FRIENDS OF THE HOCKING RIVER

PO BOX 132

ROCKBRIDGE, OH 43149

Monthly Update: May, 2002

Regular Membership Meeting 5/1/02 at 6:30 PM at the Hocking Valley Canoe Livery

Present: Dan Imhoff (Chair), Justine & Nya Feinstein, Jock Klinger, Chet Miller, Lew Barbini, Martin Hammar (secretary). Guest: Jerry Iles, Hocking River Commission (HRC).

Minutes: Tabled

Treasurer’s Report: Tabled

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Meeting:

Guest: Jerry Iles presented information about the Hocking River Commission’s “conservation easement” program through a grant from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). This grant is the result of fines levied against ODOT by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) during the Route 50 expansion project. He describes the easement program as an effort to “preserve the best” of the bottom land adjacent to the Hocking River with an emphasis in preserving mature hardwood stands along repairian corridors. The HRC is beginning the third year of the five year grant period, and has been successful in securing easements south of Route 50 on the Hocking River in Athens County. Jerry reports the HRC is actively trying to secure easements at the Falls Mills (SR 664 bridge), and by the Wayne National Forest near Haydenville. Jerry asked for input on possible easements and/or interested landowners.

Old Business:

1. Clean Ohio Greenspace, Logan Projects - Lew and Dan both report positive feedback from Ann Bonner ODNR and NRAC member. Dan recommends the utilization of an Environmental Engineer or Landscape Architect for designing the “park(s).”

2. April River Outing - Canceled due to poor weather conditions.

3. Cleanup -

Ÿ Adopt a Waterway Renewal - A motion was made, seconded and passed to renew our adoption of the Hocking River from Sharp Road to Stage Road. Two copies of the agreement and releases were signed. Martin to post these as soon as possible.

Ÿ Raffle - Chet turned in $20 for the 24 tickets he sold. Members were encouraged to sell more tickets. Lew says he touched up last years flyer and will have these to post.

Ÿ Letters for Business - Dan and Justine both updated letters to be sent asking for local business support. Dan plans to make 110 copies and Lew says he has a business data base to use for making labels. Dan plans to make follow up calls after letters are posted.

Ÿ Letters for Volunteers - Martin says he will revise the volunteer letter and area press release announcing the cleanup and asking for volunteers. He says he’ll post these within the week. In addition, Martin will make copies of the Release of the FOHR for volunteers during the cleanup.

Ÿ Entertainment - Motion was made, seconded and passed 3:0:2 to spend $300 for entertainment. Lew has been in contact with several groups willing to provide live music. Stage and electrical needs have to be assessed.

Ÿ Camping - Site preparation will be needed over next couple of weeks. Dan says he may be able to get a good price for large ‘party tent’ rental(s).

Ÿ Cleanup - Martin reports positive feedback on staging of cleanup last year with people designating portion of river they want to clean, taking them to the drop off point as soon as feasible, and having volunteers at identified trash drop off sites as well as pull out points. Other volunteers will be needed to help with trash collection from drop off sites on Sunday. Martin agrees to solicit and assign volunteers for this activity.

Ÿ Food - Friends of Clear Creek (FOCC) have indicated they are willing to help with organizing and providing food according to Dan. Justine still has some food vouchers for Krogers and area businesses will be solicited for donations of food and money.

Ÿ Tire Recycling - Martin reports there has been no response from the Good Hope Trustees about our request for money from their litter collection grant. He says the Falls Township Trustees have sent a letter denying our request but says he got a verbal commitment from them that if there is money left over during the fall cleanup, we could use that for tire recycling. Dan plans to follow-up with the Fairfield County Solid Waste Management people to get their commitment to the cleanup.

Activities:

River Outing - The next scheduled canoe outing is Sunday May 4, 2002 meet at the HVCL 12:30 PM. An alternate date is tentatively set for Sunday, May 26. We will be reconnoitering the cleanup route from Sharp Road to Stage Road and on to Logan.

Next Meeting:

Next Membership Meeting - Wednesday, 6/5/02 at 6:30 PM at The Family Fun Center.

Respectfully submitted, Martin Hammar, Secretary