Jackson Conservation Commission
Meeting Minutes
June 2, 2014
Present: Larry Siebert, Brian Byrne, Pam Smillie, Dave Matesky, Mike Dufilho, Tom Seidel and Margaret Graciano
Visitors were: Breanne Torrey, Executive Director of Jackson Ski Touring Foundation (JXC), Penny Miller, George Howard and Nancy Davis. Hank Benesh filmed the meeting.
Larry introduced the new JXC Director, Breanne Torrey. JCC and Breanne are excited to work together regarding issues on town land. Specific topics discussed:
Larry asked about the erosion along the Wildcat River near the Eagle Mountain Golf Course and Breanne said that they are aware of it and are taking the correct steps. Nancy Davis asked if the landowner was aware of this action. Breanne replied JXC is working with the landowner to rebuild the Eagle Mountain Golf course bridge.
Larry raised concerns regarding the JXC bridge behind the town library leading to JXC ski trails and the town's Mystery House Loop hiking trail.
Larry inquired about potential four season public use of the new JXC parking lot near Prospect Farm. Breanne thought the new lot, on private property, might only have permission for winter use. She will check with the landowner and communicate with Larry. The JCC has considered putting in a new parking lot for town use near Camp Gout. Breanne informed us that the Forest Service is planning to construct a parking lot in the same area. JCC will contact USFS.
Penny Miller expressed her concerns over increased traffic on Carter Notch Rd. since the construction of the new JXC parking lot. She would like to see increased communication between JXC and the town. For example, Penny being told by town elders about Jackson residents' permission to ski for free on town land at Prospect Farm yet JXC providing no similar information. Neither Breanne nor the JCC was aware of this issue. JCC and JXC agree to review details of agreement between town and JXC. Penny would like JST to share the land a bit more than happens currently and have it become more accessible to town residents. ATV and snowmobiles are currently allowed on town land, groomed trails or not.
Breanne confirmed rumors brought to the JCC that JXC is in the early stages of planning a higher elevation building based on a donor's wishes. This building could range from a warming hut to AMC style hut. One of the four potential locations identified is the town's Prospect Farm property. JCC will investigate the original deed gifting Prospect Farm to the town regarding the intended use and otherwise begin preparing for how to advise the town if JXC moves this idea forward.
Breanne, Penny and Nancy left.
We reviewed the minutes from May 12, 2014 and unanimously approved them as amended.
George Howard reported on his work with Don Johnson about the Prospect Farm map and historical narrative. His narrative will include some old photos of the property and information on cellar holes and logging history.
Warren Schoenmaker would like consent to place a sign at the historic park across from the Wentworth to designate all the house and structures within the historic district. The JCC will consider sharing the cost. Mike and Brian think a similar sign already exists.
Mystery House Loop (Gray's Inn Trail) Signage
Mike presented rough drafts for a series of signs to be posted at the following locations: trail head kiosk, ice pond damn site, vernal pool, apple orchard, mystery house cellar hole, view to Carter Notch, and glacial erratic. Mike will forward his text to the Commission for comment after which Larry will have the signs printed.
The JCC planned two work sessions:
1- Jackson Falls- June 15th at 2:00pm. Move wood chips, put up ropes marking off certain areas, and designate primary paths.
2- Gray's Inn property- Pull knotweed on July 7th at 6:30pm.
The JCC wrote a description of our action plan at the Falls and will submit it to the E-News. Volunteers are wanted for the two work sessions.
The Commission discussed the most effective means of knotweed removal.
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