Wabash - Erie Canal Corridor

Recap of Towpath Trail Meeting at Lagro

2011-08-31T05:29:00.000-07:00

A meeting of persons interested in the initial trail development for the Wabash Erie Canal Towpath Trail, met in Lagro, Indiana’s Community Center on Thursday, April 7, 2011, presented by a student member of Purdue University’s School of Landscape Architecture.

Purdue senior Beth Smart, displayed a map exploring the possibilities of a “Walk, Run, Bike, Equestrian Trail” that traces the historic towpath remnants and stone locks. Trail composition, routing concerns, boat access to the Wabash River at trailheads, parking opportunities, recreational benefits and funding were a part of the question and answering session.

Hosted by members of the Lagro Township Tourism Board, the meeting was attended by persons from the Canal Society of Indiana, Wabash River Heritage Corridor Commission, Indiana County Historians Program, and area residents. A future meeting will be announced as Beth Smart works toward the conclusion of the concept plan before graduation day comes around.

PHOTOS Above: Purdue University Landscape Architecture senior, Beth Smart answering question about the potential the Towpath Trail through Lagro, Indiana. Below: Beth Smart outlined the potential opportunities and challenges of trail development.

Towpath Trail Meeting at Lagro

2011-04-11T09:46:00.000-07:00

Purdue senior, Beth Smart, displayed a map exploring the possibilities of a “Walk, Run, Bike, Equestrian Trail” that traces the historic towpath remnants and stone locks. Trail composition, routing concerns, boat access to the Wabash River at trailheads, parking opportunities, recreational benefits and funding were a part of the question and answering session.

Annual Dues Due

2011-02-02T10:49:00.000-08:00

As you know, our Wabash Erie Towpath Trail group is an affiliated chapter of the Banks of the Wabash a non-profit organization.
Annual memberships year are based on the Banks of the Wabash's April yearly meeting date. Memberships given in one year are good through the April meeting of the following year.

Membership Categories are

Student $5.00
Individual $15.00
Family/Non-profit $25.00

Special categories include:

Town $25.00
Business $35.00
Scout $50.00
Trailblazer $100.00
Discoverer $250.00
Visionary $500.00
Corporate $500.00

Please remember to send your membership dues marked: "WABASH & ERIE TOWPATH" To:
Banks of the Wabash
PO Box 1253
Lafayette, IN 47902-1253

2010 Year End Report

2010-12-07T04:50:00.000-08:00

Year Ending 2010 Wabash Erie Towpath Trail Report: New Directions

The Situation: During 2010, our Wabash Erie Canal Towpath Trail mission has been modified to meet new and changing challenges. As you know, we set out to promote the vision of connecting each of the Wabash Erie Canal communities - one with another that have already established trails or may be in the planning stages for a trail - by following the historic canal pathway that became the second longest canal in the world.

Spread across the state: the trail covers the area from the Indiana-Ohio state line near New Haven in Allen County, Indiana, across the state's north central counties then down the western reaches of Indiana to Evansville on the Ohio River. The scope of our project covers an long distance and it's difficult to assemble a good representation of persons at any one time.
Meeting facilities, however, were generously hosted by the Charley Creek Foundation in Wabash's Honeywell Center, Delphi Canal Interpretative Center, Lafayette Railroad Relocation Center and the Allen County Fort Wayne History Center for which we are most grateful. Support from the Canal Society of Indiana, Purdue University's Landscape Architecture School, the Wabash River Heritage Corridor Commission and National Parks to mention a few has been outstanding. However, fewer and fewer persons were able to attend those meetings and we understand that many were busily engulfed with trail planning for their own communities.
The unfortunate economic downturn we have been experiencing surely has pushed planners to focus on what is in-hand and to "back-burner" other possibilities such as expanding to neighboring cities and towns. Building new trails can be expensive.
Communications with communities discussing the route of the Canal through their town has continued. We've talked of the possibilities of cooperating with their neighboring counties' planners: how the two might connect; use the established Canal Towpath route directional signage; expand recreational experiences; add to historical interest; enhance quality of life; and gain an economic development element. All benefit the individual communities.

Going forward we find it impractical to be scheduling meetings. We encourage you, however, to continue the concept of using the Wabash Erie Canal route and take advantage of the directional signs - with their common graphics - that will guide the traveler over our colorful Hoosier history into your community.

Byways: It may be impractical to consider placing a new trail on the actual Canal towpath. Rather several of us have concluded that we should endeavor to create a Byway that will place the traveler on established roads, streets, and highways that most nearly approximates the early Canal route. Obviously, there are places where the old towpath, in fact, is the newer roadway or very nearly atop the original path.

A Wabash Erie Canal Towpath Trail directional marker has been designed in association with the Wabash River Heritage Corridor Trail signage. These directional signs are already in use in parts of Allen County, across Wabash County and through Carroll County. When your county is ready to add this new dimension to enhance your trail routes, the signs are available from Halls Signs of Bloomington, Indiana. Pricing is based on quantity, however, the graphics are ready for your use.

New Direction:
We are not planning a next meeting at this time due to geographical logistics,
We remain a chapter of the Banks of the Wabash, Inc. Don't forget to sign up and designate your membership as "Towpath Trail Chapter" and send your $15.00 or greater check to: PO Box 1253, Lafayette, Ind. 47902.
We will use this website as a means of communication.

Remember: As your community discovers that it may wish to "connect trails" with your surrounding counties, we would like to work with you in ways that might be helpful locating the byway nearest the old towpath, interact with you on collateral canal-era history for historical markers and put you in touch with the sign producer when you're ready to purchase your Wabash Erie Canal Towpath Trail directional signage.

2010-05-30T09:01:00.000-07:00

PLEASE NOTE

The June 10, 2010, Wabash Cass Heritage Trails meeting planned to be held in Logansport, IN, has been canceled and is to be rescheduled.

When additional information for a new date is received it will be posted on this site.

Next Meeting: June 10th in Logansport!

2010-04-19T08:22:00.000-07:00

A meeting was held on Monday, March 28, 2010, in the Canal Center in Delphi, Indiana, with a small group of local enthusiasts from Tippecanoe, Carroll, Cass, Miami and Allen counties sharing and discussing ideas for enhancing the historical, recreational, interpretative, environmental and tourism possibilities for the Wabash River Valley. Recognizing that there exists great opportunities and to support what others are already doing to encourage activities on byways and trails along the river, the group shared ideas for using the river to promote improved quality of life for now and for generations to come.

Next meeting will be held in Logansport at Riverside Park on Friday, June 10th from between 10:00 AM til 12:00 noon. Theme for the next meeting discussion will entail, "What do you see beyond your own county as it relates to interpreting our shared history, environment, recreation possibilities?" As more develops we'll endeavor to keep you informed.

See New Towpath Signs in Wabash County!

2009-09-01T05:36:00.000-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS WABASH COUNTY!

The Wabash River Heritage Corridor River Road markers are up in Wabash and so are the Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail directional signs.

Thanks Wabash for promoting River Road and Towpath Trail...way to go!

Autumn Meeting Announcement

2009-08-13T12:42:00.000-07:00

Autumn Meeting:
Wabash Erie Canal Interpretative Center - Delphi, Indiana
September 9, 2009 - 10:30 a.m.

Now that Summer vacations are behind us we'll be taking a look at the progress made since we last met and the challenges we face going forward. Here are some of what will be discussed:

1. Purdue Agriculture School Class' final project presented at our May 6, 2009, meeting. The class' took on the task of assisting in fulfilling the vision of a towpath trail extending over and celebrating the history of the Wabash & Erie Canal. Although the original canal stretched 468 miles from Lake Erie to Evansville on the Ohio River, a portion was selected for the study. Specifically the area between Logansport and Lafayette was chosen to observe the typical scenarios that might be encountered when attempting to design a towpath trail. Also, the study served to identify the several opportunities that could be exploited. A booklet was produced to identify the benefits of creating trails, taking a deeper look at the history and current status of the canal route, and offering ideas and solutions to problems that might be encountered.

2. Questionnaire - To assist the Group's endeavor to fulfill its vision of reconnecting communities along the Wabash Erie Canal Towpath by developing a trial along the entire length of the historic route, a "Wabash Erie Canal Corridor Assessment" form was designed by Rory Robertson of National Parks. The 10-questions printed on two sides of one sheet is intended to gather information needed to assist communities interested in adaptively reuse of the canal. Bob Schmidt of the Canal Society of Indiana (CSI) has prepared a mailing list to send the questionnaire. names include WRHC Commissioners, County Historians, CSI members, Community trail officials. County and city commissioners are yet to be added. Who and how the replies will be tallied will be determined.

3. Towpath Directional Signs: Wabash County placed an order for the 6-inches by 18-inches directional signs for posting along the towpath line in Wabash County.
Communications with Historic Forks of the Wabash director have begun to discuss how the directional signs might be adapted with a proposed marker project grant.

4. Adjourn before the 1:00 pm meeting of the Wabash River Heritage Corridor Commissioners meeting to be held in the same facility.

***

Purdue University Landscape Architecture class (from left to right) Michael Sibik, Ashley Dawson, Tom Fellagy and Associate Professor Bernie Dahl. A large format 21-page "Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail concept was the result of the class project.

Purdue Architecture Students' Study WECTT

2009-05-22T14:01:00.001-07:00

Purdue University Landscape Architecture Students' Study
Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail

Wednesday May 6, 2009 - Delphi, Ind. A presentation was made at the Wabash & Erie Canal Interpretative Center as a final project of the Landscape Architecture students to assist the Wabash Heritage Corridor Commission in fulfilling the vision of a towpath trail extending over and celebrating the history of the Wabash & Erie Canal.
In the report the students noted, "Recognizing the success that has been seen in Delphi, where a trail and other features observe the canal's history have already been implemented, we would like to assist in jumpstarting similar projects across the state and help communities recognize the benefits of supporting the Wabash and Erie Canal towpath trail."
The original canal stretched 468 miles from Lake Erie to the Ohio River at Evansville in southern Indiana. The canal's life may have been short lived but the waterway was still very influential in shaping Indiana history and became an important part of U.S. trade and shipping routes. The students reported that "much of the canal and its history has been lost or depleted over the years, but we are hoping to bring back some of that history by promoting an interactive trail which would span the state."
A visual presentation covered the Benefits of Trails, History, Existing Conditions, Map & Alternate Bike Route, Typical Trail, Aqueduct No. 5 Trailhead Design in Logansport, Streetscape Design, Burnett's Creek Arch Design, Conceptual Design Ideas, Funding Opportunities. A copy of the report will be posted on this site when it becomes formatted and available.

Tom Castaldi

Historic Wabash and Erie Canal Map at FW History Center

2009-05-22T09:48:00.001-07:00

Fort Wayne History Center Receives Donation of Historic Wabash and Erie Canal Map

The Canal Society of Indiana recently donated a rare blueprint-map of the Wabash and Erie Canal to the Fort Wayne History Center’s collection.

Todd Maxell Pelfrey, executive director of the History Center, stated, “We are delighted to receive such rare glimpse of history from one of the most adventurous and optimistic chapters of Fort Wayne’s past, that of the Wabash and Erie Canal. For many generations the canal has intrigued our community and this artifact provides singularly precise information about its route through the city. We look forward to sharing this impressive map with the public through a future expansion of our permanent exhibition galleries.”

Tom Fortman of Larwill, Ind. first found the 37-foot long canal blueprint-map hidden away in an old cabinet given to him when he worked for Norfolk and Western Railroad many years ago. He later gave the map to the CSI, who is now donating it to the History Center. Tom and his wife Kay joined the CSI in presenting the blueprint-map to the History Center on May 5.

The map shows the Canal running through Fort Wayne and is significant because it provides details of Moots Lock number three of the Wabash and Erie Canal. CSI previously did not know the exact location of the lock, but guessed it to be buried under the railroad tracks near Glasgow Avenue. The blueprint-map shows that the lock is actually buried under the tracks almost a block east of Glasgow Avenue near the end of Grant Street and Deister Machine Company, Inc.

This donation supplements the History Center’s Wabash and Erie Canal map collection, which includes “an original drawing, eight-foot long, of the route from New Haven to Fort Wayne and details of owners along the route,” according to Walter Font, History Center curator.

For more information, contact the History Center at (260) 426-2882.

A Concept Plan Unveiled for the Wabash Erie Canal Towpath Trail

2009-04-24T10:37:00.000-07:00

Presented by Purdue University Landscape Architecture Program

Students from a Purdue University Landscape Architecture class took on the challenge of examining how to deal with the concerns of producing a trail to connect communities already-completed-trailways. After much field and classroom study under the direction of Bernie Dahl, Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture, the students prepared ideas and will present the Canal Towpath Trail Concept Plan on Wednesday, May 6th at 1 pm at the Wabash Erie Canal Interpretive Center in Delphi, Indiana.

You're invited to join us and hear about the possibilities of the vision.

Tom Castaldi
WECTT Chair

Next Wabash Erie Canal Towpath Meeting: Wednesday, March 25th, 1:30 p.m. at Honeywell Center in Wabash, IN

2009-02-04T14:38:00.001-08:00

Please join us on Wednesday, March 25, 2009, for the next exciting Wabash Erie Canal Towpath Trail meeting. It will take place in the Honeywell Center at 1:30 p.m. in Wabash, Indiana.

Our Agenda:
Now is the time to get involved and help shape the future of the Towpath Trail for the enjoyment, study, pride and satisfaction of generations to come.

Purdue University Landscape Architecture Class: Presentation and an unveiling of a Concept Plan for addressing the Towpath Trail.

Questionnaire Review or the Wabash Erie Canal Corridor as an Assessment: What answers it seeks; who best can provide the answers; how it's responses will be analyzed and be recorded.

Further, a Trail Ride, River and Roam Workbook/Manual, an inventory and assessment publication is another of the products that could include data gained from the questionnaire project.

