Message For PSJA Members-Directors From - Elaine West

Stephen C. West · Post by **Stephen C. West** » Sat Sep 12, 2009 11:39 am

To: Port St. James Association Board Members and Association Members

Re: Plastic sign attached to Hidden Valley trail head and large rocks blocking the trail

From: Elaine West

Dear PSJA Board and PSJA Members,

Several weeks ago I received a call from Jack Spanhak, asking if I had noticed any motorcycles or all terrain vehicles using Hidden Valley Trail. He asked because our property abuts the trail and our home is less than 100 yards away. Not only are our windows open all summer long letting us know whatâ??s happening on the trail, but I personally walk the trail nearly every day, all year round.

I told Mr. Spanhak that I had never heard such vehicles on the trail, nor had I noticed any tracks or disturbance in the ground that would indicate such use. In addition, I have a trail cam that was on a tree adjacent to the trail for three weeks in July of this year. I had lots of photos of hikers, mountain bikers and wildlife â?? not a single picture of motorized vehicles in the bunch.

Apparently disregarding my observations, someone has taken action by screwing a tacky plastic â??no motorized vehiclesâ? sign into the lovely, natural wood trail marker. It is similar to those now defunct and badly worded â??Common Propertyâ? signs that we all paid for and were then happy to see removed several years ago. Also, two huge rocks have been placed to block the trail head.

I have two questions and one request for the PSJA Board:
Question 1: Who authorized the action of the plastic plaque and placing the stones?
Question 2: Was any consideration given to the long winter months when (God bless them) snowmobilers keep that trail open to hikers, X-country skiers and our wildlife?
Is the board aware that during the winter many large trees have fallen across the trail and snowmobilers have taken their chain saws deep into the woods to cut and remove the deadfall? As a PSJA member who utilizes the trail throughout the winter, I believe the snowmobilers provide a valuable service (and do no harm to the snow-packed trail). If the stones are left in place the snowmobilers will have no access to the trail and it will be virtually useless to all for the winter season.
My Request: I ask that this letter be read aloud at the annual meeting and a roll call vote of the board be taken either affirming the actions on Hidden Valley Trail or make a decision to remove the large rocks and place more appropriate signage at the trail head.

For years I have worked diligently on Hidden Valley Trail. I pick up litter, move small logs, call for assistance in removing deadfall throughout the fall and winter, and have even worked with students from BICS on grooming the trail. Further, I volunteer my services to keep an ear out and an eye on the trail. I would certainly investigate myself and report any unlawful use of the trail by motorized vehicles.

Sincerely,
Elaine West - Port St. James resident

John Bolton · Post by **John Bolton** » Sat Sep 12, 2009 12:54 pm

Elaine,
You do not seem to understand the mindset particular to boards and committees. It's not about what has happened, it is about what could happen, what may happen and what happened to somebody else, somewhere else.

Back in the mid 1980's there were then board members of the PSJA who actually brought up the idea at the annual picnic that a solid wood, six foot high fence should be errected along Donegal Bay road starting right where it first reaches the water, (to be paid for by the Association, btw,) in order to, "Discourage people from wanting to stop there at the Association's beach for swimming and susnsets."
It was pointed out that the very reason folks came to the island in the first place was because it wasn't covered with ad signage, keep out signage and access denial fencing, etc..
Persons unamed then suggested that we (the PSJA) pay for a local person to walk up and down the beach asking for proof of membership and to measure how far off the water non members were setting to make sure no one was infringing on the Association's beach property by being more than 15 feet from the water line. Then this enforcement person was supposed to "Hold people who would not cooperate or move on in some kind of citizens arrest until the Sheriff could be called."
Fortunately, better minds prevailed when it was brought up that, "Who in the World would want THAT job??"
I am not kidding, I was an eyewitness to this meeting.

There was some fencing put up after that in the area and signs were posted all over it to keep out, etc.
I heard rumor the BIRA (Beaver Island republican Army) burned it over the winter later that year, however, It was never confirmed.
Unfortunately, these sign people, as I think of them, are not going to give up with out a fight.
Please keep up your vigilance, Elaine, both on the trail and on the Board ....and keep the rest of us "posted".

AEW · Post by **AEW** » Sat Sep 12, 2009 1:19 pm

This is why so many refuse to EVER live in the PSJ... I would hope someone would remove the 35mph sign right at the turn at Donegal Bay, I really think someone could get hurt who was not familiar with the curve....

Viva La Hay Seeders!!!!!!!!!

Post by **Gillespie** » Sat Sep 12, 2009 4:25 pm

From Wikepedia:

"While these camps housed criminals of all types, the Gulag system has become primarily known as a place for political prisoners and as a mechanism for repressing political opposition to the Soviet state. Though it imprisoned millions, the name became familiar in the West only with the publication of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's 1973 The Gulag Archipelago, which likened the scattered camps to "a chain of islands."

