I shrunk and compressed that one for the web.....

You should see the original. It's a poster quality masterpiece, with 3.2 megapixel goodness!

[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif[/img]

 

Print it out and I will hang it in my office!!! I am serious as my ofice looks like a barn, and it has old pictures of trains,barns, and fields in it.

 

If you really are serious, I do have quite a few pictures of that train for some weird reason....I was really bored.

 

I am SERIOUS!! I would love that shot, or some of the depot, or old barns in your area. The more the better. For years, I have wanted to have an office in my home that reflected the barn look. Guess it stems form my mohter always asking if I were "raised in a barn" Now I can tell her "yes"
I will send you pictures when the remodel project is further along. Hopefully, by the 28th, I will be thru with the main phase.

 

Most email programs attachment constraints will not allow very large file sizes. But if you think your inbox can handle it, I can email them today. If not, remind me again before the meeting, and I'll drop them onto a CD before the meeting.

Let me know.

 

I can handle 2mb. If they are bigger than that, send it to: gsettle@netversant.com

 

I'll check when I get home in about an hour.

 

Well, I know a few of you guys wrote in to "Another Point Of Veiw" to be featured in our Sunday paper, BUT, none of your letters made it into it. I have mixed feelings about this issue because I felt we would have made a tremendous impact by having our support letters in the same issue as the ATV article. However, after thinking it over, I'm sure your letters will be posted in the upcoming newspapers. This spreads the attention out to a wider group of readers and will bring more attention to our project. Although I initially was upset that our support letters didn't get published in this Sunday's paper, I now feel it will further our project with added exposure.

Since the letters that were already written didn't get into Sunday's paper (as expected) I'm sure they will show up in Tuesday or Wednesday's paper. If they don't, you can expect I'll be raising a BIG STINK about it to our news editor (whom I went to school with). They'll get posted FOR SURE sooner or later. Especially since our newspaper touts that they guarantee that all "points of veiw" will be acknowleded.

With that said, I would like to reiterate the fact that it would be beneficial to our project if everyone would go to www.seminoleproducer.com and scroll down on the left side until you see "Write Another Point Of Veiw".
Click on "Write Another Point Of Veiw" and write your support letter for the ATV trails at Sportsman Lake. This will make a big impact on the community and our city councilmen. Bob's point of veiw has already been posted and read - Gordon's will soon be in the paper as well - this is YOUR chance to have your opinion heard - UNCENSORED.

If you do plan to write "Another Point Of Veiw", I would suggest being polite and reaffirming how "fair" the ATVers are willing to be toward the equestrian riders. Below you will find the ATVers proposal for the ATV Sportsman Lake proposal:

REVISED VERSION 8-14-04

ORV (Off-Road Vehicle) Proposed Sportsman Lake Family Trails Project
“Preferred Development Plan”

Existing Site Conditions
Parking/Off-loading Area Phase 1
The proposed parking/off-loading area for Phase 1 of the ORV trails would be located directly across the road from the entrance to Cove 3 (see diagram). Since the Lake Ranger passes by this location several times each day, this location allows for easy access to monitor the trailhead and its visitors. The trailhead would need to be clearly marked so that visitors would know exactly where to enter and pay. Signage would also be needed to post the park fees, rules and disclaimers at the trailhead. It would also be advisable that each visitor signs a “Waiver of Liability” before entering the trail system. Parents would need to sign for those participants under the age of 18 (depending on Oklahoma law).

Phase 2
In Phase 2 of this project, the parking/off-loading area would be moved to Cove 7. At that time, the trailhead would be relocated as well. The ORV trails would begin at the entrance at Cove 7 and run northwesterly – winding up and around inside the lake property. The Trailhead is proposed to be placed directly across the street, on the west side that is, of the entrance to cove 7.
Once the visitors had parked and unloaded in Cove 7, a designated trail with appropriate signage, would direct them to the Trailhead. This trail would keep the ORVs off the park road and be a safer access to the trailhead.
The “main” trail would be designed as a loop and would end back at the trailhead.
When Phase 2 is enacted, it is requested that camping and RV pads be cleared for visitors who wish to primitive camp. Later, as funds are generated by the trail use, private donations and/or grant money is secured, these primitive campsites would be upgraded to improved campsites that offer water and electricity.

Another future improvement when funds become available would be the construction of a bathhouse.

Trail Location
The current proposed area of Phase 1 will encompass all City property located on the southwest side of the main park thoroughfare. This area is currently undeveloped and would allow users the benefit of a trail system that would not interfere with other lake users.
The orange area located at the top of the proposed area of Phase 1 represents a buffer zone. This buffer zone has been proposed to keep noise from interfering with the equestrian trailhead.
Please note that phase 1 no longer encompasses any area in Cove 3. To accomplish this, the trails would use the right-of-way to pass from the southern land area to the northern land area. This proposed change will eliminate multiple road crossings.

