Conservation Commission Minutes December 9, 2013
Members present: Brian Byrne, Mike Dufihlo, Margaret Graciano, David Matesky, Tom Seidel, Larry Siebert and Pam Smillie.
The Minutes of November 4, 2013 were reviewed and approved.
Jackson Falls. Larry reported that Dean Davis donated rocks for the stone steps at the Falls and Ryman McLane donated woodchips for the pathways. The Jackson Falls monitoring report of the work done at the Falls pursuant to the Action Plan was prepared by Greg Howard.
A Motion was made to pay Greg Howard’s invoice for the monitoring report in the amount of $525.00. Motion approved.
Prospect Farm. A Motion was made to pay Rick Davis’ bill for mowing at Prospect Farm in the amount of $1,630.00. Motion approved.
Annual Report. Larry is working on putting together the actions of the Conservation Commission over the past year to include in the town report. Actions include:
- Compliance with DES permit regarding Gray’s Inn, including pulling knotweed from field behind library.
- Development of Jackson Falls Action Plan and work at the Falls per the monitoring report
- Located and cut a trail for the Mystery House Loop Trail behind library and worked on interpretive map and signs
- Designed and had interpretive sign made for the grist mill wheel found during Tropical Storm Irene, which is now located at the lower falls across from the Wentworth
- Cut the path on the island at the lower falls
- Continued the annual maintenance at Prospect Farm
- Clarified that the JCC is not responsible for the Iron Mountain Trail thereby making the trail available for adoption
- Continued monitoring all conservation easements in Jackson
- Walked Prospect Farm and decided not to cut further while equipment in place
- Acted on 3 to 4 expedited Wetlands permit applications
- Worked on knotweed policy?
Great Brook near Whitney’s. The Commission received a copy of a letter from the DES with a list of items to be completed by the responsible parties including but not limited to create a plan, build a coffer dam, remove temporary dam at end of season, no machines may go into the water, must be qualified environmental personnel and a monitoring report. It is important for the commission to be informed because the brook is part of the wild and scenic river designation of Jackson Falls.
Mystery House Loop Trail. Brian will add shingles to the interpretive kiosk to be located at the beginning of the trail in the parking lot below the library (old tennis courts).
Jackson Water Precinct. Someone from the commission is needed to attend meetings. Water is drawn from the Ellis River which is a 29 square mile watershed.
Carter Notch Parking Lot. JSTF put in a parking lot at the end of Carter Notch Road. We are unsure if it is year round or for the winter ski season only. If the lot is year round, do we still need a parking lot at Prospect Farm? Larry will talk to Thom Perkins at JSTF to find out.
Adjourned 6:45. Respectfully submitted, Pam Smillie
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