Trail Study. Progress to date on a Purdue University Landscape Architecture Program study for a design manual to include an inventory of necessary work, design of a typical trail head, and other pertinent factors that may be helpful when taking the project forward.

Corridor Markers/Signs. An update on Wabash River Heritage Corridor "Community" markers; Wabash River Heritage Corridor "Trail" markers; Wabash River Heritage Corridor "River Road" markers.

Wabash Erie Towpath Trail directional signs and arrows. Source and costs for the signs; and Counties' progress for mounting signs.

Other business that may come to the meeting.

Tom Castaldi
Wabash Erie Canal Trail Moderator

Driving Tour Directions

2008-11-18T13:17:00.000-08:00

Wabash Erie Canal Corridor Tour

Canal Towpath Trail Meeting Recap 11/06/2008

2008-11-11T12:37:00.001-08:00

Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail Chapter
Big Four Depot Lafayette, Indiana, 1:30 p.m. History Center
Hosted by Wabash River Enhancement Corporation
RECAP

1. OPENING REMARKS
Several Chapter members had scheduling conflicts and could not be in attendance and we appreciate their providing advanced notice or representative. Meeting was opened with a thank you by Tom Castaldi to the Wabash River Enhancement Corporation for hosting the meeting, providing refreshments and document copying; Lisa Iversen for maintaining our blog site; and Allen County Fort Wayne History Center for copying meeting agendas.

2. MEMBERSHIP
Take time now to write a check for your $15.00 membership dues. A copy of the Banks of the Wabash, "Invitation to Join" can be found on our blog site: wabasheriecanal.blogspot.com. Print out the handy "Membership Categories" section, complete the form, mention "Wabash & Erie Towpath" and place in an envelope with your check and mail to Banks of Wabash, PO Box 1253, Lafayette, Indiana 47902 today. Don’t forget to mark “Wabash & Erie Towpath Chapter in the memo portion of your check that credits us with your membership and goes toward our earning a seat on the board of directors.

3. MARKERS/SIGNS
The "Towpath Trail" signs for directing folks along the Wabash Erie Canal route. We have a series of markers being developed.
1. Wabash River Heritage Corridor “Community” markers are intended for villages, towns and cities along the Wabash River to herald their river-centric history. They are used in addition to the usual city limit signs or club postings on existing posts or kiosks. These are being placed by the communities with the help of the River Commissioners from each county. Ron James has inventory “in stock” for requests.
2. Wabash River Heritage Corridor “Trail” markers are intended for multi-use trail heads and along major roads to mark when crossing Wabash River Heritage Corridor (WRHC) multi-use trails. – Ron James has the artwork and is awaiting ‘demand’ for production.
3. Wabash River Heritage Corridor “River Road” markers are intended for use as an introduction to the Corridor. Intended for use on already existing roads more or less parallel to the river, these can be used at major intersections and route heads. Preferably, the routes chosen will be suitable for biking and ‘Sunday’ driving (i.e. not highways). To the extent we want to get something out to the public, and can parallel the canal towpath, these signs are now available through your WRHC River Commissioners – check the WRHCC website for your county’s contact information.
4. Wabash Erie Canal “Towpath Trail” directional signs are for byway routes in each county along roads that closely follow the historic canal towpath. Quotes have been received for counties to begin ordering. Prices are available in various quantities for the sign which measures 6 inch high by 18 inch wide, blue background, on 0.08 gauge aluminum material, “Engineering Grade” surface, double – sided Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail using the colorful logo. A copy of the new directional sign is available.

50 signs: $17.05 each or total cost of $ 852.50.
75 signs: $14.44 each or total cost of $1,083.00.
100 signs: $13.00 each or total cost of $1,300.00.

Directional Arrows come separately since it will be left to the people mounting the signs to determine which way the arrow should point and how many may be needed. These have been quoted as 4 inch by 4 inch in size and there are 10 arrows in each package. The example given by the vendor, notes that a quantity of 5 packages at $9.50 cost $47.50.

4. TOWPATH TO TRAIL QUESTIONNAIRE.
Committee members: Dawn Ritchie, Stanton Lambert, Dan McCain, Derek Reuter, Dan White. Rory presented a draft design used in the National Park Service’s, Towpaths-to-Trails publication that Rory designed and prepared in 1995. for a comprehensive to assist in exploring the risks and opportunities of creating a trail. Responses from persons responding to the questionnaire will be important for producing a Workbook/Manual as a first step explaining the case for our mission to connect/mark a trail along the Wabash Erie Canal Towpath and Wabash River. It will provide a feel for the concerns of both private and public people/institutions/organizations/businesses to learn where a path might be routed. Rory mentioned that the Ohio Erie Canal Towpath has about three gaps of ten miles each. Some parts are well defined but in heavily populated areas it is virtually impossible to follow the original rout. We want to access where or where not a towpath trail is feasible.

5. QUESTIONNAIRE REVIEW
Bob Schmidt’s sub committee to create a list of contacts to send the questionnaire including WRHC Commissioners, County Historians and selected persons along the corridor familiar with canal and river history are: Carolyn Schmidt, Ron James and Tom Castaldi. It was suggested that in the canal counties not a part of the WRHC should request a representative from the county commissioners.

Once the document has been finalized it should be sent and returns analyzed. Rory will work out the details of where the questionnaires will be returned and suggestions for creating a data base to collect and interpret the responses.

6. TRAIL WORKBOOK/MANUAL
Ride, River and Roam, The Wabash Erie Canal Towpath Trail Inventory and Assessment Manual” Data collected from the survey questionnaire will be used to produce the manual. It will take the cooperation people from each county to complete the information required including: maps, land ownership; connection concerns and standards for trail continuity.

7. NEW BUSINESS
Bernie Dahl requested for a copy of the prototype manual for review. The manual has been prepared to explain the overall plan, risks and opportunities as well as illustrate what by roads most closely follow the Wabash Erie Canal Towpath between Fort Wayne and Terre Haute. He is interested in exploring possibilities of gathering information for his university lab class. Such a project might produce a design manual that would include an inventory of necessary work, design of a typical trail head, and other pertinent factors that may be helpful when taking the project to counties for review.

Rory Robinson suggested that a copy of the Ohio and Erie Guidelines may be available for the Wabash Erie Canal project.

8. MEETING ADJOURNED
Our next meeting will be in the Spring in Wabash, Indiana. A date is being targeted for March.

Tom Castaldi
Wabash Erie Canal Trail Moderator

Next towpath meeting November 6 in Lafayette

2008-10-20T21:18:00.001-07:00

Mark your calendar

November 6, 2008

... and plan to be part of the Fall Meeting of the Wabash Erie Canal Towpath Trail Meeting a Banks of the Wabash Chapter.

Meeting Place: Big Four Depot in Lafayette, Indiana

Meeting Time: 1:30 pm

Discussions will include progress with:

1. The "Towpath Trail" signs for directing folks along the the Wabash Erie Canal route...
2. Towpath to Trail Questionnaire design...
3. Progress with list of reviewers for the Workbook
4. Ride, River and Roam, The Wabash Erie Canal Towpath Trail Inventory and Assessment Workbook ...
5. Other business that may come before the group.

Have you sent your $15.00 membership to Banks of the Wabash marked "Wabash & Erie Towpath Chapter" in the memo portion of your check?

Send it today to: Banks of the Wabash, Inc., PO Box 1253, Lafayette IN 47902-1253.

Your membership and participation is helpful to the cause... thanks for taking part!

Click here for directions to the Big 4 Depot:
http://www.eventective.com/USA/Indiana/Lafayette/59708/Big-Four-Depot.html

July 17 Wabash Erie Canal Towpath Meeting Recap

2008-07-21T09:44:00.000-07:00

Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail Chapter
Allen County Fort Wayne Historical Society, 1:30 p.m. History Center
Hosted by Allen County Fort Wayne Historical Society, July 17, 2008
RECAP

1. OPENING REMARKS
Attending were: Jim DeVinney, Mark Dickmeyer, Roger Goodland, Dave Hacker, Jennifer Hotchkiss, Stanton Lambert, Dan McCain, Derek Reuter, Dawn Ritchie, Rory Robinson, Ivy Teders, Bob Schmidt, Carolyn Schmidt and Tom Castaldi.
Several of our group who usually meet with us experienced scheduling conflicts and could not be in attendance. Meeting was opened with a thank you by Tom Castaldi to the Allen County History Center for providing a meeting place and to Lisa Iversen who maintains our blog site.

2. MEMBERSHIP
Members were reminded that April is our anniversary month to renew our Banks of the Wabash (BOW) membership. A copy of the "Invitation to Join" can be found on the blogsite: wabasheriecanal.blogspot.com. Print out the handy "Membership Categories" section, complete the form, mention "Wabash & Erie Towpath" and place in an envelope with your check and mail to PO Box 1253 , Lafayette, Indiana 47902 today. Individual membership is $15.00.

3. MARKERS AND DIRECTIONAL SIGNS
Wabash County ’s Mike Beauchamp who could not attend the meeting due to another business commitment but sent a message asking for the status of the Directional Towpath Trail "Canal Boat" silhouette sign, that measures 18 " x 6". Wabash County is ready to mount directional signs. During the meeting, members adopted the new oval Towpath Logo that was designed by the City of Fort Wayne Public Works for use on the Towpath Trail in Allen County . Carroll County expressed an interest in obtaining decals of the oval logo to replace the current “canal boat” design on the Carroll County Towpath Trail. Note: the “Canal Boat Silhouette” term is changed to “Towpath Logo” sign.
Dawn Ritchie agreed to investigate the likelihood of Fort Wayne ’s Public Works supplying a quantity of the oval Towpath Logo signs. (Note: following the meeting, Dawn was asked to learn if Public Works could supply an 18” x 6” sign with the “Towpath” oval logo on the left side and a space for an arrowhead on the right.) Previously, Dawn advised the group that the artwork for the oval logo is available for use on signs, markers, brochures and those places a logo might be used to identify our effort.
Corridor Commissioner Hacker of Huntington County gave a review of the new Wabash River Heritage Corridor River Road markers being distributed by Ron James to Corridor counties. These measure 18" x 24" and introduce the Wabash River Heritage Corridor route and ideal for placing as near the Wabash River as possible. These markers will not necessarily be used on Federal or State highways. A space is provided to accommodate our blue and white 18” x 6” directional Towpath logo signs.
Yet to come is an 18” x 24” WRHC Trail marker intended for trail heads and along major roads to mark where the WRHC Trail crosses. Contact Ron (Email at execdir@wrhcc.in.gov) for details.
Another WRHC Community marker measuring 18” x 24” is designed for entrances of communities who wish to promote their relationship with the WRHC and also is available. Contact Ron for details.
Rory suggested that purchase of signs is an ideal project for raising funds for the project.
Derek asked for a recommendation for spacing between Towpath Logo directional signs. Dan replied that the larger WRHC signs will work well as an entry way with the Towpath Logo. Then a directional sign is needed for each turn right or left and spacing between seems to take care of itself. Long stretches might use a reminder, perhaps as important is obtaining county approval to post the signs. In Carroll County , permission was given to use county road sign posts and worked very well. Dan noted that in Carroll County has developed a “byway” for bikes and cars along appropriate roads, and a walking trail within the Wabash Erie Canal Park system.

4. TRAIL MANUAL
Rory Robinson reviewed the importance of the group producing a Workbook as a first step explaining the case for our mission to connect/mark a trial along the Wabash Erie Canal Towpath and Wabash River . It will provide and inventory of the corridor and what is to be done: 1) preparing a map of the route with urban areas no larger than 3 or 4 blocks while in rural areas increments of 3 to 4 miles should mark both the a Driving Trail and/or a Walking Trail; 2) providing information about land ownership; 3) making certain that the marked trail connects properly with obstacles and with adjoining map routes; 4) determining ownership issues; 5) investigating trail identity concerns; 6) marking accesses; 7) listing user facilities; 8) listing current partners as well as other pertinent action points. Such a manual is vital for grant writing and aiding community officials and the public to better understand the mission. Note: to begin moving the project forward, a ‘corridor,” for a driving/biking route has been written and available on the blog site.
A next step is to draft a questionnaire to be sent to key persons along the corridor. Rory will email a copy of the questionnaire that was used in the National Park Service’s, Towpaths-to-Trails publication that he prepared in 1995. A committee of Dawn Ritchie, Stanton Lambert, Dan McCain, Derek Reuter, Dan White agreed to provide feed-back for Rory’s review to create a final questionnaire for our purposes.
Meanwhile a second sub-committee will work on the names of contacts to send the questionnaire such as WRHC Commissioners, County Historians and selected persons along the corridor familiar with canal and river history. Bob and Carolyn Schmidt will be aided by Ron James and Tom Castaldi in the effort.

5. MEETINGS
Our next meeting will be in the Fall in Lafayette , Indiana . A date is being targeted for November. More information will follow.
2008 National Trails Symposium, Little Rock , Arkansas , November 15-18. Rory Robinson will be taking an active part in this conference. For information go to www.AmericanTrails.org/2008

6. MEETING ADJOURNED

Tom Castaldi
Wabash Erie Canal Trail Moderator

Next Meeting: Wednesday July 16 in Ft. Wayne

2008-06-19T20:04:00.000-07:00

NEXT MEETING - Mark your calendar and plan to be with us on Wednesday, July 16, 2008, in the "Summit City" when we meet in the Allen County Fort Wayne Historical Society's History Center at 1:30 p.m.

The History Center is conveniently located downtown Fort Wayne at 302 East Berry Street. [From the west traveling east, follow U.S. 24 or Jefferson Street into Fort Wayne, and at Lafayette Street turn north and go to the 3rd stop light and turn west on Berry Street. In one half block look for a left turn into the Allen County Fort Wayne Historical Society History Center's parking lot. Traveling from the East heading West, U.S. 24 in Washington Street. Turn north on Lafayette Street and go to the 2nd stop light and turn west on Berry Street. See the History Center in one half block on the left side of Berry Street.]

