Conservation Commission
Minutes, June 10, 2009
Meeting called to order by Chairman, D. Stover at 7:05
Members present: John Crouch, Fred Huntress, John Laskey, Rich Haslip, Mark Prindall, Don Stover
Absent: Joe Cimino, Dana Lee, Sue Ellis
Visitor: Marcel Polak
Open Space Planning Workshop:
Most of the meeting time consisted of a workshop on Open Space Planning facilitated by Marcel Polak. The object of the workshop was to develop a set of expected outcomes, mission statement, tasks and time-lines for an Open Space Plan. The primary desired outcome is identification and inventory of remaining open space that we would like to see preserved. The Town’s Comprehensive Plan discusses preservation in terms of natural resources, agriculture, scenic and water resources. There was discussion of identifying focus areas from various points of view:
Wildlife (riparian, habitat blocks, connecting corridors)
Working forest and farmland
Recreational
There was also discussion of education and implementation strategies and of various avenues for achieving preservation via voluntary and government actions. There was strong sentiment expressed concerning protection of the rights of land owners with reliance upon voluntary contribution, easements, etc. and avoidance of land use ordinances which would arbitrarily alter the uses that current landowners may expect to make of their property.
The final focus of the workshop was the issue of cost of developing a land inventory. The major items would be GIS mapping services, costs of public in-put (surveys, mailings, forums, etc.). Marcel will talk further with Don about possible consultants for the mapping tasks. The entire discussion will be revisited at the next Commission meeting. In the interim members will reacquaint themselves with the Comprehensive Plan and other Open Space documents (other town plans, Marcel’s outline “Poland Open Space Planning” which will be attached to these minutes.
Other Business:
Bragdon Hill easements
Fred has made a useful contact with New England Forestry Foundation and they are reviewing materials he sent them concerning Bragdon Hill Project. Fred outlined several reasons why SWOAM does not appear presently to be a viable partner for us. However, Fred will contact Western Foothills to explore partnership.
Grants: We were unsuccessful in our grant application to Project Canopy. We need to review our budget and determine alternate means of funding the Forest Stewardship Plan.
Discussion of on-going goals and objectives for Conservation Commission. Several members felt our Open Space Planning workshop was too abstract and perhaps unrealistically far reaching. Discussion focused upon obtaining some immediate success with a particular project such as Bragdon Hill. The feeling was lets accomplish what we can and use that accomplishment as basis for more far reaching future objectives. Members are leery of a great expenditure of time and money resulting in a fine document but no action.
Mark Prindall made a strong case for putting attention on a foot trail network because it would be attractive to residents, tourists and businesses. Trails keep tourists in town longer and can intersect with businesses such as stores and restaurants. Trails also heighten everyone’s awareness of preservation needs. The Bragdon Hill trails appear to have been well received by citizens and sparked interest in preservation.
Several persons felt we should have a contact with John Rand of Raymond Conservation Commission to learn about their experience developing and Open Space Plan.
A consensus was achieved as follows:
Over the near term we want to narrow our focus and accomplish at least one project (e.g., Preservation of at least the town owned portion of Bragdon Hill Project.
We will take Open Space Planning in small steps beginning with an initial inventory which may not be much more elaborate than a starting “wish list” of areas to preserve.
Next meeting, Wednesday, July 8, 7pm, Ricker Library.
Submitted by
Don Stover
June 11, 2009
| 
