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Show Volume XVI Issue XII The Ogden Valley news Page June 15, 2009 Ogden Valley Pathways— A letter from the Chair Letters to the Editor Ogden Valley Pathways Needs to Remain a Separate, Viable Entity—Organization seeks committed volunteers It is with great sadness that I received the news that the current Ogden Valley Pathways board intends to dissolve the organization and turn it back to Weber Pathways. If this community cares about pathways in Ogden Valley, now is the time to turn this around. With all the work that has been done over the years, the task to redo it would be enormous. There are many important reasons for Ogden Valley to have its own organization, fundraising being key. Valley residents know from experience that because our population base is small, we are often overlooked for improvements and amenities to our roads, trails, and parks. By obtaining its own 501(c)(3), Ogden Valley Pathways became eligible for grants and gifts that have allowed it to build the existing pathway system that we now enjoy, and now gives it the means to continue building these projects into the future. Obtaining non-profit status is a lengthy process and once this 501(c)(3) is lost, the citizens would have to start the difficult process over again. The mission statement of the existing OVP 501(c)(3) could be expanded to include such things as parks or recreation, open space, or all of the above. To lose it at this point would be a terrible blow. When Ogden Valley was a chapter of Weber Pathways, it had to compete with all the areas on the other side of the mountain to claim priority for its projects. It could not seek funds or spend them without Weber Pathways board approval. The board of Weber Pathways is undeniably very effective but it is also comprised primarily of residents of the lower valley who understandably have many priorities of their own. The pathway system they are developing is outstanding in every way but it is not in Ogden Valley. It was for this reason that the early board decided to become its own organization rather than just a chapter. We had an urgent need to provide a pedestrian, bicycle, and horse transportation system because our citizens literally had no other way of staying off the heavily trafficked roadways. At Ogden Valley Pathways’ inception, junior high kids were literally walking in the streets. Ogden Valley Pathways helped develop and pass a pathways ordinance that is the only one in the county, and it needs the continued support of our community. It is the vehicle that will eventually build the interconnected system of trails that will enable our citizens and, more importantly, our children to travel safely between schools and churches, and parks and neighborhoods. The location of the new elementary school further emphasizes this need. Is there anything that can change the coming demise of Ogden Valley Pathways? Yes, if persons from the community step up to the plate and fill the chair and board positions of the ones being vacated in August. OVP could also go into rest mode with a skeleton board, not seeking large projects until enough community momentum has been created to take on more work. The 501(c)(3) owned by Ogden Valley Pathways could be retained but remain inactive, allowing time for the mission statement to be enlarged. If there are new board members, each willing to take on some portion—even a small one—of the overall tasks, the organization can take on a new life. If you have an interest in ensuring the viability and success of Ogden Valley Pathways, contact me at 745-6638. Sharon Holmstrom, Eden Editor’s Note: Sharon was an original board member of Ogden Valley Pathways serving from 1999 to 2007. Dear Ogden Valley Pathways supporters, About ten years ago several trails enthusiasts created Ogden Valley Pathways as a chapter of Weber Pathways. They raised money, developed a trails master plan for the valley and shepherded it through approval by the county commission. The chapter also developed an ordinance requiring trails in subdivisions and helped it become law. And importantly, they built several miles of the Eden-Huntsville trail, creating a vision of what is possible. In short, their efforts elevated the importance of trails in Ogden Valley to a new level. Then in 2006 the chapter leaders elected to separate from Weber Pathways and established Ogden Valley Pathways (OVP) as an independent 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. It is always a struggle to set up a legally compliant, functioning not-for-profit enterprise, and I was recruited as short-term chairman to initiate OVP through its start up phase. I took on job with the condition that putting OVP and Weber Pathways back together again should always be on the table. Today I am happy to report that OVP is in compliance with all laws. It has a highly competent board of directors and a well functioning finance committee (with a recent and clean audit). We have accomplished a great deal and have several exciting trails projects underway. In fact, OVP is in great shape with one exception: our officers and several leaders of key functions need to be replaced and we have no bench. My “short-term” appointment is approaching its third year, and our secretary has been trying to resign for a year now. In January I informed the board I was resigning as OVP board chair before 2010. I’ve enjoyed my service, but