion passed 5-0.
There was considerable discussion about walking on the CIGO road (south of Yankovich Road). Dan made the following motion (seconded by Pete): "A walking trail should be created near the ski trail west of the CIGO Road, in lieu of walking trail along the CIGO Road. The selected route should minimize impacts or interference with existing ski trails." Motion passed 5-0.
Luke reviewed the walking trails issues that hadn't been resolved by the conclusion of the November 1, 2006 meeting. The NCS now has resolved all the major issues that had remained at the end of that previous meeting.
Pete made the following motion: "The North Campus Subcommittee endorses the winter walking trails plan and supports forwarding it to the Master Planning Committee for its consideration." Motion passed 5-0.
December 5, 2006
Minutes from North Campus Subcommittee Meeting
December 5, 2006
Present: Cynthia Steiner, Pete Fix, Tim Stallard, Dan Osborne, Rich Boone
(Chair), Luke Hopkins (North Campus Manager)
Absent: Scott Jerome and Linda Zannazo
Guests: Stan Justice, Don Lokken, Andy Blossy
Meeting came to order at 12:05P.
Manager's Report – Luke Hopkins
Luke received a Special Event request for the Snowshoe Race (same event as was held on North Campus last winter). Last year Andy Blossy groomed the course after the event. The proposed date for the race is February 24 (Saturday) from 11A-1P. Chad Carroll from Running Club North is the sponsor.
Luke met with Chris Bennett (Chair, Circulation & Parking Subcommittee), Ed Foster, and Annette Chism regarding the main campus interconnecting trails. Annette noted that any trails between buildings must be lighted. The main identified priority is improvement of the North-South connections (e.g., the trail to Lola Tilly Commons from the dorms). Luke noted that we should work out the issues regarding the Sheep Creek road connector to campus. The NCS had a general discussion about interconnecting trails on campus.
Luke described the tree cutting and shelter building activity that occurred in early November on North Campus. The activity was not authorized and was carried out as an activity of an Arctic survival course through the Aviation Technology program at the Tanana Valley Campus. Luke is trying to identify the instructor to follow up on this.
UAF Facilities is purchasing two snow machine units for trail grooming.
Luke has signs ready for posting that state that walking if prohibited on ski trails.
Luke notes that the NCS will need to develop a management plan for Ballaine Lake. Kathleen Schedler (Facilities Director) has asked for a fact sheet on Ballaine Lake. For example, who owns the water of Ballaine Lake? Dan pointed out that we don't know how many users Ballaine Lake can support. He pointed out that we need baseline information on use of the lake, e.g., number of person days that the lake is used.
Rich commented that the Winter Walking Trails Plan was adopted by the Master Planning Committee at its most recent meeting and forwarded to the Chancellor.
Public Comment
Stan Justice noted that he contacted the Chancellor asking for a statement that walking on ski trails is not allowed.
Time of meeting adjournment was not recorded, though it would not have continued beyond 1:30P.
Academic Year 2003-2004
March 9, 2004
North Campus Subcommittee (NCS) Meeting 3/9/04
Members - Carol Adamczak, Rich Boone, Darrin Edson, Dan Osborne, Tim Stallard
Consultants ? Pete Fix, Mike Hay
Public ? Stan Justice, Don Lokken
Approved with amendments minutes of 2/24/04 meeting.
PC ? Stan is gathering notes of non-objection on proposed trail projects. Access to SAR dish should be included in the North Campus Plan, because there are some conflicts with ski trail grooming and access to the dish that is plowed for vehicles..
New Business
Discussion on Roger Asbury's proposal for geo-caching activity in the North Campus Area. Roger was invited to attend the ad hoc committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday, March 10, 2004. The ad hoc committee is currently the body that makes management recommendations for the NCA to the Chancellor.
Specific Comments:
- Dan ? It's difficult to give consideration to an activity without details of what is involved. Rich ? We need more details. What's the cache consist of?
- Tim ? There could be some good educational opportunities, but it would need management by the North Campus Manager (NCM).
- Pete ? There would be appropriate areas for it to occur, and inappropriate also.
Summary of discussion: The NCS needs more information on the specifics of the activity before it can make recommendations.
Timetable for finishing the North Campus Plan ? The Plan must be drafted by early April. Public comment must be incorporated into the Plan. Notification of public involvement meetings must be posted at least two weeks prior to the meetings. The meetings will be held in late March. Notification needs to be posted this week. Overall format of the meetings will be similar to the previous public scoping meetings. Three meetings will be held at three different locations, two on campus, and one in town at a location that is to be determined. A difference from the public scoping meetings is that there will be a 20-minute presentation by Pete Fix highlighting certain aspects of the plan. Presentations will be followed by question and answer opportunities, and a chance for the public to view posters giving details on the Plan.
The draft Plan, other than public comment, can be finished by March, 21 st if votes on management decisions are made on before spring break. If Chancellor Lind is to approve it before he leaves the University, the Master Planning Committee (MPC) needs to look it over and approve it before he does. The MPC needs it in early April.
Proposed on-campus trails ? A section will be put in the Plan that supports the building of trails on campus. This section includes proposals for trails that warrant further study, and a proposal for a central campus trailhead near the Wood Center. The Farm is concerned about people biking through the farm. There is already a problem with trespass by snow machines. They don't want more of similar issues.
Dan as a new member on the North Campus Subcommittee (NCS) has a fresh perspective and has comments regarding the Plan. There is a lack of balance. Coverage in the Plan is weighted towards recreation and outreach, and away from research. 51% of research revenue in Alaska comes through UAF. Not all research uses the NCA, but some do. There is a lot of research history here, and it is inadequately represented in the history section of the Plan. There are many management details provided for the trails, but none for research. There are roads within the NCA that were built as roads, still used as roads, but called trails in the Plan. This is misleading. There should be a more detailed treatment of research uses in the NCA. The agreement for the land used at the CIGO site is a permanent agreement. Funding for the CIGO site is through a twenty year agreement with the USGS.
General responses from other committee members:
Rich ? The fact that research is not well represented in the history section is known. This has been addressed by an expanded history section written by Pat Holloway.
Carol ? Trails are managed not only because they are used for recreation, but also because they are access to research sites. Trails and roads are the access for all activities that occur in the NCA.
Pets - The details in the Plan that reference trails are, in fact, restrictions on trail development activities.
February 24, 2004
North Campus Subcommittee (NCS) Meeting 2/24/04
Members - Carol Adamczak, Rich Boone, Tim Stallard, Cynthia Steiner
Consultants ? Pete Fix, Mike Hay
Public ? Stan Justice
Visiting - Dan Osborne
Approved with amendments minutes of 2/17/04 meeting.
Welcome to Dan Osborne. His membership on the committee is not official yet, but he's started attending meetings.
Ken Larrimore will not be on the NCS. The Director of Athletics feels the new ski coach would be a more appropriate member for the NCS. Whoever it turns out to be will not be nominated until next month.
Regarding proposals put forth as public comment at the last NCS meeting: Decisions on the trail projects will be made by the ad hoc group convened until implementation of the North Campus Plan. The next scheduled meeting for the group is March 5, at which time the ad hoc group will look at the proposals. After the ad hoc group reviews the proposals they will make recommendations to the NCS.
There is an aerial photo dating from 1948 of most of the Arboretum. This photo can be used to aid in decision-making regarding management of trails within the Smith Lake Preserve. One of the management guidelines of the Reserve is that there be no tree cutting. Knowing which trails pre-dated the 1950 Regent's designation of the Smith Lake Preserve will facilitate trail management decisions.
Rich presented some specific rules-of-order for the committee's decision-making process.
- A vote can be called at anytime by anyone.
- Any formal recommendations made by NCS to the Master Planning Committee (MPC) must have been decided by vote.
- A quorum is a majority of committee members that are currently on the committee. For instance, currently there are six members on the committee, so four is a quorum.
- A majority vote by a quorum carries as a majority vote.
- Nine is the maximum number of people the NCS can have.
Because the deadline for submittal of the North Campus Plan (NCP) is approaching, some decisions may have to be made by vote. The NCP can be considered a detailed recommendation to the MPC and Chancellor. They will have the ability to make changes to the NCP after it has been submitted. When the NCP goes out for public review the MPC will get copies. After the public comment period appropriate changes will be made by the NCS, and the revised plan will be sent to the MPC.
Discussion on proposal for connection trails between Lower Campus, West Ridge and NCA.
The Master Plan mandates there be a trail connection plan developed. Currently there is a trail from Wood Center that connects to the south end of the NCA trail system west of faculty housing. Outdoor Adventure rents skis, and students use this trail as access to the trail system. This trail could be managed and marked with a sign. Another trail connecting Lower Campus with West Ridge could be extended to form a contiguous connection between the two ends of campus. Another trail that has been proposed is a commuter trail that connects Yankovich Rd., near the Muskox Farm, with West Ridge via the T-field Rd. There is also a proposal to upgrade and reroute the commuter trail connecting Sheep Creek Rd. with the West Ridge. The proposal will be refined by Tim Stallard, and discussed with the Landscaping and Outdoor Art, and Parking and Circulation Subcommittees of the MPC. The proposal will also be discussed with the NCS for potential inclusion in the NCP.