Our meeting host is the Allen County Fort Wayne Historical Society.

Our Agenda:

1. Opening Remarks

2. Membership: "Banks of the Wabash Chapter" renewal memberships were due in April as our "anniversary" month but it's not too late and your renewal is appreciated. When you do submit your $15.00 individual membership to Banks of the Wabash ( PO Box 1253, Lafayette, Indiana, 47902) don't forget to mark it "Wabash & Erie Towpath."

3: Markers/Signs:
a) Progress Report of "River Road" markers to be used to introduce the Wabash River Heritage Corridor (WRHC) route. These signs are now available through your WRHC Commissioners or for more information contact Ron James.
b) Wabash River Heritage Corridor Trail markers will be forthcoming. These are intended for trail heads and along major roads to mark when crossing the WRHC Trail.
c) Progress of Directional Towpath Trail "Canal Boat" silhouette Banner signs for use to direct trail users through Wabash County are being planned and already in place in Carroll County.
d) View the new "Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail" sign approved and planned for use in Allen County.

4. Trail Manual: Our Situation Analysis draft reveals each step of the driving directions highlighted by bullet points. Each point now may be expanded to become its own page in the Manual. Each page should include: 1) a map prepared for use as both a driving route and or a walking trail of the area in increments of 3 to 4 miles while in distances of only 3 or 4 blocks in urban areas both; 2) background and current information about land ownership; 3) assure that the marked trail connects properly addressing obstacles and meeting adjoining map trails.

5. Adjournment

2008-05-15T03:24:00.000-07:00

Purdue Professor Receives Citizen of the Wabash & National River Hero Awards

Bernie Dahl, Program Chair of Landscape Architecture, Purdue University College of Agriculture, and a current director and past president of the Banks of the Wabash, Inc, was the recipient of the 2008 Citizen of the Wabash award presented by the Wabash River Heritage Corridor Commission and one of five national winners honored Sunday evening at the 2008 National River Rally held in Huron, Ohio.

The Wabash River Heritage Corridor Commission’s Citizen award honors those who have provided exemplary service to the Corridor Commission’s vision and mission while River Network’s annual River Hero award celebrates rivers and those who protect them by recognizing some of the victories and honoring those who provide the Network with leadership and inspiration along the way. The award is open to any individual board member, staff, volunteer or private citizen) who has successfully worked with a river conservation organization to improve a river and its watershed and who over the years has made a sustained contribution to the conservation of the river. Click here for a list of past recipients.

Caption: Ron James, left, executive director of the Wabash River Heritage Corridor Commission, presented the 2008 Citizen of the Wabash award and introduced Bernie Dahl, a Banks of the Wabash director, and program chair of Landscape Architecture at Purdue University's College of Agriculture, as he received National River Hero honors.

Professor Dahl was already a hero among Indiana’s river networks. As Ron James, Executive Director of the Wabash River Heritage Corridor Commission said in nominating Dahl for a 2008 River Hero award, “Bernie casts a wide net of river-centric activities but is being nominated specifically for his efforts with the Banks of the Wabash, Inc., an organization which has as its mission to preserve, enhance and promote the significant historic, cultural, recreational and archaeological resources of the Wabash River Corridor and to improve the quality of life in communities along the corridor, create regional identity, pursue economic advancement and promote heritage tourism. Bernie was a significant force in this organization’s creation and served as its president for the last decade; during its explosive growth as a regional river non-profit.”

Kenneth Einselen, President, Banks of the Wabash, Inc., says of our Hoosier River Hero Award recipient “Bernie Dahl has invested his life and career in the Wabash River . . . [his impact] upon the Wabash River, the lives of his many students, and that [‘spreading influence’ among] many communities today and in the future cannot be measured.”

Dahl's work as program chair for a top 10 landscape architecture school, has broadened his influence to more than 1000 graduates over a period of nearly 35 years. Purdue has allowed him to meld his passion in community assistance and service learning projects. Over the past 20 years Dahl, through this program, has conducted over 150 projects in over 120 communities with the overwhelming number proposing improving watersheds through public enhancement. Many of the communities are targeted because they traditionally would not engage the services of a landscape architect. This enabled Dahl, and the Purdue classes he lead, the opportunity to educate communities of 560 to 130,000 about the benefits of the preservation of the riparian corridor, the maintenance of filters, and the broader mission of the entire corridor.

April 30 Meeting Summary

2008-05-12T02:14:00.000-07:00

Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail Chapter

Honeywell Center, 1:30 p.m. Nixon Room

Hosted by Charley Creek Foundation

April 30, 2008

RECAP

1. OPENING REMARKS

Attending were: Michael Beauchamp, Dick Beamer, Joan and Les Keefer, Ron James, Roger Goodland, Bob and Carolyn Schmidt, Dan McCain, Terry Lacy, Dan White and Tom Castaldi. Several of our group who usually meet with us experienced scheduling conflicts and could not be in attendance. Meeting was opened with Tom Castaldi thanking Beth Stein of Charlie Creek Foundation for their support along with her assistance scheduling our meeting and for Lisa Iversen who maintains our blog site. An email letter was read sent by Ray Irvin who is leaving INDOT to work with communities state wide to assist in moving there trail projects to completion. He expressed his willingness to assist us in our efforts going forward.

2. MEMBERSHIP

April is our anniversary month to renew our Banks of the Wabash (BOW) membership. A copy of the "Invitation to Join" can be found on the blogsite. Print out the handy "Membership Categories" section, complete the form, mention "Wabash & Erie Towpath" and place in an envelope with your check and mail to PO Box 1253, Lafayette, Indiana 47902 today. The new membership forms to be supplied by BOW now feature a check off block “Wabash & Erie Towpath.” Individual membership is $15.00.

3. MARKERS AND DIRECTIONAL SIGNS

a) Wabash River Heritage Corridor River Road markers are now available and being distributed by Ron James to Corridor counties. They measure 18" x 24" and introduce the Wabash River Heritage Corridor route. WRHC Commissioners have made these available to trail people interested and may contact Ron James for details. Great for placing as close to the Wabash River as possible, these markers will not necessarily be for use on U.S. or State highways. [A space is provided in the lower portion that will accommodate our blue and white 18” x 6” directional Canal Boat sign.]

The WRHC Trail 18” x 24” markers will be forthcoming. They are intended for trail heads such as the one in Allen County. These will also be utilized at places along major roads to mark where the WRHC Trail crosses. Contact Ron (Email at execdir@wrhcc.in.gov) for details.

The WRHC Community markers are 18” x 24” intended to be used at the entrances of communities who wish to promote their relationship with the WRHC. Contact Ron for details.

b) Directional Towpath Trail "Canal Boat" silhouette sign, 18 " x 6" now be utilized on the Towpath as a directional banner sign in Carroll County and planned for use across Wabash County uses a decal “arrow” to point travel direction. Pre-drilled holes make these easy to attach to the lower portion of the WRHC River Road markers. Dan McCain has agreed to serve as a clearing house to collect requests for these signs. Sign coordinator Brian Stirm will be asked to order the 18” x 6” signs once quantities and costs are determined. Ron James will ask his Commissioners at their upcoming May 14^th meeting (to be held in the Old Log Inn, Warrenton, Indiana, in Gibson County) for sign quantities needed per county. The idea is to learn how many the counties wish in the aggregate and then place one large order to receive the lower costs of end-bracket pricing. In those Canal Counties not included in WRHC, the Canal Society of Indiana has agreed to make the availability of directional “Canal Boat” silhouette sign known to its members in those counties not included in WRHC.

c) "Towpath Sign" is patterned after the above signs now being considered by Dawn Ritchie's Towpath Trail group in Allen County. Several designs have been proposed and Roger Goodland noted that no decision had been made according to Dawn Ritchie.

4. TRAIL MANUAL

Report on the progress of a Workbook or Manual recommended by Rory Robinson as a first step explaining the case for our mission to connect/mark a trial along the Wabash Erie Canal Towpath and Wabash River. A Questionnaire draft to be designed by Ron James and a draft of the Situation Analysis by Tom Castaldi was distributed for discussion. Ron James suggested that because each step of driving directions are included in the description separated by bullet points, each point now may be expanded to become its own page in the Manual. The page should include: 1) a map of the area with urban areas no larger than 3 or 4 blocks while in rural areas increments of 3 to 4 miles should mark both the a Driving Trail and/or a Walking Trail; 2) information about land ownership; 3) to make certain that the marked trail connects properly with obstacles and with adjoining map routes.

It was noted that a major benefit of such a manual will serve as a first step to create an identity that people begin to understand that we have something positive going on here.

5. MEETINGS

Mark your calendar for our July 16, 2008. Unless otherwise announced we plan to meet in the History Center, 302 East Berry Street, Fort Wayne. [Follow U.S. 24 or Jefferson Street into Fort Wayne, and at Lafayette Street turn north and go to the 3^rd stop light and turn west on Berry Street. In one half block look for a left turn into the Allen County Fort Wayne Historical Society’s History Center’s parking lot. A Fall meeting is tentatively scheduled for November 19, 2008.

6. MEETING ADJOURNED

Next Meeting: April 30 at Honeywell Center

2008-04-14T02:39:00.000-07:00

NEXT MEETING - Check your calendar and make sure you have our April 30, 2008, prominently marked!

We'll begin at 1:30 p.m. and meet in the Honeywell Room on the first floor. Make a note that the Honeywell Room is upstairs from the Nixon Room where we have been located. Once again we're being hosted by the Charlie Creek Foundation.

Our Agenda:

1. Opening Remarks

2. Membership: April is our anniversary month to renew our Banks of the Wabash membership. A copy of the "Invitation to Join" can be found on this site. Print out the handy "Membership Categories" section, complete the form, mention "Wabash Erie Canal Towpath Trail" and place in an envelope with your check and mail to PO Box 1253, Lafayette, Indiana 47902 today.

3. Markers/Signs Discussion: For use by interested counties.

a) Progress of "River Road," 18" x 24" marker to introduce the Wabash River Heritage Corridor route, which can serve as a master marker program that introduces an approaching "Water Trail, " "Heritage Trail," or "Towpath Trial." Ron James has been obtaining quantity requirements, quotations and production of the "River Road" program.

b) Progress of "Canal Boat" silhouette sign, approx. 18 " x 6" Towpath banner used in Carroll County by Dan McCain and proposed for use across Wabash County by Mike Beauchamp.

c) Progress of "Towpath Sign" patterned after the above signs now being considered by Dawn Ritchie's Towpath Trail group in Allen County.

4. Trail Workbook/Manual:

5. Future Meetings:

Discussion. Because our previously planned March 13th meeting was canceled due to a scheduling conflict, the April 30th date was selected. The second meeting was recommended for July 10th in Fort Wayne and a third for November 19th in Delphi. It appears that the July 10th will be moved to Wednesday, July 16th. However, the November 19th is still the tentatively scheduled time. Inputs for meeting dates are welcomed.

6. Adjournment.

Wabash River Heritage Corridor Commission Newsletter: Wabash Reflections

2008-04-14T02:06:00.001-07:00

Wabash Reflections

E - news presented by the Wabash River Heritage Corridor Commission (WRHCC).

With Earth Day & Arbor Day this month, fun on the river cannot be too far behind and the Water Trail starts getting use. Now when you paddle the upper Wabash River the flow is still high enough to make for a good current and avoid portages yet has subsided far enough to allow easy clear passage under bridges (check current conditions before you go). Unfortunately, as the longest unimpeded river east of the Mississippi ends its winter flooding, the pre- ‘leaf out’ banks of the Wabash clearly reflect our societal misdeeds more than at any other time of year. It’s a great time to host a “DeTrash the Wabash” and, accordingly, this issue includes a primer on organizing such an event (the highly successful Tippecanoe County model) as well as the usual reflection of an upcoming river event and a little history to bring perspective. Enjoy!

A Blueprint for DeTrash the Wabash, Tippecanoe’s is May 17^th
Carroll County’s Heritage Transportation Festival to Open Water Trail June 15^th
Montezuma Once Important Shipping Point
Notes and Quotes: On tax reporting by non profits and energy saving.

De-Trash the Wabash – Tippecanoe County to host May 17^th Event borrowed liberally from the 2007 notes of Rae Schnapp, Wabash Riverkeeper

A river clean-up is one of the most publicly-supported environmental events within the reach of every group of concerned citizens. Such events have the advantage of being easily organized, well supported by businesses, and a quick few hours for volunteers. As there is no reason to re-invent the wheel, often another group is willing to provide some start-up support (The “Banks of the Wabash, Inc.” provides such assistance throughout the Wabash valley) and your group need only touch the local bases for a successful day. Here is a rough primer for how to organize your banks and waterway clean-up.

First, mind your ‘p’s: Proper Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance. Convene a planning group about 90 days before you want to hold your event. Your meeting’s agenda will include ‘chair’ assignments and selecting a date for your event. Select a date – “American Rivers” provides some free trash bags if your cleanup occurs close to National River Cleanup Week in June (a little late for most of Indiana). Assign a member to each of your major preparation chores: Poke around the cleanup area and note the location of big objects. Pick out and reserve centralized locations for registration as well as the post-event celebration. Place the legal notice in the local paper and apply for your permit from DNR Law Enforcement (if you may have more than 15 watercraft). The exact wording of the legal notice is specified in the application.. Go to http://www.in.gov/dnr/lawenfor/ ‘event permit’.

