DRAFT
1651 Forest Advisory Committee
Meeting 5-28-2009
Committee members present: Sue Haley, Jeff Putnam, Loretta Neilsen, David Hoerle
Committee members absent: Rosalyn Kaplan
No staff Present
Meeting was opened at 7 PM
Minutes:
Ms. Haley asked that clarification be made to the statement about memorial donations, so that it reads, that memorial donations are not separated out for individual trees, but rather go into a general fund.
Ms. Neilson noted that Henry Lind was listed as Advisory Board Committee member instead of staff. She also moved to accept the minutes. Seconded by Mr. Hoerle.
Ms. Neilsen summarized the spring planting in which 10 tupelos were planted. She noted that it was very difficult to locate stock, but finally was directed to Sylvan Nursery in Weston. She was quite impressed with their stock and service. The Friends have now been set up with a wholesale account there.
Discussion on specimen trees noted that preferred tree species are not readily available. No local nurseries have American beech or mockernut hickory. Ms. Neilsen did some research and found a 1939 report entitled “A History of the Forests of Cape Cod and another reference called, “Timber Economy of Puritin New England”. Some other species mentioned in these reports were discussed further. They were larch, black walnut and chestnut. Ms. Haley thought larch preferred wetter habitats and that chestnuts are affected by a blight and so almost non existent. It was decided that more information was needed on the potential for including these plants on the species list and about their potential as specimen plantings. Ms. Haley will research American chestnut and larch and send info to Ms.
Neilsen.
The daughter of Toni Stoker has asked whether a tree could be planted this summer with some of the memorial money Ms. Stoker left for this purpose before passing on. It was explained that plantings are done in the fall. Work will commence to locate a suitable specimen tree for planting.
Ms. Haley suggested that some acknowledgement be made by the committee about Ms. Stoker’s significant influence towards the idea and establishment of the 1651 Forest. Committee members thought the annual town report was an appropriate place to make mention of this.
The committee looked towards the fall planting list and discussed shrubs such as winterberry and sheep laurel. Mr. Hoerle thought winterberry would be non-particular about it’s association with other species.
Ms. Neilsen would like to consider trimming around planted trees where severe encroachment is occurring. She noted that the handbook provides for minimal weeding. The committee generally agreed that minimal weeding would be beneficial to the health and growth of planted species, but reiterated that the intention is not to create a manicured look, and that over time the natural accretion and mortality of plants is to be anticipated. Ms. Neilsen will ask Steve Gulrich to bring before the Open Space committee.
Mr. Putnam offered that there may be an Eagle Scout interested in working on a project in the Forest.
Ms. Neilsen is concerned about the condition of the Wiley Park entryway. Would like to see some attention paid to sprucing it up with plantings and suggests combining this effort with the planting of specimens along with other plants. She recognizes that with the exception of a potential specimen planting this project is beyond the scope of the 1651 project. Ms. Haley offered that she would bring this concern up in front of the Open Space Committee at the next meeting. Mr. Putnam thought a project such as this might be well suited for an Eagle Scout and was going to consider bringing that idea before the Open Space Committee as well.
The next meeting for the Friends will focus on Windmill Weekend and their fundraiser.
The next meeting for the 1651 Advisory Committee was set for August 27th at 7 PM.
Ms. Neilsen made a motion to adjourn the meeting and it was seconded by Mr. Putnam.
Respectfully submitted by:
Suzanne Haley
Committee Chairperson
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