New Hampshire – Rick Smith
Swanzey - The group had considerable discussion about the Swanzey property.
Currently there is a Sticker/Permit “Pilot Program” in place on the property. Requirements include a LMFT sticker as well as a daily permit. A max of 20 daily permits will be granted, and are available through the LMFT website. LMFT stickers are available locally, and are $25 each.
Rick is looking for input and direction from the delegates and officers as to how to proceed with this situation. He is making attempts to deal directly with the landowner. It would appear that our permission for the property is through the LMFT, but the landowners have stated that they have an open recreation policy.
Tammy asked if the NEA had concrete permission to recreate on this property. She also reiterated the confusion with the Permit/Pass program.
There was some discussion as to whether the property was private or public property (in regards to the NEA’s classification). Exploring NH has a different set of rules for this property, but is equally confused.
Eric W. suggested that the NEA should be pursuing a partnership with ENH, rather than trying to recruit them as members. Regarding Swanzey, he pointed out that if the landowner has an open recreation policy, we have no right to control access of the general public. Eric also suggested that LMFT was a “dictatorship”.
Tammy suggested that LMFT has no authority to charge $25. She stated that the NEA needs valid, current permission to use the property or we shouldn’t be there.
Rick said he has plans to write a letter to the owner. Jay asked if he could make one more attempt at contacting him first.
Scott Hatch reminded the group that LMFT has never given the NEA or its clubs any credit for money given to them, work done on the trails, etc. They haven’t spent any money themselves on the trails.
Tammy closed the discussion asking Jay to contact the landowner. Rick will send a letter if that attempt fails.
Paul later asked about Swanzey’s status on the Fall Crawl schedule and pointed out the hypocrisy to that. Regarding Fall Crawl and YT’s Fall Gathering, Rick said that for now Todd (from LMFT) just wants to be kept apprised of how many people will be on the property during those events. Paul
Carnage : Robert Gatautis volunteered to take the land manager position for this property. Tammy turned down his offer, stating that because he doesn’t appear to abide by the NEA’s rules for using the property, he probably isn’t the best person to do that job.
Gretchen’s: Nothing new to report. Liza said that in the near future, plans are to change the Lake Trail to a one way “hard” trail, with a mandatory exit through Pete’s Pass.
Noting the low attendance on some weekends, Tammy asked that clubs take time to post up on the board and to let Gretchen know any change of plans. She also reminded everybody to please respect the trails and boundries.
Massachusetts
The Summit: Nothing new to report. I’m curious to see how the bridge & corduroy is holding up though.
Gremlin Graveyard: Nothing new to report other than the new obstacles opened up at the last trail cut there. I think there were 4-5 new ones. And there are two ledges that can be opened up during another cut. They were marked map but we didn’t have the time as we would have to cut a loop back. One set is blue and black. The other looks to be extreme.
Mabell: Nothing new to report, trails/parking lot staying nice and clean. Still need a Project Manager.
Old Florida Road: Nothing new to report, a friend of mine did say there was a pallet tossed in the woods but other than that no trash or new trails/bypasses. Still need a Project Manager
Rhode Island: Nothing to report
No other Land Use reports submitted.
Next meeting 11/03/12 Western Mass, Will update asap
Thank you,
Rick Smith
The 2013 Meeting schedule is as follows:
- February 2, hosted by Mass Mudders
- May 4, hosted by JonFund
- August 3, hosted by Green Mountain Crawlers
- November 2, hosted by USA Jeep Owners
Swanzey - The group had considerable discussion about the Swanzey property.
Currently there is a Sticker/Permit “Pilot Program” in place on the property. Requirements include a LMFT sticker as well as a daily permit. A max of 20 daily permits will be granted, and are available through the LMFT website. LMFT stickers are available locally, and are $25 each.
Rick is looking for input and direction from the delegates and officers as to how to proceed with this situation. He is making attempts to deal directly with the landowner. It would appear that our permission for the property is through the LMFT, but the landowners have stated that they have an open recreation policy.
Tammy asked if the NEA had concrete permission to recreate on this property. She also reiterated the confusion with the Permit/Pass program.
There was some discussion as to whether the property was private or public property (in regards to the NEA’s classification). Exploring NH has a different set of rules for this property, but is equally confused.
Eric W. suggested that the NEA should be pursuing a partnership with ENH, rather than trying to recruit them as members. Regarding Swanzey, he pointed out that if the landowner has an open recreation policy, we have no right to control access of the general public. Eric also suggested that LMFT was a “dictatorship”.
Tammy suggested that LMFT has no authority to charge $25. She stated that the NEA needs valid, current permission to use the property or we shouldn’t be there.
Rick said he has plans to write a letter to the owner. Jay asked if he could make one more attempt at contacting him first.
Scott Hatch reminded the group that LMFT has never given the NEA or its clubs any credit for money given to them, work done on the trails, etc. They haven’t spent any money themselves on the trails.
Tammy closed the discussion asking Jay to contact the landowner. Rick will send a letter if that attempt fails.
Paul later asked about Swanzey’s status on the Fall Crawl schedule and pointed out the hypocrisy to that. Regarding Fall Crawl and YT’s Fall Gathering, Rick said that for now Todd (from LMFT) just wants to be kept apprised of how many people will be on the property during those events. Paul
Carnage : Robert Gatautis volunteered to take the land manager position for this property. Tammy turned down his offer, stating that because he doesn’t appear to abide by the NEA’s rules for using the property, he probably isn’t the best person to do that job.
Gretchen’s: Nothing new to report. Liza said that in the near future, plans are to change the Lake Trail to a one way “hard” trail, with a mandatory exit through Pete’s Pass.
Noting the low attendance on some weekends, Tammy asked that clubs take time to post up on the board and to let Gretchen know any change of plans. She also reminded everybody to please respect the trails and boundries.
Massachusetts
The Summit: Nothing new to report. I’m curious to see how the bridge & corduroy is holding up though.
Gremlin Graveyard: Nothing new to report other than the new obstacles opened up at the last trail cut there. I think there were 4-5 new ones. And there are two ledges that can be opened up during another cut. They were marked map but we didn’t have the time as we would have to cut a loop back. One set is blue and black. The other looks to be extreme.
Mabell: Nothing new to report, trails/parking lot staying nice and clean. Still need a Project Manager.
Old Florida Road: Nothing new to report, a friend of mine did say there was a pallet tossed in the woods but other than that no trash or new trails/bypasses. Still need a Project Manager
Rhode Island: Nothing to report
No other Land Use reports submitted.
Next meeting 11/03/12 Western Mass, Will update asap
Thank you,
Rick Smith
The 2013 Meeting schedule is as follows:
- February 2, hosted by Mass Mudders
- May 4, hosted by JonFund
- August 3, hosted by Green Mountain Crawlers
- November 2, hosted by USA Jeep Owners
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