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News for the FLT Trail Tenders!

Sep 22nd, 2021

Trail Tenders News

In this issue:

 

  • Fall Training Dates, sign-ups, and other trail events
  • Trail Maintainer Gear
  • Fall Hunting Season
  • Signage and Blazing Standards

Hello!

 

Welcome to the September issue of Trail Tenders' News. I hope your summer has been full of fun times on the trail and adventures abound! As the days are starting to look a little more golden it's time to start enjoying crisp leaves, apples, and air. It's also a good time to button up outdoor work before the crispness turns frosty. For some folks, their sections are about to be closed due to hunting seasons, for others, there's still time. We're going to talk about hunting safety and review our signage standards so that everyone can have a fun enjoyable time outdoors this fall.

 

Unfortunately, we will not be able to meet in person this fall as I had hoped. With the number of breakthrough COVID cases rising, I, along with the Trail Management Team, have decided to hold off (for another year) on having our Fall Maintenance Meeting.

 

As always - your objective feedback and suggestions are welcome! What are some trail topics that you would love to know more about as we head into the upcoming winter months? Let me know!

Be well and Happy Trails!

Michaela Aney

Director of Trail Development

michaela.aney@fingerlakestrail.org

Feedback and Question Form

Under New Ownership?

Looking at 'For Sale' Signs

 

Please keep an eye out for signs that ownership of a property has changed. The FLTC office has no other way to know if a property has changed hands other than by someone letting us know.

 

Please see this article about How and When to update Landowner Information from a past TTN for more information.

Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign.

Signs can be extremely effective when they are well-placed and are up-to-date. So first stop on the September signage journey - keep an eye out for outdated information. There are signs and brochures out there with wrong addresses, incorrect contact people, and old information. While the history of the FLTC is full of wonderful people and places, our signage should reflect the most recent information so hikers know our signs are useful and worth reading. Keep on reading below to find more information on signage!

We Want to Hear from YOU!

Shout Outs!

Big thanks to Dave Malinowski, RTC for Maps 4-6, for assisting Deb Nero in re-installing the passport station on the Cobb Loop.

 

Hats off to sawyers and trail maintainers Dennis Permoda, David Drum, and Steve Catherman for all their help clearing the trail prior to the Twisted Branch Trail Run. A huge thank you to Bristol Hills Branch RTC, Donna Noteware, for her help coordinating with trail maintainers to complete some incredible work along the racecourse.

 

A round of applause to everyone who came out to the 2 Alley Cat Projects in August (Letchworth and Holland Ravines) whether it was for a day, or for all 5, your continued support and hard work is always appreciated!

Give a Shout Out!

Leave the leaves alone?

Leaves are about to cover up the earth in preparation for winter. Do you have a stance on whether leaves should be cleared from the trail or if they should be left alone? I want to know where you stand! We'll talk about leaves on the trail in the November issue.

Should leaves be cleared from the trail?

Leaf them be!

Rake it off!

I don't have enough information

It depends on the section of trail

 

The New Maintainer Patch

It was a close one, but here is the new Trail Maintainer Patch!

 

Keep an eye out this fall for your patch in the mail and look for training opportunities and events to get a sticker from Michaela!

Did you like the other decals better? You can find them in the store on a bunch of different gear!*

To the store!

*As with many things right now, some items may not be available at this time

Safety Stop

Hunting Safety

 

There are a lot of different safety concerns that come with each hunting season. Many of you are seasoned outdoor recreationists, but it's important to review safety measures so that we can help folks we interact with have a safe experience on the trail!