Your second organizing meeting occurs a little over two months out. Since you’ll want repeat volunteers in the future, and you need to properly dispose of whatever is collected, start obtaining community support. A repeatable event needs donations of finances (through the books of a supportive non-profit), refreshments, prizes and/or a celebration after (to add a spark of fun) and disposal strategies for all types of collected trash. You’ll need “ask” letters to business donors, visits to tire stores so they’ll accept and dispose of tires, and a call to the garbage service for a free dumpster and maybe to arrange bagged trash removal. Don’t forget restaurants, bakeries, groceries, convenience stores and drug stores, any of which may contribute coffee, bagels, donuts, pizza, sandwiches, ice, water, chips or bug spray. Sponsors are usually noted on flyers and, if your finances make it possible, t-shirts for all attendees. Bright T’s work best as color is fun and makes people visible. Consider expected attendees and order more child and lean sizes than the population as a whole. Your local Sheriff and the DNR conservation officer need notice for water safety. Insurance coverage can often be an event rider under a participating non-profit’s normal coverag (check with the Hoosier Environmental Council or your local chapter of the Izaak Walton League). Start a “master” first aid kit as well as small kits for group leaders. Look for donated work gloves and reach extending “grabbers” or spindle sticks.

At 30 days out, create your detailed “action” plan, finalize your budget, assign publicity and volunteer recruitment, and follow-up on donations (sponsors should invite their employees). Prepare posters and get them placed. A handout is good for schools, churches and public events. Get on meeting agendas to inform others of the opportunity. Your regional bottler may give you a free banner. A letter to the editor, covering why, who, what, when, and where, may get printed and, with luck, even a pre-event article (suggest a photo at a needy site or create a photo-op).

Your action plan should include each stretch with a designated team leader and meeting the needs of people, trash, and disposal or recycling. Make last minute community requests to make it all happen. Team packets might include their area map and all phone numbers (central control, other leaders, transportation, emergency, tools (brooms, shovels, wire cutters, winch or horse teams) when needed, etc.). Plan your best event photo and notify your local news outlets. Arrange for your own high resolution photos for newsletters, sponsors, and next year’s publicity.

As your event nears, print out waivers and sign-in sheets, gather clipboards and pens, finalize your team packets and pick-up snacks, water, gloves, and other supplies. To the limit of funds, purchase what wasn’t donated. Get up early on “The Day” and get the coffee, donuts, and ice. Register all attendees by name and contact info and collect waivers. Assign everyone to a team and dispatch, with water, as soon as teams are ready. Ice down drinks and pick-up the post-event food. Take photographs. Have people vie for most unusual trash. Make up fun!

After the event, send out your digital photos and memo on the event to your news outlets. Include all the positive news and quantify the trash. Write a newsletter article for use by participating groups. Return unused purchases. Hold a ‘wrap-up’ meeting for your core help. Note what worked (and what did not), sign thank-you receipts to sponsors, compare your expenses to your budget, and inventory what was left over. Arrange for and store durable items for next year. Settle back and bask in your collective good karma!

For more, go to http://www.hecweb.org/content.cfm?n=wabash or register an event at http://www.americanrivers.org/site/PageServer?pagename=AR7_NationalRiverCleanup

Carrollton Site hosts Heritage Transportation Festival June 14 & 15 by Brian Stirm and Dan McCain, Wabash & Erie Canal Association, Carroll County

The 3^rd Annual Heritage Transportation Festival in Carroll County has chosen the new Carrollton bridge for one of its venues in order to highlight our State River, the Wabash, and its role as the first “interstate” in Indiana. What better place and time to hold a ceremony christening the Wabash River Water Trail in Carroll County? A program of the Corridor Commission, the water trail will be officially launched on Sunday afternoon, June 15^th among other activities rededicating the bridge northeast of Delphi at the 19^th century site of Carrollton.

The Delphi Mainstreet Association is the sponsor of the Festival along with the Wabash & Erie Canal Association and the Delphi Municipal Airport. The two day Festival, June 14^th & 15^th 2008 highlights the Downtown area of Delphi (around the Courthouse Square) and The Wabash and Erie Canal Park on Saturday with fun activities (plus food & music) for all ages including rides in historic vehicles. Local businesses and vendors will display transportation related items too. On Sunday morning the activity moves to the Airport for a flyin-drivein breakfast, lots of fun flying activities, and Carroll Car Club auto show through the lunch hour. By mid afternoon festival action will move to Carrollton for the Bridge dedication, the Water Trail Grand Opening (canoes & kayaks welcome), and ceremonial recognition of land donations in and around the historic area to the W&E Canal Association. An antique auto hill climb up Carrollton hill may bring the bridge’s function full circle.

Gifts of land near the bridge, to be known as “Grantham’s Landing” on the east, including the canoe launch accepted into the Wabash River Water Trail, and “Mary K’s Overlook” on the west, will serve as interpretive sites pertaining to the Wabash & Erie Canal. The area is historically significant as the only place on the canal where the main line crossed the Wabash River. In their family since the land was offered by the government in the 1830s, before the Wabash & Erie Canal was built, Dick and Polly Grantham, their daughters Susan Grantham and Janet Israel, and Mary K. Grantham-Johnsen’s sons, Curtis and Richard Johnsen of Texas, are deeding the parcels to the Wabash & Erie Canal Association. These two tracts border Towpath Road on the north end of the bridge.

During the canal era this was a bustling area. The planned signage, made possible in part by a generous gift from the Canal Society of Indiana, will explain how horses pulled boats across to re-join the towpath on the other side of the river. Descriptions also will be posted about the Mentzer Tavern, a popular canal stop-over that once stood on the Grantham land, and canal Lock #32 on the Johnsen land. Eventually a trail loop, a picnic area and parking will be available.

Montezuma Once Shipping Point by Penny Cox, Parke County River Commissioner

Talk concerning the possibility of dredging a shipping channel in the Wabash River brought to mind the times when the Wabash was widely used as a means of transportation.

Naturally, the Indians first used the river. The Wabash, Ohio, and Mississippi Rivers were centers of Indian trade and population. This is shown by the extensive mounds built in places of easy access to water transport in many areas of the previously mentioned river valleys by the mound builders. These mound-building Indians had disappeared and been replaced by other Indian tribes by the time Europeans ‘discovered’ this region.

By making use of portages, Indians in the midwest area had good connections between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi Valley.

The two most important portages in Indiana were the Portage from the Little Wabash River to the Maumee River - the site of present day Fort Wayne - thus connecting with Lake Erie, and the portage between the St. Joseph and Kankakee rivers - the site of present day South Bend - connecting with Lake Michigan.

The French explorers, priests, and traders, as well as early British and Colonial travelers, used these same routes. With greater settlement the portages fell into disuse, though the volume of traffic increased on the rivers. Most early shipments were of farm products by flatboat to New Orleans. The trip downstream was relatively simple, but a return trip by boat was difficult because of the current. Steam power solved this problem.

Launched at Pittsburgh in 1811, the "New Orleans" was the first steamboat on interior water systems of the United States. The first Wabash River steamboat was "The Florence" which started operations in the early 1800s, reaching as far north as Terre Haute. The first steamboat to reach the vicinity of Montezuma was "The Ploughboy" which made its way to the mouth of Big Raccoon Creek in 1824. In 1826 during a period of high water, "The American" went up Sugar Creek, passed over the dam at Beard's Mill, and continued as far as the mouth of Rush Creek.

Steamboat travel on the Wabash did not become common until after 1825. Steamboats gave a great boost to travel and resulted in a lowering of freight rates by one-third, but the great bulk of farm products were still carried by flatboat, as is seen by the estimate that over 1000 flatboats entered the Ohio from the Wabash in 1832. Montezuma became one of the early shipping and landing points for early flatboats and steamboats.

Travel by steamboat north of Terre Haute was often difficult because of low water and sandbars. Lafayette was usually the farthest point north that could be reached. Occasionally, Logansport was reached when the water was very high. It was this uncertainty over water levels and obstructions that furnished one of the reasons for the construction of the Wabash-Erie Canal.

More Parke County info is at: http://www.in.gov/mylocal/parke_county.htm or you can get census-type data and a map at http://www.city-data.com/county/Parke_County-IN.html .

Notes & Quotes (from Executive Director Ron James):

As any good river procrastinator will know, just because it is winter is no reason to prepare your taxes. Being as good a river procrastinator as I know, my motto on taxes has always been to hold onto my money as long as possible and “spring” the forms on the government at the last moment. Always some faint hope they’ll be too busy to cash my check. Or at the least, as Learned Hand said: “It is the duty of every citizen to so order their lives as to pay the least amount of taxes possible, indeed, their government demands it of them” or words to that effect. Regardless, with April 15 around the corner, you can all guess what I’m doing this weekend.

But, if you are filing for a small non-profit, your deadline may be still a month off! May 15^th of this year is the very earliest possible deadline your small group could face under the Pension Protection Act of 2006. Under that Act, most small tax-exempt organizations, whose gross receipts are normally $25,000 or less, must file Form 990-N, Electronic Notice (e-Postcard) for Tax-Exempt Organizations not Required To File Form 990 or 990-EZ. Before this law was enacted, these small organizations were not required to file annually with the IRS. The e-Postcard is due every year by the 15th day of the fifth month after the close of your tax year (usually the same as your accounting period) starting with tax years ending on or after December 31, 2007. For example, if your tax year ended on December 31, 2007, the e-Postcard is due May 15, 2008. For more: http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=177783,00.html

If only it were so easy to work with the environment. With our long winter, my usual visits to the river have been thwarted by an unusually lengthy period of flood. Our water trail access signs have been more of a hint of an eddy than usable markers for river users. But I have enjoyed trying to get to the river in between environmental events. Speaking of which, did you turn off your lights for “Earth Hour” last weekend? While getting ready for that event, or non event as the case may be, I ran across some computer energy tips that could help the earth as well as cash on hand. With this being a computer newsletter, I’ll share a few:

* Set up your computer’s power options such that your PC goes into standby mode after 15 minutes of non use and into hibernation or sleep after 45 minutes of non use. These energy saving modes cut your PC's electric usage down to just a few watts.

* Turn off your monitor when it is not in use. The monitor consumes over half of the energy used by a computer. Screen savers, while effective in preserving the monitor, use the same amount of energy as when you are using the computer.

* Print only the pages you need. Printing can be the most energy-intensive step. Edit documents on-screen and use print preview to reduce the number of drafts printed. Leave your printer off the rest of the time.

* Buy a laptop as your next PC. Laptops use 10 percent or less of the electricity consumed by typical desktop computers.

And, certainly, when you can, shut the whole thing down and…See you on the river!

- Ron

April 30: Banks of Wabash Meeting

2008-04-06T02:56:00.000-07:00

SPOILER: No time for fiddling around.. it's time to rosin up the bow by renewing your membership with the Banks of the Wabash! See the November 12 post of this blog to access and print your membership dues.

__________________________________________________________

NEXT MEETING - Check your calendar and make sure you have our April 30, 2008, prominently marked!

A G E N D A

1. Opening Remarks

3. Markers/Signs Discussion: For use by interested counties.

Progress of "River Road," 18" x 24" marker to introduce the Wabash River Heritage Corridor route, which can serve as a master marker program that introduces an approaching "Water Trail, " "Heritage Trail," or "Towpath Trial." Ron James has been obtaining quantity requirements, quotations and production of the "River Road" program.
Progress of "Canal Boat" silhouette sign, approx. 18 " x 6" Towpath banner used in Carroll County by Dan McCain and proposed for use across Wabash County by Mike Beauchamp.
Progress of "Towpath Sign" patterned after the above signs now being considered by Dawn Ritchie's Towpath Trail group in Allen County.

4. Trail Workbook/Manual:

5. Future Meetings:

6. Adjourn

The Artist as Historian: Painting the Wabash and Erie Canal

2008-02-23T12:52:00.001-08:00

"The Artist as Historian: Painting the Wabash and Erie Canal" is the lecture topic by artist Terry Lacy, to be presented on Sunday, April 6, 2008, at the Allen County Fort Wayne Historical Society's George R. Mather Lecture Series.

The one hour long, 2:00 p.m. event that takes place in the Freimann Room at 302 East Berry Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana, is free to the public.

How far does "artistic license" go? There have been many illustrations over the years romanticizing epic moments in history. Many of these have been flights of fancy with little connection to real facts. That cannot be said of works created by Terry Lacy, an artist with a conscience.

In creating a mural composed of a series of large scale oil paintings for the Wabash & Erie Canal Interpretative Center in Delphi, Indiana, in Carroll County, Lacy who has degrees from Herron School of Art (BFA) and Indiana University (MFA), had to imagine what certain sites may have looked like long after they had been altered by the intrusion of a modern world. Through extensive research and a keen eye for telling details, he created a sense of time and space from a bygone era. The mural circles the entire lobby of the Interpretive Center and most of the paintings measure between six and eleven feet in length.

Murals depict scenes on the Wabash & Erie Canal extending from Toledo, Ohio, through Fort Wayne, Wabash, Logansport, Delphi, Lafayette, Attica, Terre Haute south to Evansville on the Ohio River. This highly visual presentation will demonstrate how historic clues can contribute to a more faithful artistic expression.

Wabash Erie Canal Towpath Trail Meeting - April 30, 2008

2008-02-14T03:02:00.000-08:00

Don't miss being a part
of helping connect your community's trail
as we form the
Wabash Erie Canal Towpath Trail!

Meeting Location: Wabash, Indiana, at the Honeywell Center corner of West Market and South Carroll streets...a mere 115 yards from the historic towpath.

Place: "Honeywell Room" on the 1st floor of the Honeywell Center, at

Date: April 30, 2008.

Time: 1:30 p.m.

Agenda: 1) Markers. 2) Wabash Erie Canal Towpath Trail Workbook.

Hosted by: Charlie Creek Foundation.

Banks of the Wabash Brochure

2007-11-12T17:13:00.001-08:00

November 7, 2007 Meeting Minutes

2007-11-12T16:11:00.001-08:00

Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail Chapter
November 7, 2007
Honeywell Center – Wabash, Indiana
Hosted by: Charlie Creek Foundation

1. Opening Remarks
Attending were: Donn Werling, Bob Schmidt, Carolyn Schmidt, John Gettinger, Brian Stirm, Ron James, Dan McCain, Rory Robinson, Ann Ridenour, Mike Beauchamp, Beth Stein, Heather Allen and Tom Castaldi.

