January 17, 2007, Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail Meeting
Honeywell Center -- Wabash, Indiana
Hosted by: Charlie Creek Foundation
OPENING REMARKS
Tom Castaldi opened the meeting thanking Charlie Creek Foundation for arranging accommodations; the Allen County Fort Wayne Historical Society for photocopies; and to Lisa Iversen of the Wabash County Museum for blog site services. Postings to the site since the last meeting include: Ron Woodward's "Touring the Historic Upper Wabash" (1982) trail brochure, and a short text titled, "Wabash & Erie Canal: A History of Connecting People and Places"
A discussion of the meeting's agenda followed for: A Banks of the Wabash presentation, and a review of a "Vision" statement draft as the first step in developing a long term plan.
CONTRIBUTED COMMENTS
Persons participating included: Donn Werling, Ron James, Susan Ulrich, Dan McCain, Craig Leonard, Bob Schmidt, Carolyn Schmidt, Heather Allen, Ron Woodward, Mike Beauchamp, Kreig Adkins, Trula Frank, Beth Stein and Jim Ridenour. Time was allotted for comment about the Canal Corridor from those who could not attend the last meeting.
Jim Ridenour recalled that in the 1980s, as DNR Director, he suggested a trail along the Wabash to the Ohio River, but at the time it was not taken seriously. Now the atmosphere has changed and it is not impossible to envision a corridor extending from Lake Erie across Indiana to the Ohio River. Jim remembers the Tippecanoe County Railroad Improvement Project and the beginning of the Wabash River Heritage Corridor Commission have become realities. He also noted that projects such as the Monon Trail, which was opposed based on the argument that it would become a haven for trouble makers, has instead proved to be the opposite with property values doubled along the way. We're pretty sure that there will be no more national parks established, but the time is coming when financing for corridor projects is returning.
Kreig Adkins said that land west of Peru's Broadway has been developed as a popular River Walk on the Canal Towpath to Holman Street and the adjoining 40 acres may become available for expansion westward. Volunteers organized and built a "Fort Miami" park for kids in 2001, and it has become the "cool" play site and abandoning the old parks. As for extending the River Walk to the east, local officials have to deal with who pays for development and maintenance and must be careful about accepting such an idea.
Ensuing discussion mentioned the importance of acceptance by county commissioners and convincing them that the trails we want to build has art, interpretation, community participation and unexpected attractions such as the Fort Miami project
Craig Leonard has been working on an adjunct project to the Wabash Erie Corridor developing a trail along the Salamonie River that joins the Wabash at Lagro. He has met with his legislators seeking to create an organization to raise public consciousness about applying for grant money. Among other attractions this trail is located between the Wabash Erie Corridor and Salem and picks up the now-raised government treaty house sites of Francis Godfrey at Montpelier and Chief LaGro in Lagro. Other potential trail highlights are the deep wagon wheel ruts recently discovered in Wells County from first state roads, and in another section remains of circular earthen mounds have been found.
GENERAL DISCUSSION
Susan Ulrich treasurer of Banks of the Wabash stood in for President Bernie Dahl (occupied with his teaching responsibilities) explained the supporting advantages of the Canal Corridor organizing as a collection of communities and counties as a single chapter. Banks of Wabash is seeking to expand from its core middle Wabash River counties. It has been successful in obtaining monies for its chapter member projects. It offers a 501(c) tax exemption, provides treasury facilities as well as uses its prestige to help validate its member chapters. The committee will vote on accepting membership at a future meeting.
Ron James recalled his recent visit with the organizers of a Peru to Denver trail assisted by Ray Irving who is busy working on the last stages for determining trail routes through northern Indiana in time to celebrate the State's 200th anniversary in 2016.
Dan McCain suggested that our group should see the current State plan and compare it to a route we could suggest that would connect the county and community trails along the Wabash & Erie Canal line.
Carolyn Schmidt asked who would prepare maps since they must know the existing trails and the canal route.
Discussion followed about how to introduce the idea the Wabash Erie Canal Corridor which is crowded with a "string of pearls" experiences appealing to Hoosiers. It was agreed upon to present for the State's project. Jim suggested a county-by-county map be traced to illustrate how and where the Wabash Erie Canal Corridor connects and could be incorporated into the State's trail plan.
Heather Allen recommended that representatives from each county prepare a map of their trail systems and how the connections might be made. Note: Some counties have prepared maps that are ready for use. If not, the Topographical 7.5 could be used for continuity among maps and has space enough to specify where and to handwrite in concepts such as view scapes, historical sites as well as suggest less trafficked routes along the Canal Corridor. During the meeting, county maps should have been prepared and ready for display. An announcement will be sent from to the member list.
ACTION PLAN
Jim Ridenour will make an invitation to Ray Irvin for a presentation and to share concepts.
Meeting adjourned.
Next meeting: February 1, 2007, 1:00 pm. Honeywell Center Nixon Room, Wabash, Indiana.
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