Conservation Commission Minutes 9/8/11
Conservation Commission Meeting
Old Lyme Town Hall
September 8, 2011, 7:30 pm
Meeting called to order at 7:31 pm.
Members:
Monica Buccheri
George James
David McCulloch
Tom Sherer
Michael Sullivan
Lauralyn Lewis
Sue Baehr, Alternate
Maureen Plumleigh, Alternate
Linda Clough, Alternate
Suzanne Thompson, ex officio
Peter Cable, ex officio
Attending: Monica Buccheri, Lauralyn Lewis, Tom Sherer, Maureen Plumleigh and
Linda Clough
- Approve Minutes of August 4, 2011
The commission approved the minutes of August 4, 2011.
Old Business
Lauralyn gave background information to new member Linda Clough and informed
members that she and Chip Osborne have not been able to speak by phone due to his
extremely busy schedule.
Monica passed along George’s request that we go ahead with the permission
slip/pesticide notification to parents of young athletes scheduled to play on town
fields. Members discussed this as a possibility but felt the need for a recent update as
to where the selectmen stand on this topic. Monica suggested adding the
pesticide link that we have on the commission’s web page to the permission slip.
No information was provided by George on this topic.
- Conservation Commission Banner
Lauralyn showed the two possibilities that she designed, as a starting point, to show
sign companies for general information gathering. Monica would like the
final presentation and a vote on this at the October 6 meeting.
- New Brochure for Conservation Commission
Lauralyn shared the most revised copy of the brochure. Tom suggested the brochure
be sent to members in a PDF so all members could work on a possible design; this
would allow for shared responsibility and possibly a shorter time period for a
decision on a final draft. Monica commented that we need to include the link to
pesticides that is on the town website under the Conservation Commission.
Maureen updated members on the event held at the lake on August 13th. Sarah sent
out a thank you note to all for a well attended event. Tim and Bonnie were both in
attendance. Linda thought this was not the best event to promote conservation
efforts of the lake as most were interested only in the regatta. She had a table set up,
but few people showed interest.
Tim has promised excavating at Haines Park, but this has been delayed due to Irene.
Linda hopes to plant trees at Haines Park, as time goes along. The
Roger’s Lake Authority would like to stay away from deciduous trees as they
drop leaves into the lake, which adds to the overall decrease in health of the lake.
Linda discussed the erosion that has occurred at the crew dock. She has plans
for plants to be installed there that will not interfere with the rowers, but will aid in
hindering further erosion at this site.
Maureen cut the phragmites at Haines Park in an effort to stay away from toxic
spraying by the DEEP and further growth. The eventual planned riparian buffer
should cut down on the runoff to the lake which is making it a hospitable
environment for the phragmites.
New Business
- Old Lyme Events Submission (November 4th, 2011 – 4th Qtr. Issue
This issue will be delivered to homes in December. Due to the timing of the holidays
and cold weather, the members felt an article on eco salts for de-icing may be the best
article for this issue. Further discussion at the October meeting will be needed.
- Monica formally gave her resignation as chair and member, effective immediately, citing personal reasons. Members agree that her dedication, passion and hard work will be missed. She has been an incredible asset to the commission and has given a great deal of time and effort working to eliminate toxic pesticides here in Old Lyme.
The meeting adjourned at 9:39pm.
Lauralyn Lewis, Secretary
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