New Town Forest Planning Committee

MINUTES of November 6, 2008

Opening

The meeting of the New Town Forest Planning Committee was called to order at 7:30 pm on November 6, 2008 in the Town Hall by Kristen Sharpless.

Present

Jean Isham, Lenore Budd, Matthew Probasco, Kristen Sharpless (chair), Andrea Morgante and Stewart Pierson

Absent

Susan Mead, Paul Wieczoreck

Guest

Mike Snyder

Official Town Forest Designation

Mike Snyder reported that the new Town Forest is now officially considered a municipal forest by the State.

Record Article

Stewart suggested that we do a big Record article about the recent work at the old Town Forest and include Eagle trail details, history etc. All agreed that this should wait until the National Register application has been acted on and perhaps until we have selected a name for the new Town Forest.

Wetland Restoration and River Corridor Work

Matthew and Andrea reported that all necessary permits are in place, including the Army Corps of Engineers, work to proceed.

Mike Snyder suggested that Nancy Patch, the Franklin and Grande Isle County Forester, be approached to consult on this project since she recently oversaw a similar project in Franklin County. Mike and Andrea will coordinate contacting Nancy and asking for her assistance.

A two year time limit must be honored with a projected start date being spring of 2009.

Volunteers can be recruited to help with the planting, but caution is needed; volunteers are invaluable for community involvement but don’t often take the necessary care with planting the trees and shrubs to ensure survival.

Naming

We discussed options names of the Town Forest. Based on previous discussions among committee members and feedback from the October public forum, it was agreed that two names feel like finalists: Bissonnette Town Forest and LaPlatte (River) Headwaters Town Forest.

It was suggested that a simple ballot be taken at the town meeting (handed out at the door) as the final effort to get public input on a name. Our committee will then make a recommendation to the Select Board.

Town Report

Andrea reported that our committee needs to prepare a very simple progress report for the Annual Town Report. This needs to be completed by the end of January. We agreed to ask Susan to prepare this report.

Email List

Kristen volunteered to assemble a list of interested people from contacts we have collected at the public forum and walks. We can use this list to update interested community members on our progress, of upcoming events, and to gather input.

Access to the Town Forest

Colin McNaull has emailed Andrea expressing concern about access to the Town Forest during the winter for cross-country skiers.

Trail Maintenance is presently being done and informally coordinated by neighboring landowners of the Town Forest. However, the existing trails on the Town Forest need repair work and additional maintenance (i.e.fallen trees on entry road). Strictly speaking, no work can take place on the new land until a management plan has been completed but interim work can take place with Select Board approval of a project plan. Andrea will seek this approval so that the entry can allow a mower to make trails in Hidden Meadow.

Kristen will communicate directly with Colin McNaull about his concerns.

Review of Notes from the Public Forum

Susan’s notes from the forum were reviewed by members for accuracy. Revisions were given to Susan. Some themes and important questions and ideas were identified.

Bonfire at the Town Forest

A date of December 6 was tentatively scheduled.

Next Meeting

November 20, 2008

The meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM.

Respectfully submitted by Susan Mead