The January meeting of the Tuna Valley Trail Association (TVTA) board of directors was held this past Tuesday.

At the meeting, plans were discussed for the upcoming Winter Trek 2017 to be held from noon to 4 p.m. on Feb. 12 at the Marilla Reservoir.

The event provides an opportunity for the community to cross country ski, snowshoe, geocache, ice fish, or hike. Skis and snowshoes will be available for those that would like to test their skills.  

The Winter Trek is free and open to the public. A bonfire and refreshments will be provided.

Additionally, this year’s We Gotta Regatta kayaking and canoeing trip is scheduled for June 3, and details were discussed.

The Regatta event, along with the Marilla Trail Race scheduled for Oct. 14, are the major fundraising events for the TVTA. It was noted that without the funds raised through participation and sponsorships associated with these two events, the $21,000 worth of repairs to the McDowell Trail that were completed in 2016 would not have been possible.  

Directors also noted that TVTA memberships and donations have dropped significantly and can not cover trail and equipment maintenance activities alone.

A report regarding the proposed trail from the new trailhead in Lewis Run, developed by Keystone Powdered Metal, to Kinzua Bridge State Park, was provided.

Several meetings have been held recently to review easements, maps and past efforts.  

Site visits along the proposed trail were also conducted and discussed. Concentration on the section from Lewis Run to Droney Road has been tagged as Phase 1, and several challenges along this route are being addressed.

A concept report, plan and drawings have been received from Derck and Edson of Landscape Architect, Land Planners and Engineers for the Marilla Landing and Cornelius Connection Trailhead area across from Marilla Reservoir. Distribution of these materials to board members will occur before the next meeting.

Additional organization information is available on Facebook and at www.tunavalleytrail.com.

The next board meeting will be held on Feb. 7.