JROC Meeting Notes June 3, 2009

Brian Mutchler presiding, David Gunn proposed to take notes, after discussion, minute taker approved.

Attendees: Vernon Simmins, Margaret Maslak, Rich Young, Mike McCormick, Susanne Smith Greg Velzy, Zeke, Nathan Burrell, Ralph White, David Gunn

Last months minutes approved.

Sally, our esteemed treasurer, was not present so there was no official treasurers report, (we’re waiting on abbreviated notes to be delivered from Aruba). Ralph gave JROC the $23 collected from Blue Ridge Mountain Sports – talk about a loyal supporter. Barry Dixon passed along $20 for Brett Hicks membership - or we could consider it a donation, (he’ll probably never show up at a meeting, but he’ll pick up trash and may work on a project or two)

The Dominion RiverRock event was a huge success, with lots of volunteer help. 8-10,000 participants reported for Friday, with 5,000 on Saturday. A huge vote of thanks to all who helped. Lots of organized activities - A guy named Tom brought sit-on-top kayaks, many families and friends enjoyed the river, good photo contest, bikes and dogs everywhere. Appreciation to Meade Westvaco for opening parking lot. The James River Fund collected $3172; JROC gets 1/5^th or $635. No date yet for next years event, but got suggestions - advertise earlier, continue and expand kids events. play up “edge of river” and muscle powered events, come by bike or boat (I will, but don’t know about others)

Trail report by Nathan B– large projects are wrapping up. Plans are to do some cleanup, hole patching, re-route a trail in Forest Hill Park, do some reclamation and trimming. Look for September issue of Trail Runner magazine, James River Park to get an award for best trail town in the east. More easements coming and more are needed as part of Greenways conservation trails.

Ralph mentioned that river rescues of absolute numb-nuts (not his words) and publicity for these rescues has dramatically increased (must sell air time and newsprint). Other events include the Fire Dept losing a motor off a raft and a death near Huguenot Bridge. On Friday 6/5/09, during international visitors’ day, a Slave Trail tour is planned.

The Pony Pasture parking lot has been re-paved after 28 years – Hooray!! Volunteer efforts are reducing the visible trash. The volunteers directing weekend traffic and parking at Pony Pasture are much appreciated.

Additional volunteer participation for weekend parking assistance at the Pony Pasture is welcomed, but the Friend of James River Park. Looking for people willing to help on two hour shifts, 1PM – 3PM or 3PM to 5PM. These volunteers have reduced the parking lot cruising and inappropriate parking seen in this area since the dawn of time.

River Cleanup day is June 13, 2009. Attention by boaters is needed on Coopers Island and the Southside bank across from Coopers Island, but any trash collection anywhere is needed and appreciated.

George Ross reportedly is offering use of his dock in Echo Harbor for transient boats to tie up – has reasonable access to downtown, but no hookups

June project is access to the Manchester Wall from the western side. Need additional steps, poison ivy eradication, a little tree cutting. Zeke offered assistance, but may need some climbers to assist. Going to meet Jun 25 @5 PM

XTerra is coming 6/14/09, needs Safety boaters for swimming event – meet at Tredegar ~7 AM - lasts till around 10