Ad hoc committee to replace the shelter

A committee has been formed to study replacement of Watson Camp on Sterling Pond. The tentative plan is to replace it with another shelter in the Elephants Head to Madonna Mountain area. A planning group will begin meeting in the spring of 2003 to consider possible locations, type of structure, and how to finance and construct a replacement. Construction will occur in 2004 at the earliest. 

Meeting Minutes

               August 2003
               July 2003
               April 2003

August 2003
Watson Update

Since the last meeting, much has taken place through cyber space. At the urging of Dave H. and Scott C., Watson Camp will not be burned this fall. The plan is to deconstruct the shelter next summer in time to fly the non-burnables out when the tent platform material is flown to Sterling Shelter. The reasoning behind this is to lesson the impact of Watson site and to protect the pond from residue of the burn. I have suggested that the use of silt fence between Watson and the pond would help reduce the mess on the shoreline. Watson will then be burned in late fall 2004.

Through many email messages the section has agreed to this process. The results are the same: the caretaker is removed from Watson next year and Watson is removed from service.

There will be no more meetings of this committee until the need arises. Thank you all for your help and participation.

Fred J.

13 July 2003
Report by Fred Jordan
Draft Report
2^nd Meeting Sterling Pond Subcommittee

On July 13,2003, there was a site inspection of the three areas identified for consideration by the section. The first site visited is 0.2 miles south of the Spur to Elephant's Head and several hundred feet above the LT. The location of this site was found to be too close to the existing Spruce Peak Ski Area. Problems with a water supply were also noted.

We then visited Watson Camp, coincidentally at lunchtime. Here we discussed the cost and rational of maintaining two shelters when the need is for just one. For the years of 1995-2002 inclusively, the average number of overnights at both shelters is 302. There are many unwanted activities taking place in both Sterling Shelter and Watson Camp. Further, it was noted that Watson Camp is situated very close to Sterling Pond and any matter placed on the ground ends up in the pond. It is felt that this causes degradation of water quality in the pond. Sterling Pond Shelter on the other hand, is further from the pond and not all waste will drain directly into the pond.

It should be duly noted that in the past there have been incidents where the caretaker has been threatened and had to leave the area. This has been a problem for years.

From Watson, we then visited the Hump View site which is 0.2 miles north of Sterling Pond Shelter, 250 to the east of the Long Trail. This was considered a good site even with its limited water source. It should be noted that the only drought proof water supply in the area is Sterling Pond. The group spent some time looking at Sterling Pond Shelter and decided that with a little care it could be maintained for a few more years.

Attendees Ken H. Ann B. Priscilla D. John B. Scott C. Eric S. Bill C. Dave H. Fred J

15 April 2003
Report by Fred Jordan

April 15, 2003 marked the first meeting of the Subcommittee of the Trail Management Committee to look into a solution and possible replacement of Watson Camp and Sterling Pond Shelters. An interesting discussion was held addressing some of the possible sites found to date.

One site is south off the spur to the Elephant Head view. This site is nearly half way from Taft Lodge to Whiteface Shelter. It also is just above the difficult climb up the Long Trail (now on the Elephant's Head Trail) and should have a good view of the chin and Notch. The second is the existing site of Sterling Shelter with its spectacular views of Sterling Pond and the Chin. A third site has also been developed 0.2 miles north of the existing site and with views of Madonna and Camel's Hump. In considering sites for shelters in this area, one must always keep in mind the only sure source of water is Sterling Pond.

Section Members on the Committee are Fred Jordan Chair, Eric Seidel, John Buddington, Ann Burcroff, Ken Hertz, David Blumenthal, and Duncan Wilkie. GMC Staff are Dave Hardy, Pete Antos-Ketcham and other partners are Diana Frederick, VT FP&R; Mark Delaney, Smugglers' Notch Resort; and Ron Apple, Stowe Mountain Resort.

An important date to remember is July 13th. The meeting will be a site inspection to the area. Meet at 9 A.M. at the top of Smugglers' Notch. After all sites have been visited, a caucus of the Montpelier Section will be held and the site preferred by the section will be determined at this time.