Trail News September '98 Next Meeting: Wednesday, September 9th, 6:30 PM, at the Community Rm behind the library

Map Homework
We're trying something new -- working on one area per month to try to put existing trails on our master map. At the meeting or by mail we are handing out a base map of the area to be worked on and asking members to explore and sketch on the map the trails in that area and then turn the maps back in at the next month. We hope this will help us put together a community trail plan building on the experience and knowledge of the whole group. After the trails are mapped we need to prioritize trail connections, to see what's public and private, what's protected and what's not, and which links are missing. We still have six months or so to get a trail plan included into the community plan update. We have been successful in getting proposed goals and policies included in the plan that will require trails in new developments. Mapping out a community trail system is something that few communities or organizations have been able to do, especially for the vast area in our plan. We really need to focus on this for the next few months and give it our best shot. Please help!!!

Did you miss August's news letter?
Only about a third of the members received newsletters last month. The hard drive on my trusty computer died and all the FTA names and addresses went with it. I had already printed out some of the labels so those people (and anyone who attended the August meeting) received the newsletter. To the rest of you, I apologize and promise to backup on multiple computers in the future.

Fall night out at Robber's Roost 9/30
Robber's Roost has invited all the non-profit organizations to choose a night to invite their members, family and friends to enjoy dinner there and they will donate 10% of the proceeds to the organization. September 30th is our night! This is a lot easier than doing trail work. We hope a lot of people will come and eat for the Foresthill Trails Alliance.
In addition to offering this fundraising dinner, we also want to thank Robber's Roost for donating $50 dinner raffle prizes on behalf of the FTA for the Confluence Festival last June.

Newsletters for people with trails through their land
At the August meeting a proposal was made to provide complimentary memberships to people who have trails through their property and have expressed an interest in being able to find out what's going on with the FTA. Communication can help to solve problems with trails. Information about upcoming trail events, trail work, and future plans would be valuable to those impacted. It would also let them know who to contact for questions or to report problems like a need for maintenance, signs stolen, etc. We are grateful to those people who have allowed trails through their property. Mailing and reproduction costs for the newsletter are about $10/year. This is a small amount, but we would not be able to afford sending a newsletter to all of the people who do have trails through their property (about 20 on the Todd Valley Trail alone). The newsletter is available for free on the Internet at http://foothill.net/fta. We will also make copies available at the Library. In addition, we are encouraging members who feel so inspired to express their appreciation of a trail they use by sponsoring a newsletter ($10) for property owner on it.

Board Elections in October!!
Personal note from Sherri Osborn
This year we really need new board members and more participation. Mike and I aren't going to be on the board because we are too busy building our house. I have really enjoyed doing the newsletter and working on maps the past four years. It's creative and fun work, and a person can really make an impact. Several people told me they moved to Foresthill because of the trails they read about in our newsletter and the trail-rich community that we have and are trying to preserve, enhance and enjoy. Please consider running for a board position and dedicating a year of your time and energy to the trails and this group. You'll learn a lot about the community and trails, make some new friends and a significant contribution.

Agenda for September 9th, 6:30 PM
Community Rm, behind the Library

1. Call To Order
2. Treasurer's Report
3. Political Action
     - BLM properties for sale - Russ Melanson
     - Fire access roads in Todd Valley - can they legally be used as
       trails?
4. Trail Maintenance
     - Foresthill Divide Loop Trail - next work day, bbq, bike ride 10/3
     - Clean Foresthill Rd (it's that time again)
     - Todd Valley Trail, entrance on Happy Pines - Lori Lunsford
     - Trail Scouting Reports
5. Outings
     - Next Youth Outing - to be decided
6. Old Business
     - Fall night out at Robber's Roost 9/30, fund raiser
7. New Business
     - What do we want members to do before "speaking for the Trails Alliance"
     - Recruiting for new Board candidates 
8. Open Forum
9. Work on Maps
     - Trails in upper Todd Valley area (turn in from last month)
     - Trails between the Middle School and Upper Todd Valley Rd.