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Stewards of Stewart update from the mailbag
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GG
Veep


Joined: 25 Sep 2008
Posts: 907
Location: new splatz

PostPosted: Sun Nov 08, 2015 8:38 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Stewart Forest Meeting and News
The date and time for Stewart State Forest annual meeting hosted by the DEC will be November 24, 2015 at the Maybrook Senior Citizens Center from 6:30-8:00 PM, Veterans Memorial Park, Village of Maybrook, Orange County. The Center is located 1 mile south of Route 84, off Route 208. Make a left at Schipps Lane just before the ball fields and bear right into Veterans Memorial Park.

The meeting agenda will include:
1. Work projects completed in 2015. Maintenance needs for 2016 and beyond.
2. West of Hudson Unit Management Plan (UMP). See note below.
3. Additional topics: Open forum, sharing the forest.

If you cannot attend to represent your group, please ensure someone else can attend for you.

PLEASE NOTE: The 10 year UMP for Stewart expires this year. The next 10 year UMP will start in 2016. Your suggestions, ideas, concerns and requests are vital to the development of the new unit management plan. As a user of the Stewart Forest this is your opportunity for your voice to be heard and become the official commitment to the long term plan for Stewart State Forest.
Please review the current (expiring) plan that can be found at the following DEC website: http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/50095.html#Manage
DEC will explain the process and timeline for the development of the new UMP.

OTHER NEWS: Mountain biking in Sterling Forest on a new shared use trail needs volunteers to help build it. For all who want to bike or hike in Sterling Forest and become a participant to make it all happen should check out information provided by the New York/New Jersey Trail Conference at Sterling forest: http://www.nynjtc.org/crew/clone-sterling-forest-trail-project
Don�t forget to mark the date for the Stewart State Forest user meeting on November 24th.
See you there.
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GG
Veep


Joined: 25 Sep 2008
Posts: 907
Location: new splatz

PostPosted: Sun Nov 22, 2015 8:44 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

REMEMBER: The date and time for Stewart State Forest annual meeting hosted by the DEC will be this Tuesday November 24, 2015 at the Maybrook Senior Citizens Center from 6:30-8:00 PM, Veterans Memorial Park, Village of Maybrook, Orange County. The Center is located 1 mile south of Route 84, off Route 208. Make a left at Schipps Lane just before the ball fields and bear right into Veterans Memorial Park.

The meeting agenda will include:
1. Work projects completed in 2015. Maintenance needs for 2016 and beyond.
2. West of Hudson Unit Management Plan (UMP). See previous email for more info.
3. Additional topics: Open forum, sharing the forest.

If you cannot attend to represent your group, please ensure someone else can attend for you.
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GG
Veep


Joined: 25 Sep 2008
Posts: 907
Location: new splatz

PostPosted: Sun Dec 06, 2015 9:47 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

From the Stewards of Stewart:

"The following are my random recollections of the highlights of the Stewart State Forest user meeting hosted by the NYS DEC on 11/24/15. These are my recollections and editorial comment. No doubt, other topics of interest were discussed but forgotten by me.
Matthew Paul and Jeff Weigert of DEC presented a summation of projects completed by DEC during the year. Completion of the Great Swamp Walkway and associated projects for trail access and improvements to trails suffering from lack of use due to erosion, mud wallows and other drainage issues were major accomplishments. Thank you DEC for these accomplishments that are greatly appreciated.
Matt and Jeff emphasized that Stewart State Forest is a Forest and not a State Park thus different policies and practices apply to Stewart than to parks.
Monthly calendars were available for users to select their desired date(s) for large events. The intention is for users to identify conflicting dates with other users so discussion can occur early on for users to mutually resolve these conflicts before the official filing date for TRP�s (February 1, 2016). Otherwise, DEC will decide who�s TRP for that date will prevail.
The 10-year Unit Management Plan for Stewart expires in 2015. This will be replaced by a 10-year regional plan that includes Stewart as one of the many properties in our DEC�s region.
More information will be forthcoming and the entire process from initiation to completion is expected to take about two years. Requests, suggestions and comments are most important in the development of this plan. If you have requests and suggestions it is important for you to participate in this process or lose out on the opportunity to have your ideas become part of the new plan. You can start the process now by sending your written requests for what you would like included in the new plan to the attention of Matt Paul in the Region Three DEC at New Paltz and by following through as the process proceeds.
The �Shawangunk Ridge Draft Unit Management Plan�: http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/93937.html was mentioned by the DEC as a model of what we will experience in the development of the new regional plan that will include Stewart State Forest.
A biker asked about the possibility of working in conjunction with DEC for grants from mountain bike organizations to construct sustainable trails in the forest. The DEC comment was that bikers have plenty of trails now. Keep in mind that the maps on the Stewards of Stewart website represent the trails that DEC recognizes. Bikers know more trails exist and in particular the very popular trail called Ant Hill is not recognized. The December, 2015, issue of Bike Magazine has an article called �Sucker Punched� that all mountain bikers should read. The head line reads: �Bikes are banned in wilderness, despite congress� original intentions. Science doesn�t support the ban.� The clear message is that if you (bikers) are not vigilant and involved then don�t be surprised if you lose trail access.
Please participate in developing the new 10 year plan that will include Stewart State Forest.
Thank you."
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Tim845



