A look back, and a look ahead...

[Comet]

As we discussed in last night's meeting, awhile back I asked the officers if we could get together for some goal setting and some short, medium and long range planning. For one reason or another, we never could get together, that's my fault. So I am going to make another run at this. But before I do, I wanted feedback from the group and also those outside RTW of some things they'd like to see happen and some things they do not like that we are currently doing. I am aware of some other threads, both in this forum and others in which feedback was provided on this very topic recently. Like I said we've had some discussions internally, but we need to always stay on top of this and not become complacent. Things in my personal life are starting to settle down a bit, so I am hoping to be able to better serve the group in the near future.
Once we collect these ideas, the officers and I will prioritze them and implement a plan on how we can start knocking things off the list. One thing to keep in mind when posting ideas is that our resources, both money and manpower, are limited. So a double decker bridge with a latte stand over May Creek is pretty much beyond our means! Also, keep in mind the ideas that do not require permitting, or DNR input or blessing will have the best chance of getting implemented.
Ok, some ground rules. There will be no name calling, shit talking or otherwise bad behavior in this thread. Constructive criticism will be tolerated, both good and bad. But do it respectfully or I will delete the entire post. As for people that have put a lot of their heart and soul in to RTW, please don't take anything personal, just take it as an opportunity to make us stronger and more effective. We don't need emotions getting in the way and any replies that get too emotional will also be deleted. Finally: STAY ON TOPIC! We have a chatter box and many other sub forums for just about anything else. This thread is for go forward planning for RTW.
Thanks in advance
Mark

[Comet]

Replies, ideas posted by various peeps on the NWW thread:

Crusty
I liked the idea of the buliten board in the main lot.

I thought maybe we could sink a third large post next to DNR's sign and connect it to one of the sign posts, then slap a surface up and a little roof thingy.

Me!
I like that idea too, Glen. Just another thing to make it look like a park. My only concern is:
vandals, shooters, etc.
the posts on the board will become garbage we have to pick up later.

Mama
All you would have to do is design your bulletin board similarly to the existing signage with a lockable cage. Laminating each posting ensures they remain unaltered from random vandals as well as weather proof.

If you really wanted to be proactive - You could offer a service phone number or email address in case someone not part of RTW wishes to post something.

Crusty
I was thinking a public board.

Jobless
As with any sign that is erected at Reiter you must plan on replacing it at least once...maybe twice, before it will be left alone.

Plan on making three signs and hanging one up...the other two will be replacements.

Crash
Great ideas everybody--keep them coming

[lupinsea]

Since I'm new I don't mean to butt my nose in but I'll just toss out these ideas:

Short Term Goals
Trail Sinage / Marking - Perhaps start planting trail markers w/ numbers (or names) indicating which trails are which. These numbers could then be indexed to the maps that are being developed. The thought is that these would be similar to the fiberglass floppy posts you see marking trails at Evan's Creek or the Manastash area. Ideally, these would be posted at trail entrances from the paved or gravel roads and at trail intersections.

Trail Signage - II - A sign posted at the foot path leading from the far end of the Lake Isabel Trail to the lake (above the log bridge). I've missed the trail head once and I'm sure I've driven right past it.

Lake Isabel Pull-off - Not sure of the demand for it but what about a pull-off area to park the rigs if someone wants to hoof it the last bit to Lake Isabel? Not talking about anything huge but maybe just move some logs out of the way near the last trailhead so that any parked Jeeps aren't blocking the rest of the 4x4 trail.


Mid-Range Goals
Expansion of Trail Length - What's the possibility of lengthening trails within the current boundaries of the Reiter area? I mean, heck, there are trails there now, right?

Expansion 2 - Creating a loop out of the Lake Isabel trail? The upper end of the trail can be connected to the gravel road running past the mine without crossing any streams. And/or it could be continued down the hill to connect with the upper end of Sac Up for a big loop.

Facilities - Maintenance would be a big problem I suspect but what about either some trash recepticles or toilet vaults near the parking zones / camping zones? However, I suspect keeping operating / maintenance costs as low as possible on Reiter will be important to it's long term viability.


Long-Term Goals
Bridges - Figure out replacement bridges for the Lake Isabel trail. I imagine the water crossing on the lower part of the trail may become an issue down the road. And eventually the upper bridge will probably be wiped out by either a storm or rot. Maybe it's a matter of felling some logs, positioning them and lashing them together but I suspect that one agency or another would want input on this. And doesn't the up-stream crossing at the lower Lake Isabel Trail location already have bridge abutments from way-back-when. There's also the water crossing on the Index Wall trail. The bridge deck is rotted but how about the abutments on the banks of Deer Creek? Are those sound?