Discuss And Consider Approval Of February 1, 2017 Regular Meeting Minutes

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1 NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING Park Board of Trustees of the City of Galveston East End Lagoon Advisory Committee Wednesday, March 20, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. Park Board Plaza, Board Room - First Floor 601 Tremont Street, Galveston, Texas I. II. III. IV. V. VI. Call Meeting To Order Pledge Of Allegiance Roll Call And Declaration Of A Quorum Conflict Of Interest Declarations Requests To Address The Committee The public shall be allowed to address the Committee regarding one or more agenda or nonagenda items. All requests to address the Board must be submitted in writing to the Board Reporter the day of the Board meeting. Each person shall be limited to three (3) minutes regardless of the number of items addressed. Approval Of Minutes A. Discuss And Consider Approval Of February 1, 2017 Regular Meeting Minutes Documents: MINUTES.PDF VII. Update On RESTORE Application And Next Steps Documents: RESTORE DRAFT BUCKET 1 LIST.PDF FEDERAL RESTORE BUDGET EEL.PDF TECQ RESTORE LETTER.PDF TWO ISLAND PROJECTS MAKE RESTORE FUNDING LIST.PDF VIII. Discuss And Consider Future Action On The Big Reef Interpretive Trail Grant Documents: BIG REEF INTERPRETIVE TRAIL REC GRANT AGREEMENT.PDF DOCUMENTS TO COOKSEY RE REVISIONS TO REQUEST.PDF TPWD GRANT APPLICATION DRAFT 2 BIG REEF.PDF IX. X. Discuss And Consider Recommended Uses And Site Planning For The East End Lagoon & Big Reef Future Agenda Items

2 XI. XII. Announcements Adjournment I certify that the above Notice of Meeting was posted in a place convenient to the public, in accordance with Chapter 551 of the Texas government Code, on or before March 16, 2017 before 5:00 p.m. Approved via Verbal Approval Jeri Kinnear Kelly de Schaun Chair, EELAC Park Board Executive Director Approved via Joyce Calver McLean Chair, Park Board of Trustees Please Note Members of the City Council may be attending and participating in the discussion. In accordance with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), persons in need of a special accommodation to participate in this proceeding shall, within three (3) days prior to any proceeding, contact the Park Board Administration Office, 601 Tremont, Galveston Texas ( )

3 EELAC -- PARK BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING DATE: February 1, 9am -- Call the meeting to order at 9:02 am Staff: Sheryl Rozier, Chris Saddler Kelly de Schaun NAME ATTENDANCE CONFLICT OF INTEREST AGENDA VI. 1st 2nd FOR AGAINST AGENDA VII. 1st 2nd FOR AGAINST AGENDA VIII. 1st 2nd FOR AGAINST Jeri Kinnear, Chair no action no action John Zendt, Vice Chair Buzz Elton Karla Klay Dr. Bill Merrell Alice Anne O'Donell 10:09 2nd 1st Diane Olsen Victoria Herrin Robert Lynch/Anne Braiser Lyda Ann Thomas (Emeritus) 10:02 Resource Members Present/via Phone: Julie Ann Brown, Barbara Sanderson Guests Present: Joyce McLean, Bob Randall, Robert Mihovil PUBLIC COMMENT & ADDL. NOTES MOTION AGENDA VI. Discuss and Consider Approval of November 2, 2016 Regular Meeting Minutes Motion was made and seconded with unanimous approval, without comments. 1 of 3