February 17, 2004
North Campus Subcommittee (NCS) Meeting 2/17/04
Members ? Carol Adamczak, Rich Boone, Pat Holloway, Tim Stallard, Cynthia Steiner
Consultants ? Pete Fix, Mike Hay
Public ? Stan Justice, Don Lokken
Approved with amendments minutes of 2/10/04 meeting.
Public Comments this week were submitted by Don Lokken and Stan Justice in the form of trail project proposals. Because of their length they have been moved to the bottom of the meeting minutes.
Ken Larimore with Athletics and Recreation, and Dan Osborne with the Geophysical Institute have been invited to serve on the NCS.
The UAF Shooting Club would like to have scheduled hours to use the firing range. Because of questions about the safety of the range building, the NCS feels Risk Management should approve use of the building, and the Rifle Coach should ensure that safety standards for the activity are followed.
The North Campus Management Plan should have a section addressing access to the range road .
General discussion of ramifications of disclosing to the public too much detail and jeopardizing the integrity and confidentiality of current research in the North Campus Area (NCA).
Discussion on trail conditions.
- Introduction to the recreation management concepts of indicators and standards.
- The trails section in the Plan is currently in the recreation section. It should be moved to its own section, because trails are a part of all uses.
There should be a section in the Plan that addresses ADA accessibility in the NCA.
Trails in the NCA should tie-in with trails in the built part of campus. An Action Statement will be added to the Plan stating that there should be coordination between the Parking and Circulation, Landscape and Outdoor Art, and North Campus Subommittees regarding this topic.
In the Plan:
- the Venn diagram should be changed to a triangle to imply connectivity.
- Status quo is poor wording.
Public Comments submitted by Don Lokken
Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks,
Priorities for UAF 2004 Trail Maintenance Projects
The current winter ski trail grooming done jointly by UAF and NSCF has worked very well. The additional trail work done by UAF Facilities Services during summer and fall of 2003 has resulted in the best ski trails ever at UAF. We would like to thank the Grounds Supervisor, ?Bear? Edson, and his staff and encourage them do a similar job in 2004. We are eager to help Facilities Services however we can, including some financial assistance where necessary to continue improvement of the system. The NSCF priorities are roughly as follows:
- Mowing and Brushing
Again in 2004 all the trails need to be mowed before snowfall. No activity improves early season skiing like trail mowing. Use of the tracked Bobcat with heavy duty mower worked very well in 2003. Brush and small trees that lean towards the trails end up in the trail once they are loaded with snow. They need to be identified and trimmed again.
- Trail Flattening With the exception of the Midnight Express and parts of the 6-Mile Trail, none of the trails have been flattened in many years. In their current rough condition, considerable snow is required before the trails can be groomed. Grooming removes snow from the high points and deposits it in the low areas. It is not uncommon for the groomer to expose bare ground at the high points. Rough trails are also hard on equipment and on the machine operator. The trail sections we'd like to see flattened in 2004 include: Potato Field - In 2003 the central trail was rerouted around the worst of the thermokarst features. There are still a few dips and bumps that need to be flattened or bypassed. Practice/Start Area - The wide power-line clearing from the back of the IARC parking lot to T-Field Road is used as a ski practice area and race start. There are many stumps that need to be removed to facilitate mowing and grooming. Eventually we want to develop a larger more functional stadium/practice area but with the potential for the ring road, and the warming hut being forced to move, we only plan to remove the stumps at this time. T-Field-Smith Lake Connector - This connector trail is rough because the original construction left low cut stumps. We support a project to remove the old stumps. Ballaine Lake Ramps - The trails leading down to Ballaine Lake from the North and South need be smoothed out.
- T-Field Road - The northernmost section of road (immediately south of the T-field) is frequently muddy, resulting in deep frozen ruts. It would be great to get some sort of stabilizer and/or surface on this (or at least keep wheeled vehicles off when it's muddy). The construction of the huge dish antenna at the picnic area has eliminated much natural humus and vegetation and evidently resulted in run-off and bad erosion at the start (south end) of the T-field road. Both re-seeding and other erosion control are needed.
Public Comments submitted by Stan Justice.
Trail Projects for 2004
University of Alaska Fairbanks
February 25, 2004
What is being submitted?
Below is a list of trail projects that are planned for construction by the University Trails Club and the Nordic Ski Club during the 2004 construction season. The projects are broken into maintenance projects and capital projects.
Who is submitting the request?
Stan Justice, President of University Trails Club
Rob Cremak, Secretary of University Trails Club
Jim Mery, President of the Nordic Ski Club
Phone - 479-5017
Email - email@example.com
What is needed?
Approval to complete the projects.
Maintenance Requirements?
The projects will decrease maintenance requirements.
Who benefits from the Projects?
UAF students make considerable use of the trail systems and the improvements are focused on areas accessible to students. Staff, faculty and the Fairbanks community also use the trail system.
What review process have the projects gone through?
All of these projects with the exception of the Big Whizzy - Smith Lake Connector Trail were included in the document "Trail Projects for 2002 and 2003" submitted to the Chancellor on November 26, 2001. Before submitting the 2001 document the plan was circulated for comment via the trails listserve, discussed at Trails Club meetings, and posted in the warming hut. The below list of projects was again circulated via the listserve and further discussed at Trails Club meetings. The list was also circulated to all members of the North Campus Planning Subcommittee of the Master Planning Committee and briefly discussed at their meetings on 1/14/2003 and 1/28/2003. The Big Whizzy-Smith Lake Connector Trail project was submitted on January 30, 2003.
Maintenance Projects
The below projects are routine trail maintenance. All work is within the existing clearing limits of the established trails.
- Trail Flattening
With the exception of the Midnight Express and parts of the 6-Mile Trail, none of the trails have been flattened in many years. In their current rough condition, considerable snow is required before the trails can be groomed. Grooming removes snow from the high points and deposits it in the low areas. It is common for the groomer to expose bare ground at the high points. The rough trails are also hard on equipment and on the machine operator. The trail sections to be flattened in 2003 include:
- Potato Field - In 2003 the central trail was rerouted around the worst of the thermokarst features. There are still a few dips and bumps that need to be flattened.
- Practice Area - The wide powerline clearing from the back of the IARC parking lot to T-Field Road is used as a ski practice area and race start. There are many stumps that need to be removed to facilitate mowing and grooming. Eventually we want to develop a larger more functional stadium/practice area but with the potential for the warming hut being forced to move we only plan to remove the stumps at this time.
- T-Field-Smith Lake Connector - This connector trail is rough because the original construction left flush cut stumps. The project would remove the old stumps.
- Ballaine Lake Ramps - The trails leading down to Ballaine Lake from the North and South would be smoothed out.
- Winter Walk to Smith Lake - There are a few thermokarst bumps and dips that prevent this trail from being maintained by the snowmachine. If the walk to Smith Lake is not maintained people walk down the ski trail causing damage. The bumps would be pushed into the dips.
The soils in the proposed work areas are generally well drained. The work will be within the existing trail clearing limits. The stumps will be removed with a Secon Head on a Franklin carrier. This equipment chips the stumps much like a stump grinder. A small cat with a six-way blade will then be used to level the trails. The work will be done without making berms. Any grubbed materials will either be buried in low areas or back bladed to separate the roots from the soils. The roots will be removed by hand and the soil used in trail leveling. The trails will be built higher in the center or sloped to one side to facilitate drainage. If available, fill material will be used to build up the trails. If grass seed and fertilizer is provided by UAF, volunteers will spread it.
Estimated Cost - $6000
Funding Source - Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks
Lead - Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks
- T-Field Road
The 1999 TRAAK grant funded a project to install typar and gravel over the 300-foot wettest section of the T-Field Road. The next 300-foot section of road immediately N of the graveled section is always treacherous with slimy mud.
Estimated Cost - $11,000
Funding Source - Unknown
Lead - UAF
- Additional Trail Name/Warning Signs -
In the summer of 2001 name and warning signs were installed on many of the trails. A need for the following additional name/warning signs has been identified.
- Skarland 6-Mile Trail (2)
- Caution (2)
- One way - Do Not Enter (2)
- Lights on at dusk - off at 9pm (3)
Additional name and warning signs may be identified with a comprehensive survey of the existing signs. The signs would be the same style, color and size as the existing signs. They would be placed on eight foot long 4x4 pressure treated post buried 4 feet in the ground.
Estimated Cost - $450
Funding Source - Remaining Jim Whisenhant Lighting Grant
Lead - University Trails Club
- 6-Mile Trail Chip Projects
Past work has installed typar and wood chips on the worst sections of the 6-Mile Trail. There are three sections that need additional work.
- North of Museum - 200 feet of new chip trail
- E of Dalton Trail - 200 feet of new chip trail
- W of Dalton Trail - This is the first section of chip trail that was built 3 years ago. The chips are shavings from a log turning operation in Fox. The shavings have proven to be less durable than the Northland Wood unscreened chips that were used on subsequent trails. This project would add a layer of wood chips to this popular trail
- Mowing and Brushing
As in 2003 all the trails need to be mowed before snowfall. No activity improves early season skiing like trail mowing. Use of the tracked Bobcat with heavy duty mower worked very well in 2003. Brush and small trees that lean towards the trails end up in the trail once they are loaded with snow. They need to be identified and removed.