And, from "Galway Bay":

"For the strangers came and tried to teach us their way
They scorned us just for being what we are
But they might as well go chasing after moonbeams
Or light a penny candle from a star."

John Bolton · Post by **John Bolton** » Sat Sep 12, 2009 9:14 pm

Im not sure what your smoking Rich, but I'm sure that our beloved PSJ has not yet reached Gulag status... at least here on Indian Woods
A condo association, perhaps, but not quite yet a camp......

Kim Connaghan Jones · Post by **Kim Connaghan Jones** » Sat Sep 12, 2009 9:36 pm

Nice choice Richie

Unbelievable how they come here for a visit,think wow I love it,move here and want to change everything about it.In other words what Richie is saying is,ain't gonna happen.

John Bolton · Post by **John Bolton** » Sat Sep 12, 2009 9:45 pm

Oh, So now we will need to construct an interpertive center to better help us understand Richie's musings.....

BTW "It WILL happen here" if the majority doesnt put its' collective foot down every once in a while.....

Post by **Gillespie** » Sat Sep 12, 2009 9:51 pm

No need to wonder, I wrote my reply before I had consumed, now I have and as I read it I can only smile! The problem is everyone wants their perfect world, they just don't want anyone else in it. I remember being "Opie" in this little town and having my father give me "Nuggies" many times to inform me of the fact that we needed those people to survive, what he never had a chance to tell me is that we would eventually be their servants, maybe I struggle a little with that.They came her for our history now they want us to be. Confused?" Stand in line...................

John Bolton · Post by **John Bolton** » Sun Sep 13, 2009 1:51 pm

Perhaps we should step back and address the issue at hand.
I agree with Elaine on the question of who is placing the plastic sign up on the trailhead, who decided to place boulders in the trailhead, what was their justification and what to do about the fact that it creates havoc with our snowmachiners, as they are a benefit to the Island's general trail system.
Were the folks who placed the boulders aware of the benefit of the snowmachiners having access?
Do they walk the trail in the spring and see the needed clean up?

As a member of PSJ, I believe that all board members do act in good faith. I also assume that they will answer Elaine questions, be willing to discuss the issue and explain their actions....

and we know that they are out their lurking on this forum.

kathleen belfy antkoviak · Sun Sep 13, 2009 2:18 pm

Woodrow, do you think it is necessary to drive down any road on the Island @ 55mph?

BI Pirate · Post by **BI Pirate** » Sun Sep 13, 2009 4:11 pm

I'm not Woodhead but the answer to the question is: YES! I know Michigan law rather well having found myself on the other side of it once or twice. I believe I am correct in the fact that any country or state road in Michigan that does not have a posted speed limit, to include gravel roads, is 55 MPH. That means once outside the black top in the harbor, 55MPH is the law. For Woodhead's sake, that includes all roads in Port St. James, so 55 it is from the Resale Shop to Buddy Martin's Trail.

Skull&CrossBones
Jack Sparrow

kathleen belfy antkoviak · Sun Sep 13, 2009 4:39 pm

I didn't say anything about that being the law or not Pirate.I simply asked if he thought it necessary to drive that fast? And my answer is NO. I would think others would agree as well.

BI Pirate · Post by **BI Pirate** » Sun Sep 13, 2009 5:20 pm

And the answer is still YES. Time is money when you got places to be and things to do. Plus with the law on your side, who is going to stop you? Why just let the hayseeds drive that fast?

Skull&CrossBones
Jack Sparrow

kathleen belfy antkoviak · Sun Sep 13, 2009 6:46 pm

Well Mr BI Pirate, try this on for size. Hypothetically speaking, say you were driving down Donegal Bay road, or any given gravel road on the island, and you hit 3 consecutive potholes and loose control, and find yourself wrapped around a tree.Don't be suprised if you were ticketed for driving too fast for conditions.

BI Pirate · Post by **BI Pirate** » Sun Sep 13, 2009 7:18 pm

Excellent point. The law says I am free to make that decision for myself. If I have no reason to believe the conditions would prohibit my driving at the 55 MPH speed limit, it is their burden to prove otherwise. But let's go with your hypothetical, I never wear my seat belt so I'm probably dead with I hit the tree. Are you happy now that I can't testify on my behalf? I am, because I'm free to make those decisions for myself and nothing should take that from me.
I hate laws, rules and signs amoung other things. What say you, we get stoked some night and with my 4x4 and log chain we rip out all the signs on the island? Before we had STOP signs we knew how and when to stop. Before we had 25 MPH plastered all around the harbor we knew not to drive fast there. Before we had the ugly flashing strobe light at the school we all knew to be alert when our kids were there.
What say you, are you with me for a night ride?

Skull&CrossBones
Jack Sparrow