4 EELAC -- PARK BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING DATE: February 1, 9am -- Call the meeting to order at 9:02 am Staff: Sheryl Rozier, Chris Saddler Kelly de Schaun MOTION AGENDA VII. Update on Current Activities Sheryl reported on the following: * Still waiting to hear about RESTORE * Phase 1A architectural plans are still at the COG permit office * GLO CMP Cycle 21 (survey/delineation/~2,500lf of ADA trail, interpretive signage, trail markers). Survey firm has been hired and they are working and continuing to collect data. Met on the 25th for a progress meeting and they are doing a very professional job. Their deliverable is due on 3/31/17. We will bring back their findings at the April meeting for discussion. Next deliverable will be working with a designer to layout the trail (if needed) and then a construction bid package with technical specifications and construction drawings. Progress reports are on schedule. * GLO CMP 22 (remediation/rehabilitation & planning of an area of land northwest of the bridge on Boddeker Dr.) This grant was awarded on the 27th and staff will be working with the GLO to develop the work plan. The contract for this grant probably won t be available until September/October * Alice Anne wanted to remind the group about the concern of the lagoon filling in at the inlet. Maybe there is a need to find out what would be required to dredge or clean out the area that is filling in or the need to do so. MOTION AGENDA VIII. Discuss Future Vision Non-Action Item -- Define and discuss what the vision is. Kelly reviewed broad components of the AECOM Master Plan including the site plan, construction items, square footages and costs. This information is also available in the document in the briefing papers. A lot of construction, HVAC and maintenance costs were proposed in this plan. The conversation needs to be, is this were we are going and how long will it take us to pay for this activity? Kelly also iterated the business plan as laid out in the Master Plan. At this time EELAC is implementing the plan as envisioned. Comments from EELAC include: Retail is under-valued, overnight camping is over-valued. The business plan had the operation losing money until Phase III, but would require a large grant writing component in your operation. It never envisions the plan to be self sustaining through user fees. The plan does recognize the limitation on parking. Are we really considering this density at the EEL and how do we park the visitor? They don't recognize concessions or partners and EELAC should discuss this. What would be a vision for EEL and what generates money? It is time to make some decisions for the area. Comments from EELAC include: Create for reasons other than profit; There are ample funds to construct; Maintenance costs out of local tax base (County, State, Federal); Hopeful for EEL to be part of the National Parks Service; Gulf of Mexico Educational Center (not a 'nature center'); The benefits of green/park space for a community; Community needs to voice their desire for this place; CVB to market access to nature. Put a budget to what we want in real dollars/cents. The Park Board does not have any unallocated resources/funding. 2 of 3

5 EELAC -- PARK BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING DATE: February 1, 9am -- Call the meeting to order at 9:02 am Staff: Sheryl Rozier, Chris Saddler Kelly de Schaun MOTION AGENDA IX. Future Agenda Items Continued discussion on visioning, maintenance, budget. MOTION AGENDA X. Announcements Next meeting March 1, MOTION AGENDA XI. 10:11 am 3 of 3

6 DRAFT RESTORE BUCKET 1 PROJECT LIST FOR MULTIYEAR IMPLEMENTATION PLAN ALL PROJECTES LISTED PRESENT SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC BENEFITS February 17, 2017 ACTIVITY PROJECT NAME AND PROPOSED FUNDING APPLICANT COUNTY RESTORATION AND PROTECTION Lower San Bernard River Eco System -$10,766,000 Shamrock Island Restoration -$1,502,840 Oyster Resource & Recovery -$8,250,000 Village of Surfside Groin - $6,200,000 Salt Bayou Watershed -$10,000,000 Galveston Beneficial Dredge -$9,030,000 Removal of Unauthorized Oil and Gas Well Stubs and Associated Material -$6,950,000 Brazoria County The Nature Conservancy Texas A&M Corpus Christi Village of Surfside Beach Jefferson County Galveston Park Board Texas General Land Office Brazoria Nueces Matagorda Brazoria Jefferson Galveston Nueces Galveston PARKS East End Lagoon Phase I-A -$1,410,970 Padre Balli and Magee Beach Parks -$7,500,000 Galveston Park Board Nueces County Coastal Parks Galveston Nueces Grant Amount Does Not Include TCEQ s Management Costs Page 1 of 3 Inclusion on Draft Project List Does Not Guarantee a Grant Award