Estimated Cost - $3000
Funding Source - $1500 University Trails Club as per 2002 agreement
$1500 Facility Services
Lead - Facility Services
Capital Projects
- Arboretum Classic Trails Safety Correction
The Arboretum portion of the Six-Mile Trail is the most rustic portion of the trail system. The trail is listed on the trail map as "ungroomed - use at your own risk" because the trail has one dangerous turn. This proposal would correct the safety problem while retaining the pristine nature of the area.
The problem is a sharp turn at the base of the hill where the connector trail to LARS leaves the Six-Mile Trail. The dangerous turn could also be fixed by removing 4 or 5 spruce trees at the sharp turn.
On the South side the trail branches into an E trail (the uphill trail) that cuts over to the T-field and a W trail that continues down the hill in a fun and popular descent. "Do Not Enter" Signs would be posted to keep people going the correct direction and Caution signs placed before the downhill.
Estimated Cost - $200 (signs and posts)
Funding - University Trails Club
Lead Signs - University Trails Club
Lead Tree Removal - UAF Grounds Crew
- Informational Signs
Name signs were installed in the summer of 2001. The original sign plan submitted in January 2001 included signs addressing common trail conflicts. Facility Services only implemented the name signs. This project would install the following signs.
- Skiing Only - during ski season No walking, running, dogs, bicycles (30 signs)
- Dog Must be on a Leash (10 signs)
Cost estimate - $2000 (signs and posts)
Funding - University Trails Club or Facility Services
Lead - University Trails Club
- Big Whizzy - Smith Lake Connector
For safety concerns DOT posted Sheep Creek Road "NO PARKING", eliminating easy access to Smith Lake. There is parking further S near the Sheep Creek/Gold Hill intersection but the connecting trails from the parking to the lake are either steep or gravel strewn. This project would construct a 0.3 kilometer connector trail from the bottom of the Big Whizzy Trail over to Smith Lake. Much of the trail would follow old cleared lines from historic UAF activity. There is an existing trail but it is too narrow for skate skiing.
The terrain to be crossed is low and boggy. To minimize disturbance the trail would be cleared with a Secon Head on a Franklin carrier when the ground is frozen. The blade of the equipment would be set low to leave a smooth surface. Hand work would be employed to fill dips with material cut by the Secon Head.
Estimated Cost - $2,500 (plus volunteer labor)
Funding - Nordic Ski Club
Lead - Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks
- Pooch Loop Additions
The project list submitted in 2001 included a number of Pooch Loop additions. Next summer we want to bush out the old trail that runs from the west leg of the Pooch Loop and goes towards Dalton Trail. The trail is important because it provides a connection between the existing Pooch Loop and the existing multi-use trail along the North border of campus. This trail would also provide a commuter trail for people coming to campus from the Dalton Trail area.
Estimated Cost - None
Funding - NA
Lead - University Trails Club
February 10, 2004
North Campus Subcommittee (NCS) Meeting 2/10/04
Members - Carol Adamczak, Rich Boone, Pat Holloway, Cynthia Steiner,
Consultants -- Pete Fix, Mike Hay
Public -- Stan Justice, Don Lokken
Approved with amendments minutes of 2/4/04 meeting.
Public Comment
Don -- The section in the plan that states that there should be no trail grooming in the Arboretum should be removed. The trails within the Arboretum have been groomed for some years now.
Stan -- There is currently no clear definition of the boundaries of the Arboretum and there should be.
Rich is working on getting a replacement for Bill McDonnell, hopefully someone to represent UAF athletics.
General discussion of formatting of Action Item tables.
General discussion of terminology for Recommendation for North Campus Area section.
History section needs to be expanded with more details.
Previous plans that have been written should be included.
The paragraph introducing the Action Items should be made more descriptive.
A timeframe column was added to the Action Item table.
Discussion on whether to include specifics regarding trail maintenance in the plan.
There should be some on-campus expertise on trail maintenance.
A tentative proposal was made to meet for most of a day on a weekend.
February 4, 2004
The North Campus subcommittee met on February 4, 2004.
Meeting every Tuesday 12:00pm -- 1:30pm
Bill McDonnell has resigned. Rich will try to get someone from Athletics. Ken Larimore recommended for position
Minutes approved.
Meeting with UA Marie Montgomery
- Kathleen Schedler, Associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities Services
- Kellie Fritze, Senior Real Estate Manager UAF
- Person from Risk Management and others
- Bottom line -- Kellie has authority for permitting events on campus.
- North Campus activities will also go through her.
- This committee will make recommendations to her.
- Board Of Regents gives Marie authority to approve activities on lands.
- Most things require lease or insurance. Maybe some things on North Campus that will require input at Marie's level. Kellie will forward those to Marie. Marie doesn't want to know about a ski race.
UAF land use is for education. Chancellor sets limits.
- Equinox Marathon -- Does it fill out a permit every year?
- BLM does fill out permit for outdoor day and Marie approves.
- Kellie deals with campus issues.
The web event request forms sent to many departments on campus.
- Will broaden event form to be event or land use authorization.
Especially interested in community uses of campus.
Kellie would be main clearinghouse. Anything for North Campus will come to our committee.
- Do all proposals go through Kellie-- GS Troop to hike trails would not need ok but would like to know use.
Concern that NCL will become a gated community.
The issue is impact so no permit would be required for normal use.
We have task to get word out to use the web request for events on North Campus.
- School groups coming on campus, UAF should know for liability. Will be useful info for planning.
- Need to advertise event form.
Public Comment
- Stan -- Time is of the essence. Need plan by summer. Need decisions on trails by summer.
- Don -- Sent e-mail on old 6 mile trail.
- Issues raised in Stan's comments should addressed. Will look at them as we go through the plan.
- Rich to talk to DOT about any work they might do on Smith Lake parking.
Committee began discussion of plan with "Recommendations of Plan." (p. 38)
- Preserve and protect -- need to emphasize throughout plan.
- There are no rules in the plan to evaluate a proposed action on the NCL.
- "Research should be away from trails". How far?
- Some places okay to be vague.
- Bullet the priorities. Do not need numbers in front of them.
- Discussed headings, wording and order of listing for the recommendations. --Specific-- Management recommendations (p. 40) was discussed. What further plans must be developed?
- Change headings to time critical.
- Immediate action
- Ongoing action/activities
List of actions -- go back to Edie for Safety Plan.
- Trails -- need trails management plan. How to build trails, drainage, surfacing to protect.
- Need signage plan.
Come back to this Tuesday.
Executive Summary. Move mission of NCS to top. Pete planning to rework with our actions up front.
January 26, 2004
Committee Meeting January 26, 2004
Public comment
- Don & Stan would like a copy of the draft plan.
- Separate the appendix from the plan to make the download easier
- During the public comment period -- have hard copy at Noel Wien and Rasmuson libraries. Web version will be OK for most people.
Regular Business
Change meeting time. We will not meet next Monday.
Public Meeting tomorrow to discuss permitting process at UAF.
- North Campus permitting must agree with UAA & UAF permitting
- Much happening without UA involvement.
- UAF has authorized land use without UA involvement.
- Meeting tomorrow includes Kathleen Schedler & Kelly Fritze of UAF, and Marie Montgomery, head of Land Management for UA in Anchorage will be at meeting Butrovich 208 E. 1:00 pm.
- Can North Campus have its own permitting process?
- Draft permit application was sent to UA.
UA Statewide also has taken over fund raising & donations to UAF
- Need to look into new rules & requirements.
- Look at Nordic Ski Club donations/assistance.
Many statements in documents that must be agreed to by the entire committee.
History issue needs to be addressed. Look at what is in plan.
Rich talked to Shirish Patil, Parking & Circulation Committee Chair. Meetings at Noel Wien & Wood Center were about 40 minutes of presentation followed by questions.
- There was poor attendance. Shirish recommended that there be better advertising.
- Decisions of the plan were shown on poster boards.
- Impacts to uses of NCL should be addressed for recreation, education, outreach, research.
Pete reviewed changes since last draft
- Brought maps from appendix into plan
- Followed Master Plan format
- Priorities listed on p. 38
Need to address Tanana Loop Road completion. Does the plan include Pat's memo to the Master Planning Committee.
Next time we will go through specifics of plan that are controversial to be sure we have consensus.
We need to identify any missing issues.
Address BOR policy for trails at Smith Lake
December 15, 2003
Meeting of 12\15\03
Members - Carol Adamczak, Rich Boone, Tim Stallard, Deborah Wilkinson
Consultants - Pete Fix, Mike Hay
Public - Stan Justice
Visiting - Lilly Capell, ASUAF Vice-President.
Approved with amendments minutes of 12\8\03 meeting.
Public Comment
Stan went to the Master Planning Committee (MPC) meeting last week. There have been changes made to the Parking and Circulation Plan, and he wanted to be sure the NCS has received copies of the changes. Concerns of the NCS have definitely had an impact on the Parking and Circulation Plan; however, there is still only mention of mitigation and no mention of the North Tanana Loop Extension Project, as a whole, being reconsidered. The MPC meeting on January 8, 2004 should have a NCS representative attending.
