Conservation Commission Minutes 3/3/2011
Conservation Commission Meeting
Old Lyme Town Hall
March 3, 2011, 7:30 pm
Meeting called to order at 7:35 pm.
Members:
George James
David McCulloch
Tom Sherer
Michael Sullivan
Sue Baehr
Monica Buccheri
Lauralyn Lewis, Alternate
Maureen Plumleigh, Alternate
Suzanne Thompson, ex officio
Peter Cable, ex officio
Attending: George James, David McCulloch, Tom Sherer, Michael Sullivan, Sue Baehr, Monica Buccheri, Lauralyn Lewis, Maureen Plumleigh
Guests: Arnette McCulloch
- Approve Minutes of February 3, 2011
The commission approved the minutes of February 3, 2011.
Old Business
- Reminder for Members To Be Sworn In
Members were reminded to be sworn if they had not done so.
- Completion Election of Officers
The Commission voted in Monica Buccheri as new Chair.
Monica stated the commission’s focus should be to work to increase the community’s awareness and knowledge of local conservation issues and the role of the Conservation Commission. There is lack in these areas here in town. There was discussion of reaching out to and potential partnering with the town’s schools, scouts, garden clubs, churches, other boards and commissions as well as the CT DEP and The Nature Conservancy.
Tom reported that he has been successful in his effort in reaching out to Dick Blair of the Congregational Church Environment Committee. The commission will co-host the showing of the documentary “Fuel” at the FCCOL on Thursday, April 28 at 7:30 pm.
New Business
- Results of the Organic Pesticide Committee’s Meeting on February 24
Members were briefed on the Organic Pesticide Committee’s meeting that took place on February 24. At that meeting Lauralyn shared her findings as a result of speaking with towns that treat their town fields without pesticides. The towns that have had cancer concerns stand behind their decision to go without toxic chemicals and are maintaining quality fields. Lauralyn has arranged for Chip Osborne, a nationally acclaimed expert in organics and turf management, to come to the meeting on March 29 at 5pm. Don Bugbee and Phil Neaton shared their letter to parents of athletes which will be handed out with hopes of getting parents to come to the March meeting and voice their thoughts on this matter. There was some effort made at changing the name of the committee to something other than an oxymoron; no
final decision was made.
- Report on WPCA Support Regarding Rogers Lake Watershed
George reported that he gave the WPCA the list of chemicals being applied to Town Woods and stressed the importance of this 48 acre aquifer supplying downstream wells. A water test is due back the third Thursday of March.
There was discussion by the Commission for possible signage for the watershed at Town Woods.
- Lawn Care Preemption Measure – Senate Bill 244
Monica reported that she had talked with the CT Council of Municipalities (CCM) and that they would be in support of this bill which would bring the power back to towns. Additionally, Monica received a letter from Nancy Alderman of EHHI, dated February 17, which informed interested parties that this bill was overturned by Richard Roy of Milford. Roy, who sits on the Environment Committee at the state capitol, made an agreement with the chemical industry.
- Rogers Lake Initiative – STEAP grant, dam
Currently there is no knowledge by commission members of a grant for the work needed at Rogers Lake.
Maureen read the letter she wrote to the West Shores Board asking them to financially support the plant barriers at Devitt Loop and Osceola Trail. The commission unanimously passed a resolution stating that we are on record as supporting our member, Sue Baehr who will present this proposal at the Rogers Lake West Shores Association’s meeting. The meeting is scheduled for March 14 at 7:30 at the Rogers Lake Meeting House.
Presently the commission does not have a written policy. There was discussion that this should be created in a special meeting.
- Clean Water Act Rollbacks Reversed
The rollbacks which took place during the Bush years are being reversed. Michael believes this pertains to industrial areas. This is different from the Aquifer Protection Act which David is looking into.
A list was made of guests the commission would like to invite to speak at future meetings. These guests would help broaden the commission’s knowledge. We will announce these guests in the town calendar to encourage the public to attend.
Jenny Dickson (DEP) will be invited as one of the upcoming guests. Jenny is knowledgeable about bats. This will be useful as the commission works to educate the town on the mosquito issue and pesticides.
- Anti-pesticide Action Plan
Monica will contact the LOLHS business and art teachers for their possible help in designing an information board. The commission hopes to display this at various events.
There was discussion regarding the possible purchase of the documentary “Living Downstream”. Lauralyn will contact the library to see if this would be something they might consider purchasing.
The meeting adjourned at 10:02 pm.
Lauralyn Lewis, Secretary
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