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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.