LA PLATTE HEADWATERS TOWN FOREST PLANNING COMMITTEE

MINUTES of September 3, 2009

Opening

The meeting of the LaPlatte Headwaters Town Forest Planning Committee was called to order by Chair Kristen Sharpless at 7:40 p.m. on September 3, 2009, in the Town Hall.

Present

Kristen Sharpless, Andrea Morgante, Lenore Budd, Lisa Godfrey, and Jean Isham.

Also present, Mike Snyder and Rocky Martin.

Absent

Tim Clancy, Stewart Pierson

Agricultural section discussed. Andrea will revise same.

Rocky discussed proposed contract with Wayne and Joe Bissonette regarding the NRCS restoration project. Contract will include provisions for mowing of Bissonette Meadow and Field in conformance with easement requirements. They have requested reimbursement of equipment rental if conditions are such that they are unable to use their own equipment. Agreed that the Bissonettes could submit charges to the Town and the Town would submit same to NRCS for reimbursement. In discussing the management of the Bissonette Meadow and Field 1 it was determined that management of Field 1 for bird habitat would not be feasible for the Town in the long run but it could be managed to some degree by the scheduling of mowing over a shorter period of time.

Kristen advised that she would submit the total Management Plan to members of the Committee by September 10. Everyone was requested to read the introduction for editing purposes and the following sections were specifically assigned:

Education and Community Uses — Andrea

Landscape Connections — Tim

Water and Wetlands — Lenore

Forest and Wildlife — Lisa

Recreation — Jean

Agriculture — Stewart

All comments/editing changes shall be given to Kristen by September 24.

Jean will check with the Hinesburg Record and prepare a short notice regarding the October 8 forum for publication in the next issue.

Respectfully submitted

Jean Isham