Joined: 02 Sep 2006
Posts: 3684
Location: Poughkeepsie

PostPosted: Sun Dec 06, 2015 6:41 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

GG wrote:
From the Stewards of Stewart:

"...The December, 2015, issue of Bike Magazine has an article called �Sucker Punched� that all mountain bikers should read. The head line reads: �Bikes are banned in wilderness, despite congress� original intentions. Science doesn�t support the ban.� The clear message is that if you (bikers) are not vigilant and involved then don�t be surprised if you lose trail access.
Please participate in developing the new 10 year plan that will include Stewart State Forest.
Thank you."


The 6000 acres in the Shawangunk Ridge is some fine forest too...
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GG
Veep


Joined: 25 Sep 2008
Posts: 907
Location: new splatz

PostPosted: Tue Feb 16, 2016 5:41 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

This winter’s unusual weather has allowed many additional days of mountain biking sans snow covered trails. Unfortunately, some riders ignored the fact that when the earth is soft, deep tire ruts are easily formed that hasten the deterioration of trails. Please be responsible and stay off those trails that are subject to these soft earth conditions so you do not make tire ruts and please spread the word to those who have not yet learned this information.
It was reported recently that a few motorcycle riders have been tearing up sections of trails and some planks off a few bridges. If you happen to see this happening please immediately report it to the DEC Forest Rangers at 845 256-3026 and provide specific information that hopefully can lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.

A Stewart biker said that when he rides he often does trail maintenance work and this year he was told by a DEC Ranger that he could not do that without a volunteer agreement in his possession. The Stewards of Stewart have a volunteer agreement and we routinely report to the DEC when we’ll be doing trail work. We also keep a copy of the agreement with us whenever we ride with our hand clippers and saws. If you want a pdf of the agreement please let me know at [email protected]. You can print it off your PC. Be sure you have an Individual Volunteer Application on file with the DEC (if you are unsure of this contact me).

We soon will plan and schedule our work days for this year and will post on our website as well on Facebook. If you have trail work suggestions please let us know.

Thank you for your interest in Stewart State Forest and we look forward to another great year.
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Tom Gustainis



Joined: 10 Apr 2009
Posts: 37
Location: Warwick, NY

PostPosted: Sat Feb 20, 2016 2:29 pm    Post subject: Stewards of Stewart Thank you Reply with quote

GG Thank you for posting the Stewards of Stewart random monthly emails. And thank you Fats-in-Cats for all you do to maintain trails. Looking forward to seeing you in the woods (you guys are too fast for me but say high when you pass by).
tom gus President of Stewards of Stewart
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GG
Veep


Joined: 25 Sep 2008
Posts: 907
Location: new splatz

PostPosted: Mon Feb 29, 2016 2:48 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

This is a request for your input for the new Unit Management Plan (UMP) for Stewart State Forest.

The process for developing UMP’s is explained at the following DEC website: http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/4979.html
And a more specific model can be found in the DEC “Shawangunk Ridge Draft UMP” found at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/93937.html

DEC is currently in the 2nd stage of the UMP development process of: “Solicit written and verbal input from the public through press releases and meetings”.
Please send your written requests via email to Matthew Paul: [email protected]

or mail to: Matthew Paul, Senior Forester, Region 3 DEC, 21 South Putt Corners, New Paltz, NY 12561.

At the Stewart user groups meeting of November 2015 DEC requested users to send in written comments. At present DEC received one comment related to horses.

DEC anticipates a public meeting will be held in May 2016 at the DEC office in New Paltz. When we learn of the date we will let you know.

DEC stated that most of the public input for UMP’s comes through email and not from the public meetings.

