New Town Forest Planning Committee

MINUTES of January 22, 2009

Opening

The meeting of the New Town Forest Planning Committee was called to order at 7:30 pm on January 22, 2009 in the Town Hall by Kristen Sharpless.

Present

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

Absent

Susan Mead, Paul Wieczoreck

Guest

Mike Snyder

Membership

The resignations of Susan Mead and Matthew Probasco were accepted with sadness. It was agreed that we should seek out new members to join the committee and assist with the completion of the plan. Several names were suggested, and Lenore, Kristen and Andrea agreed to approach folks with invitations to join.

Work Plan

It was agreed that we hope to complete any public involvement by April and wrap up a draft of the management plan before summer.

The group discussed what field work might need to be planned now for the 2009 field season. Mike Snyder agreed to inventory the north section of the Town Forest since this has not yet been done. No other necessary field work was identified at this time.

Planting Plan Update

Andrea reported that she has contacted Andrea Tursini from the Intervale Conservation Nursery for an estimate of the plants and sees spring 2009 as the planting time. Mike Snyder again suggested that she involve Nancy Patch, Franklin and Grande Isle County Forester. Mike will ask Nancy when she would be available to meet with our group, view the site, and offer input on the planting plan. Mike suggests getting big trees, which have a higher rate of survivorship.

Town Meeting

It was agreed that this is our last easy opportunity to get public input on a name for the Town Forest. Lenore will prepare a ballot that will be available at town and an brief article for Record.

Stewart agreed to manage a table at town meeting and to follow through on Tuesday at Town Hall during voting.

Playing fields

Alex sent a question to Andrea and Kristen regarding whether the northern end of the new Town Forrest can or cannot be used for as recreation fields. After a review of the easement language and a brief discussion, members agreed that this use is incompatible with the primary purposes of the easement and cannot legally be permitted. Kristen will write a memo to Alex Weinhagen and the Select Board as an official answer to this question.

Meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM.

Respectfully submitted by Stewart Pierson.