Discussion with Lilly regarding reopening of campground
- There is an interest in the student governance in both the senate and executive branches to reopen the campground. Currently there is no money to do this, but it is included in a bond issue that is to be voted on.
- There should be a detailed health and safety analysis before any decisions are made regarding the campground. Health and safety are primary concerns in planning for such a facility. Water and bathroom facilities would have to be built.
- When the campground was open in the past there were problems with the manager position being part-time. There are records showing problems with presence of transients, sexual assault, drugs, alcohol, and sanitation.
- After student governance crafts a memo, the NCS can make a recommendation regarding how to approach a new campground.
- There is a question as to whether a campground supports the values and mission of the North Campus Area (NCA).
- It would not be appropriate for the North Campus Manager (NCM) to be responsible for management of a campground. Possibly Residence Life would manage a campground.
General Discussion
- The NCS will seek guidance on what makes a quorum, so constraints on decision-making will be known.
- It is important the meeting process is seen as transparent. There was question amongst some MPC members regarding a meeting between members of the NCS and members of the Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks.
- The MPC is moving ahead with the Parking and Circulation Plan trying to incorporate concerns of the NCS. A draft of the Parking and Circulation Plan has been sent out. NCS members should read the plan and make recommendations to the MPC this week. It was noted that there is not a consensus within the NCS on specifically what recommendations should be made to the MPC.
- Another memo from the NCS will be sent to the MPC this week providing further information on impacts of the Tanana Loop Extension to the NCA and its uses.
- The North Campus Plan (NCP) history is very thorough in some areas, but there are some gaps in the history. History of trails and geoscientific history is sparse. This should be acknowledged in the history section, so there is no misunderstanding about the diverse nature of land use in the NCA.
- At past meetings the NCS agreed that the history discussed in the NCP will be restricted to currently active Memoranda of Understanding. A more detailed history will be available via the NCS website and the NCM.
- Results and summary of public scoping meetings held in Spring of 2003 should also be linked, but not contained within the NCP.
- It would be beneficial to keep copies of certain documents, such as the NCP and results and summary of the public scoping meetings, at the Library.
- If the format of the NCP is good then Pete can move forward with putting the finishing the first draft. There are some strong statements in the NCP that the NCS may not agree on as a whole. These will have to be decided before the NCP is given to the MPC.
- Regarding the Master Plan - the MPC put a lot of work into producing the MP. There were very few votes on contentious issues. Most of the issues were decided on by discussion.
- The Action Item section of the NCP should be prioritized and have a timeline added to it. Included in the Action Item section should be an interim plan since the NCM will likely not be hired for a few years.
- Action Items could be elaborated upon. As written they seem to assume a level of familiarity that not all readers will have.
- Researchers do not yet officially know of the impending permit system.
Next meeting scheduled for 1\12\04
Will discuss - NCP, and interim plan to carry over until NCM is hired.
December 8, 2003
Meeting of 12/08/03
Attending: Carol Adamczak, Rich Boone, Mike Hay, Pat Holloway, Stan Justice, Tim Stallard, Cynthia Steiner
Approved with amendments minutes of 11\24\03 meeting.
Update on Parking & Circulation Plan, the Tanana Loop Extension and their impacts on the North Campus Area (NCA)
- The memo that was sent to the Master Planning Committee (MPC) has had an effect. The concerns of the North Campus Subcommittee (NCS) need to be addressed by the MPC.
- The MPC cannot change the Parking & Circulation Plan from where it currently stands.
- If Biological Research Reserve (BRR) facilities are moved there are considerations with regards to animal research.
- MPC has had discussions regarding some of the Tanana Loop Extension impacts on education, research, and trails.
- Pat has compiled an objective list of the impacts of the Loop Road.
- Some comments on mitigation of trail impacts:
- New trails need to be aesthetically appealing
- A commuter trail could be adjacent to the road, however ski\foot trails should be offset and separated from the road by a visual barrier.
- The trails are multi-use trails, not just recreational.
The North Campus Plan (NCP) is being reformatted by Pat and Pete.
- The Acknowledgements section should be added to by the NCS.
- The NCP is supposed to last for 10 years. It will be a large document, because it is the first and a baseline document.
- As few sections as possible should be put in an appendix, because appendices don't get read.
- The NCA has been multi-use for its entire history, and this should be emphasized in the history section.
- The extensive literature review that Pat has produced will remain in the NCP, and will reside in the appendix. Eventually, all references will belong to the North Campus Manager.
- The Introduction includes a description of the connection between the NCP and the Master Plan.
- A Goals and Action Plan section has been formatted to match the Master Plan.
- A more complete list of what user groups were interviewed is needed.
- Pat's research into current agreements in the NCA has uncovered some interesting aspects of Ballaine Lake.
- One of the MOUs for Ballaine Parking Area maintenance and clean-up were with the Alumni Association, however responsibility has been turned over to Facility Services.
- Alaska Department of Fish and Wildlife began stocking the lake originally because it was a "dead" lake, no fish could winter over due to insufficient dissolved oxygen in the water. At some point that changed and now fish are living in the lake year-round.
- General discussion on formatting details:
- Hardcopy form of NCP will probably be portrait, not landscape.
- There will be photos, maps and copies of the seven posters added later. They require lots of bytes of storage, so they are not yet being added.
- There are various binding options, all with advantages and disadvantages: spiral, comb, and 3-ring were mentioned.
- Wordsmithing has not yet happened, but it will.
- There should be some discussion on ADA accessibility to the NCA. It should be addressed in the NCP.
- The National Park Service addresses this by offering a variety of trails with different levels of accessibility.
- The Troth Yeddha Park is proposed to be ADA accessible.
- A trails consultant would provide good guidance on the level of accessibility for different difficulties of trails.
- Other components that should be addressed in the NCP are monetary donations by groups, and the use volunteers for work projects.
- The Development Office has rules and regulations concerning donations to the University. The NCP should defer to these guidelines.
- Georgeson Botanical Garden has a set program for orienting volunteers for work projects, so they are a source of information on how to succeed at this.
- The Nordic Ski Club might have records of how many hours have been volunteered so far for trail work.
- More details should be added to the signage section of the NCP.
November 24, 2003
Meeting of 11/24/03
Attendees: Carol Adamczak, Rich Boone, Pete Fix, Mike Hay, Pat Holloway, Tim Stallard, Deborah Wilkinson.
Visited by: Edie Curry, Carol Lewis.
Approved minutes of 11\17\03 meeting.
Discussion with Carol Lewis, Dean of the School of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences, regarding status of the Arboretum and Arboretum Committee.
- Rich - The North Campus Subcommittee (NCS) needs to figure out how to mesh the North Campus Plan (NCP) and management with management of the Arboretum. Areas of management overlap need to be identified, and differences in management goals need to be identified.
- Carol-
- The provost agreed to continue the Arboretum Committee (AC) at Carol's request. The AC will include new appointments from NCS, Institute of Arctic Biology, School of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences (SNRAS), Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, Geophysical Institute, School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, Institute of Marine Sciences, Museum, US Fish and Wildlife Service Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Unit, US Forest Service Boreal Ecological Cooperative Research Unit, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Nordic Ski Club.
- The Arboretum consists of 320 acres including Smith Lake, a portion of the Exotic Tree Farm, and excluding the T-Field.
- Previous leases held on the Exotic Tree Farm are no longer in effect.
- Management of Arboretum and North Campus Area (NCA) should be integrated and cooperative. Their missions are close enough to be managed by the same person, who should be housed within SNRAS. The AC will make a recommendation on how the Arboretum should be managed by the NCS and North Campus Manager.
- There is no money available for management of the Arboretum.
- The Arboretum should be a managed area that is research and instruction focused.
- There is some question whether the Arboretum management area should be reduced to just the Exotic Tree Farm, T-Field and Smith Lake.
- There is no consensus in the current AC whether or not to keep the fence around the Exotic Tree Farm.
- The AC should read the draft NCP, and define their level of involvement in management of the Arboretum.
Discussion with Edith Curry, UAF Fire Chief, regarding potential for building fire station and fire and police training facility near the rifle range.
The need for a fire\safety response plan for the North Campus Area (NCA) was reiterated. The NCS also has concerns that a fire station and training area would impact trails and research in the northeast part of the NCA.
The fire station's current response plan for the NCA states that ATV and snowmobile will be their access vehicles. They need to get better information on which size and type of vehicles can use the different access points, as well as trail widths (this information is available from the NCS). It should be noted that barriers erected to help restrict unauthorized access to motorized vehicles also are a hindrance to rescue personnel. While not forming a complete barrier, they may slow down response time somewhat. A trail marking system would help rescue personnel locate people in need of assistance.
The current location of the fire station is not good. The building is old, and does not adequately serve the needs of the station. The building has seismic and electrical concerns, and inadequate space. The station needs to be moved to a new site.
A site was chosen and is in the Master Plan. This site is a 7 acre plot of undeveloped land bounded by North Tanana, Kuskokwim Way, and Tanana Loop.
The station needs to be on the east side of campus because of service area response time parameters.
The North Campus, near the shooting range specifically, was looked at, also. The advantages of this land would be enough room to build a large training facility for the fire station. The land would have a visual buffer from nearby roads.
