Trails Committee

Duties and Responsibilities

Advise the director or designee:

• Make recommendations about trail trends, practices, methods, equipment, and technologies.

Assist the director or designee:

• Define trail issues and problems, and make appropriate recommendations.

Advocate for trails:

• Advocate for the needs of community trail users and encourage public support for trails.
• Advocate for the responsible use of trails.

Trail development and maintenance:

• Recruit volunteers and organize work parties to perform trail maintenance and trail development.
• Participate in Park District work parties.

Trails Committee Administrative Rules and Guidelines

Purpose

The purpose of this committee shall be to assist the Bainbridge Island Metropolitan Park and Recreation District and Trails Program Manager on the District’s trail system as follows:

1. Work Party Support
2. Community Outreach & Advocacy
3. Information & History
4. Report Trail Issues

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Work Party Support
   1. Recruit volunteers and assist at work parties to perform trail maintenance and development with District staff.
   2. The District has final say on trail development and maintenance.
2. Community Outreach & Advocacy
   1. Advocate for the needs of community trail users and encourage public support for trails.
   2. Advocate for the responsible use of trails.
3. Information & History
   1. Research trail trends, practices, methods, equipment, and technologies.
   2. Provide history and knowledge of the historical development of island trail systems.
4. Report Trail Issues
   1. Report trail issues to the Trails Program Manager (ex., downed trees, structural repairs, etc.)

Membership

1. The Trails Committee shall be composed as follows:
   1. Residents of Bainbridge Island who have an interest in trails; are effective advocates and ambassadors for the District’s trails program; and can work cooperatively and respectfully with the public, other committee members, and District staff.
   2. The Committee shall consist of five (5) to seven (7) Members. Members shall be appointed by the Division Director and serve a minimum of one (1) year and may serve up to two (2) consecutive years before reapplying to the committee. Those interested in becoming a Member must submit an application and agree to adhere to the established rules and guidelines.
   3. General attendance is encouraged, and all meetings are open to the community.
   4. Members shall represent a wide variety of trail users, and may include bikers, stock users, hikers, runners, walkers, etc.
   5. One (1) District Liaison as designated by Park Division Director.
   6. One (1) to two (2) Park Board Liaison(s) may attend meetings.
   7. One (1) Parks and Trails Foundation Liaison may be appointed to oversee fundraising opportunities and advise on intra-park trail connections.
   8. Members of the Trails Committee serve at the pleasure of the Park Division Director and may be removed by the Park Division Director in the best interests of the Park District.

Officers

1. The Trails Committee shall be chaired by the District Liaison.
2. The District Liaison shall preside at the Committee meetings and shall present the Committee’s business to the Park Division Director monthly.
3. Committee minutes may be taken at each meeting.

Committee Meetings

1. Meetings will be led by the District Liaison. The District Liaison, or their designee, must be present to hold an official meeting.
2. The Trails Committee shall meet at least once per quarter. Additional meetings may be scheduled by the District as projects require.
3. Meetings may be held in person or remotely.
4. The Committee agenda shall be set by the District Liaison and emailed to Committee Members prior to meeting. Committee members may submit additional agenda topics pending District review and approval.
5. Members must attend seventy-five (75) percent of meetings to remain in good standing.
6. Members must attend at least two (2) Trails Work Parties per year and are encouraged to attend more.

Membership

Participation in the Trails Committee is open to Bainbridge Island residents who are interested in trails, are effective advocates and ambassadors for the Park District’s trails program, and can work cooperatively with the public, other committee members, and Park District staff. A designated Park District staff person chairs the committee. Members will be appointed by the Division Director.

Trails Committee Membership Expectations

• Members will serve a minimum of one year and no more than two years.
• Members will represent a wide variety of trail users.
• Members of the Trails Committee serve at the pleasure of the director and may be removed by the director in the best interests of the Park District.

Contact

If you are interested in participating in the Trails Committee, please contact the Natural Resources Manager Morgan Houk at morganhouk@biparks.org to be considered.