7 DRAFT RESTORE BUCKET 1 PROJECT LIST FOR MULTIYEAR IMPLEMENTATION PLAN ALL PROJECTES LISTED PRESENT SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC BENEFITS February 17, 2017 ACTIVITY PROJECT NAME AND PROPOSED FUNDING APPLICANT COUNTY MITIGATION Texas Reef initiative -$2,307,580 Texas City Hurricane Protection Levee Repair -$6,528,960 Bay Shore Drive Erosion Mitigation and Shoreline Stabilization -$2,400,000 Lavaca River Abandoned Oil Wells -$800,000 Port Lavaca Shoreline Clean-Up and Sediment -$500,000 Building Conservation Trust Galveston County Aransas County Jackson Co Navigation District City of Port Lavaca Calhoun Galveston Aransas Jackson Calhoun SEAFOOD CONSUMPTION Protecting and Restoring: Shrimp Fishery Recovery and Improvement Program -$300,000 Gulf Shrimp Consumption, Tourism and Marketing Proposal -$2,277,274 Texas Shrimp Association Tx Dept. of Agriculture Cameron Coastwide PLANNING Texas Master Plan for Beneficial Use of Dredged Material -$1,500,000 Ducks Unlimited Coastwide Grant Amount Does Not Include TCEQ s Management Costs Page 2 of 3 Inclusion on Draft Project List Does Not Guarantee a Grant Award

8 DRAFT RESTORE BUCKET 1 PROJECT LIST FOR MULTIYEAR IMPLEMENTATION PLAN ALL PROJECTES LISTED PRESENT SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC BENEFITS February 17, 2017 ACTIVITY PROJECT NAME AND PROPOSED FUNDING APPLICANT COUNTY COASTAL FLOOD PROTECTION Sea Turtle Education Complex -$659,000 E.K. Atwood Park Pavilion Improvements -$3,500,000 Workforce/Economic Development to Enhance Offshore Energy Systems -$7,951,398 Texas State Aquarium Expansion -$5,151,422 Upper Coast Tourism Marketing & Mobile Wayfinding (Chambers, Galveston, Brazoria, Matagorda) -$348,700 Quintana Beach Public Fishing Pier -$1,902,400 Laguna Madre Boat Ramp & Education, Conservation and Tourism -$1,869,290 Bolivar Peninsula Nature Trail -$6,251,003 Raymondville Drain Project-Phase 2 Restoration and Flood Control -$7,000,000 Sea Turtle, Inc. Cameron County University of Houston Texas State Aquarium Lone Star Coastal Alliance Brazoria County City of South Padre Island Houston Audubon Hidalgo County Drainage District # 1 Cameron Cameron Harris Nueces Multiple Counties Brazoria Cameron Galveston Willacy Grant Amount Does Not Include TCEQ s Management Costs Page 3 of 3 Inclusion on Draft Project List Does Not Guarantee a Grant Award

9 FEDERAL RESTORE BUDGET EAST END LAGOON PROJECT v3/16/2016 (Sheryl's) Budget Category RESTORE Other funds Other funds Other funds Park Board Cycle 21 CMP TPWD (Big Reef) Salaries/wages: $43, Park Board Project Manager (Annual EEL) $13, Park Board Project Manager (Construction Oversight) $21, Accounting Staff $7, Fringe $10, Park Board Project Manager $3, Park Board Project Manager (Construction Oversight) $5, Accounting Staff $2, Travel $0.00 Insurance: Annual $34, Construction: Pavilion/ADA Ramp/Parking $750, Construction: One Mile of Trail $184, Contractual: Contractor's fee $60, Contractual: Construction Administration $75, Contractual: Landscape Designer $25, Contractual: Environmental Interpretive Planning $136, Interpretive Graphics & Message Development $50, Interpretive Interactive Electronic Tour $25, Interpretive Panels: Trail $30, Interpretive Panels: Pavilion $21, Interpretive Panels: Welcoming $10, Land Acquisition: N/A $0.00 Equipment for Trails & Pavilion (furnishings, incl. tables, benches, trash cans) $35, trash pavilion $1, recycling pavilion $1, pavilion $9, pavilion $6, trash trail $3, benches trail $15, trail markers $300.00