General comments:
Pat - The Tanana Loop Extension section to the NCP should be changed. Currently it is too subjective and negative, and should more objectively list impacts.
November 17, 2003
Meeting of 11/17/03
Bill McDonnell, Carol Adamczak, Cynthia Steiner, Darrin Edson, Deborah Wilkinson, Mike Hay, Pete Fix, Rich Boone, Stan Justice
Approved with changes minutes of 11\10\03 meeting.
Meeting minutes will now be taken by Mike.
Stan thanked the North Campus Subcommittee (NCS) for going to Master Planning Committee (MPC) meeting. He thinks there's a possibility the proposed loop road may go in at a reduced speed design.
Rich discussed memo on loop road that was sent to the MPC. Writing the memo to represent a consensus view of the NCS was difficult in that there is no consensus view. The decision was made to follow the advice of Pat, the MPC representative on the NCS, and propose constructive ideas for how the loop road could be accommodated to mitigate negative impacts to the NCA. Rich will send some comments made about the memo to the NCS.
General discussion of Tanana Loop Extension:
There have been community members that have written UAF speaking against the Tanana Loop Extension.
During the public scoping meetings for the NC Plan people commented on the Tanana Loop Extension, and the MPC should be sent those comments.
The MPC is looking to the NCS to define the impacts of the Tanana Loop Extension on the North Campus Area (NCA).
Impacts are mentioned, but more detail needs to be added.
Rich - more information about the impacts to skiing, running and recreation should perhaps be added by Bill, and Brian Barnes could add more on impacts to the Biological Reserve.
General discussion of North Campus Manager position:
- The position will change with each year and season, especially as the position evolves.
- Percent of time for given tasks will be written as consisting mostly of maintaining communication with users and facilitating use requests with a smaller amount of time given to maintaining communication with NCS, MPC, and Facilities Services (FS).
- The global description of their job is to implement the North Campus Management Plan.
- They should be able to assess trail conditions, so there will be time spent on the trails.
- There will be a supervisory component involved in the position when volunteers are working in the NCA.
- The North Campus Manager (NCM) will need to look into funding sources for special projects. Funding could come from a variety of sources: grants, fund raisers, etc.
- The land grant money could be a source of funding for the position.
- Bill - The position will, to an extent, become what the NCM makes it. Where they focus their energy will determine what the role looks like for them.
- Pay and benefits will be decided by HR by comparing the position to similar positions within the UA system.
- With University financial situation as it is, getting this position funded as soon as 2004\2005 will be difficult.
- Cynthia - NCM should have someone working with them so the information doesn't reside with one individual.
- Carol - If the NCM is operationally under the Chancellor's office they will have support.
- Bill - The NCM needs to have some level of budget authority.
- Rich - The NCM will probably lack the experience to recognize research impacts of note. Most research requests should be sent through a research review committee.
- The NCM can prepare a synopsis of the proposed research to present to the review committee.
- The position will require a Master's, or 5 years of comparable experience.
- The Position Description should be as detailed as possible, and included with what is presented to the MPC, but not included online for public comment.
- The position will be balanced between education, research, outreach and recreation.
Discussion on organizational chart.
- Darrin - The position could be organizationally located in many places, let the University decide that because where the money comes from is where the NCM will end up.
- Physically the NCM should be on West Ridge.
On Monday 11\24
- Look at Plan
- Hopefully meet with Edie Curry
November 10, 2003
North Campus Committee Meeting 11/10/03
Attending: Rich, Pat, Darrin, Deborah, Carol, Michael, Peter, Stan
We will review the draft plan next Monday.
Discussion of the Research area should be included in the plan
Brian Barnes should be asked to fill in more detail in reviewing the December draft.
Permit is not in plan yet. Will be in appendix.
Defer the discussion of the plan until next week
Edie can talk to us on Fire Station. Rich will see if she can talk to us next week.
Head of Parking & Circulation would be willing to talk to us.
Rich said that it would be valuable to have Carol Lewis to come talk to us.
Pat talked to Carol Lewis, Dean of SNRAS. She will be setting up committee this week. They will discuss options of remaining autonomous or working within the North Campus Area rules. Pat hopes that they meet next week.
Committee agreed to discuss plan next week.
Peter noted that the Tanana Loop Road image is very large if he deletes it he can send as e-mail attachment. (12MB with image)
Also on agenda today
- Will give update on last 2 meetings today.
- Consider permit process today.
- Discuss ecological center
- Discuss position description
- Discuss meeting with trails committee
DOT meeting very positive. The main objective was to improve safety.
- Paul Prusak is looking at ways to change intersection
- Rich was encouraged by what is possible in the near future.
- The installation of an all way stop might not cost much.
- We discussed ways that improved signage could help
- Paul had noted that a flashing light doesn't help much
- Tim brought up the possibility that rumble strips might help.
- We discussed who would provide the money and planning. It is possible that DOT safety money could help this issue.
- Paul also said that he could look into the possibility of using funds from Thompson Drive.
- We discussed the possibility of changing the road alignment. It is not in any plans at present. Long term could be possible.
- Paul very open minded and positive.
- Pedestrian crossing is not in a defined location. We discussed options for a crossing location.
- Gravel thrown on existing path. Not much can be done.
- The Miller Hill Road widening project may be pushed until after the bike path construction.
- Enforcement of speed limit would help the safety of this area.
- Signed area is only place where parking is illegal.
- Paul is supposed to get back to us soon. We will wait for his response. Rich will e-mail him soon if he has heard nothing.
Nordic Ski Club Meeting -- Rich, Peter, Michael, Jim Mery, Andy Blossy, Byron Broda, Don Lokken, Stan Justice.
- Discussed their trail issues. Very happy how things are going at this time.
- Did not seem major problems.
- Nordic Ski Club would like involvement of how funds are spent. Would like to be involved with work on trails.
- Things are working well now.
- Discussed Ring Road project and impact to the trails.
- Master Plan Committee forwarding recommendation maybe Thursday for Tanana Loop Road.
- Concerned about the construction of North campus loop road and the connection to trails.
- Many people assume a single trailhead. There are many places to get on the trails.
- Nordic Ski Newsletter showed alternate routes of North Loop Road
Pat commented that the Circulation study should state that the Tanana Loop Road construction must ensure that the trails are not disconnected. The road can't cut off campus from trails.
Cynthia stated that if the Tanana Loop goes through we want certain considerations.
Rich will draft memo on statement for MPC to consider on Thursday. He'll send tomorrow and needs comments on Wednesday.
Pat stated that we must make sure we have multiple points of contact.
- Allow everyone access, classes, pedestrians, skiers, etc.
- "Preserve and improve" access for trails.
Committee agreed that we need statement to insert in Circulation and Parking plan
Rich to talk to Shirish Patil, Chairman of the Parking and Circulation subcommittee.
Deb said that we should point out that community funds are spent on the trails.
Pat said that it would be best that we have specific statement to add into plan
In summary of meeting with Nordic Ski club, the North Campus Subcommittee should plan to meet twice a year with Nordic Ski Club.
Approved minutes of meeting with ADOT.
Approved minutes of 10/27 meeting
Deb asked about biathlon use for the Rifle Range. She had recently talked to Bert Boyer about the upcoming Arctic Winter Games.
- Bert talked to Andy Blossy about finding the original trails that were used for training for these games.
These were originally a snow shoe trail but they now need to be a ski trail.
Pooch loop may be the old trails for biathlon.
Randy Rogers, AK Fish and Game, was involved in the Borough Trail plan and may be able to provide background as to agreements on the North Campus trails.
Pat will talk to Fish and Game on agreements.
Discussion of environmental center
- Deb just came back from the North American Environmental Education Conference
We need an Outdoor Study Center. AK is behind the times.
We need to get the ideas for this center documented in this plan.
Pat has been working on this with Botanical Garden for a number of years. Plan was for trails with limited interpretive signs. Plans for 3 trails.
She has had discussion with LARS and Museum who are also interested in these trails.
The Calypso trail is part of this original plan.
There has been planning for trails from the Botanical Garden into the NCL.
- Also trails from the Museum into the NCL/
- Fits with many programs on campus.
AK should have degree in environmental education. Probably won't get Department of Education certificate.
- Could get a national certificate that is honored between government agencies.
Peter noted that there is an environmental learning center where he got his PhD that had facility for environmental classes.
Pat stated that people have been trying to coordinate this plan with environmental education.
The Educational Center should be discussed in the NCL plan. Do not need to specifically mention facility. The plan for the details of the Education Center will need to be separate.
The Alaska National Resource and Outdoor Education meeting will be here next year.
Karla Kirts was only person in education in their department.
The Lower '48 uses these centers for education of troubled youth.
Need to include statement in plan on Environmental Education.
Environmental Sustainability Grant to have course in environmental resources
- Expect this area of study to build in future.
"Place based education" has to do with environmental education. Complements native ways of knowing.
Permit Process
Need to have focus group from key researchers to review this permit. Explain that the permit is necessary to protect research. Send to researchers that originally responded.
Discussed possibility of one permit for all uses of North Campus.
First page of permit can be generic.
Might have different permits for different uses
Information from the permits will provide documentation for grant proposals
Cleaned up some things near rifle range this summer. Need to make sure things are not left behind like that in the future.