So please, if you have any suggestions about what you would like to see in the UMP for Stewart you can send them directly to Matt Paul.

This is your opportunity to see that your voice is heard for how you want to see Stewart State Forest managed for the next ten years.

Please get involved, thank you.
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GG
Veep


Joined: 25 Sep 2008
Posts: 907
Location: new splatz

PostPosted: Thu Apr 07, 2016 7:06 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

The conflicting and questionable weather forecasts for our April 9, 2016 work day this Saturday caused us to re-schedule the work day to Saturday, April 16th.
We hope the weather on the 16th will be more conducive to having a fun filled time of improving the condition of the Rock Wall Trail so that it gets added to bikers and hikers must-do-trail list.
Please make note of this, spread the word and reserve next Saturday morning to spend several hours working in the woods.
Thank you.
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GG
Veep


Joined: 25 Sep 2008
Posts: 907
Location: new splatz

PostPosted: Fri Apr 15, 2016 5:48 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Our re-scheduled work day is this Saturday, 4/16/16. Meet up at Weed Road Parking lot by 09:00. Work on Rock Wall mud wallow near junction of Giles Rd and Rock Wall trail. Bring mud boots and work gloves. We will construct a "burrito" of rock; landscape fabric and crushed stone. Work until about noonish so riders have time for afternoon ride. C U there and thank you.
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GG
Veep


Joined: 25 Sep 2008
Posts: 907
Location: new splatz

PostPosted: Mon May 16, 2016 9:37 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Our next workday is Sunday, May 22, 2016. Meet up at Weed Road parking lot by 09:00. We will continue working on the Rock Wall trail until about 12:30. We will focus on constructing ramps to and from the actual rock wall. The work location is a good hike or easy bike ride from either Beaver Pond or from Giles Road. Trail clearing and trimming is needed to complete final touches to this trail so if you have clippers please bring them. SOS will have McLeods, rakes, shovels, and Pulaskis available. Please bring your work gloves. We look forward to seeing you at Weed Road Parking lot on Sunday, May 22nd at 9 AM. Thank you.
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GG
Veep


Joined: 25 Sep 2008
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Location: new splatz

PostPosted: Sat Jun 11, 2016 7:04 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

The SOS will be holding a June workday on Saturday, June 25th, from 9-1. We will gather at the Ridge Road parking area. The plan will be to repair the north end of the Pittman-Robertson trail. There are some muddy wallows that need to be addressed.
If you plan on coming, it would be great if you could contact David Dukler: [email protected]. It would greatly assist in planning for the day. As always, more hands will make the work go more quickly.
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GG
Veep


Joined: 25 Sep 2008
Posts: 907
Location: new splatz

PostPosted: Wed Jun 22, 2016 5:59 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Saturday, 6/18/16, was an impromptu work day with the Fox Hill boys. We took on the herculean task of trimming back the growth on Scofield Trail, North slope. Our mission was a success and perhaps you might want to ride Scofield before the nasty multi-flora rose, poison ivy, wild grape vines, Japanese Knotweed and other vegetation recover from the shock of having a crew of 9 to 12 year olds manually weed whack and clear the trail for you mountain bikers, hikers and horse riders. Unfortunately we were so busy no photos were taken to show the crew in action.
In addition, the downed tree that was covered with Poison Ivy at the top of the steep but short drop on Drakes 2 trail was removed today.
Please make a note that Saturday, June 25, 2016 is our next “official” work day. Stay tuned for more details so reserve the date.
Thank you
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Tim845



Joined: 02 Sep 2006
Posts: 3684
Location: Poughkeepsie

PostPosted: Wed Jun 22, 2016 7:25 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Excellent!
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GG
Veep


Joined: 25 Sep 2008
Posts: 907
Location: new splatz

PostPosted: Mon Jun 27, 2016 6:25 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Our work day on Saturday, 6/25/16, accomplished a lot given that we had three “seasoned” citizens and one tireless young man. Thank you to the DEC for transporting crushed stone to our work area. This saved us time, effort and energy to get crushed stone to the Pittman-Robertson trail.

We filled in many of the many mud wallows on Pitt-Rob and have future work efforts waiting for us when the mud season returns. We are especially pleased with the result of our path thru the frequently flooded, muddy section next to the pond on the western side of Pitt-Rob (check out our FB photos).
Let us know what you think about the results. As you can see from the remaining stockpile of crushed stone we have opportunity to do more “repairs”. So don’t be left out from these fun filled work sessions and make a note to attend our next work day.

