Minutes of the Old Lyme Conservation Commission May 3, 2016
The meeting was called to order at 7:40 p.m.
Members present were Maureen Plumleigh, Sue Baehr, and George James
Anu Godfrey-Fogg, Anne Bing, Winnie Edmed, Rebecca Waldo, and Selectwoman Mary Jo Nosal were also in attendance.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and accepted.
New business
There are still three openings on the commission. Our activities as a Commission were explained to the guests.
The Congregational Church has a three day program on conservation issues. The Conservation Commission members had a display at the church of a border garden designed to prevent runoff into a water body. The Conservation Commission also had a display at the library on that important topic.
The lake bed blanket cannot be ordered by the Commission until after June 30 because of budget regulations. Other lake bed blankets will be located in the vicinity of the rowing docks at Rogers Lake to suppress the weeds there.
The news about solar programs in Connecticut was quite positive. At least one company will provide solar panels that will produce electricity up to 90% of a homeowner’s electric bill at NO COST to the homeowner. The company will maintain the system and bill the customer monthly.
The Old Lyme Land Trust is interested in including high school students in their land management program. With about 1000 acres of open space to maintain the Trust needs both adults and young people for their monthly work parties.
The Conservation Commission noted that Old Lyme recreation fields are regarded as among the best in our area in spite of very heavy usage.
The Commission also urges all homeowners to avoid the use of pesticides on their lawns. Note that fertilizers containing phosphorous are prohibited around water bodies.
For the first time in several years honey bees have been sighted in town, a very welcome sight for those of us who have fruit trees and berry patches.
Old business
The names and addresses of Rogers Lake residents who will have their wells tested before and after the application of pesticides in the lake have been submitted to the Health Department. The DEEP is still considering the impact of pesticides on certain endangered species in Rogers Lake. Conservation Commission members plan to attend Rogers Lake Authority meetings to monitor progress on the long term plan. We adjourned at 9:10 p.m. No votes taken.
George James, Secretary
NOTICE: Messages to or from the Town of Old Lyme domain are subject to the Freedom of Information statutes and regulations.
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