It is still proposed that the equestrian riders, who wish to use these trails, are more than welcome to do so.
It is also still proposed that the ATV trails would be closed to ATV use when the equestrian community hosts their sanctioned riding events.

Trailhead/Entrance - Operations of the Trailhead/Money Collections
There are several potential possibilities to operate the trailhead for monetary collections. Following is an example of a few.
1) The ORV trailhead could be operated on the honor system much like the equestrian trails. However, it has been reported that some patrons have not been as honorable as they should. This system does not seem to be an effective means of accurate operation and/or collection.
2) An unpaid volunteer could be sought who would agree to collect money at the trailhead. This individual would need to be trustworthy, as he would be handling large amounts of cash.
3) A paid volunteer could be sought to work on a commission basis. An example would be to pay the volunteer 10% of the daily gate fee generated from the ATV trails.
(Example: 50 riders X $5.00 gate fee = $250.00 X 10% = $25.00 for the day)
4) Another alternative could be to build an RV pad at the trailhead to accommodate a Park Host. Electricity is already available at the trailhead, but water and sewage is not. If the Park Host’s RV was water and sewer self-contained, they could periodically use the main camping area dump station and water facilities to dump and restock their RV tanks.
The city would pay for the Park Host’s water and electricity. The Park Host could be totally volunteer or they could be paid a commission as described above or other means.

Method of Trail Use Enforcement
Each rider would be affixed with a strong, numbered paper bracelet (utilized at Lake Murray) with its corresponding numbers written on the “Waiver of Liability” and in the user fee logbook. This bracelet could be used to identify any rider on the trail at any time using the corresponding numbers. This bracelet would be used to identify those riders who have, or do not have, permission to be on the trail. Any rider caught on the trail without their bracelet would be fined and/or banned from the park.

Trail Design
It is proposed that the trail be a long looping trail that has the following characteristics:
a) The trails should be long enough to convey a sense of adventure for the riders. Due to the heavily wooded feature of the proposed area, along with the fluctuating terrain, it may be possible to construct up to 20 miles of winding, slow riding trails.
b) The trails should observe a 150’ buffer from any dwelling or roadway (excepting in areas where the trails must cross the road near cove 3).
c) The trail system should be laid out in a loop system, with loops that depart and return to the point of beginning. These trails should be a one-way system with consistent markings to direct riders, and to designate degrees of difficulty.
d) There should be widened areas along the trails to allow tired riders to rest.
e) The trails should offer several degrees of difficulty from beginner to advanced.
f) Access roads for emergency personnel may need to be implemented.
g) An occasional kiosk would be preferred to show riders where they are and how far they are from the trailhead.
h) A kiosk that maps the trails should also be placed at the trailhead.

Park Enforcement
Whether a Park Host or a volunteer is utilized in operating the trailhead, that person should have access to either a police radio or some type of two-way radio to contact the Lake Ranger. Cell phones are unreliable in the Sportsman Lake area.
In case of an emergency, the volunteer could contact the Lake Ranger and have him onsite in as little as a few minutes.

Site/Trail Care and Maintenance Practices
Objective:
The purpose of the Care and Maintenance Practices (CMP) is to aid in developing the facility in a manner so that it does not have an adverse effect on the environment within the Sportsman Lake area or the community surrounding it. Trail development is the key focus of this proposal, but proper Care and Maintenance Practices (CMP) are just as important in order to address erosion and environmental impact issues. The management group and trail participants must operate and use the facility in a manner that is in the best interest of the City of Seminole, park users, environment and the public in general.
Any type of trail use, whether it is ORVs, Equestrian or hiking trails, or other type of trail, erosion and environmental concerns will always be a concern. The best trail Care and Maintenance Practices (CMP) should always be used while operating any trail system.
The ORV users would be responsible for trail maintenance and repair.

Trail Layout
Trail location is the single most important factor in preventing erosion. The following information is an “outline” of dos and don’ts in trail construction.
· Locate trails in dry, well-drained areas. Avoid areas that remain constantly wet & muddy.
· Locate trails on the most stable soil available.
· Never use drains or ditches as trails.
· Locating trails on side slopes will allow sufficient water run-off.
· Locate the trail to minimize the removal of trees and shrubs. Vegetation is instrumental in strengthening soil structure and reducing erosion.
· Locate trails to offer the rider a multitude of experiences and provide access to significant features. Trail users will create their own trails to reach interesting areas. Properly constructed trails even through unstable areas provide far less erosion potential than rogue trails created by users attempting to reach a desirable location.
· Provide a vegetated buffer of sufficient width and density between the trails and other park users.
· Align the trail to provide variable grades.
· Locate the majority of the trail on slopes between 2 and 10% where possible.
· Align trails in a zigzag like manner to aid in water run-off and lessen erosion.
· Align the trails away from main water bodies by using vegetation as a buffer.
· Minimize the number of stream crossings.
· Locate stream crossings in areas with stable, firm banks.
· Never use streambeds as trails.
· Use the minimum trail width necessary for safe travel.
· Install cross-drain culverts as needed.
· Install drainage-dips at appropriate intervals along the trail system.
· Install turnouts/wing ditches as needed.
· Restore vegetation in bare soil areas susceptible to erosion.