10 Other: $26, Native Landscaping $4, palm trees $12, Split rail fencing (260 lf) $3, Entry gates $10, Supplies (paper restroom supplies, etc.) $5, Maintenance: Annual $113, Cycle 21 Coastal Management Program (CMP) Grant (Match = $45,000) $180, Boundary Survey $25, Delineation $35, ,500 lf of Trail $88, Interpretive Signs $24, Trail Markers $8, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department 2014 Grant Application (Match = $34,000) $170, Mow, clear and mark 6,600lf of trail $8, ADA Tidal Creek Crossings $52, ADA Trail Wetland Crossing $10, ADA Elevated lookout $25, Trail Markers $8, Interpretive panels $24, Elevated lookout #2 $30, Filter fabric w/crushed concrete $3, benches & 2 trash recepticles $2, Parking & ADA signage North & South trailhead $7, John P McGovern Grant $4, Subtotal $1,410, $88, $180, $174, Indirect Costs Total $1,410, $88, $180, $174,973.73

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12 Columns Two island projects make 'Restore' funding list By MARY BETH BASSET The Galveston Park Board of Trustees recently received notice of initial approval for more than $10 million in federal grants to fund two coastal improvement projects on the island. The projects a sand nourishment project along the seawall and a pavilion construction project at the East End Lagoon have entered into the second round of the approval process to receive funds from the federal Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities and Revived Economies Act, stemming from the Deepwater Horizon spill in Having been greenlighted by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the park board s grant application will move to a final review before being submitted to the U.S. Treasury Department for acceptance. We are delighted to be among the projects to make the draft list, park board Executive Director Kelly de Schaun said. This was a competitive and complicated process. More than 200 projects from the state were considered and only 27 made it to the next step. The Restore Act dedicates a portion of the penalties related to the Deepwater Horizon spill to a Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund and outlines a structure by which the funds can be used to restore and protect the natural resources, ecosystems, fisheries, marine and wildlife habitats, beaches, coastal wetlands and economy of the Gulf Coast region. The park board submitted a grant application in April for $9 million to support the continuation of a beneficial dredge program that will place sand on the beach from 61st to 103rd streets over the next two to three years. In addition, the board applied for more than $1.4 million for a pavilion construction project at the East End Lagoon. The pavilion is part of a master plan to improve the nearly 700-acre nature preserve that is a hot spot for birding, fishing, kayaking and hiking. Reaching this significant milestone in the Restore funding process represents the fruits of the labors of our citizen-led committees, park board Chairwoman Joyce Calver McLean said. Thanks to the dedication and hard work of those who serve on the Beach Maintenance Advisory Committee and the East End Lagoon Advisory Committee, we will be able to make improvements to Galveston s important and treasured assets. Park board meetings are open to the public and the public may address the board of trustees during the meetings. Park board meetings are typically held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 1:30 p.m. at 601 Tremont St. If you are interested in seeing a park board issue discussed in this column or if you have any questions, please send them my way. I can be reached at mbassett@galvestonparkboard.org.

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18 Trey Cooksey Digitally signed by Trey Cooksey DN: cn=trey Cooksey, o=recreation Grants, ou=tpwd, ov, c=us Date: :23:22-06'00' 02/03/2017