This process will help to know what's going on in the NCL.
Good to have group activities permitted also.
Liability statement will be needed on the permit.
Need prompting questions. Different permit for each type of use.
To visit an Education Center, people usually call ahead.
Agreed to meet next Monday
Get comments to Peter and Mike by Monday.
See if Edie can be here. If not what are the issues?
Talk about position description next week.
November 3, 2003
Meeting Notes of Monday, November 3, 2003
Discussion of Smith Lake Parking
Paul Prusak, Tim Stallard, Rich Boone, Pat Holloway, Michael Hay, Carol Adamczak, Stan Justice, Don Lokken
- A couple years ago DOT put up signs per troopers request.
- Jeff Roach talked to Master Planning Committee previously about this area and the bike path.
- Don't know ROW widths for road in this area.
- Pat noted that people are parking where the "No Parking" signs stop, across from the intersection.
- Paul said that more stop signs could be added to make an all way stop. It seems possible. Would want to upgrade curbs on intersection and create actual islands.
- Don noted that a flashing yellow light at a crosswalk will help.
- Paul explained that UAF maintains W. Tanana Drive to the intersection.
- Paul will talk to safety engineers about improvements to intersection.
- There is usually resistance to adding a pedestrian crosswalk.
- Don would like to keep the pedestrian walk at parking lot.
- Paul believes islands at the intersection will help.
- Tim asked if rumble strips would help to slow down traffic. Paul said that a speed hump, if designed properly, would work. He did not know if a rumble strip would work. Would have to check with design engineers.
- Miller Hill/Yankovich upgrade is planned to have a separate bike trail. Another project is scheduled to fix the road.
- Bike path design does not include Sheep Creek. Design for Miller Hill bike path scheduled for '05.
- DOT has over programmed recently.
- Bike path construction scheduled for '08.
- UAF committed to maintenance of bike path. Approved by Board of Regents.
- People still want Miller Hill as country road. Need to upgrade to12' traffic lanes.
- Generally look to DOT to fund road improvements. Will be several years for additional programming to be added..
- The latest census requires a local committee to determine DOT priorities.
- Local mayors are on the committee. We would have to work with committee to get on list.
- We would like to talk to safety and traffic people.
- If project small enough, can be worked through maintenance.
- It also may be possible to get safety money.
- All way stop probably low cost but need islands improved.
- Look on internet for speed hump design. May help pedestrian crossing.
- Need advance notice for cross walks.
- Enforcement of speed would help to slow down traffic in this area.
- There is still ŧ mile of road that will not have a bike trail when planned improvements are completed.
- Paul will check with safety engineers about 3 way stop and pedestrian crossing.
- Lime green crosswalk signs might be a good way to get people to notice the crosswalk. People do not pay attention to signs in general.
- Elevated crosswalk -- speed hump should be looked into. They usually cause people to slow down. Have to be designed correctly so they are not a safety problem.
- We would like to request a bike path to be built past the farm.
- Existing bike path was pushed by groups using 4 wheelers. University does not allow motorized vehicles on trails. All paths signed "no motorized vehicles" on campus.
- State law says that motorized vehicles can't use paths used by pedestrians.
Paul Prusak said that he would follow up on these ideas with DOT and would get back to us with possibilities for us to consider.
October 27, 2003
Committee Meeting of October 27, 2003
The North Campus subcommittee met on October 27, 2003
Attendees: Rich Boone, Bill McDonnell, Pat Holloway, Tim Stallard, Carol Adamczak, Peter Fix, Michael Hay, Stan Justice, Don Lokken
Rich Boone had talked to Rick Caulfield about completion of draft plan. Need to get public input. Set up schedule with public comment period.
- "Troth Yeddh" means potatoes.
- "Troth Yeddha" is the place.
Pat reported on conversation that she had with Paul Prusak at DOT.
- Pat said that previous DOT contact, Jeff Roach, is gone for a year. Paul Prusak interested in connecting with us.
- Committee needs to continue dialog with DOT.
- It is important to understand the philosophy of DOT decisions.
- The Miller Hill bike path is still in line for planning but has been delayed a year. Planning is scheduled for '05 (Yankovich/Miller Hill bike path).
- Bike path ROW could go into NCL.
- Ed's research moved off road in preparation for bike path. Need to coordinate with DOT on the location of this bike path.
- Project is not near design phase yet.
- We want to be involved heavily in the planning and design.
- Miller Hill to be widened primarily for safety but residents want the "country road feel."
- Widening is not the same project as the bike path. Widening is scheduled first.
- Pat discussed Smith Lake parking with Paul. There is no road construction in that area. Just Miller Hill.
- There is no change to RR planned for the area by Smith Lake.
- DOT is aware of the safety issue of people crossing the road in this area.
- A 3 way stop can be discussed. Paul knows that DOT worries about traffic backed up over the tracks.
- Pat asked Paul for a way to make the area safer. He'd be happy to talk to us.
- Construction generally occurs 3 years after planning.
Committee discussed possible meeting with DOT next week. Maybe next Monday.
Pat also getting the mutual agreements between DOT and UAF at Ballaine Lake. Hank Strandberg to send them to Pat.
Pat to contact Fish & Game on Rifle Range agreements.
Rich heard about a possible fire station relocation. Initially the location was near the rifle range but he now hears that is will be near Ballaine Lake. Need to meet with Edie soon to discuss this.
The Engineering Department called Pat about their placing concrete in NCL. It had something to do with the use of canola oil.
The committee needs to talk to rifle coach, Glen Dubis. He wanted to expand the Rifle Range.
Rich meeting w/Nordic Ski Club Thursday at noon with Pete & Mike.
Master Plan for University should match Borough Plan.
- Trails plan for borough calls for connection to University trails.
- University agreed to keep Skarland trail connected to Borough trails.
- UAF can move trails somewhat with the agreement with the Borough.
Karl Kassel would be a good person to get to talk about trails.
Need to have action in our plan to connect to Borough trails and Trails Plan.
Copies of the approved minutes will be sent to Bev Frey to put on the website.
Rich pointed out that we must have an official public comments period.
Public comments -- None.
Guest speaker Miranda Wright -- Chancellor's Advisory Committee on Native Education
Miranda has submitted a proposal for the space between NSF & Museum to faculty senate & MPC. It is a proposal for green space called "Troth Yeddha." The name comes from the history of the area. Peter John referred to this in a speech. It is a place native people came after fish camp, looking for fall hunting. According to Eva Moffet., this is the area that 5 nations came together for a peace summit. Troth Yeddh because the wild potato was an important part of the regions diet.
- Their committee would like to restore the area to natural vegetation.
- Looking at their plan, the circle is too large as drawn. Would have to be scaled down.
- Miranda noted that their committee liked the access to parking at NSF & Museum and ADA access
- There is no definitive plan for a ski hut at this location.
- They do not want ski trails on the site. Width required for ski trails is too wide for their plan.
- The circle is to be the public center of the space, with a slope to the center of the circle.
- Pat noted that the Denver Botanical garden has a beautiful area with sloped gathering area.
Pat reminded everyone that this committee needs to look at the trails to campus center after the initial draft plan is complete.
The area of ground above the Utilidor must remain tree free due to the heat it generates.
Troth Yeddha includes a sculpture area that could work above the utilidor.
The area will be primarily for educational activities.
Rich added that this space and the NCL have issues that overlap.
Miranda expects this area will have concrete paths around and leading to the main circle. There will also be "brown" paths for nature trails. Do not want to disturb boreal forest where it remains.
Having a culvert under Tanana Loop Rd for people to cross to the ski trails would be ok but they would not want a main ski trail on the site.
Pat explained that the Tanana Loop Road is on the planning schedule for '08. Paul Prusak with DOT has stated that one tunnel is all we can expect. For whatever crossings we want, get request in early. These are very expensive.
Pat explained how the use of natural grasses over the utilidor could be very beautiful. Miranda would like to see a water feature. Pat said this is very popular with children at the farm.
Rich told the committee that Rick Caulfield would like the North Campus Committee to look at the benefits/disadvantages of the different road alignments for Tanana Loop. There are 3 proposed alignments. Carol to see if she can get these for the next meeting.
Rick wants to know impacts of alignments such as Storage area behind GI.
Michael got input from Brian Barnes on what is in research area and has mapped out research.
Rich and Bill both stated that the Ski Hut will need to remain in area where it is.
Miranda does not want groomed ski trails on the Troth Yeddha site.
Already trail by Cutler Apartments for skiers to use.
Need to have trails to campus center and to residential areas. There was a trail up behind North Chandler houses.
Pat thought that from current information, the earliest construction for Tanana Loop would be in 2011.
The North Campus Draft plan should be ready in early December. (Revised draft)
Peter said that the draft is getting close to sending back to committee.
The Plan needs to be in the style of the Campus Master Plan.
Pat would like to see a Safety Plan that includes fire, rescue, and injury.
After we get this plan out for review, Pat reminded us that the connecting trails to campus should be our next issue. We need to add something on trail signage.
In this draft we need a section that identifies future projects.
Rick said that we need to make the managers position clear. The manager authorizes most decisions. There should be a flow chart of duties and responsibilities. There will be an appeal process for the times someone disagrees with the manager.
