Board Members:

Karl Wilson                   La Verkin City

Bob Sandberg               Washington County - HCP

Annette Kleinman         Toquerville City

Advisory:

Trail Kreitzer                Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

Steve Meismer              Virgin River Program

Others:

Kathleen Nielson           Grant Writer

Lucy Ormond                Hurricane Trails Committee

Katie Wilson                 La Verkin City

Eldon Pierce

Kelly Washburn            Division of Forestry Fire and State Lands

A.     Report on Projects - Bob Sandberg

1.       Restoration - There has been some re-sprouting on work that was done.  Bob is following up with what to do to control it.  Russian Olive appears to be sprouting more than Tamarisk.  There is still money from the Restoration Grant and he may use some of it once he figures out how to deal with it.  Bob stated that there were some problems with the spray when it was cut before.

Trail K. mentioned that Escalante is having the same issues so it is not uncommon.  It is cheaper to re-nip and re-spray.

There was a discussion on what types of spray can be used.  Steve Meismer may have some Garlon that can be used.

Karl Wilson hasn't seen too many beetles this year.  Steve mentioned that with the floods the beetles probably moved down stream and will just need time to move back.  They've already been seen in St. George and Quail Creek is seeing them so they are already on their way back.

2.       Trailhead - Bob has not received a letter to proceed but everything is in to Chris Howler.  Hopefully they'll get the approval soon.  Kathleen Nielson had received an email stating there were no problems so they're expecting to see the money any day and then they will start spending it.

The county is still coming.  They are still recouping and catching up so they may still not be there until Sept/Oct.  Once started it will not be a long project.

Kathleen spoke with Lynn Scott and they talked about round rail versus split rail fencing.  The split rail does not hold up as well.  She recommended using a 6-inch round rail.  A bid will have to be sent out for the fencing, as well as the kiosk, otherwise everything else will be in-house.  The bid cannot be sent until the grant has been approved.

3.       Trailhead Restroom - The application for the Restroom Grant has been received and will be awarded on September 1^st.

Kathleen just sent out another restoration grant application.  There will not be any money next year, so they will not be applying then.

Trail K. has two avenues for securing funding; the Utah habitat Counsel and the Utah Watershed Restoration Initiative.  He has received $55,250 and that might be enough for two phases, but he will see how far it goes.  He will continue to apply for projects.  The chance for more money is good.

Kathleen would like to see the Park kept up and not go backwards.

B.     Trails - Lucy Ormond stated that the Hurricane Trail Committee has laid out the trail from Hurricane's Main Street to 200 West.  It is looking nice and wide.

Lucy took this time to talk about the 4^th of July Trail Run (Business Item E).  It was very successful with more than a 100 runners signed up.

There was a discussion of Hurricane's job posting of Director of Recreation.

C.     Grant applications and awards - Kathleen Nielson (discussed during item A)

D.     Firebreaks - Bob Sandberg stated that with the support from Hurricane City and the Dedicated Hunter's Project, firebreaks were made around the fields and they mowed down the field.  Breaks were made between the fields too and the Fire Chief was very happy.  There is still room for a fire but the breaks may slow one down until mobilization can occur.

Lucy Ormond mentioned the dump has bed great progress.  Bob stated that Eric Chamberlain could not continue working on it, so Bob contracted with Johnson's and they have pulled out some heavy pieces and they're doing a great job.  There was a minor discussion concerning filling what's left with dirt.  The dump is now moved away from the trail.

E.      4^th of July Trail Run - Bob Sandberg (discussed during item B)

1.       Kelly Washburn from the Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, brought with her an application for the Community Forestry Partnership Grant.  She explained that this grant is a 50/50 soft match and can be used for a variety of things and she listed a few.  The deadline to turn it in is September 7^th but it needs to be in to her by September 1^st.  She does not anticipate this grant going away.   Kathleen posed some questions to Kelly.  Kelly will email Katie Wilson the web address and she can distribute.

All three cities (Hurricane, La Verkin and Toquerville), DWR, Washington County and Virgin River Land Trust can all apply separately, giving Confluence Park a greater chance of getting more money.  There is $60,000 in the grant pool and it is competitive, although Kelly has not seen an interest from state agencies and nonprofits yet.  The money must be spent and reported by June 1, 2012.

There was a discussion of irrigation drips that the grant will approve and what can/will be used in the Park.

Kelly recommended each party applying to apply for different plans.  Kathleen will get in touch with each party and assign parts.

2.       Eldon Pierce came because he was curious on how things were going since he was on the committee in 2000.  He was discouraged to see that it has become more a conservation than use as it was originally planned.  It was planned a 50/50 conservation and use.  He does not feel there is a lot of access to the park; he referenced a 2000 draft plan.

Karl and Annette spent some time explaining to Mr. Pierce the progress that has been made and the uses allowed as stated in the conservation easements.  He would like to read those easements.  Karl also mentioned to him that it has only been within the last few years that any progress was started.

Karl appreciated him coming in to speak, because this is the setting for public input.

V.            Board members concerns - none

VI.            Motion to adjourn made by Bob Sandberg, second by Annette Kleinman.  Motion carried unanimously at 5:05 pm.

Minutes taken by Katie Wilson.