Green Saves Green Member Meeting Minutes
Monday, August 12, 2024
5:30 p.m., Pasquotank County Library
Present: Cole Barlow, Karl Brandspigel, Nita Coleman, Craig Crutchfield, Perry Dunbar, Jane Elfring, David Fynn, Laura Granado, Marlene Greer, Steve Harris, Rodney Johnson, Charles Jordan, Steve King, Sandra Kruger, Bill Kruse, Sue Kruse, Cody Marks, Sue Miller, Anna Montero, Pete Nawrocky, Misti Rewis, Allison Rooney, Jane Snyder, John Spence, Jared Tardiff, Jeanne Tardiff, Steve VanGiesen, Abigail Villalba, Gail Ward, Ruth Wells, Nancy Wilson, Sheila Wrenn, Terry
Guests and Guest Speakers:
Jon Hawley, Grant Writer, Elizabeth City
Colleen Brown-McKinley, Grant Writer, Pasquotank County
Sean Clark, Director, Elizabeth City Parks and Recreation
Pasquotank River/Knobbs Creek Kayak Launches and Paddle Trails
Nita provided an overview of GSG’s many months of land and water exploration of the Pasquotank River and Knobbs Creek in search of potential kayak and canoe launch sites.
Jon and Colleen advised Elizabeth City and Pasquotank County have collaborated on a Great Trails State Grant application for a feasibility study to professionally evaluate potential kayak launch sites along the Pasquotank River and Knobbs Creek with the goal of building a network of public launch points for canoes, kayaks, and other rowing craft.
The professional study will include public input sessions, analysis of 12 sites, 4 of which will be prioritized and further detailed, and professional development of planning documents.
The cost of the study is $125,000. The grant will cover $100,000, with a $25,000 local match.
The grant proposal will be presented for approval to Pasquotank County Commissioners on Monday, Aug. 19, and to City Council on Monday, Aug. 26. Nita has been invited and plans to give a presentation on the paddle trails to the County Finance Committee on Aug 19 and speak briefly at the City Council meeting. GSG members are invited to attend the meetings and show support.
The deadline to submit the Pasquotank Blueways Development Study grant application is Sep. 3.
This is a one-time grant opportunity.
Having the feasibility study done will position the city/county for future construction grants. Construction grants require the kind of data a feasibility study provides.
If the grant is awarded, the study will begin in spring 2025 and be complete in spring 2026.
Jon and Colleen are asking for the public – individuals, organizations, and businesses – for letters in support of the Pasquotank Blueways to submit with the grant application. And, optionally, a pledge to commit funds to help meet the required local match. The show of public support will make the grant application more competitive and increase its prospects for approval.
Nita has received a sample letter from Jon which she will share with the group.
Letters should be addressed to Mayor E. Kirk Rivers and Charles Jordan, Chairman, Pasquotank County Board of Commissioners and sent to Jon Hawley at jhawley@elizabethcitync.gov.
John Spence mentioned it would be good to reach out to Camden County and get them to join the grant application. Jon will contact Camden County to inquire.
Motion and Vote
A motion was made to have GSG send a letter of support for the Pasquotank Blueways Study grant application. It was approved unanimously.
A request to include a monetary pledge in the letter will be sent to the board for approval.
Fenwick-Hollowell Wetlands Trail Sound of Plants
College of the Albemarle Professor Sandra Kruger advised her plant art/sound project is heading into Phase II. She will be recording underwater sounds and collecting plant data at the trail. She’s asking people to come out and help choose the plants. She will send us the dates when they are set.
GSG Suggestions for Litter Management
Nita advised the suggestions our group contributed for better litter management in the county was sent to and received by Pasquotank County Assistant Manager John Shannon. She checked with him recently, and he is still working on the revised county litter plan.
Upcoming Events
Camden Heritage Festival, 10am-3pm, Saturday, Sep. 21. GSG will have an exhibit at the festival. Misti and Marlene volunteered to set up and man our table. We need a few more volunteers.
Dismal Days, Dismal Swamp State Park, 10am-2pm, Oct. 12. Jared agreed to volunteer for GSG exhibit. We need more volunteers.
Next GSG meeting will be 5:30 p.m. Monday, Sep. 9 at the Pasquotank County Library.
A GSG Board meeting will follow immediately after.