The February meeting of the Tuna Valley Trail Association (TVTA) board of directors was held this past Tuesday.
At the meeting, plans were finalized for Winter Trek 2017 to be held from noon to 4 p.m. this Sunday at the Marilla Reservoir.
Unfortunately this year, the weather will not be favorable for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing; these activities will be postponed until 2018. Instead, hiking and walking portions of the Marilla trail network will be the activity of choice.
Shuttles to the top of Marilla Springs Trail will be offered from noon to 2:30 p.m., and other options include the new Hidden Valley/Cornelius Connection Loop, White Pine Trail and the Marilla Rocks Trail.
Ice fishing is discouraged, but enough open water will offer traditional fishing opportunities for those wishing to try their luck.
The bonfire near the gazebo, as well as warm drinks, hot dogs and s’mores will still be available. Donations will be accepted.
The trail plan for the Lewis Run to Kinzua Bridge State Park was also discussed. Some new developments regarding land ownership along the proposed trail route will be presenting new challenges for consideration.
The concept report, plan and drawings for Marilla Landing and Cornelius Connection Trailhead area across from Marilla Reservoir were reviewed and discussed. Several options were considered, and a plan was selected by the board for further development by Derck and Edson Landscape Architect, Land Planners and Engineers.
This year’s We Gotta Regatta kayak and canoe event date has been confirmed for June 3, which is a few weeks later than the past events in the hopes for better weather. The afternoon activities will once again take place at Crook Farm, with a pig roast and music by the No Name Trio.
The event checklist was reviewed and discussed.
The first meeting for the 2017 Marilla Trail Race committee is scheduled for next week. With many of the event’s pieces firmly in place and established, the focus of the committee’s efforts will be on fine-tuning the race to further enhance its experience.
The race is scheduled for Oct. 14.
Also at the TVTA meeting, the trail maintenance committee reported that numerous tree blowdowns have been addressed, especially on the Marilla Springs Trail.
The recent heavy rain and runoff that caused many problems throughout the region also affected a couple of areas within the Tuna Valley Trail System. It was noted that portions of the Springs Trail will need further attentions due to several washouts that occurred.
A debris cleanup was also completed on the Crook Farm Trail after the elevated Tunungwant Creek water levels receded.
Additional TVTA organizational information is available on Facebook and at www.tunavalleytrail.com.
The next board meeting will be held on March 1.