Our next “official” work day will be in July so check out our website and Facebook page to see what’s going on.
Thank you.
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GG
Veep


Joined: 25 Sep 2008
Posts: 907
Location: new splatz

PostPosted: Tue Jun 28, 2016 7:13 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thank you visiting biker from Asheville, NC for the report of a downed tree limb on Scofield Trail. The SOS “A” sawyer quickly responded and cleared the trail on 6-27-16. Check out the photos on our FaceBook page. This information is shared with you for two reasons: 1). We count on riders to tell us about trail problems or suggestions; and B). To let those who have firewood collection permits to get out there and collect a good quantity of firewood. The tree is a Maple covered with Poison Ivy or is it a Poison Ivy tree with some Maple leaves as a disguise?
The limb diameter is about 16 inches and the location is about 0.5 miles in from Ridge Road.
==============================================
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GG
Veep


Joined: 25 Sep 2008
Posts: 907
Location: new splatz

PostPosted: Tue Jul 12, 2016 7:36 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

The next work day for Stewards of Stewart volunteers is scheduled for Sunday, July 24, 2016. Our plan is to meet up at the Ridge Road Parking lot by 09:00 and ride or drive to the intersection of Orlando and Fiesta to continue improvement to passage through the mud wallow that is a nice hike from Orlando. Adding more rocks to extend both ends of the passage is our goal. We may even try wheel barrowing crushed stone up the trail to top off and firm up the path. Another option is to address the wet rooty semi-mud wallow on the Dawn Trail next to the pond/swamp that is also accessible from Orlando but a nice (but easier?) hike to the site as well. So mark your calendars and stay tuned for more information or reminders. We plan to work until 12:30ish so those who want can ride all afternoon. Thank you.
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GG
Veep


Joined: 25 Sep 2008
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PostPosted: Sat Jul 23, 2016 6:17 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

This is a reminder that our next volunteer work day is this Sunday, 7/24/16. Meet up by 09:00 at Ridge Road Parking Lot. It will be hot and humid but our work site is 100% shade. We stashed the tools and wheel barrows at the work site to save time. More importantly, we used an old, feeble man with an artificial knee to wheel a load of item 4 stone to the work site as a test to see if it is “doable”. A five minute walk with a ¾ load of item 4 stone was a piece of cake. Just think what a few younger, Spartan in training type volunteers can do. SOS will have cold Gatorade, YooHoo and water for volunteers. Plan to bike or auto to work site that is the Fiesta mud-wallow just downhill from the Dawn Trail. See you on Sunday, 7/24/16. Thank you.
===============================
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Bobg82



Joined: 03 Apr 2012
Posts: 44
Location: Red Hook, NY

PostPosted: Sat Jul 23, 2016 9:28 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

How long will you folks be working for Christine?? I'm an hour drive from there so was thinking of riding after we are done working. I know it will be hot then but I just LOVE riding there!!

Also, this will be my first work day with the SOS team so do I need to fill out some form prior to working?? I plan on getting to ridge road at 8:30 or so. See you tomorrow!
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jamesframes



Joined: 30 Sep 2006
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Location: new paltz, NY

PostPosted: Mon Jul 25, 2016 8:40 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Just a reminder that this thread is simply posting info we receive from the SOS folks. If you have questions regarding workdays and so forth, you will need to contact them directly.
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Support your LBS-Bicycle Depot New Paltz NY
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GG
Veep


Joined: 25 Sep 2008
Posts: 907
Location: new splatz

PostPosted: Mon Jul 25, 2016 12:21 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Yeah, sorry bobg...I thought I had replied but I'm away on vacation and posting from my phone isn't reliable!! Hope you found the info you need...

Another update from the SOS! What an excellent turn-out of volunteers for our 7-24-16 work day. Nine hard working people moved rocks and hauled crushed stone up hill and over dale to extend and improve the path through the mud wallow on Fiesta trail. The hot, humid day did not intimidate this crew. Check out the finished product and let us know what you think. Thank you volunteers.

Please note that on Sunday, 7-31-16, the annual Bike Doctor/SOS race is on. The Bicycle Doctor donates proceeds of this race to the Stewards of Stewart, Inc. in appreciation of the trail work the Stewart volunteers do. Racers appreciate spectators along the trail to cheer them on so if you want to join in please check out the course at: http://stewardsofstewart.us13.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=4a8644c204408a87472a3e920&id=c16ed1db4b&e=6cf3225b40
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