Meeting was opened with Tom Castaldi thanking Beth Stein of Charlie Creek Foundation for their support along with her assistance scheduling our meeting, and for Lisa Iversen who maintains our blog site. Stanton Lambert had scheduled his Central Wabash River Corridor Region meeting prior to the Towpath Trail meeting. Many of the Central Wabash group also attends this meeting, and we welcome other groups to consider the same in future months.
The agenda followed a theme of: Membership, Markers and Manual.

2. Membership
It was agreed at the May 8th meeting by consensus that the group would be a chapter of the Banks of the Wabash, Inc. (BOW) with the ‘working’ name of “The Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail Chapter.” It was further agreed that the current moderator of the group, Tom Castaldi, advise the names on our email address list of our status and request everyone to apply and pay their BOW dues. Heather Allen, Wabash County Historical Museum Archivist and Associate Wabash County Historian, has agreed to lead a membership committee. The purpose is to increase our BOW membership to at least twenty-five members at which point our Trail Chapter will earn a seat on the BOW board. For every twenty-five memberships, another seat is earned. Heather expressed her intention to target those persons who will benefit from trails and requested that the BOW brochure be posted on the website.

Action plan: Ron James is providing a digitized copy of the brochure to be posted on the website. Tom Castaldi will obtain and send Heather a supply of brochure hard copies for responding to interested persons.

3. Markers
A discussion about the design and parameters of markers for roadways closest to the river and/or the canal include three types of signage:

1.) The “Canal Boat” silhouette 18” x 6” high banner used in the central Wabash area,

2.) The “Corridor Community” 24” x 24” “River Road” sign program and an 18” x 24” version with space at the top to accommodate the Canal Boat -18” x 6” banner, and

3.) The yet-to-be chosen sign being considered by the towpath group in Allen County.

Allen County Trails group made an inquiry about the use of the community entrance canal sign as used by the City of Delphi. Dan McCain and Dawn Ritchie, Manager of Fort Wayne’s Greenways, have been discussing an identifier such as the City of Delphi’s entrance sign.

Dan interceded with Delphi officials who expressed their concerns about loss of branding if the image were to be shared. Rory Robinson, of National Parks, read an email message from Dawn expressing her notion that the Delphi entrance marker should remain unique to that city and that Fort Wayne is interested in an on-trail sign. Both Bob and Carolyn Schmidt, Indiana Canal Society, serve on Dawn’s Towpath Trail advisory committee and offered helpful commentary.

Rory distributed an example of the lozenge shaped logo that depicts a horse towing a packet boat with the words “Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail” surrounding the image. It differs in some ways with the blue Canal Boat silhouette 18” x 6” banner used in Carroll County and proposed for use in Wabash County going forward. Rory agreed to cover the sentiments of the meeting’s discussion during his upcoming visit with Dawn. He recapped the fact that we are discussing markers for differing purposes:

1) a “River Road” marker measuring 18” x 24” will be made available to introduce the WRHCC Route. The River Road marker format provides for a space to identify an approaching “Water Trail,” “Heritage Trail” or a blue “Towpath Trail.” [Each trail will be identified with a separate color.] For this use, the meeting attendees agreed that on byways the 6’ x 18”, blue, Canal Boat, banner directional sign be used once county/community approvals are obtained.

2) a “Trail” marker away from a roadway on a towpath may have a slightly different appearance such as the Fort Wayne group has expressed an interest, however, the name “Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail” use should be encouraged and consistent.

Action plan: Ron is in the process of obtaining quotes and production of the “River Road” program. He is in the process of having to determine the number of the markers. The WRHCC Commissioners will make the final determination.
Rory to meet with Fort Wayne Trails group.

4. Manual
Wabash Erie Canal Towpath Trail Workbook Manual – Ron James
Rory Robinson addressed our May 8th meeting and recommended WRHCC produce a Workbook or Manual as a first step explaining the case for our mission to connect/mark a trail along the Wabash Erie Canal Towpath and Wabash River. Further that the entire Towpath Trail can be tracked and included in a manual to be used for shaping our idea and marketing it to others. Our group can play a significant role with local official contacts, historical data and locating the towpath as related to historical sites.

The Trail Manual will serve as leadership tool to lead our effort to include:

An overview or analysis of the situation as we find it

Typographical map segments of 4-6 miles (perhaps in 1 /2 to 3 miles in urban areas)

Current and proposed trail heads and access points

Ownership

Current condition

User facilities and status

Prospective/current partners

Existing trails

Recommended actions by Towpath Trail Chapter and other partners

Interpretive and scenic opportunities

Design standards

Development contact info and directory list

Data entry and design

History and etc.

Rory recommended a “questionnaire” form be developed with information that is necessary for each segment of the trail that will probably be included within chapters comprised of the various counties that make up the Towpath Trail. It will serve to tie the project together since it will involve many individual trials, where to place focus and where no support is available.

Action plan: Ron James will prepare a draft for a questionnaire. Tom Castaldi will prepare a draft of the Situation Analysis vision portion.

5. Meetings:
Mark your calendar for future Wabash Erie Canal Towpath Trail meetings. Unless otherwise announced they will take place:

March 13, 2008 during the WRHCC meetings at a location to be determined.
July 10, 2008, possibly in Fort Wayne;
November 19, 2008, possibly in Delphi.

6. Meeting adjourned

CTIC Monitoring Workshop November 30

2007-11-12T15:58:00.000-08:00

www.conservationinformation.org/?action=events_trainingworkshops_idemworkshops

CTIC and Tetra Tech are hosting a monitoring workshop in Greensburg (Decatur Co.) on November 30th. The workshop will be focusing on using monitoring data to support the planning process and meet checklist items.

Please forward the link to anyone you think might be interested. Thanks!

10/30 Northern Watershed Networking Session highlights funding...

2007-10-29T04:23:00.000-07:00

Here's a link to the agenda for Tuesday's session at Salamonie. If you haven't signed up - NOW is the time.

http://www.iaswcd.org/pdfs/watersheds/networking/fall2007ntwrkng_agenda.pdf

See you there - or on the river,

Ron James, Executive Director
Wabash River Heritage Corridor Commission
765-427-1505

2008 Lake and River Enhancement Program Grant Applications

2007-10-29T04:08:00.000-07:00

Each year grant funds are made available through the IDNR Lake and River Enhancement program. One half of the money is used for the same types of traditional projects that have been funded since the inception of the original LARE program. The other half of the money is used to pay for projects to address sediment and exotic or invasive plants or animals in public lakes.

LARE grants can only be awarded for activities involving public lakes, and to organizations having the resources and ability to properly administer the funds. This would include formally established lake associations, conservancy districts, local units of government, or other similar entities. Participation in the program requires the submittal of an application form for each program element, copies of which are available electronically on our web site at http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/lare/manual.html
If you desire, paper copies of the application forms can be mailed to you.

Traditional LARE Project Grants Grants are available on a competitive basis for several actions that can address the ecology and management of public lakes and their watersheds.

Depending on your particular lake's needs, you may want to consider applying for funds for any of the following: 1) a preliminary lake study, 2) a comprehensive lake diagnostic study, 3) an engineering feasibility study of possible pollutant control measures, 4) a design study for a specific pollutant control measure, 5) construction of a particular pollutant control measure, 6) a management plan for the lake, or 7) a performance appraisal of a constructed pollutant control measure.

The deadline for submittal of applications for these types of projects is January 31, 2008. Grants for approved projects will be awarded in July 2008. Sediment Removal Plan Development or Sediment Removal Grants Following several forums during which public guidance was solicited, policies were developed regarding the manner in which a portion of the LARE funds can be used for sediment removal or exotic species control.

A copy of those policies is available on our web site or through postal mail. A specific application form is available for lake organizations interested in applying for funds to be used to contract for the production of a sediment removal plan or, if such a plan has already been prepared, for funds to be used for a sediment removal project. Having a sediment removal plan is a prerequisite to acquiring grant funds for actual sediment removal projects. The deadline for submittal of the applications is December 31, 2007.

Decisions regarding those grants will be made in March 2008. Exotic Plant Control Grants An application form is available for funds to be used to contract for the production of aquatic plant management plans. Having an aquatic plant management plan is a prerequisite to acquisition of grant funds for actual aquatic plant control.

For organizations that already have (or will have) an approved plan in place, the same application form can be used to apply for actual aquatic plant control, based on the plan's recommendations. The deadline for submittal of exotic plant-related applications is January 15, 2008.

Decisions regarding those grants will be made in March 2008. It is our desire to make the LARE program as accessible and simple as possible, so please do not hesitate to communicate freely with us if you have questions or comments.
We can be contacted at 317/233-3871 or by e-mail at jray@dnr.IN.gov

Jim Ray, Chief
Lake & River Enhancement Section
IDNR Division of Fish and Wildlife
Room W273402 W. Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204317/233-3871

Meeting November 7th at 1:30pm at Honeywell Center

2007-10-05T16:49:00.000-07:00

Plan to motor over to the next Wabash Erie Canal Towpath Trail Group Meeting!

Hosted by Charley Creek Foundation.
Your support and involvement will see us achieve success!

Agenda Items include:

Markers: update on the progress of markers/signs. - Ron James.

Wabash Erie Canal Towpath Trail Workbook. At our last meeting, Rory Robinson of National Parks challenged The Wabash River Heritage Corridor to begin preparing a Workbook as a beginning step for encouraging connecting/marking the route (between already established trails) along the Corridor.

The entire Towpath Trail can be tracked and included in the manual to be used for shaping our idea and marketing it to others. We can be helpful with the historic data and locating the canal and related historic sites. Here are some of the sections headlines found in the sample workbook:

Topographic Map segments of six miles or less in rural areas; three miles or less in urban spaces.

Current and proposed access points.

Ownership.

Current condition.

User facilities and status.

Prospective/current partners.

Existing Trail.

Recommended actions by WEC Towpath Trail Chapter.

Recommended action by partners.

Interpretive and scenic opportunity site identification standards.

Design standards (urban vs. rural).

Development contact information/directory list.

Data entry and design.

Printing/support and advertising.

Ongoing maintenance and ranger volunteer contact lists.

etc. what can we do to assist the WRHC?

Membership:
Discussion - increasing our numbers is basic to our on-going success as we seek to move citizen onlookers to interested participants.

Tidbits You should Know for your Trail work

2007-09-18T11:41:00.000-07:00

Fact: Although funding for walking and biking comprises 1 to 2 percent of the federal transportation budget, at least 9.5 percent of all trips involve these active transportation modes. National Household Travel Survey, 2001, as quoted by the Federal Highway Administration.

www.tfhrc.gov/safety/pedbike/pubs/05085/chapt2.html.

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy activetransportation@railstotrails.org ... information pertinent to the 2010 Campaign for Active Transportation on their Web site.

http://railtrails.org/whatwedo/events/traillink2007/conferencewrapup.html (click to the briefs about halfway down on the left)

Slideshow presentations from the conference "Making the Case" sessions and "Making the Case" issue briefs pertaining to each of the five "Making the Case" tracks (Mobility, Family and Community, Public Health, Economy and Climate) as distributed at TrailLink 2007.An important element of research and information gathering for these briefs is feedback from you.Whether national or local in scope, They are looking for studies that can aid in communicating the strengthsof trails and active transportation in a research-dominated transportation field. Please share such research.

Such studies are vital for walking and biking to be taken seriously in a national transportation debate framed by hard automobile research. Please contact Kartik Srinivas, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's Policy Outreach Manager, at kartik@railstotrails.org.

An individual you can have give you a hand, whose territory includes Indiana, is:Rory Robinson, Outdoor Recreation Planner2179 Everett Road, Peninsula, OH 44264(330) 657-2951, 2955 FAXrory_robinson@nps.govwww.nps.gov/rtca

Paddle Fest Deadline Today!!!

2007-08-16T06:06:00.000-07:00

Whoa! Time creeps by so QUICKLY! Today, 8/16, registration, with a
complimentary T-shirt, ENDS at 4:30.  We can still see you in New Harmony
on Saturday BUT you're on your own for the 'must have' accessory of the
Wabash River season.

Call: 800-467-8600 or 812-464-1989, but wait till  I get off the phone -
I don't want to get a busy signal...  Meanwhile,  see you tomorrow at the
State Fair (just east of the Home & Family  Arts Building) for VISIT INDIANA
(the River State!) DAY.

Ron James, Executive Director
Wabash River Heritage Corridor Commission
102 North  Third Street, Suite 302
Lafayette IN 47901
765-427-1505

Wabash River Art Collection Sale

2007-08-16T05:56:00.000-07:00

RIVER ODYSSEY: TWO ARTISTS FOLLOW THE WABASH - has
reached the river mouth! Buy it NOW before it
disperses into the waters of the world.

Special Preview & Award Ceremony - August 23, 6:30-8pm

David Dale and Jim Faulkner will be presented with
a "River Reward" From "Banks of the Wabash"
presented by Ron James, Executive Director of the
Wabash River Heritage Corridor Commission at 7pm

(RSVP required for this event, call 317-844-7253)

Public Preview - Friday, August 24, 1-8pm

View the collection of ninety paintings to be sold
the following day at Public Auction! The artists
will be present from 1-6pm

Auction of River Odyssey Collection
Saturday, August 25, 1pm

We are honored to represent artists David Dale
and Jim Faulkner as they complete their "River
Odyssey" journey by offering their amazing
collection at public auction. Representative
paintings from this important collection have
been exhibited at the Indiana State Museum,
the New Harmony Hoosier Salon Fine Arts Gallery,
the Knox County Public Library, Logansport Art
Association, the West Lafayette Public Library,
Wabash County Historical Museum, Richmond Art
Museum, and the Minnetrista Cultural Center.
Now, they are available for purchase at this
noteworthy auction event.