19 October 27, 2014 Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council 2228 Broadway P. O. Box 1468 Galveston, TX Board of Directors Diane Olsen, President Anja Borski, V.P. Education & Events Pat Jakobi, V.P. Development Chris O Shea Roper, V.P. Organizational Development christineoroper@gmail.com Rebecca Florek, Treasurer rebeccaflorek@gmail.com Bonnie White, Secretary bwhite445@comcast.net Chris Balboni Michael Guilott Sarah Harano Barbara Rabek Michelle Sierpina Joanie Steinhaus Julie Ann Brown Executive Director dir@gintc.org Mr. Trey Cooksey Program Manager 4200 Smith School Road Austin, Texas Dear Mr. Cooksey: This pertains to your letter of May 23, 2014, in which you advised me that our Big Reef Interpretive Trail Project, submitted by February 1 st 2014, was selected to receive $136,000 of grant funding. We were obviously delighted by that news which will permit a start on the much larger vision for the recreational and interpretive use of the East End of Galveston Island. Part of the Big Reef Trail project involved incorporating into it a landward length of the South Jetty and making certain improvements to its surface. Subsequent to our submittal, we learned that the Corps of Engineers (COE) is not immediately in favor of any improvements (see attached ). In addition they indicated that if we made a formal request it would most likely need to be coordinated with COE through Section 408 (Water Resource Policies and Authorities, relating to requests to alter US ACOE civil works). An Engineer Circular , dated July , provides new policy and procedural guidance for processing requests to make any alterations to any USACE federally authorized civil works project, and this will certainly take substantial time. Because of the above situation, we have developed an alternative interpretive trail layout which avoids the need to make improvements to the south jetty surface and for which long procedural delays are unlikely. It is a layout within which the South Jetty could easily be incorporated later should permission be granted and funding be available at that time. The new layout (attached) provides a north (mowed grass) trail 600ft longer than before (1.25 miles with the water crossings) and in place of using the South Jetty, we have added a second elevated tower to be located near the south parking area and trail access point. This will not interfere with the quiet purpose of the trail but will provide an expansive north easterly view of the entirety of Big Reef and of the ship channel and interpretive opportunities. We have also replaced the single tidal water crossing with two tidal water crossings (code 2) which will provide more viewing of the aquatic resources. Since the cost of the second tower and the double tidal crossing was greater than the costs saved by not using the jetty, we have made some revisions to other budgetary items to stay within the total original budget (see attached). We would like to add however that we are well covered to handle budget overruns (for example, for more signage and benches if desired later) on a local support basis.

20 We also emphasize that the location of the trail along the ship channel edge (N0-N9) is planned to be further inland than before and together with signing, will be fully cognizant of seasonal Piping Plover use of the inter tidal edge. It is our hope that what we are now proposing will meet your approval and allow us to move ahead with the usual procedures. Sincerely, Julie Ann Brown Executive Director

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23 Texas Parks & Wildlife Department Recreation Grants Branch Recreational Trails Grant Application Form Revised November 2012 (PWD 1067-P4000) U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration Deadline: February 1 st

24 Texas Parks & Wildlife Department Texas Recreational Trails Fund Grant Application Instructions Due February 1 st PROJECT NAME SPONSOR NAME CITY & COUNTY NAME Big Reef Interpretive and Recreational Loop Trail Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council Inc. (GINTC) City of Galveston, Galveston County 1. SPONSORING ENTITY Contact Person: Julie Ann Brown (person TPWD may contact for further information) Title: Executive Director of GINTC Inc. Mailing Address: City: Galveston Texas State: Zip Code: Address: JulieAnnBrown@CS.com Federal Tax Identification Code: or 501 (C) (3) or (C) (4) exemption (please include tax number and printout - see page 6) Area Code &Telephone No: (409 ) Fax No. Authorized Signature Date To the best of my knowledge and belief, all documentation in this application is true and correct, the application has been duly authorized by the governing body of the applicant, and the applicant agrees to comply with all program rules and procedures if grant assistance is awarded. 2. INTENDED USES (Check One) Motorized Use X Non-motorized Use Both Bicycling Mountain Bicycling X Hiking/Walking Equestrian Jogging/Running Skating/Skateboarding Motorcycles Four-wheel Drive Vehicles All Terrain Vehicles Wheelchairs Provisions for Disabilities X Other Education 3. TYPES OF USE (Check All That Apply) 4. PROJECT LENGTH New construction 2 miles (miles or feet) Renovation of existing (miles or feet) 5. GRANT FUNDS REQUESTED $ 136, DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT Please provide a clear and concise description of the proposed project in the space below. Include a description PWD 1067-P4000 2

