Minutes of the Old Lyme Conservation Commission Dec.1,2015
The meeting was called to order at 7:34 p.m. members present were Tom Sherer, Sue Baehr, Maureen Plumleigh, George James
Guests- Anu Godfrey- Fogg, Linda Krulikowski
Minutes of the previous meeting were accepted with the correction of Anu Godfrey-Fogg's name.
The subject of shallow well testing was discussed with the Town Sanitarian who agreed with the idea of shallow well tests at the south end of Rogers Lake before the application of herbicides. Sue Baehr will identify those well owners for testing. The Sanitarian will attend our next meeting and will
bring updates as to the number of shallow wells involved and the latest septic system pumpout records.
The secretary read the state statutes governing the town conservation commission legal duties before an extensive discussion of the 2015 priority items that the commission has been working on. Anu submitted her own list of items to be considered when a new list of priorities is developed. The discussion also included information from Linda about the snapping turtles in Rogers lake as well as the discovery of what appears to be a hybrid
turtle that may be a combination of a painted turtle and a slider turtle. Linda wanted the commission to consider the impact of the use of herbicides on the flora-fauna of the lake as well as its impact on humans.
Sue, Maureen and Linda also stated their concerns about the current inadequacies in storm sewer maintenance around the lake. Filter inserts are available at a very modest price. Presently storm water from the streets flows directly into the lake. The commission wants to establish a Facebook page to be created and managed by a student at the high school as a community service project. The commission also is interested in involving students in hands on activities associated with the environment. The commission's current web site needs some revisions. George will convey
those change requests to Ruth Roach. It was noted that the RLA web site is not reporting the minutes of its meetings in the prescribed legal manner. Tom will be responsible for the acquisition of a benthic mat to be used in the Hains Park area as a demonstration of the effectiveness of this method to control weeds. The commission wants to make sure that existing mats are used and urges the Rogers Lake Authority to expand its inventory and use of the mats.
The Rogers Lake Long Term Plan document produced by the Old Lyme Conservation Commission will be published and distributed as soon as possible.
George brought up the subject of shortcomings in the maintenance of the Town's open space. The commission suggested that the Selectmen be informed of the Conservation Commission's concerns based on the photos of downed trees across the trails and that a site walk should be conducted. They expressed surprise that there were no stewards assigned to the open space parcels.
The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
George James, Secretary
| 
