IATC History Chapter 38 (2018): IATC Implements Big Changes
IATC History
Chapter 38: 2018
IATC IMPLEMENTS BIG CHANGES
January – March: More Digital Use in the Future
Going into 2019, and the club’s 40th year in existence, board members were looking at major changes in personnel and policy. Both President Kirt Lenard and Secretary Kathleen Petty were stepping down as well as three board members. However, a lengthy vacancy as club treasurer was filled by Mary Jo Barlow.
Tom Anderson proposed a proper celebration for the club’s 40-year anniversary and was promptly appointed chairman of the planning committee.
In his “Report,” Lenard cited the need for critical changes to keep the club vibrant. He said the need to adapt to the digital era would enable the club to “effectively reach the broadest possible audience and to attract a more diverse cross section of groups within our community.”
Advocacy VP David Kappler discussed various projects, but focused on efforts to acquire the Bergsma property on Cougar Mountain’s east slope to avoid implementation of a housing project in the area surrounded by green space.
Before her departure from the club, Gail Folkins penned an editorial stressing the proper etiquette for hiking with a dog. She focused on using a leash, picking up poop and bringing water and snacks for the dogs.
The City of Issaquah’s Parks Chairman Jeff Watling reviewed projects present and future in one article (see next issue) and another noted long-time Open Space Steward Matt Mechler has been given broader authority as Parks Operation Supervisor. He has eight full-time staff as well as additional seasonal employees.
A reprinted article by Bill Longwell told the history of the Bullitt house and surviving fireplace near the Squak Mountain summit.
April – June: Broad Changes to IATC
At the club’s annual meeting on January 25, an overflow crowd the Railroad Depot primarily to hear a panel discussion on “Community, Conservancy and Capacity, Loving Our Public Lands to Death.” This was followed the annual meeting and its overhaul in leadership.
Issaquah Mary Lou Pauly made an introductory speech, in which she stated: “We have to get it done and get it right, referring to public lands. The panel members were Laurie Benson (Washington Department of Natural Resources), Ingrid Lundin (King County Conservation Futures), and Jeff Watling (Issaquah Parks). The panelists focused on the area’s rapid growth and the importance of dealing with the risks inherent in such growth.
Ken Konigsmark led a post-panel question and answer session and also made a presentation about the growth of the Issaquah Alps Trails Club. Outgoing president Kirt Lenard discussed the need for fund-raising and the importance of increased diversity within the club’s leadership.
The club’s business meeting brought new faces and diversity to the board, with VP David Kappler the only holdover member of the Executive Board and three new faces of the Board of Directors.
John Sherwin was elected the new president and David Dunphy as president-elect. Mary Jo Barlow was officially elected as club treasurer filling a position empty for months, and new board member Steve Payne as secretary. The other new board members besides Payne were Denice Carnahan and Joy Kacoroski, replacing Gail Folkins, Doug Simpson and Steve Williams.
Advocacy Vice-President Dave Kappler told of the importance of hikers utilizing the county’s shuttlebus system as popular trailheads have been overrun with hikers and parking spaces difficult to find. “Save Cougar Mountain” and the ownership of the Bergsma property were discussed as well.
“A Family of Doers” featured long-time member Debbie Anschell (her name applied to Debbie’s View on Squak Mountain years ago) and her daughter-in-law Bree Loewen, an author who described her experiences with Seattle Mountain Rescue (see attached feature story).
Reprinted were articles on Cougars Precipice area by Charles McCrone and “Oil Changes on Squak” by Bill Longwell.
July – September: Kappler Honored
David Kappler was selected for the City of Issaquah’s Honor Roll, for citizens making a lasting contribution to the community. The award was presented at the May 8 meeting of the Greater Issaquah Chamber of Commerce.
Kappler was nominated by IATC’s Ken Konigsmark. He wrote: “Dave Kappler has served and made enormous impact on Issaquah and its surroundings for over four decades. . . He had a major impact on environmental and land use issues.” IATC’s other Hall of Famer is club founder Harvey Manning.
In his Advocacy Report, Kappler discussed Cougar Mountain’s “Save Cougar Mountain” effects, the threat to clear cut Cougar’s DeLeo Wall area, Issaquah’s Strategic Park and Recreation Plan and the proposed Mountains to Sound Gateway at exit 20 off I-90.
Konigsmark reported on King County Executive Dow Constantine’s initiative to purchase the best remaining conservation lands in King County. It proposes to purchase 65,000 acres of open space within a 20-30 year time frame.
Jeff Watling of Issaquah Parks and Recreation presented a 105-page booklet discussing the city’s long-range plans and aspirations. The plan has five themes: Placemaking, Connectivity, Innovative Thought, Vital Environment and Active Lifestyles, too numerous to explain here.
The plan resulted from a survey of 359 participants, 185 from Issaquah. The highest rated projects were acquisition of properties along creeks and preserving open space (90% favorability), expanding the community center (83%), additional trails (79%) and additional playgrounds (75%).
Trail news: a section of the Tiger Mountain Trail between Ruth’s Cove and Fred’s Corner was being closed while being rerouted due to the cost of replacing a bridge over boggy turf. . . King County Parks completed a 1000 foot turnpike (raised ground trail) over a muddy section of the East Fork Trail. . . the John Wayne Pioneer Trail and Iron Horse State Park Trail was renamed to the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail.
October – December: Mission Statement Issued
The club published IATC’s official mission statement, wanting to make its purpose for its existence clear. It concludes: “The IATC engages the public to Preserve, Protect and Promote lands, trails and wildlife of the Issaquah Alps for present and future generations.”
Club records on hikes present an alarming picture. From January to June, 20 of the 60 scheduled hikes were cancelled. Bad weather is partly to blame, but in other cases fewer than two people showed up, another reason to cancel.
The second stage of Issaquah’s Strategic Parks Plan was discussed. The city’s park system has 61.5 miles of trails, most within the city limits. Urban trails totaled 11 miles. Any park system’s strength is measured in acres of park land per thousands of population. Issaquah rates well above the national average. Using the official 2013 population of 48,509, the value of the city’s parks inventory is $187,949,754, or $3,874 per person.
Club icon Bill Longwell had two of his past articles reprinted: one about the railroad trestle that used to cross Highway 10 (now I-90), and the other about a Halloween Bust of a Longwell contingent camping out atop Squak Mountain near the radio towers. Charges were thrown out in court.
It was reported that the Trailhead Direct busing service was working well, averaging close to 200 people boarding each day, totaling 10,000 boarding for hikes through the end of July.
There were three new hike leaders in 2018: David Dunphy, Monica Poinescu and Steve Payne.
Note to readers: This article completes my 40-year (1979-2018) history of the Issaquah Alps Trails Club with information taken primarily from the printed copies of the Alpiner. It is my hope that these articles have been appreciated and that they will be printed in a book to provide a reasonable record of the club’s history for posterity. Thanks to those faithful readers of my articles. –Doug Simpson