25 Texas Parks & Wildlife Department Texas Recreational Trails Fund Grant Application Instructions of the trail length, width, surfacing, and configuration (loop, linear, network); trailhead and trailside amenities. Detail all work to be performed; any right-of-way or easements to be acquired; the relationship between project and any other work planned or existing; partnerships and/or community involvement; and educational/interpretive aspects of the project. (Limit to 1 page). The project is located on land owned by the City of Galveston at the (north) east end of Galveston Island, south of the seawall, and more particularly, between the south jetty and the ship channel. The location allows great views of a major shipping lane plus an experience with a great variety of plant and animal life, in particular many varieties of birds. Hurricane Ike greatly impacted the site as hurricanes have before. But there is always a channel edge or beach, the upland areas persist and so does the hard structure of the south jetty. These three features are the basis for the project, the Big Reef Loop Trail. It is a new trail since earlier versions of trails and amenities no longer exist. Trails are a key element of a much longer range master plan for all the land owned by the City at the east end of the island. In the interim, this trail will generate some excitement and satisfy the desire of many to safely explore the ecology of a barrier island while getting exercise. The loop runs southward on or parallel to the ship channel s westerly sandy edge, thence west across elevated grassy uplands, then employing wooden construction to bridge across narrow high tide overflow sloughs, to then join with and then use (tor the return north to starting point), the existing man made south jetty. The length will be 2 miles, the width where mowed, will be 8ft. See Exhibit A. The loop will have two trail heads, each with parking with 6 regular and 1 HC, 40 directional trail markers, 16 interpretive signs, 6 benches and 6 trash receptacles. There will be an elevated HC accessible Look-Out with ramp 4 ft above grade. The creation of the trail will include. Mow and mark about 8000 linear feet of grassland. Construct one elevated wood bridge and one tidal inlet crossing. Improve bare surface of northern portion of the South Jetty with suitable filling of voids. Improve sand covered (south end) portion of South Jetty, with fabric and suitable mix. Provide for parking Create elevated HC accessible Look-Out. Add amenities, interpretive signage, benches, trash cans etc The applicant group had a joint evaluation meeting with agencies (Ashley Thomson TPWD at the Corps of Engineers office (Andrea Davis) on 1/8/ and have walked the proposed trail with representatives from National Marine Fisheries (Heather Young) and USFWS (Kelly Goke). The principles agreed to, include but are not limited to, the following. Avoid and/or minimize encroachment on Endangered Species (Piping Plover) habitat. Minimize fill for trails Consider elevated walkways in tidal or freshwater depressions Embrace watchable wildlife opportunities with look outs. Preserve, protect special aquatic areas and essential fish habitats Clearly delineate trail route to encourage pedestrian containment Designate areas of access to remote areas by paddle craft. One right of way may need to be required for planned improvements to the surface of the jetty, since the Army Corp of Engineers does have an easement for and jurisdiction over the length of the jetty. But the jetty is in public use now and the plan is to only to make it safer to walk on. Active partners in the project are City of Galveston and its Parks Department, The Park Board of Trustees Inc. (who will provide staff help and equipment), the University of Texas Medical Branch s Community Health Dept and its Transforming Galveston s Health and Wellness non profit affiliate (which will help with volunteer manpower, signage and promotion of the usage of the trail as a Health benefit, when ready. Also active is Houston Wilderness Inc. whose interest in the development of natural experiences in the greater Houston area PWD 1067-P4000 3

26 Texas Parks & Wildlife Department Texas Recreational Trails Fund Grant Application Instructions makes it a natural partner, and who continues to provide sound advice and helpful promotion.. 7. ITEMIZED BUDGET Provide in the space below an itemized list of all activities to be undertaken and the cost of each activity. Provide as much detail as possible (consider materials - surfacing, lumber, stones, etc.; labor - volunteer or paid; service contracts; equipment/tool rental and/or value of in-house; land acquisition. Professional Services (e.g. design, engineering, or architectural services) costs are limited to 12% of the total grant construction estimate amount. Environmental Survey costs (e.g. natural and cultural resource site assessments) may be considered above the 12% professional services limit on a case-by-case basis. Sponsor's administrative costs cannot be included. Please call with questions or for clarification. Note: All expenses for professional services, such as surveying, permitting, architectural and engineering bidding documents etc are being assumed by the applicant and are not a part of this grant request. 8. PROJECT COSTS AND REQUESTED FUNDS Total Itemized Project Costs (from item 7 on previous page) $ 170,000 PWD 1067-P4000 4