12232 Hancock Street, Carmel, IN 46032
[Take W. Carmel Drive east off US 31, cross
Pennsylvania and Old Meridian St, to Hancock,
which runs south between W. Carmel Dr. and
W. 122nd St.]  There will be signs posted &
visible by the time you reach the Old Meridian
and W. Carmel drive intersection.

317-844-7253

Preview the entire collection at:
www.wickliffauctioneers.com
Members IAA, NAA, CAI

Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail Plan

2007-07-05T11:34:00.000-07:00

Backgrounder

A Wabash & Erie Canal Corridor following the nineteenth century towpath that became the second longest canal in the world and hailed as an engineering wonder of its day, has strong name-value and historical appeal. By enhancing recreational and economic opportunities through a corridor, we interlace and celebrate its legacy shared by the communities that benefited from its infusion of people and prosperity.

There are many Trails being developed in the Midwest, and the interest in it is high with many people hoping to:

a. keep in shape physically and search for a different venue other than the local gym;

b. love the out-of-doors;

c. conserve of the environment;

d. learn more about the history that took place where they live;

e. encourage the attitude, spirit and willingness of people to engage together for the benefit of their shared community.

A Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, in addition to offering health and recreation, will celebrate local history. Just as important, these byways offer economic development opportunities; tourist who seek restaurants, lodging, or tours; as well as business attractions to managers looking for quality of life benefits when locating or expanding their operations.
Now is the time to begin working together to leave a great legacy to generations that will follow us.

We sit on a gold mine of history that was the Wabash & Erie Canal route and provides many colorful stories during a time it made enormous contributions to the development of Indiana – and the western U.S. It should not be ignored left to a continual blind development overrun and destroyed from memory.

We fully respect the diverse character of the land traversed by the current Towpath, and we intend to work with property owners to establish a trail alignment that best suits all parties.

It is encouraging to observe the many counties on or contiguous to the old Wabash & Erie Canal route that have produced or are planning a bike/hike/drive byway…

a. Ohio is making progress from Toledo to meet with Fort Wayne along a continuous Maumee River Valley byway…

b. Trail work has been completed in Allen County with Fort Wayne’s initial mile in place and continuing construction planned for 2008-09.

b. Individual trail work that has been completed in so many counties already…Salamonie, Mississinewa, Little Turtle etc.

Has its time arrived?

a. To encourage the idea of a trail that would link each county with a marked route that celebrates why in fact we are connected together; what that link means to the enhancement of our towns; and how we each can work together to study if this idea should become a reality?

b. For a route that hikers/joggers can enjoy, that bikers can challenge over long distances, that in a car could approximate the old canal route over its 468 mile length…not to mention the other national trails it may intersect [North Country National Scenic Tail, Potawatomi Trail of Death or the several Indiana Trials proposals] offering new directions to any one who would take the challenge.

Indiana counties between Allen and Tippecanoe are discussing the project and all of those communities that extend to Evansville and to Toledo are invited to join.

Situation Analysis

In November 2006 a group of twenty persons representing communities from Lafayette to Lake Erie met to discuss the likelihood of a Wabash & Erie Canal Corridor to encompass hike/bike/drive byway.

At the November 2006 meeting, a consensus of those attending agreed that the time had arrived to recall the historic Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath’s positive legacy that brought prosperity to Indiana and points both east and west. Among these attributes are:

Building the path west for the earliest families; unleashing an agriculture breadbasket to the world; expanding markets for commercial enterprises; and tracking a pattern for our railroads and highways in use today.

Focusing on the corridor offers encouragement to communities - many of which the canal spawned - to connect their existing trails; assist in networking together to examine how they might be linked to enhance healthful recreation, encourage economic development interpret our rich canal transportation heritage.

Enhancing community pride within the cities, towns and between neighboring populations stemming from celebrating our common history and demonstrating to the nation how people of all backgrounds come together here at this time and place to achieve an improved quality of life.

At the March 21, 2007, meeting a resolution was passed authorizing the Forum to join the Banks of the Wabash.

Resolve That, the Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail Forum become a non-profit chapter member of the Banks of the Wabash, Inc., with the intentions of fostering the mission of establishing a recreational, economical developmental and historical pathway and for those other purposes that are to the mutual advantage of our organizations.

During the April 2007 meeting it was agreed by consensus that the group would be a chapter of the Banks of the Wabash, Inc. (BOW) with the ‘working’ name of “The Wabash Erie Canal Towpath Trail Chapter.”

Vision

Embrace interconnecting those already established county and community trails that revitalizes a transportation system virtually tracing the historic Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath for a bike/hike/drive route using trail logo markers, informational and directional signs, printed and/or digital information, for health, recreational, economic development and historical interpretation.

Things to do...

2007-06-22T06:12:00.000-07:00

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

May 8 Meeting Recap: Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail Chapter

2007-06-09T14:09:00.000-07:00

Honeywell Center – Wabash, Indiana

Hosted by: Charlie Creek Foundation

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 Wabash. For every 25 memberships, we earn a seat on the board to represent our Chapter.

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 Indiana-Ohio State line and Fountain County with plans to expand both southwestward and northeastward.

“Towpath Trail” signage format now use in the north central portion of the Wabash River valley, serves as a model of a directional marker ready for use. It features a canal boat branding image with the words “Towpath Trail” and might be put in place along roads in proximity to the historic canal route. As an added quality of life feature, these small markers can be functional in leading trail users to historic markers or extant structures along the route.

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 the Wabash, 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 the Delaware and Licking Canal Trail - a part of the National Heritage Corridor – was passed among the attendees. As a workbook it became a tool for successfully addressing their project. It includes individual pages describing specific sections of the Trail with maps, accesses and an explanation of current situation. A statement of “operations and management” followed explaining who will do the work and what partnerships might be created to achieve success. Rory gave the document to Ron James saying that WRHHC could recommend the help of the commissioners to gather the data for such a workbook on a county by county basis.

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 western Indiana they have missed the canal altogether because no big towns are located over there.
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 Delaware and Licking Canal Trail work book as a model for our Towpath Trail

NEXT MEETING:
To be announced.

Next Canal Corridor Meeting May 8th, 1pm at Honeywell Center

2007-04-21T05:22:00.001-07:00

We want you with us on May 8th.

Join us with Rory Robinson, Indiana Projects Manger, of the National Park Services' Rivers,Trails and Conservation Assistance, as we discuss the opportunities for a Wabash Erie Canal Towpath Trail during our Forum scheduled for May 8, 2007, at 1:00 p.m in the Wabash, Indiana, Honeywell Center.

We'll be discussing actions we should be considering to realize our vision of connecting existing community hike / bike / motoring pathways along the historic Wabash Erie Canal Towpath. Please plan to join us, show your support, and share your ideas.

April 12 Minutes of Wabash Erie Canal Towpath Trail Forum

2007-04-21T05:03:00.001-07:00

Wabash Erie Canal Towpath Trail Forum Meeting Minutes

Towpath Trail Chapter, Banks of the Wabash, Inc.

Meeting April 12, 2007 , 10:00 a.m. , Delphi Canal Center , Carroll County , IN

Attending: Dan McCain, representing the Canal Interpretive Center , from Carroll County , mccain@carlnet.org

Bob Schmidt & Carolyn Schmidt, representing the Canal Society of Indiana, from Allen County , INDCANAL@aol.com Jim Hollar & Ann Hollar, representing the Forks of the Wabash, Inc. from Huntington County , jrhollar@sbcglobal.net & achollar@sbcglobal.net Stanton Lambert , representing the Wabash River Enhancement Corp., from Warren, Fountain, Tippecanoe & Carroll Counties, slambert@lafayette.IN.gov

Ron James, Exec. Director of the Wabash River Heritage Corridor Commission, representing the 19 county Wabash River corridor, Execdir@wrhcc.IN.gov Tom Castaldi was unable to attend due to illness but sent an agenda and some thoughts for discussion.

An opening statement was made by Dan McCain.

The need for continued pressure, from a unified corridor, concerning the Corridor Fund, trail placement, signage cooperation, etc., on the legislative and the executive branches, was noted.

A discussion was had upon the parameters of signage for marking the roadways closest to the river and/or the canal. Three types of signage [1)the canal boat silhouette used in the central Wabash area; 2) the ‘brand’ sign for the “River Road” program of the Corridor Commission; and 3) the as yet to be chosen sign under consideration by the towpath group in Allen County] were discussed as were their best uses. No decision as to uniform signage was made.

It was agreed by consensus that the group would be a chapter of the Banks of the Wabash, Inc. (BOW) with the ‘working’ name of “The Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail Chapter.” It was further agreed that the current moderator of the group, Tom Castaldi, who has an eddress list of all prior attendees, should be asked to send a directive to prospective members to the effect: “We are a chapter of…”, include the membership information for BOW, and request everyone to apply & pay their BOW dues. Ron James is to send the electronic BOW brochure to Tom Castaldi for this purpose.

An agreeable name should be on the agenda for the charette proposed for the next meeting. Dates suggested included May 8, at 1:00 p.m. at the Honeywell Center in Wabash, but a final decision was agreeably left to depend on attendance by Rory Robinson (NPS) to facilitate or, if his attendance cannot be arranged soon, at the call of Tom Castaldi.

Some issues of local concern were further discussed with no action by the group proposed.

Adjourned 11:45 a.m.

Meeting in Delphi -- April 12, 10am

2007-04-06T12:08:00.000-07:00

Meeting Reminder:

Wabash Erie Canal Towpath Trail Forum meets on April 12, 2007, at 10:00 am at the Wabash & Erie Canal Interpretative Center in Delphi, Indiana.

Plan to be with us!
We will be discussing: keeping our legislators informed; a possibility for marking the towpath in your county; our membership opportunities as a new chapter of "Banks of the Wabash."

Directions to the Wabash & Erie Canal Center, Canal Park, Delphi Indiana:

1) Follow Indiana Highway 25 to the stop light (Washington Street) in Delphi at the courthouse;

2) Turn north on Washington Street and proceed eleven blocks. (The sign says 'South' Washington but you are going North. Beyond the second block it becomes 'North' from there on to the stone bridge.)

3) Cross the stone bridge and watch on your left for direction signs to enter into the Park.

4) Look for the building with the facade featuring 1840s Delphi downtown buildings' skyline.

2007-03-26T05:58:00.000-07:00

Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail Forum Meeting Notes

March 21, 2007

Honeywell Center – Wabash, Indiana

Hosted by: Charlie Creek Foundation

OPENING REMARKS

Meeting was opened with Tom Castaldi reminding the 16 persons present that this fourth meeting of the group was being hosted by the Charlie Creek Foundation to explore the vision of connecting the existing community trails following the Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath. In fact, a driving tour can be followed – currently from the Indiana-Ohio state line to as far Attica – that tracks the towpath and for posting on this web site. Individual county members may find it useful in marking the route with the soon to be available Wabash River Heritage Corridor and specifically with “Towpath” directional signs similar to the ones already installed through Carroll County. Note: the driving tour soon will be extended beyond Fountain County to include additional counties.

GENERAL DISCUSSION

Because of the distances some people must drive to attend our Towpath Forum, it was recommended that the April meeting be held in the Delphi Wabash & Erie Canal Interpretative Center. Subsequent meetings may be planned for Wabash’s Honeywell Center and begin alternating between each of these locations.

Jim Ridenour recommended that the written recap of the February 1, 2007, meeting be sent our several legislative representatives. Over the past two weeks the message and direction to our blog site was sent to those legislator email addresses we have in our address book. However, it was noted that it is more important that each of our Towpath Forum members take the time to write a letter, phone or visit their representative with the following: 1) On February 1^st, Ray Irvin, Director INDOT’s Greenways & Bikeways gave our group an in-depth review of the Hoosiers On The Move Indiana State Trails, Greenways & Bikeways Plan. Our attendees had a lengthy dialog with Director Irvin describing to him the routes that ideally track the canal towpath. 2) We support Director Irvin’s efforts. 3) We would like to see the detailed plan before it is finalized with the opportunity to recommend adjustments that support our vision.

Ron James, who has been following the State’s budgeting process, reported that the Wabash River Heritage Corridor (WRHC) coffer has not been “funded” for projects that are vetted but not financed. It is important to let your representatives know that we are here and that we have an interest in seeing the Corridor’s efforts moved ahead.

John Gettinger from Sullivan County and the WRHC and Banks of the Wabash, Inc., complimented the Towpath Forum’s efforts stating that the Wabash is both a River Trail and a Walking Trail. He heartily supports the idea of the Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail because of the added value it delivers. He noted that part of the River Trail planning includes unique “Canoe Stations” positioned strategically along the river. After paddling for long lengths on the river it would be possible to “drop off” or “deposit” a canoe and hike the Towpath Trial before stopping at the next “Canoe Station” and “checking out” a new one. As far as we know, there is no where else in the nation that this is a possibility.

Geographically, our Wabash & Erie Towpath Trail serve the populations of Fort Wayne and Evansville and are the governing seats of the second and third largest counties in the state. The Wabash Corridor counties, which represent 20% of all Indiana counties has the second largest population after the nine-county area surrounding Indianapolis.

Mike Beauchamp: said that it is important that when each of us individually make contacts with our representatives we do so with a common message. Not a cookie cutter, form letter approach, but that our message is clear in its content.

Our Wabash Erie Canal Towpath Trail Mission is to network with already completed community and county trails by assisting in connecting them one with the other. [Expanding that notion, we are organized to promote a well-marked trail that approximates the Wabash Erie Canal route, extending from the Ohio-Indiana state line to Delphi on the north side of the Wabash River. From Delphi through Lafayette the desired trail connects with Terre Haute following the east side of the Wabash. Further a natural opportunity is represented that traces the canal to Evansville following the canal towpath. From Evansville it moves westward through Posey County to join the Wabash River and complete a loop by returning up the Wash to Terre Haute. It is intended to be for hikers, bikers who seek recreation, enjoy unique environment and take pride in history. Economic development will follow the trail users.]