Trail Construction Guidelines
There are many books outlining proper trail construction and maintenance. Mike Grant currently has possession of one of these books entitled, “Park Guidelines for Off-Highway Vehicles” written by George E. Fogg, 2002. This book is promoted and supported by the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC).
Other publications for reference are:
Hesselbarth, Woody and Brian Vachowski. Trail Construction and Maintenance Notebook, 2000 Edition. USDA Forest Service: Technology and Development Program, 2000.

Meyer, Kevin G. Managing Degraded Off-Highway Vehicle Trails in Wet, Unstable and Sensitive Environments. USDA Forest Service: Technology and Development Program, Missoula, MT, 2002.

Turton, Donald, Steven Anderson and Robert Miller. Best Management Practices for Forest Road Construction and Harvesting Operations in Oklahoma. Cooperative Extension Service, Oklahoma State University.

Off-Highway Motorcycle & ORV Trails Guidelines for Design, Construction, Maintenance and User Satisfaction by Joe Wernex 2nd Edition / American Motorcyclists Association (AMA)

Costs and Funding
Costs for this project will be minimal. Most of the costs involved in constructing a trail system come through labor costs. As you have read in many of the support letters, and on the petitions, there are many volunteers who have committed to taking on the task of constructing and maintaining the trails with no cost to the city. Other user groups such as the OCCRA and NOHVCC have offered their experience and expertise in trail design and construction as well.
Since this proposal does not include any major buildings, fencing or other large ticket items, it would be reasonable to consider that any costs would be so minimal that private donations and user group funds could be raised to cover any costs.
Comparable Trail Systems
It has been an unsuccessful task to find any trails in Oklahoma that are comparable with what is being proposed for this project. Other trails are either larger or smaller in scale, different in terrain and/or managed completely different than what this proposal seeks. It is perceived that these differences give this project an advantage. Different is good. These differences will attract riders who are seeking new and different riding experiences.
Other trails, trail managers, City Managers and Park Managers have been contacted and surveyed in order to implement the best management system for this project. Information from other trails and trails managers aided in implementing this management system which will be referred to as S.U.C.C.E.S.S.:
a) Soundly profitable – Over 98% profitable
b) User friendly – Easy to read and understand signage.
c) Creative recreation - Provides a great riding experience for the rider.
d) Cost effective – Minimal startup costs.
e) Easy to manage – On-site manger operates the trails and reports revenue to the Lake Ranger.
f) Simple to maintain – Very low maintenance = litter control and erosion control
g) Self supporting – Ongoing revenue for the lake that would allow it to be totally self-sufficient.

Projected Revenue
Although there are no nearby trails that can be compared to this project, the information that has been gathered has offered some insight on what the Sportsman trails can expect.
Based on information gathered from Lake Murray’s Peach Orchard ORV trails, Prague Lake’s ORV trails and Stillwater’s Mud, Sweat and Gears trails, the following determination has been projected.
The Sportsman Lake trails can expect (calculating on the low side) an average of approximately 40 riders per day on Saturdays and Sundays and approximately 8 riders per day throughout the week.

52 weekends X 2 days = 104 weekend days X 40 riders = 4160 riders X $5.00 each = $20,800.00 per yr.
52 weeks X 5 weekdays = 260 weekdays X 8 riders = 2080 riders X $5.00 each = $16,640.00 per yr.
Estimating 25% of 4160 riders will camp at least one night = 1040 campers X 8.00 = $8,320.00
Total Projected Annual Revenue = $45,760.00

The above information does not consider holidays, 3 day weekends or vacation time for potential visitors. These extra days will increase the annual amount to a higher number.
This information also does not take into account how many extra boat permits will be generated from visitors who bring both their boat “and” their ORV. The added boat permits will also raise the annual revenue amount.

References Annual Revenue Areas in need of improvement
Stillwater’s Mud, Sweat and Gears = $13,000.00-$25,000.00 per yr. (No on-site Mgmnt., no camping)
Prague = Prague Lake Trails = approximately $35,000.00 per yr. (Unadvertised, non-looping trails)
Lake Murray’s Peach Orchard ORV = approx. $140,000.00 per yr. (Little advertisement, no signage)

Future Funding and Improvements
What will the trials look like in 5 years?
Grants from the Recreational Trails Program (RTP = 80/20 match) and Land and Water Conservation Program (LWCP = 50/50 match) will be pursued for future projects. The City or group responsible for the operation of the facility will need to apply, and compete for the grant funds against other facilities, cities and other public agencies.
In five years the trails are expected to still be open, making a profit and have the following amenities:
a) Bathhouse with pay showers.
b) Paved parking lot and park roads.
c) Future land acquisitions of adjacent properties, making the trail area larger.
d) Improved campsites with full RV hookups.
e) A guardhouse at the trailhead for the overseer.
The finished goal of this project is to make the Sportsman Lake trails a state-of-the-art facility that will attract thousands of visitors from across the country.