simply put, it is time for me to move on. Since we have What an incredible spring and early summer encroach upon, and even overtake, almost season we’re having in Ogden Valley. Plenty every open space in the Valley. And now its of mild temperatures and heavy rain have insidious efforts are marching upward into contributed to the growth of aromatic flowers our hillsides and mountain areas. A rarity on and flowering shrubs, and other Trappers Loop only a few years lush vegetation. Unfortunately, ago, it has now began its insidious this incredible beauty is being offfoothold even there. set by the aggressive spread of I applaud those who are makdyer’s woad—an overpowering, ing every effort to combat the state-listed noxious weed. weed on their own property and Each year I watch this weed even on others’ as they walk or creep further and further into prishike. I know, at times, it feels like tine open space on our foothills, a losing battle. within state and county parks But help is needed from all and wildlife areas, and along our Valley residents. Please do your beautiful pathways and trails. part by pulling or cutting down courtesy of Its appearance, so subtle at first, Picture dyer’s woad on, or in front of, your quickly picks up speed and begins Weber County website. property. When out and about, to overcome natural vegetation and more del- please take the time to pull or knock down the icate plant species because of its allelopathic weed before it goes to seed. This can be done properties—its ability to produce chemicals if green seedlings are still flat, and have not that inhibit the growth of surrounding plants. begun to fill out and turn dark. One plant proIt has a history of establishing itself across duces 100s of new seeds that can lie dormant thousands of acres of rangeland, and, today, for several years, producing the need to stay infestations of the noxious weed are known of on top of an infested area for years to come. in eight western states. Clearly, prevention is the best option. What an absolute shame that many propIn addition to these efforts, contact your erty owners continue to turn a blind eye to this virulent weed that is beginning to EDITOR’S VIEW cont. on page 12 Make Father’s Day Special Brunch 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. Breakfast 8:00 a.m. Flag Ceremony 8:30 a.m. Children’s Parade 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Reservations required 508 Ogden Canyon, Ogden 5626 N. North Fork Rd., Liberty Open Monday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more information, please call 801-941-1013 or 801-745-1013. Last Week! Closeout ~ Prices Reduced! Closing Day June 20th. Vegetables Pony Packs Specialty Plants 3 inch pots 2 for 1 $2.99 6-packs 2 for 1 $2.99 Come join in the fun and participate in the parade! Decorate your bikes, four wheelers, tractors, wagons, trailers, etc. Breakfast is $4 for adults, $2 for children and $25 for a family. Family Adventure Day “Everyone is Invited” June 20th, 2009 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Wolf Creek Utah Adventure Village • • • • Collectible Pin Expedition - collect all six! Fun activities at each Wolf Creek Utah venue Down hill race at Wolf Creek Utah Ski Resort Games, fun and food to follow the Pin Expedition Join us for Complimentary: Dinner 801- 92-6775 PATHWAYS cont. on page 1 Eden 4th of July Celebration Editor’s View It’s Time to Get Serious About Dyer’s Woad not been successful in recruiting a replacement chair, the board had to face some tough realities. We also have not been successful in finding a replacement secretary and people in several key functions are burning out. Without replacement officers, OVP cannot function properly and carry out its mission. Indeed, without “new blood” in several key functions, including passionate leadership, we will become ineffective. In short, too few have been doing too much for too long. In February I asked the board to consider two options: (1) to find new leadership and continue OVP pretty much as is or (2) recombine our mission and assets with Weber Pathways and dissolve as an independent organization. Although there are other views, dissolving OVP and joining forces with Weber Pathways looks to the board to be the best strategic alternative. We can transfer our assets (equipment, knowledge, supplies and money) to Weber Pathways, and the Weber Pathways Board will expand (again) its activities to include Ogden Valley. There are many benefits to tapping into Weber Pathways. First, Weber Pathways is a very effective organization. They have been in the trails business for a long time, and they know how to make things happen. There is no doubt that applying their leadership, know-how, political clout, money-raising capacity and the energy of their volunteers to Ogden Valley would be a good thing for Ogden Valley’s trails. In the big picture, valley residents are only 4% of the county population, yet we need the support of the other 96% to accomplish the dreams of our trail system’s master plan. Finally, duplicating the organizational functions of Weber Pathways not only costs OVP $30,000+ each year, but our champions have to spend their 4 inch pots 2 for $5.00 Regularly $3.50 Limited to stock on hand. ~ Bring ad in for a FREE plant while supplies last. Family Games Hotdogs Scenic Chair Rides at Wolf Creek Utah Ski Resort For More Information Call 801-745-2000 www.wolfcreekutah.com |
