Willington Conservation Commission
Town of Willington
9/19/2011 Meeting Minutes
Call to order:~ Meeting called to order @ 7:06 pm
Roll Call: P. Andersen, K Demers, M. Drobney, C. Jordan, M. Schreiber, R. Shabot
Approval of 9/28/11 minutes: Approval of minutes on a motion by KD/MD, 4 ayes, 2 abstentions: RS, PA
Present to speak: NA.
Finance: The FY 2012 balance is $1600.00.
On a motion by CJ/KD WCC approves the expenditure of $95.85 for 3 Daley Award plaques and $57.49 for lumber and supplies purchased at OL Willard Co. Unanimous vote.
The CIP annual request was submitted to the Board of Finance. Discussion ensued on future approaches for funding options for the Open Space Fund.
Old Business
FRP-DS:
- Trails Report: PA cut down a tree overhanging the Ruby Trail. The Taylor Trail area has woody growth that should be managed soon.
- A donation of bench replacement parts for our current broken benches was offered by JJ Mottes Co of Stafford, CT. On a motion by CJ/RS: WCC will purchase materials to complete the restoration of 1 table and 2 benches located at FRP. WCC will accept the generous donation by JJ Mottes of concrete table parts and 2 concrete bench parts. Unanimous vote.
- Burma Road: no news.
Town Development: IWWC: tabled
Open Space /Easement Monitoring: Peck’s Mill: The Board of Selectman approved the Stewardship Plan for the Peck’s Mill water trail access site on the Willimantic River and signed the letter of support which allows for public use of the site and improvements to the site as needed for the nomination of the Willimantic River for National Recreation Trail designation.
WCC needs to revisit the site to make any necessary changes that have happened since our last work cycle at the site. Additional signage is needed for the property.
Talmadge Conservation Tract: Bridge materials should be delivered to the site.
Programs: Tabled.
Collaborative Organizations
- Willimantic River Alliance: The nomination of the Willimantic River for National Recreation Trail designation is a major project at this time.
- Joshua’s Trust: tabled
- Windham County Conservation Consortium: Next meeting is 1/2012.
- Last Green Valley: tabled
Royal Knowlton Preserve:
- Conservation easements: On the 10/18/11 PZC agenda: Review for Trail Conservation Easement for the Nipmuck Trail (Knowlton Tract). PZC submitted 5 recommendations for the easement. The recommendations by PZC will be reviewed by the Board of Selectman. On a motion by CJ/RS: WCC voted that the recommendations of PZC outlined in the minutes of the10/18/11 meeting would not provide any significant value to the Town which would warrant any renegotiation of the easement with CFPA at additional legal expense to the Town of Willington. While PZC’s recommendations are appreciated, we feel the significance and value they would add to the easement does not warrant further negotiations with CFPA. Unanimous vote
- Boundary Marking/Approved Public Use Signage: Signage at the Royal Knowlton Preserve is installed. An additional sign for the preserve at another entrance point was suggested as a future project. More boundary medallions need to be installed as well.
- Dedication Event/ Daley Award: 10/15/11. Thomas J Knowlton, Dorothy Andersen and Nancy Lyn Booth members of the Knowlton family are the 2011 recipients of the Daley Award. The Royal Knowlton Preserve was owned by the Knowlton family. Members of Joshua Trust attended the event and spoke at the dedication ceremony.
Review of FRP Management Plan The Review of the FRP Management Plan will be A. 1. on the 11/16 meeting agenda. Various management areas from the Management Plan were assigned to members. The members will make a progress report after they inspect the areas using the recommendations in the management plan as a guideline.
Discussion of Management Plans for Knowlton Preserve and Talmadge Trust. PA will send a letter to the chair of Board of Finance detailing the need for a forest management plan for both the Talmadge Tract and the Royal Knowlton Preserve.
New Business
Communications: Various communications were received and discussed
2012 Officers: The nominating slate for officers for 2012 is as follows,
Chair: P Anderson, Vice Chair: K Demers, Treasurer: C Jordan, Recording Secretary: M Schreiber.
It is recommended that PA submit letters to the Board of Selectman with the recommendation that KD, MS and RS receive membership reappointments to WCC. The terms of all three current members expire on December 1, 2010.
Next Meeting: 11/16/2011
Adjournment: On a motion by CJ/RS at 9:15 pm, so moved.
Respectfully submitted, Marilyn Schreiber
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