LYME CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Minutes August 6, 2007
Members Present: Matt Stevens (chair), Lee Larson (vice chair),
James Graham, Dick Jones, Adair Mulligan, Mimi Weinstein
Excused: Vicki May
The meeting was called to order at 7:35p.m by Chair, Matt Stevens.
Approval of Minutes:
Motion to approve the submitted minutes of LCC meeting 7/9/07 was made, seconded and unanimously passed.
Motion to approve, with revisions, the public hearing minutes of 7/23/07 was made, seconded and unanimously passed.
Motion to approve the submitted minutes of the LCC meeting 7/23/07 was made, seconded and unanimously passed.
2a) Grant Brook Project: Matt reported that a permit will be obtained to continue work including planting of conifers for revetment with assistance from Ben Hudson. Volunteers are needed and will be recruited to complete project. Adair will report on final project in writing and with photos.
2b) CT River Aquatic Invasive Plants Project: Many local townspeople recently attended the excellent and informative presentation by Laurie Callahan on invasive plants. The LCC thanked Adair and Matt for their assistance in co-ordinating the efforts of Ms. Callahan to educate the public on the recognition and threat of invasive plants to our waters. Scheduled for August 12 is a field visit between Clay and Hewes Brook to assess invasives. Physical removal of milfoil on boats is the most effective method to rid the spread of this very aggressive invasive plant.
Beaver dams help contain invasives from spreading and provide a natural mechanism of “foiling” the milfoil!
2c) Natural Resources Inventory
Matt distributed large format maps to be considered for inclusion in the final draft of the NRI (which will be presented in September). After review & evaluation, the LCC members chose the following maps to be included:
1) Wetlands, Hydric soils & Conservation Lands
2) Wildlife & Unique habitats
3) Farmland-Steep Slopes
4) Dense Softwood & Permanent Openings
5) Subwatersheds & Aquifers
2d) Lee reported that he and John Taylor traversed the proposed Western Forest Trail relocation for inspection. There exists a steep slope area of approximately 300 feet which is in need of stone steps for ease and safety in hiking. Felled trees from April storm have also left at least a dozen trees in need of removal with chainsaw. Mr. Taylor will be compensated $30/hour which will be taken out of the Trails Alliance funding.
Salvage logging is complete and John O’Brien’s final report declares $8000.00 from timber harvesting which will be added to the Town Forest Maintenance fund.
2e) Tullar Land Proposal
Money donated on behalf of the LCC will not be dispersed until the Board of Selectmen accepts the easement.
2f) Chaffee Sanctuary & Post Pond News
Skip Lisle submitted an invoice of $2350 ($2100 for Castor Master, $250 for public presentation). In the interest of obtaining the compensation due Mr. Lisle:
Motion made to spend $350 from conservation fund and $250 from operating Maintenance & management fund was seconded and passed, with Dick abstaining.
Adair reported that loon chick is doing well thanks to the public respecting the nesting habits of the loon family.
The LCC is concerned with potential sale of property on Pout Pond by the Connecticut River Watershed Council that was committed to conservation in perpetuity. The intention for this parcel was to always protect and preserve the pristine pond shoreline and surrounding wildlife habitat. The potential sale of this property is of grave concern to the LCC and could portend violation of the protection to which the parcel was committed as well as defy numerous Lyme Zoning Ordinance requirements. It is the stewardship of the LCC to protect conserved areas.
Motion made to draft letter to the Watershed Council stating the opposition by the LCC of the sale of the proposed land was seconded and unanimously passed.
Hewes Brook Boat Launch
The Snelling family has generously and faithfully mowed the access to the boat launch for ease of access to the general public.
Motion made to provide $50 to the Snelling family to defray the cost of fuel and equipment maintenance was seconded and unanimously passed.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:24
Respectfully submitted,
Mimi Weinstein, recorder
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