After a lengthy discussion among the sixteen members present a motion was offered by Mike Galbraith to join the Banks of the Wabash as a chapter.

Discussion: Banks of the Wabash’s mission states that it is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to preserving, enhancing, and promoting the significant historical and natural resources of the Wabash River Heritage Corridor. Further discussion included the opportunity for having a 501 (c )3 organization that eliminates the Towpath Forum from having to create its own non profit status; simplifies financial reporting, offers a facility to hold land easements that may come to us; have a communications (newsletter) component and awards program in place; works with a similar mission that may eliminate confusion among our common audiences; projects a united sameness of goals; take advantage of the reputation already established by Banks; and the fact that our project offers a walking trail that is useful to the State’s efforts in creating a more fulfilling and appealing Wabash River Corridor. On the risk side, it was noted that we may find ourselves lost within a bigger organization’s purposes and our specific mission loose the clout we may achieve by virtue of the large geographical area we represent.

A vote was unanimous to join Banks of the Wabash.

Mike Beauchamp donated the cost of a chapter membership.

Heather Allen recommended that the voted upon resolution be discussed at the next meeting in Delphi to test full acceptance of those members who were not able to be in attendance.

CONCLUDING REMARKS

For each 25 individual Towpath Forum members who join the Banks of the Wabash at least the minimum $15.00 level, qualifies one representative to sit on the Banks of the Wabash board of directors. For your membership card, regular updates on activities, newsletter annual membership, send a $15.00 check made payable to Banks of the Wabash, Inc. and mail to Banks of the Wabash, Inc P.O. Box 1253, Lafayette, Indiana 47902

ACTION PLAN

1. Contact your Indiana State Legislators and let them know that we support Ray Irvin’s Indiana Trails Plan and that we would like to opportunity to see the final draft before it’s approved.

2. Mail your $15.00 individual membership to Banks of the Wabash.

Next meeting: April 12, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. in the Wabash & Erie Canal Center, Canal Park, Delphi, Indiana. Directions: follow Indiana Highway 25 to the stop light in Delphi. Turn north on Washington Street and proceed six blocks; cross the stone bridge; watch for signs and turn west into the Park. Look for the building with the façade that features 1840s Delphi downtown buildings’ skyline.

Meeting adjourned.

Next W-E Canal Trail Meeting: 2pm March 21st at Honeywell Center

2007-03-08T03:39:00.000-08:00

The next Wabash Erie Canal Trail Meeting
will be on March 21, 2007 at 2:00pm at the Honeywell Center.

Mark your calendar now. We will be discussing the follow-up to Ray Irvin's fine presentation as well as continue to investigate becoming a chapter of a "Banks of the Wabash" type of organization.

See you there!

Notes: W&E Canal Towpath Trail Forum 02/01/2007

2007-02-05T05:33:00.000-08:00

Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail Forum

February 1, 2007

Honeywell Center – Wabash, Indiana

Hosted by: Charlie Creek Foundation

Joining the Discussion:

Ray Irvin, Indiana’s Greenways & Bikeways Director

OPENING REMARKS

Meeting was opened with Tom Castaldi’s introduction of Ray Irvin INDOT Director of Greenways & Bikeways. Members present as well several who were unable to attend the meeting had prepared individual county maps showing existing and planned trail-ways that follow the historic Wabash Erie Canal corridor. Unique among this map work, that participants organized in the last ten days and in time for today’s meeting, is demonstrated how each county/community trail could connect to form the Canal Corridor. With these as an opening, Ray Irvin offered a look at the master map plans and began his presentation.

Ray reinforced the current popularity of trails comparing it with the challenges of developing the Monon Trail some twenty years ago. It is reflected also in Ray’s charge he received from Governor Daniels to: develop an Indiana Trail system that focuses on connectivity, infrastructure improvement and economic development. Today trails are a good idea for health, quality of life and economic reasons.

Ray must go through every road project the sate has planned, as well as analyze government grants that were made seeking those never utilized by the recipient. Other issues have been dealing with attempts to place bike trails along Interstates highways, which he has opposed and has proven to be a bad idea in other parts of the county.

Within the footprint of a public roadway, an additional sixteen feet of additional land can cause the project to extend considerably. Typical timeline issues he faces is: planning committees formed to learn what should be included; working up the design; going to the public for comment and finally getting the financing.

A unique opportunity in trail planning emerged with the idea of installing below-grade infrastructure such as internet wiring, and piping for sanitary, water and septic systems. Many Hoosiers continue to depend on septic systems and wells for a water source. Further, although our State has an abundance of water, it may not be where it’s needed for expanding populations or in times of drought. Conversely, pumping wastewater to a central treatment facility could help eliminate scattering water handling for existing homes and every newly developed community site as well. We must look at efficiencies for the future. Ray’s plan for over 2,000 miles of trail raises the question of, what can we locate under the trail’s paved surface to enhance our State’s infrastructure?

Abandoned railroad lines are a case that begs the question: Does a rail line once abandoned revert to the adjacent land owners? Historically railroads got the right-of-ways for economic development of communities. Today, we do not have the right-of-way luxury of putting the next pipe in the ground. So of the 3,000 or so abandoned rail lines – polluted with arsenic and creosote leakage – if a land owner’s great, great, great grand dad did not own the land prior to the railroad’s use, why should the line revert to the that adjacent owner? These are questions that need studied.

GENERAL DISCUSSION

Dan McCain commented about the Hoosier Heartland Highway route and its relationship to space that community members believed would better serve a bike-hike trail saying that it needs the opportunity to be verbalized back in the Indiana Trails’ office.

Ray Irvin: Plan calls for a set of guidelines. The project will not take away from the arts and culture of a given area. Also, directional signage, construction specifications and related concerns will be standardized for uniformity based on national standards and best practices for trails.

Mike Beauchamp: What do we have to do to get a line on your master map plan?

Ray Irvin: The first cut of our plan we looked at a road to parallel our route and we had to consider the width of the road. Next step is tweaking the existing plan with a meeting of community representatives and our consultants to confirm where to position the dots on the map. We have a lot to consider before plotting a bike lane and acquiring land which can be a long-term event. A good question is, how do we get local owners to be a part of continuing the corridor in say the next eighty years? Remember that we can’t afford the maintenance of a trail without local buy in.

Mike Beauchamp: What if we can find an alternate solution for the route locally?

Ray Irvin: That’s fine if it’s affordable and doable.

Kreig Adkins: In our county we’re not looking to walk the towpath because it’s directly under Highway 24. How do we deal with that kind of situation?

Ray Irvin: If there’s space available along the road way we can accommodate a bikeway, but U.S. 24 may not be the best route.

Louise Jewell asked about the Indiana Trail system through Warren and Fountain counties. Currently the trail from Terre Haute shifts from the Wabash River to the southeast on the “Farm Heritage Trail” and will miss a great expanse of a scenic road.

Ron James added that departing from the Wabash here misses 20% of the population, and by going southeast we’ll have to pay more for pumps because of the topography. Also, it was suggested that it uses more mileage by cutting across the Farmland Heritage.

Stan Lambert asked that if a plan were put together, is there a chance we could get the Wabash Erie route back on the master trail plan? The Director said that it could be looked at but priorities have been set.

Mike Beauchamp suggested that acquiring land may not take decades with income events, conservation easements, trusts that may cut the process to a few years.

Ray Irvin stressed that land acquisition is a first step. He suggested forming a 501(c)3 designation to start a land trust in perpetuity arrangement. A land owner is not likely to turn over land if there is no assurance that, for example, it will not be sold to a developer. Government can’t give that assurance, but a non profit can. He also spoke about the high cost of the project.

Mike Beauchamp: If we want to get the dots changed on the master plan, how do we do that?

Ray Irvin: The project will be advertised, planning organization conducted, and the consultant will identify all stake holders for their input at planned meetings. As of August 31, 2006, after we went throughout the State we created a vision. Existing trails can be altered…but not much. Viewing a copy of the Master Map it appeared that the proposed trail tracked along the north side of the Wabash River from approximately Carroll County through Wabash County. You are invited to visit my office and look over the master map.

In all there are 27 different trails in the Indiana Trails plan with a path width of twelve feet. It is estimated that the cost per mile, including land acquisition, construction, paving is $1.3 million. Additional features, such as bridges and culverts are extra.

In reply to a question from Mike Galbraith about the per mile cost, the Director replied that the best approach was to “stair-step” the project considering the concerns of land acquisition, planning, designing and developing the project in sections.

Ray Irvin’s concluding remarks: Here is what you can do: At the local level you have influence. Let the governor and your legislative representatives know that you know about the Indiana Trail plan. Let them know that you want to support it, want to see it succeed and that we’re here as volunteers to make this a better community.

CONCLUDING REMARKS

Our thanks go to Ray Irvin for his explanation and interactive discussion about the exciting plans for an Indiana Trails Bikeway and Greenway

Every one present expressed their gratitude to The Charlie Creek Foundation for providing excellent meeting accommodations.

Our forum’s Mission is emerging by networking with already completed community and county trails and assisting in connecting them one with the other. We are organized to promote a trail that approximates the Wabash Erie Canal route. From the Ohio Indiana state line to Delphi that suggests a trail on the north side of the Wabash River. From Delphi through Lafayette the desired trail connects with Terre Haute following the Wabash. Further a natural opportunity is represented that traces the canal to Evansville, then westward to join the Wabash River and complete a loop returning to Terre Haute.

ACTION PLAN

Bob Schmidt moved that a joint letter be prepared to be submitted from this group to State government officials.

Next meeting:

March 21, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. in the Honeywell Center, Wabash, Indiana.

Meeting adjourned.

2007-01-22T17:36:00.001-08:00

HOLD THE DATE!
FEBRUARY 1, 2007
1:00 p.m.
Nixon Room - Honeywell Center

FYI: Jim Ridenour has secured Ray Irvin for our next meeting to discuss our interest to include the Wabash Erie Canal Corridor trail route to the Trails Greenways and Bikeway plans that are being finalized in Northern Indiana.

Ron James has worked with Ray and have set the date as February 1 at 1:00 pm in Wabash. We will be advising where we will be meeting as soon as a place is confirmed.

Please hold the date and time and plan to join us. Those of you who have agreed to provide county maps should set your completion timetable to be ready by the meeting date.

January 17 2007 Meeting Notes

2007-01-22T17:26:00.000-08:00

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 200^th 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.

Wabash Erie Canal Corridor Project Meeting

2007-01-07T06:45:00.000-08:00

Wabash Erie Canal Corridor Project Meeting

January 17, 2007, 1:00 p.m.
Honeywell Center, Wabash, Indiana.

Hosted by Charlie Creek Foundation

Please join us for our second meeting while we explore possibilities for linking the "towpaths" along the Wabash & Erie Canal in a bike/hike/byway Corridor to offer recreation, provide exercise and recall our rich heritage.

Your thoughts and ideas are welcome as we work through the planning for the long-term success to enhance:

○ Investment in health through improved access to recreation

○ Preservation and enjoyment of our nation's heritage

○ Gift to generations to come through the wise use of heritage

○ Recreational resource that will foster sustainable economic development

Our agenda will include a presentation by a representative of Banks of the Wabash, Inc. to explain the advantages of becoming a chapter member to: examine already existing trails; develop plans for filling in voids between existing pathways; create informational and historical signage; as well as address concerns going forward.

Banks of the Wabash, is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to preserving, enhancing, and promoting the significant historical and natural resources of the Wabash River Heritage Corridor.

It brings together a variety of groups, individuals, government agencies and companies with interests in conservation, historic preservation, economic development, community education, and heritage tourism. Learn more at http://www.banksofthewabash.org

Join us Wednesday, January 17th on our path to connect recreation and exercise with our own special history.

Wabash & Erie Canal: A History of Connecting People and Places

2007-01-07T06:38:00.000-08:00

by Tom Castaldi

During 1835, a new travel corridor was completed through Allen and Huntington counties in Indiana. It was destined to build and grow the state's economy.

Ground was broken in 1832, and the Wabash & Erie Canal was by 1843 completed between the head of steamboat navigation on the Wabash River at Lafayette, Indiana, and Toledo, Ohio, at the shores of Lake Erie.

The canal was extended through Terre Haute, Indiana, and by 1853 connected with Evansville, Indiana, on the Ohio River. It operated as the longest canal in the western hemisphere until the courts ordered it to close operations in 1874 and was sold by 1876.

Earlier in 1827, surveyors had been sent out to mark a line for the waterway. First they looked for a route to connect the Maumee River in Fort Wayne with the Wabash River. An ancient land portage led them to the forks of the Little Wabash and Wabash rivers west of present-day Huntington. From here they followed the Wabash that established a connection with the Ohio River and on to the Mississippi.

After long stretches of level ground were surveyed, contractors arrived with labors to clear the land and dig the line. Engineers designed and built locks in the channel to help step boats up or down the terrain. Aqueducts, arches and culverts were constructed to cross streams as were road bridges made to cross the canal. Dams erected in the nearby Wabash provided replenishing water to the canal through feeders. Large turnaround basins had to be excavated, floodgates installed and other intricate devices created to control the water that continue to amaze present-day observers. In the end, laborers with their hand tools and draft animals completed the work that brought prosperity to an entire region.

Because of the canal's nearly motionless water current, it was possible for long narrow packet boats and freight barges towed by horses or mules to move easily through the Ohio and Indiana wilderness. The Wabash & Erie brought people to Indiana in the 1840s and '50s as well as moved grain, livestock, lime, salt and general freight to eager buyers back east. An uninterrupted water passage had been opened from the eastern seaboard through Lake Erie, via the Wabash & Erie to points west or on down to the Gulf of Mexico.

