1651 Forest Advisory Committee
Minutes from meeting dated 9/20/2007
DRAFT
Members present: Sue Haley, Loretta Neilsen, David Hoerle
Absent: Rosalyn Kaplan. Jeff Putnam
Staff: Henry Lind
Meeting called to order 7:00pm
Ms. Neilsen made a motion to accept the minutes from 5/07 with corrections to the spelling of Wiley Park. Mr. Hoerle seconded the motion. All approved.
Ms. Neilsen updated the committee on the activities of the Friends of the 1651 Arboretum. There was lots of interest in the booth at Windmill Weekend. They picked up 15 new members and had a successful fundraising from selling plants donated by Sandy Bayne.
At their September meeting they discussed fall plantings and had settled on a few larger red maples. However discussion by this committee helped refresh memories on the decision from the previous meeting to plant slower growing plants first, such as holly. Ms. Neilson was to contact board members to have them approve the switch in species for the upcoming planting. It was also noted that for digging an area in wetlands for a large rootball, a notice of intent would need to be sent to the Eastham Conservation Commission. Mr. Lind brought up the point that there should be a minimum number of plants of any one species planted due to expected die offs. A 10% die off can be anticipated. The number 15 was suggested as the minimum and was agreed to by Mr. Hoerle. The committee suggested that 15 of each holly and red maple be
planted this fall.
Ms. Neilsen also noted that about ½ of the mockernut hickories and a few of the spring plantings where either dying or becoming entangled with cat briar or bull briar. There was discussion about the use of a relatively benign herbicide, such as Roundup, but the consensus was that any herbicide use would need strong justification and that it would be frowned upon in Wiley Park due to its status as a protected natural resource. Also, town staff would have to become certified in the application of herbicides. It was recommended that trimming be done with clippers and by other mechanical means. A similar discussion ensued about fertilizing some of the larger elm trees due to premature yellowing, to which again members on the committee stressed using precautions. Mr. Lind emphasized that these larger trees probably
suffered some shock after having been introduced to these extremely sandy soils, without the opportunity to adapt to the conditions, as a smaller plant might do. He deferred to Mr. Hoerle for some advice on how an application of fertilizer might be applied with minimal impact on the water table and Great Pond. Mr. Hoerle suggested very limited amounts under the correct weather conditions. He suggested two lighter fertilizings, mid-March and the beginning of June. He also suggested that extra watering take place before winter, because in winter stressed trees will zap their water supply. Ms. Haley suggested that it be considered protocol that fertilizers only be used under extreme conditions, and that considering the high outlay in money for these elms, it may be warranted at this time.
Sources for plants were discussed. New England Wetland Plants was one source being considered. Mr. Hoerle recommended “The Farm” for a source of local native plants and he believes this time of year is a time when bargains can be found, because nurseries don’t want to carry stock through the winter. Ms. Neilsen was going to contact them and the Cooperative Extension to check on availability and prices.
There was a request by Ms. Neilsen to have Natural Resources leave the stakes in the ground after planting so volunteers can better locate the plants. Mr. Lind obliged but suggested the flags be removed so as not to attract unwanted attention to the plants.
Mr. Lind provided brief summaries on activities taking place in Wiley Park such as the Fire Management Plant, Bridge contract, and wayside installations. A tentative date of Columbus Day weekend was suggested for planting. The next meeting of the Advisory Committee was set for January 17, 2008.
Ms. Neilsen made a motion to adjourn and Mr. Hoerle seconded. All approved and meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm.
Respectfully submitted;
Suzanne Haley
Committee Chair
| 