  • Plan ahead and prepare: a lot of private landowners close their section of trail for the duration of hunting season - this means it is closed to you for maintenance as well as to hikers. Make sure signs are in place if you have a hunting closure and work with your RTC and landowner to make sure the correct dates are listed for their property. Respecting trail closures are a great way to steward good relations and keep both hikers and hunters safe!
  • State properties are still open to hikers and trail workers as well as hunters. Wear bright colors and avoid tan, white, and neutral colored clothing.
  • Keep dogs on leash and outfit them with blaze orange or neon colors
  • Make your presence known while not disrupting others on the trail or in the woods. If you hear shots, give a yell ("Hikers on trail") to let hunters know you're there.
  • Stay on the trail

 

Fall hunting dates for 2021:

Fall Turkey Season - Oct. 16 - Oct 29 (Sunrise to Sunset)

Deer Hunting (30 minutes before sunrise - 30 minutes after sunset):

Bow Season - Oct. 1 - Nov. 19, Dec. 13 - Dec. 21, Dec. 26 - Jan. 1

Regular Deer Season - Nov. 20 - Dec. 12

Muzzleloading - Dec. 13 - Dec. 21, Dec. 26 - Jan. 1

NYS DEC Hunting Seasons

 

General Hiking Safety

 

Posting Trail Closures

Getting the word out:

 

First and foremost: Landowners prompt trail closures. They are the ones who initiate this process and, unless they have granted us a Trail Access Easement, they can close off their land whenever they want. Most agreements are 'handshake agreements' which means that the trail's access on the land can be temporarily or permanently suspended at any time.

 

In terms of hunting closures, once the date range is known, a Trail Conditions Notice needs to be put up (contact your Regional Trail Coordinator for help with this). A bypass route needs to be identified so folks know where to go to avoid the closure. The RTC should notify the Director of Mapping (Jo Taylor) so it can be added to the map. For more information and specifics, see the link below!

 

Temporary Trail Closures

Signage Continued

Signs and Blazing

 

Fall is an excellent time to refresh blazes as it is still warm enough and the humidity is low. Watch Trail Sponsor, Lynda Chudy, as she works on blazing a re-route and walks us through some best practices.

Link to Blazing video

The FLTC office has a large stash of a variety of signs for many different situations. Make sure that the landowner or land manager is okay with any signage that you are planning to put up. If you're not sure who to contact to ask, reach out to your Regional Trail Coordinator for help! To request signage be sent to you, let Michaela (michaela.aney@fingerlakestrail.org) know and she will coordinate with the office to have what you need sent to you.

 

Please see the links below for more information about signage and blazing and where to use certain signage:

 

TTN Early Autumn 2020

FLTC Field Manual Signage and Blazing Standards

Summary of Signage/Blazing/Carsonite Post Standards

Events

Trails Day Celebration

October 2

Steuben Brewing Company

Hammondsport, NY

1-7pm

Come Celebrate outdoor recreation and all that Steuben County has to offer! There will be a VIP tent for all RTCs, trail sponsors and maintainers, and landowners! You'll receive a free drink ticket and some special swag.

Landowner Relations Panel

October 13

Via Zoom

7-8:15pm

Join Mary Coffin, Mary Niemi, Annette Brzezicki, and Scott Magee as they talk about their experiences working with landowners. Have you ever wondered how landowners get approached about letting the trail on their property? How to get a trail access easement? How to steward a better relationship with landowners? These are the folks who can answer those questions!

If you plan to attend the live discussion head to the link below to let Michaela know and also, there will be a space to ask any questions you might have for the panel!

Ask a question/Request the Zoom Link

Rigging Training/Using a Grip Hoist

October 23

10am - 3pm

Hoxie Gorge Nature Preserve, Cortland, NY

Come spend a day with trail people, on the trail, learning about mechanical advantage and how to safely and efficiently move large things, such as rock, or trees!

This training will be taught by Zac Ballard, the Trail Coordinator for the Finger Lakes Region State Parks. Zac is a seasoned trail professional who has taught a myriad of trail skills and has an abundance of knowledge to share with us!

 

Please email Michaela if you plan to attend or have any questions!

*Opportunity for new Trail Maintainer Sticker

Email Michaela

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