This plan needs to address the interaction with the Arboretum Committee.
Rich noted that the NCL plan includes Arboretum Maybe we allow the Dean the power to veto. Arboretum must be under the NCL Plan.
Pat told the NCL committee that the Arboretum Committee plans to meet within the month. We need to resolve this issue immediately
NCL made need rules for individual zones. Include agreements for use in the appendix.
Pat's write up about each area will be included at the end of the plan.
Tentative schedule:
- E-mail for more review November 10 th
- Meet on November 24 th to discuss revised draft.
- Send to Master Planning Committee on 12/15
Need to discuss the approval process of the North Campus Plan as one of the chapters.
October 13, 2003
Meeting of October 13, 2003
In attendance:
Members: Rich Boone, Bill McDonnell, Deborah Wilkinson, Cynthia Steiner, Tim Stallard, Carol Adamczak
Community: Stan Justice, Don Lokken
Plan consultants: Peter Fix, Michael Hay
Issues in plan that need further discussion:
- Lighted trails
- Smith Lake Parking
- Troth Yeddh Park
What goes into plan?
- Smith Lake Parking
Alternatives Proposed
- a. Status quo is not acceptable
- b. Alternatives 2 and 3 were discussed
Points noted in Smith Lake discussion:
- Person killed trying to get a stuck snowmachine.
- Jim Whisenhant made funds available toward improving parking.
- Parking lots not supported in North Campus Area particularly southwest end.
- Arboretum should remain without development. May need to do improvements in the area.
- Safety is the biggest concern.
- The Alaska Railroad rerouting might allow a change in the road alignment.
- Can people park where the bike path is?
- Add a cross walk at the north end of the existing parking lot.
- Can we make the intersection with Sheep Creek Road a three way stop?
- Need to talk to DOT about the possibilities.
- Need to decide if a parking lot is allowed on North Campus Land.
- Suggest rerouting road and allowing parking on the east side of the road.
- Senator Stevens offered to help with this issue.
- Discussed moving ski hut to west side by Smith Lake for the trailhead. There would be no security. Vandalism would be a problem.
- Need about double the parking that there is now.
- If safe parking is built use will grow.
- Need to list our concerns and address these in the plan. We do not need to come up with the specific answer in our plan.
Points to include in Smith Lake discussion of the long term plan:
- Safe community access
- Don't want to impact Arboretum. Preserve remote attributes of northwest corner of the North Campus Land.
- Must address the issues associated with wetlands.
- This committee must be involved in the final plan for this area.
- Parking should be limited.
- Parking should be on the University side of the road.
Further discussion:
- Short term solutions should include signage and possible lighted signal with crossing.
- Parking should not be for UAF decal. (Free to community)
- Discourage large parking lot in North Campus Land.
- Three way stop would really help in the short term.
- Goal is to make safer not to expand.
- Plan should state that there is adequate parking for community to use trails (wherever it is located).
- On West Ridge, there must be access across ring road from parking to trails.
- Need to note the Tanana Loop completion impact in the NCL plan. Access to trails from parking is key.
Discussion of North Campus Land Manager
- Need to set the tasks for the Manager.
- Do not need to set the budget for the Manager.
- Environmental Education must be part of the Manager's background.
- Must interface with educators in the community.
- Must coordinate with Facilities Services on campus.
- Interpretation Center should be a goal for the NCL. Campbell Creek in Anchorage would be a good place to look at. UW Arboretum would be another.
- Manager must interact with recreation, education, facilities, and research. Must have ties to these areas.
- Talk to personnel as to how to define the job. Use UAF JEF development form to help define the tasks of the Manager.
- This is not an entry level position.
Other issues Meet with Miranda Wright on the Troth Yeddh site.
Rich to talk to Rick Caulfield on meeting with DOT.
Next meeting October 27th.
September 29, 2003
Meeting of September 29, 2003
Attending: Cynthia Steiner, Carol Adamczak, Pete Fix, Rich Boone, Mike Hay, Bill McDonnell, Tim Stallard (Committee Members);
Stan Justice (public)
- Rich Boone reported on his contact with the Nordic Ski Club.
- The committee shared general information on the Landscaping Committee, Troth Yeddh Park Committee, and Parking and Circulation Committee.
- Pete Fix reported that the summary of survey results from the public meetings is now on the web.
- Tim Stallard reported that the 2003 summer mowing seemed to go well.
- Mike Hay reported that Pete Fix and he had started working on a research permit, based on the Toolik Lake permit. He also has obtained GPS locations for research sites in the Deer Yard (IAB Biological Reserve).
- Rich Boone asked Cynthia Steiner if the new trail barriers have affected horseback riders. Cynthia reported that the barriers are an impediment to riders; riders must dismount and lead their horses around the barriers.
Comments on Draft Management Plan
- Pete Fix summarized comments that have been received from the subcommittee and any others.
- Deb Wilkinson wrote that the plan needs to clarify what group or person(s) that have direct authority for the North Campus Area.
- John Craven wrote that there is too much emphasis on skiing and not enough attention to education uses.
- Pat Holloway wrote that any zones in the North Campus Area would need their own regulations.
- Rich Boone recommended inclusion of more information on research.
- Bill McConnell asked whether there has been any recent input on the viability of the manager position.
- The committee discussed and fully endorsed the creation of a NCA manager position.
- Carol Adamczak noted that the plan needs an Executive Summary.
- Cynthia Steiner noted that information on horseback riding needs to be included.
- Carol Adamczak recommended retention of four management themes: Research, Education, Outreach, and Recreation.
- There was a general discussion that the plan needs guidelines about winter access for researchers.
- Carol Adamczak suggested the plan include a recommendation for groomed, walking trails. Bill McConnell noted that the wider mowing over the summer may allow for groomed walking trails this coming winter.
- Rich Boone reported that Pat Holloway had suggested the value of having a professional trails consultant assess the trails. Mike Hay noted that he has identified a trails consulting agency.
- Carol Adamczak recommended that the plan identify possible areas for new parking, and that it should prohibit parking north of the proposed Tanana Loop Road.
- Cynthia Steiner recommended that the plan should indicate that the Tanana Loop Road will have negative impacts on land within the NCA and that committee has concerns about the impacts. Rich Boone recommended that new lights on ski trails should be discouraged and that down-cast lighting should be used whenever possible.
Meeting was adjourned at 1:00P. Next meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 13, 2003 at the Georgeson Botanical Garden building.
Academic Year 2001-2002
July 16, 2002
Meeting of July 16, 2002
The north campus subcommittee met on July 16, 2002
Next Meeting: Aug 6, 8:30 a.m. Botanical garden visitor's center
Members Present:
Tim Stallard, Chris Bennett, Pat Holloway, Peter Fix
Absent: Jane Parrish, Bill McDonnell, John Eichelberger, Terry Chapin, Carol Adamczak
Agenda: meet with individuals who will discuss the past, present and future of the arboretum. Invited individuals who have agreed to attend: Les Viereck, Dave Murray, Dave Klein, Rich Boone, Carol Lewis
Finalize temporary replacement for Pat Holloway - Aug 3 through early January 2003
Future meeting dates: Dates subject to change with majority request from the committee.
August 6, and August 20 - to be held at the Botanical garden
Remainder of meetings, location to be announced
September 3
September 17
October 1
October 15
October 29
November 12
November 26
December 10
7/16/02 - Master planning chair, Rick Caulfield met briefly with the committee and commented on the importance of the master plan for the north campus area. He reviewed the process taken by the Master Planning committee to create the North Campus Subcommittee and emphasized that the subcommittees work was central to the overall effort of the Master planning committee.
He also reviewed the discussion of the master planning committee relating to the IARC proposal (Dr. Harazono, visiting scientist) to erect a research tower east of Smith Lake. He requested that the subcommittee meet with the scientists and project managers involved in order to finalize agreements on areas of concern that were outlined to the Master Planning Committee.
For the remainder of the meeting, the committee established a calendar of future meetings (shown above), and made a short list of people to invite who are key players in the north campus area. The included members of the original arboretum committee, IAB research "deer" yard committee and UAF trails club and Nordic ski club, Joe Nava and the rifle coach, GI personnel involved in the north campus projects, educators who use the north campus area for classes. This list will be expanded as the committee sees fit. It is recommended that the interviews be taped, and Peter Fix has agreed to do this.
July 2, 2002
Meeting of July 2, 2002
The North Campus subcommittee met on Tuesday. July 2, 2002
NEXT MEETING Tues July 16, 2002, 8:30 am at the botanical garden
Members Present:
Chris Bennett, Carol Adamczak, Tim Stallard, Pat Holloway and guest, Peter Fix
Dave Musgrave, Terry Chapin, Bill McDonnell, John Eichelberger,,Jane Parrish
Most of the meeting was an introduction to Dr. Peter Fix, Assistant Professor of Outdoor Recreation Management at UAF. Peter has agreed to help us conduct a user survey and put all the pieces together for the North campus master plan. Peter discussed several methods that would provide the most useful information, and he warned the entire process could take one year depending on the kind of information we need. We agreed we have a good beginning user list, but it needs to be formalized so that no group feels left out. Peter will discuss with Carol Adamczak, the details of getting started, and we should have so much needed help soon. Pat agreed to share all her files on the North Campus area to develop a historical perspective.
