Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes
June 1, 2015
Approved July 6, 2015
Present were members Tom Seidel, Margaret Graciano, Dave Matesky, Pam Smillie, Brian Byrne, Mike Dufilho and Larry Siebert. Hank Benesh filmed the meeting.
The minutes from May 4, 2015 were unanimously approved as amended with a few grammatical corrections and Margaret was changed to Tom in the fifth paragraph.
The minutes from the May 17th work session at Jackson Falls were unanimously approved.
Pam informed us that Susan May was at Prospect Farm and, although she utilized the new big sign by the gate, was still confused by the trails. Pam is wondering if we can install additional signage so that people can more clearly orient themselves.
Tom would like our future Prospect Farm plan to address whether or not we should create new trails or improve the ones we currently have. As we move forward with this plan, signage will be one of our issues.
Tom informed the commission of a change in the plan for the Presidential Range Trail – Scenic Byway (Rt. 16 in town). All towns through which the Byway passes have been notified.
Prospect Farm
Tom is wondering how we want to proceed with our plan for Prospect Farm.
Dave suggested that we go up and walk around together. Pam suggested that we put up some temporary signs in the meantime to make trails easier to follow. Brian thinks it's pretty clear and that there isn't much we can do to make it any clearer.
Margaret suggested we have a meeting inviting the public to share their objectives regarding use of Prospect Farm.
We agreed that the August meeting is going to be at 5:00pm to visit Prospect Farm and decide what we want to see happen.
Brian suggested that we construct a trail that goes to the old mill site on Wildcat Brook.
Tom said that Brie from JSTF would like to be updated on any plans for expansion at Prospect Farm because JSTF also wants to expand their trail network.
Jackson Falls
Dave thought that the orange markers on our plantings were great because otherwise the saplings were hard to see.
Tom thinks we should finish distributing the wood chips this season. 9:30am on June 13th will be our next work session. VOLUNTEERS PLEASE COME!!!!!
Larry updated the commission on his meeting with Jay Henry about installing no parking signs, placing boulders, and controlling erosion at the falls.
Jay is going to clear out a section of the town garage for the conservation commission's use.
Brian jokingly suggested we get a conservation commission vehicle!
Margaret felt that we need to make it clear to Jay where we want the “No Parking” signs to go.
Tom suggested that we make a site map to guide our work, including making requests of the town road crew.
Tom is wondering if there is a visitor's booklet that the hotels distribute that informs guests of places in town to visit. If there is, how do we access it and who do we talk to about modifying it?
Tom proposed that we ask the individuals who want to donate a bench to the falls to put their money towards the new kiosk.
We discussed the temporary sign at the Falls until the kiosk is finished.
Welcome to Jackson Falls! Help us keep this natural area beautiful.
- Please walk on designated paths or rocks.
- Carry in/carry out all trash.
- Respect other visitors and enjoy your stay!
-The Jackson Conservation Commission
Larry will talk to Jay about whether or not he has a “Head-in Parking Only” sign.
Wetlands Permit
DES is working with Black Mountain to come up with a better solution to the cofferdam situation.
Gray's Inn
We discussed scheduling a work session to remove the knotweed. Tom wonders if it would be better to annually cut the knotweed? Dave attended a state run session regarding knotweed removal and according to the state the best method is spraying. We received an e-mail from Anne Kantack about the connection between glyphosate (the chemical found in Roundup) and cancer. Larry insists that if the town is going to spray they need to inform people.
Larry suggested that we do an experiment with the knotweed, cutting and pulling, and next year see which method was most effective.
We will schedule a work session via e-mail for knotweed removal. Most likely it will be at our July meeting. PUBLIC PLEASE COME!
Margaret is still wondering if we can meet with Linda Comeau about putting Prospect Farm into a conservation easement. The commission decided that we should meet with her during the winter when there is less work for us to do outside.
A motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 6:42pm. All in favor. Hooray!
Respectfully submitted,
Margaret Graciano
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