TOWN OF OLD LYME
OPEN SPACE COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES OF 10/14/11
IN ATTENDANCE:
Diana Atwood Johnson, George James, Bruce Baratz, Marianne Gotfredson, Ted Kiritsis, William Dunbar, Amanda Blair.
Bruce Baratz and Marianne Gotfredson were named voting alternates for the meeting. Diana announce Teri Lewis has resigned from the commission because of family and work priorities. The Commission thanked her and hopes she will return in coming years. Diana has spoken to the selectman’s office about getting a paid secretary as other boards and commissions have.
Old Business: Diana passed around examples of the Trail Book created by Shannon Chapman and photos of the boxes located at several Open Space parcels owned by the town and the land trust. Each holds a stamp that can be placed in the Trail Book Shannon created. There was no report on the Trail Book. Diana has contacted Tom Degnan and Tom Worthley about a community forum on tree harvesting on town open space. Erica Larner is leaving the Coastal Conservation District, but would be pleased to participate. Marianne presented several pictures of various options for receptacles for dog waste that are being used at Hammonasett and Maine Botanical Gardens. “Dog Waste Depot” has a station for $145 and $245 that includes bags. The commission discussed the various concerns and will continue to research a proposal for where the
receptacles would be placed and the cost. Diana reported that Steve Ames had requested that the dedication of the property the town purchased from him last summer be held in the Spring when he was in better shape to do a trail walk. He met with Diana to discuss signage at the end of his gravel drive and moving of the gate. Diana reported that NU had moved up the timing of the environmental grants, so we missed the deadline.
A goat has been reported in the Ferry Road and Meetinghouse Lane areas. George reported that mountain bikers are using trails on the new Ames property going in off Evergreen Trail. George also told the commission that John Flower cleared the trails from Whippoorwill Road over to Lyme Street on Champlain North. A hearty thanks is due! George brought up the idea of hunting on Ames because there are so many deer. Lyme is closing one of their properties for a hunt. He reports that someone is hunting on the Galaxy property and we should check with OLLT to see what they do. The idea was controversial. George reported the Conservation Commission is working on restoration of Haines Park, keeping the geese at bay, use of pesticides at Town Woods.
Bill Dunbar brought up his concern over the Haddam Land Swap. Diana reported on various efforts being made by the Connecticut Land Conservation Coalition.
The meeting was adjourned at 10am.
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