Water from the canal was used to power mills that processed grain and sawed wood. With water machinery materials were made that people wanted to buy, and in turn developed communities in northern, western and southwestern Indiana.

From its beginnings, the Wabash & Erie Canal was a work connecting people and places for the betterment of both.

Touring the Historic Upper Wabash Valley

2006-12-06T03:54:00.000-08:00

Wabash County Historian Ron Woodward has provided scans of the Upper Wabash Trail document he discussed at the November meeting. To view, follow the link:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/42562362@N00/

November 21 Meeting Summary & Resolution

2006-11-25T04:58:00.000-08:00

Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath

Trail Meeting Notes

November 21, 2006 Meeting at Honeywell Center

Opening Remarks

Tom Castaldi: Over the past several years, several persons have spoke of a vision to create a Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail Corridor by means of connecting trails already developed or planning to be developed hike/bike/drive pathways in the counties through which the historic nineteenth century canal route once passed. At a “Joint Meeting of the Cornelius O’Brien Conference on Historic Preservation and Indiana Main Street,” held at the Wabash Honeywell Center during September 28-30, 2006, a small group was encouraged to call an exploratory meeting to learn of the interest in such a project. We thank the Charlie Creek Foundation for hosting this meeting and sponsoring this meeting place and space in the Honeywell Center today.

Trails are being developed today at a rapid rate and the interest is high among many who want to keep in good physical condition and seek different venues for recreation. A popular diversion from daily routines in a local gym fueled with a yearning to be out of doors, interested in learning more about the history that took place where they live all are reasons for the surge in well-planned trail systems. At the same time we are aware that there are some people not happy with pathways that might cross over private spaces.

Careful, patient and thoughtful planning must be employed for long-term success.

We sit on a gold mine of history that was the Wabash & Eerie Canal line. Some at this meeting can actually walk the route and know of its colorful stories, the contribution that the Wabash & Erie made to the development of Indiana and indeed to the western United States. It should not be continually overrun and destroyed from memory. A trail would mark its history by creating recreation, offer economic development such as restaurants, lodging and tourism that you all know is possible.

With each county on or contiguous to the old Wabash & Erie Canal towpath having produced or planning to develop a bike/hike/byway what is the likelihood that through communications and networking these county/city trails might one day connect one county with the other from Toledo, Ohio, to Evansville, Indiana?

Progress is already been made in many places:

Ohio has an active Maumee River Valley Heritage Corridor making its way from Toledo to Fort Wayne along the continuous Maumee River Valley.

Individual trail work has been completed in virtually all of the potential counties.

Is it time to gauge the interest of an idea that would link up each county with a marked route that celebrates why in fact we are connected together; what that line means to the existence of our cities and towns; and how we each might come to work together to learn if this concept should become a reality?

A beginning in Indiana includes the counties of Allen, Huntington, Wabash, Miami, Cass, Carroll and Tippecanoe. An expanded vision should not neglect a canal corridor touching Evansville on the Ohio River to the west and south and Toledo at Lake Erie toward the east.

Do we want a route that hikers/joggers can enjoy, that bikers can challenge over long distances, that in a car you could approximate the old canal towpath over its 468 mile length – the second longest canal in the world when it was completed in 1853 – that would intersect with other national trails offering new directions to any one who would like to take on its challenges.

Contributed Comments

Attendees contributed by commenting after a memo was read from:

Jim Ridenour past Director of National Parks who could not be present wrote, “I definitely think this is something worthwhile to be a part of. Going back to my DNR days (Jim was DNR Director from 1980-88) when I suggested that, someday, there would be a hiking/biking trail where you could walk the entire Wabash river corridor all the way to the Ohio. It sounded pretty far fetched then but when you look at what has been done by individual communities along the river it doesn’t take a lot of imagination to envision tying those efforts together into one major trail system – one major economic development project – one major tourism attraction – with all the things that might accompany such a trail – festivals, bed and breakfasts, restaurants – not to mention the physical fitness benefits.”

Donn Werling, Allen County Fort Wayne Historical Society Director is actively pursuing an east side of Maumee River by way as U.S. highway 24 is being rerouted and opening the opportunity for a byway that could connect with the State of Ohio at the Allen County line. Purdue University’s Bernie Dahl’s students have conducted a study to move forward a last chance to have a Wabash & Erie corridor and urged that we must bet our congress members on board with us.

Bill Wepler, Indiana State Museum spoke about his involvement with the Gronauer Lock project to preserve it for interpretative purposes and successes he has seen at the Whitewater Canal Historic Site.

Roger Goodman of Fort Wayne’s River Greenway consortium reported on the development of seven miles of towpath in western Allen County that follows much of its distance from Rockhill Park on Fort Wayne’s near west side to Interstate 69.

Dan McCain of Carroll County pressed the point that he has lived in both Allen and Carroll counties and experienced little communication between the two neglecting the fact that between these points there is an abundance of shared history. Within the city of Delphi, his Wabash & Erie Canal Association of Carroll County has installed a ten mile long trail system along the watered canal and has a towpath road trail that extends to the eastern edge of his county. We continue to lack the connection of trails between many counties and begin to take advantage of the opportunities that are offered with such an interaction.

Bob Schmidt, Canal Society of Indiana president noted this project is a lot broader that just canals This surge of interest is going on everywhere and perhaps we have the best of history to interpret. Bob and Carolyn have been active with Aboite New Trails and Towpath Trails in the Allen County area.

Carolyn Schmidt, Canal Society of Indiana Hoosier Packet newsletter editor and Maumee Valley Heritage Corridor board member said that in her travels to world and national canal conferences, she has seen a lot going on with trails in the US, Canada and in Europe. Most have been grass roots level motivated. Her Packet readers often express surprise that there is so much information about canals to report.

Angie Quinn, ARCH Director of Fort Wayne’s historic preservation organization mentioned the recently completed revised map of the four trails that make up Allen County’s Heritage Trail. That she has completed a National Registration nomination for a Wabash & Erie’s Vermilyea House that includes a quarter mile of canal. She is currently working on a revised historic nomination for the Richardville House named for its owner the Miami civil chief that owned the portage over which the canal operated, and Wildwood Park neighborhood. Bob Schmidt added that there are several extant canal landmark homes such as the Vermilyea along the canal corridor including Sterns Fisher House in Wabash County and Reed Case House in Carroll County.

Stanton Lambert, Executive Director for Lafayette’s Wabash Enhancement Corp., stressed our exceptional water feature positioned ideally for improvements such as trails that offer recreation as an economic development opportunity. Stan mentioned that growing industry places “quality of life” as an essential and primary feature when seeking a new location to build or expand. He reminded all that the Wabash drains over a quarter of the state and that it is uninhibited by dams as far north as Huntington. “Any state,” he said, “can have trails, but we sit on a unique corridor that can be used to improve the quality of life for all our citizens.”

Dick Kudner, President of the Maumee River Valley Heritage Corridor (MRVHC) whose interest extends from Toledo on Lake Erie to Fort Wayne at the junction of the Saint Mary’s and Saint Joseph rivers that form the Maumee through west including the site of the portage in western Allen County . As the largest river that flows into any of the Great Lakes, the Maumee was fundamental to the success of the Wabash & Erie. Dick spoke of his organization’s mission to identify the historic, natural resources and recreational opportunities for the 6,000 square miles drained by the Maumee. There is a MRVHC management plan in place and to date has over 60 miles of Ohio State Scenic Maumee Byway in Ohio. MRVHC mission includes working with Indiana to expand extend the opportunities these improvements bring to communities. Already the Maumee Corridor connects in one way or another with the North Country National Scenic Trail that starts in NY State, follows the Buckeye Trail (a 1,435 mile hiking trail that circles the state of Ohio) and ends in North Dakota; also intersected is the Wabash Cannon Ball Trail from Toledo to Montpelier, Ind. Dick offered to be of whatever service he and his organization may bring going forward.

Michael Beauchamp, a Wabash businessman and land owner of a five mile section of the towpath, has paddled or motor boated nearly 5,000 miles on a variety of streams, rivers and lakes. He has come to understand that communities that have a water asset - developing their history or natural areas – are the ones that take pride in their community. They improve the lives of everyone who experience them, while others he noticed neglect their waters and all they touch suffer. Mike reinforced Stan’s comments that when real estate is being considered for economic gains, it’s quality of life that the companies are seeking.

Ron Woodward, Wabash County Historian and retired teacher. He has several community volunteer positions to his credit. Ron reminded the meeting that in 1981 he participated in establishing the Upper Wabash Trail that tracked natural, geographical and history of the area between Fort Wayne and Lafayette. A few copies of the printed Trail document survive, however, photostat copies can be produced for any one who may be interested.

Trula Frank, Wabash County Convention Visitors Bureau, spoke about the advantages of a trail that in the case of her county knits well into a ninety-two mile bike trail along seventeen historic sites. Maps are in place for the Paradise springs River Walk being extended to Canal Street in downtown Wabash. Good tourism goes hand in hand with recreation and interpretative education programs.

Heather Allen is the Associate County Historian and a Wabash native. She has been associated with the Wabash County Historical Museum, local history projects and has offered her help with trail development as it progresses.

Cathy Compton Wright, of Historic Landmarks of Indiana whose office is in downtown Wabash, referred to the progress of the Wabash Spring Trail. Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana has established a North Central Field Office in Wabash to assist people and towns in saving and restoring historic places in seven counties: Wabash, Miami, Howard, Grant, Huntington, Wells, and Adams. Cathy’s organization has made significant advances in helping preserve important structures and other sites that when taken in combination with the natural physical geography so greatly appreciated by hikers/bikers/joggers who seek out trails for their personal well being.

Beth Stein, Charlie Creek Foundation, sees a canal corridor with its national implications and attraction as good for increased visitor numbers to advance the mission of the Charlie Creek Foundation’s Dr. Ford Historic Home, Paradise Creek area, gardens and downtown attractions. We want to support such collaborations because working with others we enhance our own projects and the by doing so magnify the opportunities for us all.

Ron James, Executive Director Wabash River Heritage Corridor Commission, (WRHCC) described his 19 county organization and explained that Allen County was included because of the Portage and the Little Wabash River) Jay and Adams through Gibson into Posey counties. His river corridor separates fro m the Canal Corridor at Terre Haute, However, the Wabash River is wonderfully connected with the canal. We need to make such a trail visionary to make understood its multi-use capability. We need a vision across that corridor that ties these as a concept. They become a string of pearls that over the past fifteen years has provided $13.4 million for 54 projects, 32 of which have been trails. Currently there are no moneys in the WRHCC’s fund, albeit some $4 million was authorized by the legislature that has not been made available. We’re behind the idea of a Wabash & Erie Canal Corridor because we see a river road marked with the scenes of the towpath. If you’re interested in getting projects moving forward, get in touch with your legislator.

Brian Stirm, Purdue University Aviation and volunteer for Delphi Historic Trails. Brian’s avocation follows transportation especially the interurban and rails that followed the canal towpath and leads toward the next phase of airways. He sees double-duty chore for history that both follows the evolution of transportation as well as celebrates its recreational contributions.

GENERAL DISCUSSION

In the discussions that followed, it was agreed by those in attendance that the idea of a Wabash & Erie Canal Corridor was worth pursuing for all the reasons stated. Ron James made the appeal for the need for more voices with defined structures and the assets for projects that have been waiting. He introduced the notion that Banks of the Wabash is an umbrella organization that may be considered since it is dedicated to preserving, enhancing, and promoting the significant historical and natural recourses of the Wabash River Heritage Corridor. It has the structure in place for this group to work within and become eligible for future networking and financial benefits.

RESOLUTION

Bob Schmidt and Beth Stein supported inviting the Banks of the Wabash to make a presentation at our next gathering. Donn Werling proposed the following resolution that was unanimously approved by a voice vote of those present.

Resolve, That an interpretive restoration and/or re-creation of the Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail and Heritage Area along the rivers of history fro the banks of the Maumee on Lake Erie to the banks of the Wabash extending to Lafayette is an:

· Investment in health through improved access to recreation and the

· Preservation and enjoyment of our nation’s heritage, and

· Gift to generations to come through the wise use of heritage and a

· Recreational resources that will foster sustainable economic development

○ Battle to battle: Battle of Fallen Timbers National Battlefield by the Maumee to the

Battle of Tippecanoe, a National Historic Landmark site by the Wabash

○ Port to port: Lafayette – the practical head of navigation of the Wabash-Toledo-Great Lakes & the route to Canada from the Gulf of Mexico for millennia. Its strategic geography was not lost on President George Washington and the founding fathers. Forward thinking such as this led to the construction of the longest canal in the Western hemisphere that opened up the rich farmland of much the Old Northwest and populating the West.

○ Fort to Forts: From the 18th century French Fort Quiatenon at Lafayette to the 19th century fort of William Henry Harrison at Fort Meigs on the Maumee eight forts constructed by three countries plus palisade forts that defended one of the greatest concentrations of American natives detail the struggles through three major wars and over a hundred battles that determined the ultimate course of history and the expansion into the Old Northwest of the United States of America.

○ Indiana – Land of Indians, centered at Kekionga (present-day Fort Wayne) the largest Indian Confederacy of the mid-continent that defeated two President Washington generals one of which became the greatest reversal of battle ever (over twice that of General Custer) led by Chief Little Turtle. Having met with four U.S. presidents, and five times may well have created and tipped the balance in the War of 1812, the Miami Little Turtle became a patriot and was buried in Fort Wayne with full military honors.

Therefore, let the above be recognized as being of both continental and watershed importance by the states and Congress so that preservation, celebration, recreation and education along this linear heritage area be made available to all.

Wabash & Erie Canal Corridor Acting chair ________________________

Meeting at Honeywell Center 11-21-2006 1pm

2006-11-21T03:01:00.000-08:00

First Meeting Today at the Honeywell Center
Nixon Room (downstairs)
1pm