Don't forget MORE big river events this summer.
Riverfest July 7th
& Paddlefest August 18
Riverfest, July 7 in West Lafayette and Paddlefest, August 18 in New Harmony - - both featuring canoes & racing -- come to mind.
Indeed, voyaguer-style canoes with crews of 10 +/- will race short distances at W. Lafe, while in N Harmony, a trained crew from SW Indiana will race a similarly prepared team from SE Illinois the entire 9+ miles!
Next year: Points racing on the Wabash?
Have a great summer.
Ron James, Executive Director
Wabash River Heritage Corridor Commission
102 North Third Street, Suite 302
Lafayette IN 47901
765-427-1505
Friday, June 22, 2007
Saturday, June 9, 2007
May 8 Meeting Recap: Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail Chapter
Hosted by: Charlie Creek
Opening Remarks
Meeting was opened with Tom Castaldi thanking Beth Stein of Charlie Creek Foundation for their support and for her help scheduling our meeting; for Lisa Iversen who maintains our blog site. Tom then reminded those present that all members of our Chapter consider sending their individual membership application and dues to Banks of the
Our interest is in connecting communities, who have established or have planned trails, with the Wabash Erie Canal Towpath Trail to provide extended recreation, economic development while focusing on the heritage of the longest canal in the western hemisphere. To assist planners in locating connection routes, a driving tour is real and has been posted on our web site/blog titled, Yes Ginny there is a Wabash & Erie Canal Trail - Motor Tour the Wabash Erie Canal Trail - Ready to Run Biking and Hiking Trails Could Follow. Currently, the posting describes a route that extends between
“Towpath Trail” signage format now use in the north central portion of the
Our guest presenter for the May 8th meeting is Rory Robinson, Outdoor Recreation Planner, National Park Services Rivers & Trails Program for direction.
GENERAL DISCUSSION
A discussion about the size and appearance of markers and directional signs concluded with Ron James recording parameters for obtaining quotes. He is proceeding with a marker sign measuring 18” wide and 24” high with the colorful Wabash River Heritage Corridor image in the upper portion, and in the space across the bottom a blue canal logo, the text “Towpath Trail” and a directional arrow measuring 6” inches in height.
Rory Robinson opened his remarks complimenting the group saying it has a good idea with a lot of experience within the group. He said that citizen advocates and non profits seem to get positive action. We have to do take our “fun” to “work” and we must continue to bring others into the project to keep our good idea strong.
First of among his recommendations
1) Obtain a 501(c) 3 status. Rory felt that was already accomplished by our having become a chapter of the Banks of theWabash , however, we must sell local governments buy putting forth the idea.
2) Create a Vision to show what the big idea is all about. It could be published and made available using a four page, 11” x 17” folder with graphs, visionary maps and a list of who is involved. It should be easy and inviting to read without getting into specific details. Highlight the benefits that come with Trails: economic development, health and recreational advantages. Our Vision brochure should stress how trails help to create a sense of place that discovers a community’s heritage. Trails are healthy –U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have found that obesity is an epidemic brought on by a lack of exercise and choice of diet.
3) Publish a Workbook. A “workbook” used by theDelaware
4) Don’t wait for the State…get busy. Our Towpath Trail overlaps with Green Moves. Rory suggests we get basic information to Ray Irwin using his basic spread sheets. Endeavor to get portions of the Trail done on a local level. The Indiana Trails initiative is supposed to build it, but we can take on the challenge and begin building it and getting grants. There is no money for funding beyond that which is already out there. The State likes Green Moves measures to connect the State, but it must show benefits to local communities. Fortunately, people such as realty groups want these infrastructure improvements Greenways provide that they say their prospective clients seek.
ACTION PLAN
1) Develop a Vision Statement that can be placed on our website/blog as a PDF. Rory offered to help develop. Tom agreed to prepare a first draft for Rory’s revisions, comments and finalization.
A discussion about the size and appearance of markers and directional signs concluded with Ron James recording parameters for obtaining quotes. He is proceeding with a marker sign measuring 18” wide and 24” high with the colorful Wabash River Heritage Corridor image in the upper portion, and in the space across the bottom a blue canal logo, the text “Towpath Trail” and a directional arrow measuring 6” inches in height.
