Greenfield Conservation Commission
Minutes
Date: December 17, 2014
Attendees: Karen Day, Neal Brown, Karla Allen, Janine Marr, John Ferrill, and Janet Lutkus
The meeting was called to order at 7:55 pm. The following Agenda items were discussed:
1. Update on the forest management plans – Karla and Janine– update and additional information. Forest Stewardship Plans: Koch-Brown Conservation Area and George Proctor Recreation Area.
• Karla distributed completed plan for Koch-Brown Conservation Area and draft plan for George Proctor Recreation Area to team.
• Karla would like to complete the plan for George Proctor Rec Area as quickly as possible. She is collecting recommendations and would like any input on or before our next meeting on January 28th.
• Karla discussed how Emerald Ash Bore kills all Ash trees. Previously, the recommendation was for taking down only mature Ash. Now the recommendation is to cut all Ash down.
Action Items
1a. Review George Proctor Forest Stewardship plan draft and submit comments to Karla – all committee members.
2. Plans for addressing the invasive weeds in Sunset Lake - John Ferrill from the Sunset Lake community attended and presented information.
• The Common Reed Phragmites probably originated in Europe.
• John reported that there is a huge stand of Common Reed Phragmites, a ¼ acre in depth and 8-12 feet high in the Northeast corner of lake. Roots are so dense nothing else can get through.
• The property where the stand is located has not been maintained. John has spoken to relatives of the property owners who are cooperative about having the Phragmites treated.
• Amy Smagula did an assessment of the stand.
• Amy says there is no state funding for “Emergent “plants.
• Amy recommended the use of herbicide for treatment. Treatment can only be done by a licensed vendor. Amy recommended the treatment be performed by Aquatic Control Technology from Sutton, MA. The written cost estimate for treatment is $3,500.00. Treatment would take a half day and would be performed by people with backpack sprayers.
• Most of the herbicide is absorbed by the plants and deactivates once it hits water. There is said to be little or no risk from use of this herbicide, which has been used across the state since the 1970s.
• The plan is to close the lake for one day for the treatment. Because of the growth cycle of the plants, the treatment would have to be done in summer. It is possible one treatment could take care of the problem. Herbicide must be applied at the most sensitive stage of plant growth.
• John discussed funding to be raised by the community. Will request $500.00 funding from town of Greenfield.
• January 24th is tentatively being planned as a day to clean up and burn plant debris when lake has iced over.
• There is a 90-day permitting process. The application should get started after first of year so treatment can be targeted for best time of year.
• Before the Conservation Commission approves, John will go to select board and discuss.
• No quorum at this meeting so no motion can be made or approved. Further discussion must be referred to next meeting on January 28th, 2015.
Action Items
3. Further discussion by committee at next meeting on 1/28.
Meeting officially adjourned at 8:45 PM.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Janet Lutkus to Carol Irvin for approval, corrections, and distribution.
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