Adjacent Land and Noise Concerns
The adjacent lands to the proposed trail area are privately owned. The properties are covered with trees and underbrush, which is perfect for sound buffering and noise reduction. Due to the combination of the trees, underbrush and terrain, there should be no reduction in the quality of life, peacefulness of the lake or noise concerns to adjacent landowners or other park users.
A test was conducted at the Lake Murray, Peach Orchard ORV Park in which participants stood at the trailhead to observe noise levels. It was determined by 4 different participants that, even though there were 144 ORVs on the Peach Orchard trails at the time of this test, the noise level from the ORVs were absolute zero.
It is therefore conceivable that proper buffer zones and natural sound barriers are an effective means of noise reduction.
Noise Control
Proper baffles will be required on every ORV allowed at the Sportsman Lake trails. Regulations stipulate that ORV exhaust noise levels should not exceed 96 decibels. It is recommended that this regulation be strictly enforced at the Sportsman Lake ORV trails.
Proper buffer zones and the use of the natural resources (trees, underbrush, terrain) will be utilized in all areas of concern.

Riding Times
The City of Seminole authorities should stipulate riding times, but it is recommended that the hours available to ride be from dawn-til-dusk. Although there are variations (some parks are open 24 hours a day), the majority of ORV parks follow the dawn-til-dusk guideline.

Shared Trails
It is recognized that the equestrian riders are now attempting to secure the same property that this proposal seeks. Any equestrian rider will be welcomed and respected on these trails from the ORV (Off Road Vehicle) community. If any equestrian rider possesses a horse that is not comfortable around ORVs, they could still have an enjoyable riding experience utilizing the already existing 18 miles of equestrian trails. The ORV community has “no desire” to use the existing equestrian trails and would respect their privacy and their right to ride uninhibited.
It is also recognized that the equestrian riders are seeking this property to extend their trails in order to secure three major sanctioned events each year for their riding association. The ORV community respects their desire to hold these sanctioned events and offer the following:
During these three sanctioned equestrian events, the trails would be shut down to ORVs. The equestrian riders would be allowed full use of ALL the trail systems during their sanctioned events. This would allow the equestrian riders the opportunity to hold their events completely inclusive with no distractions.
The ORV community would also like to host sanctioned events and request the trails be closed off to equestrian riding during their events as well.
During the rest of the year the trails would be open to ORVs and equestrians alike. Allowing hikers, joggers and bicyclists on the trails would be determined by the Lake Board and City Council.
Economic Impact
Aside from the projected $45,760.00 from fees collected for the ORV trail system and camping, there are other economic factors that will impact this community. Here are some examples:
a) Tourism dollars – Visitors to the community would be spending tens of thousands of dollars per year in places throughout the community such as motels, restaurants, fueling stations, grocery stores, etc…
b) Sanctioned events – There are organizations like the OCCRA who have over 500 local members and have offered to hold sanctioned ORV events at the Sportsman Trails. These events draw hundreds of visitors and participants who will not only be paying trail and camping fees, but spending thousands of dollars into the local economy as mentioned above. One report from an OCCRA member stated that each event generates between $14,000.00 - $21,000.00 per weekend into the local economy.
c) Potential new businesses – With a nearby ORV trail, it is a strong temptation for entrepreneurs to open an ORV dealership, along with a parts and service department. With the average ORV costing in the neighborhood of $6,000.00, an ORV dealership would generate thousands of dollars in tax revenue.

In conclusion
ORVing is the fastest growing family oriented sport in America today. The ORV community consists mostly of families who have found an enjoyable way to spend time together. Since it is a sport for all ages, everyone can enjoy a weekend spent exploring nature’s beauty.
Most ORVers are responsible riders who respect the environment and the enjoyment of others. They are lawyers, business owners, custodians, police officers, wives, husbands, children, grandparents, etc… ORVers are your neighbors next door and your friends across town. They are people just like you who are looking for a place to spend time with their family and friends. Sportsman Lake is a great area where this family time can take place.
The ORV community appreciates your time and consideration and hope you realize what a wonderful opportunity you could provide for your community and its citizens.

 

who all is going to make the meeting?

so far, the river is looking good

 

I'll be there. Are we going to cook again? I'll bring whatever we need. Meat, buns, chips, drinks.

Tyler