Rory Robinson opened his remarks complimenting the group saying it has a good idea with a lot of experience within the group. He said that citizen advocates and non profits seem to get positive action. We have to do take our “fun” to “work” and we must continue to bring others into the project to keep our good idea strong.
First of among his recommendations
1) Obtain a 501(c) 3 status. Rory felt that was already accomplished by our having become a chapter of the Banks of the
2) Create a Vision to show what the big idea is all about. It could be published and made available using a four page, 11” x 17” folder with graphs, visionary maps and a list of who is involved. It should be easy and inviting to read without getting into specific details. Highlight the benefits that come with Trails: economic development, health and recreational advantages. Our Vision brochure should stress how trails help to create a sense of place that discovers a community’s heritage. Trails are healthy –U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have found that obesity is an epidemic brought on by a lack of exercise and choice of diet.
3) Publish a Workbook. A “workbook” used by the
4) Don’t wait for the State…get busy. Our Towpath Trail overlaps with Green Moves. Rory suggests we get basic information to Ray Irwin using his basic spread sheets. Endeavor to get portions of the Trail done on a local level. The Indiana Trails initiative is supposed to build it, but we can take on the challenge and begin building it and getting grants. There is no money for funding beyond that which is already out there. The State likes Green Moves measures to connect the State, but it must show benefits to local communities. Fortunately, people such as realty groups want these infrastructure improvements Greenways provide that they say their prospective clients seek.
ACTION PLAN
1) Develop a Vision Statement that can be placed on our website/blog as a PDF. Rory offered to help develop. Tom agreed to prepare a first draft for Rory’s revisions, comments and finalization.
SOME COMMENTARY:
Dan McCain: We’d like to link trails in the next 20 years. But to reach across the State may take a lifetime. Long term keep the Vision ideal but understand that it will take years. Short Term, get the Trail marked.
Mike Beauchamp: I’ve followed the Towpath and we have a long County Trail identified. I’d say we could have it marked by the summer of 2008.
Dan McCain: If you’ve identified a road that needs help, Ray Irwin will tell you that it could be high on the list. We’re ready for a date set, and want to identify the ones he has listed.
Mike Beauchamp: We did identify some routes but they are contradictive with the Indiana Trail plan. Some assets are important to the state but have no connection with the canal and have not yet been resolved.
Dan McCain: In westernIndiana
Rory: The State is looking for different perspectives, and an opportunity to get it completed. You’ll see the Towpath built first if you continue to advocate for it. You’ll really get it built if you find a private funder. You’ll get it built faster and cheaper without regulation and delays. What you really must engage the local government and get the city engineer on your side because he’s the one who knows the lingo and how to get things done.
Donn: It takes political savvy person to help push this sort of idea through. One who speaks the legislative language because politicians are behind the people on this issue.
Rory: We do need a champion.
2) Tom will prepare a Vision Statement draft and forward it to Rory for his comments.
3) Ron will work with his WRHC Commission members using theDelaware
NEXT MEETING:
To be announced.
Mike Beauchamp: I’ve followed the Towpath and we have a long County Trail identified. I’d say we could have it marked by the summer of 2008.
Dan McCain: If you’ve identified a road that needs help, Ray Irwin will tell you that it could be high on the list. We’re ready for a date set, and want to identify the ones he has listed.
Mike Beauchamp: We did identify some routes but they are contradictive with the Indiana Trail plan. Some assets are important to the state but have no connection with the canal and have not yet been resolved.
Dan McCain: In western
Rory: The State is looking for different perspectives, and an opportunity to get it completed. You’ll see the Towpath built first if you continue to advocate for it. You’ll really get it built if you find a private funder. You’ll get it built faster and cheaper without regulation and delays. What you really must engage the local government and get the city engineer on your side because he’s the one who knows the lingo and how to get things done.
Donn: It takes political savvy person to help push this sort of idea through. One who speaks the legislative language because politicians are behind the people on this issue.
Rory: We do need a champion.
2) Tom will prepare a Vision Statement draft and forward it to Rory for his comments.
3) Ron will work with his WRHC Commission members using the
NEXT MEETING:
To be announced.
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