Next, Carol Adamczak shared with us a memorandum, plan and the updated information on the research tower that is proposed for the bog area east of Smith Lake. The committee had several questions regarding power lines, power poles, trail construction, if any, and Pat Holloway will send a memo to the Master Planning committee outlining our concerns which were:
- no permanent structures- there should be a specific ending date with the researchers returning to the committee for renewal 2
- Equipment removal and cleanup- their plan should include complete removal of tower, equipment storage areas, cables, guy wires, and anything else used in the research project
- the committee is concerned that a trail will have to be constructed to allow access to instrument boxes, etc. The researchers need to address how they will minimize impact to avoid a permanent trail to the site. The boardwalk
- There was also concern about power- where it would come from and if power poles would be needed. The committee was not in favor of more power poles
- The committee questioned why the project needed to be done in the North Campus area as opposed to a location such as Poker Flat. What makes the north campus area so special for this project?
Finally, Tim Stallard gave an update on his progress with the history of the campground. He passed around pictures of the campground "violations" that were compiled by Fred Sacco. We have heard a lot of information on things wrong with the operation of the campground. Lots of people like the idea, but the mismanagement has been a big problem. Tim will continue with his search. He will write a short summary of his interview with Fred Sacco for our records.
At the next meeting, we will compile a list of people to interview, continue with the historical reviews, hear more from Peter Fix on future directions.
Please send additions/corrections to Pat Holloway
June 10, 2002
Meeting of June 10, 2002
The North Campus subcommittee met on Mon, June 10, 2002
NEXT MEETING - Tues June 25, 2002, 8:30 am at the botanical garden
Members Present:
Chris Bennett, Carol Adamczak, Tim Stallard, Pat Holloway
Dave Musgrave, Terry Chapin, Bill McDonnell, John Eichelberger, Jane Parrish
The members present reviewed progress on the designated sites in the North Campus Area. Since it was one week since the last meeting, most members were just beginning to start researching the assigned areas, and this work will continue for several weeks. Carol Adamczak is researching the GI sites. She brought in a lit of digital photos of the storage area, rifle range, and offered to take pictures of any other area of interest in the north campus area that we needed to document. The committee agreed photos would be most helpful, and we will also get Bev Frey, webmaster, to include a photo album on the north campus web site.
[ One note, Bev is extremely busy right now getting the master plan on the web site, so she said it might be a few days before she can get to the north campus materials]
Pat Holloway reviewed her progress with the Arboretum. The committee recommended that we have some joint meetings with the Arboretum Committee to discuss land use issues and what to include in the master plan. Since this are was approved by the Regents and the committee was formally recognized by H. Cutler and re-approved by Jack Keating, the North Campus Committee must work with this Arboretum Committee to formulate a plan for that area.
Pat also noted that the Wildlife Preserve was a formal designation introduced by Terris Moore, also approved by the Regents. She will continue to get original documentation to verify this designation.
The committee recommended that we develop a list of individuals with whom the committee would like to meet one on one to gather detailed information on the north campus area. All committee members are asked to contribute to a list of key people who can help us define the area. This may include educators, researchers, recreation and event organizers, security personnel, etc. We would like to have a series of meetings to develop a detailed picture of the north campus area. At a later date, once we have a good working draft, we will schedule open public comment periods similar to those sponsored by the Master Planning Committee. Start thinking of individuals to put on the list, and we will begin scheduling meetings.
Please plan to attend these important meetings, if at all possible.
Please make additions or corrections to these minutes as you see fit.
June 4, 2002
Meeting of June 4, 2002
The North Campus subcommittee met at 8:30 a.m. on 6/4/02
NEXT MEETING: June 10, Mon, 8:30 a.m.
Carol Adamczak, Tim Stallard, Jane Parrish, Chris Bennett, Pat Holloway
Bill McDonnell, John Eichelberger, Terry Chapin, Dave Musgrave
Pat Holloway gave a brief update on the Smith Lake parking area. Basically, access to Smith Lake will be addressed within the larger picture of the bike and multi-use trails that are planned along Miller Hill/Yankovich and possibly extending along the south side of West Tanana Drive. The Master planning committee has recommended that the VC for Administration write to DOT, requesting that the parking area be included in the plans for the bike trails unless DOT decides that for some safety reasons, changes are needed immediately. The North Campus Subcommittee will examine this entire project and make recommendations in the North Campus Master Plan unless DOT requests a more rapid response to a safety issue.
Pat, Chris Bennett and Carol Adamczak also updated the committee on the land planner position that is currently proposed for the North Campus area. Details are sketchy at this time. The North Campus Subcommittee received a letter from Mr. Chris Maisch, President of the Board of Advisors for the School of Agriculture and Land Resources Management. Mr. Maisch and the Board wish to support the Land manager position and suggested that this person be involved in planning for other natural areas on the UAF campus, specifically some large land holdings in Palmer at the Palmer Research Station. The North campus subcommittee can submit a memo to the Provost identifying specific needs for this position if anyone sees the need. Please contact Pat, and it will be put on the agenda for future meetings.
The subcommittee will now tackle the huge task of a North Campus Master Plan. It will be a difficult and time consuming task because there is no existing master plan to revise. This will be the first! Through the historical notes and limited inquiries, we have identified specific areas that need to be addressed. We will tackle these first, try to provide some written documentation on specific areas, their purpose, etc., then move on to the bigger picture of trails, boreal forest, overall goals for research, education and research. The following 9 areas have been identified:
- USGS seismic area - Carol Adamczak
- Arboretum - Pat Holloway
- Biological Reserve - Terry Chapin
- Rifle range - Chris Bennett
- GI storage/research area - Carol Adamczak
- Wildlife Preserve - Pat Holloway
- T-Field - Jane Parrish
- Exotic Tree plantation - Dave Musgrave
- John Alfonsi campground - Tim Stallard
The people's names listed behind the sites have agreed (with the exception of two, and we volunteered you!) to write a summary about these areas. Keep in mind, that we will examine everything about these areas right down to their very existence. We will dig for hard and fast reasons why they are there, what they contribute, etc. We have tentatively agreed to gather the following information:
- history
- purpose, past and present
- UAF person who is responsible for the area
- past, present and proposed future uses
- contractual arrangements, if any
- its value in continuing
- why it is such an important asset to the university
- Could it be done somewhere else?
The goal is to produce a draft document that defines these areas as best as we can, then go through a process of public hearings and debates that will help define our master plan. We had tentatively set September as a goal for having a draft available for public debate, but some believe that is too ambitious considering everyone's summer schedule. Since none of us wants this process to slide, we will proceed, knowing we will have to revisit some of these topics several times.
Pat Holloway will go through past emails and forward pertinent information to individuals working on specific areas.
Following Tuesday's meeting, one member of the committee requested that the north campus subcommittee try to refrain from getting into the trails politics and coloring our conversations with accusations of wrong doing, and who did what to whom. We need to understand past problems, and learn from them, but not get bogged down in putting out fires. This issue will be discussed at the next meeting
Any additions or corrections, please forward them to Pat Holloway.
April 11, 2002
Meeting of April 11, 2002
Members Present: Jane Parrish, Tim Stallard, Pat Holloway, Terry Chapin, Carl Adamzcak, Dave Musgrave
Absent: Bill McDonnell, John Eichelberger, Chris Bennett
We reviewed the results of the email that circulated on campus and the lists of users and uses. The email resulted in 113 responses within one week and resulted in an impressive list of UAF classes, community and K-12 classes and events, recreational uses and past and present research projects. The list was divided among members present to fill in blanks and get additional responses from individuals, clubs and organizations in the community who use the area.
We will continue to refine this list and generate a map of use locations.
Jane Parrish brought in a trails map for use in the master plan.
Pat will pursue setting up a web page associated with the Master Planning Committee's existing page for minutes, surveys, maps, and other information
Pat Holloway agreed to develop a simple survey for requesting additional use information. This was emailed to members.
Carol Adamczak agreed to make a map with a grid overlay for use with the survey.
Next meeting: Thursday, April 25, 8:30 a.m. AFES/GBG classroom at the farm.
Continue discussion of users and uses
DOT /railroad plans for Sheep Creek intersection
Miller Hill/Yankovich bike path plan
March 28, 2002
Meeting of March 28, 2002
The North Campus Subcommittee met Thursday, March 28, 2002 to begin the process of crafting a master plan for the North Campus area.
Carol Adamczak, Tim Stallard, Bill McDonnell, Dave Musgrave, Jane Parrish, Pat Holloway
We reviewed the mission for the committee and had a general discussion of meeting times and approach for completing the mission.
Pat Holloway agreed to sift through historical documents and identify those most pertinent to the early discussions. She will copy as many as possible and send them to the members. Two documents of special consideration are the Smith Lake Conservation Management Plan and the Scarland Trails Plan.
Pat also agreed to send out an email to the UAF community asking for input on current land uses in order to construct maps.
Carol Adamczak will get information on the US Geological Survey site, lease conditions, etc.
Our next meeting will be at 8:30 a.m., April 11 in the botanical garden visitor's center.