27 Texas Parks & Wildlife Department Texas Recreational Trails Fund Grant Application Instructions Federal Funds Requested (80% or less of above line) Local Match Required (at least 20% of top line) $ 136,000 $ 34, PROPOSED METHOD OF FINANCING SPONSOR'S SHARE Please describe in the space below the source of funds, donations, or in-kind contributions that will make up the sponsor's match (at least 20%). You may include government appropriations; private donations of land, easement, cash, labor, materials, and equipment; or in-house labor, equipment, and materials. The Park Board will provide labor and equipment for the mowed upland portion...$8,000 GINTC Inc will provide remaining from donations already received $26, MAINTENANCE In the space below, briefly describe the identified commitment to continued operation and maintenance of the project. Please indicate who will be responsible for which tasks and who will finance them. The Park Board of Trustees Inc. has agreed to keep the grassy paths mowed and any debris removed on a regular basis, plus mend way signs as needed. GINTC Inc will set aside funds for repairs to wooden constructions and interpretive signage. 11. PROJECT USE AND BENEFITS Provide in the space below a brief description of the benefits of the proposed project in terms of the project's quality, geographic scope, recreational needs that are to be met and expected amount of trail use or population to be served. A key benefit is respect for the natural world. To respect one must see, understand and appreciate.. Without purposeful trails the incredibly beautiful and deeply interesting web of life that exists at the east end of Galveston Island cannot be experienced or understood. Without authorized trails, there is a risk that individually created (ad hoc) trails will damage what is there. The complementary benefit of an outdoor trail in such an environment is personal physical and mental health. Trails, especially looped trails, provide a focus for exercise that is fun and not work. As the population in Greater Houston expands, open space and opportunities to use what there is, becomes more necessary, more in demand. Houston Wilderness knows this and so do the environmentalists on Galveston Island. Having open land for passive use at the east end of Galveston Island, is an incredible Regional asset. The nature oriented organizations of Galveston cannot fund the beneficial growth of such an asset alone, They need help on a Regional basis for this Regional asset. Step 1 is to fund the first trail. We expect both the local and regional population to become aware that one can come to the east end of Galveston Island and do something other than walk on the beach. We believe that a system of trails will create some synergy but that is for the future. The usage of this first trail will take off slowly and will be highest in the fall, winter and spring and at weekends. We also envision that a cadre of volunteer naturalists will be able to support guided tours on a scheduled basis. Within one year of opening usage ought to be running 100 a day at weekends. 12. TRAIL CORRIDOR INFORMATION Describe below the ownership of the trail corridor. If the land is currently in public hands, identify the name of the public land. If the land is not in the sponsor's ownership, include a statement of permission to construct trail project from the landowner. If land, easement, or other property interest will be acquired, describe how this will be accomplished. If acquisition in fee, include a statement of why easement was not possible. Land is owned by the City of Galveston, which supports this project. PWD 1067-P4000 5

28 13. PROJECT LOCATION Texas Parks & Wildlife Department Texas Recreational Trails Fund Grant Application Instructions A. City: Galveston County: Galveston B. State Legislative District Numbers: ( Go to Senators/Who Represents Me?). Type in the project site address to locate your Texas Senate District, Texas House Representative District and U.S. Congressional District number. Please print out the page from your computer that indicates the project location numbers and attach to this application. Do not leave these three district numbers blank. There can only be one district number for each of these categories listed below. Please fill in completely. 1. Texas Senate District No Texas House Representative District No Congressional District No. 14 PWD 1067-P4000 6