Willington Conservation Commission
Town of Willington
01/18/12 Meeting Minutes
Call to order:~ Meeting called to order @ 7:08 pm
Roll Call: P. Andersen, K. Demers, C. Jordan, R. Shabot. R.Bloom seated for P.Pribula, E.Brand seated for M.Schreiber.
Approval of 12/21/2011 min: Unanimous; Approval of 01/09/12 min: EB abstain
Present to speak: Approval to move VI. Section E on agenda to here. L.Wrobel, S.Morytko and G.Haaland were present from the Ashford Conserv. Comm. The ACC has approached the Ashford selectmen with a proposal to manage the 70-acre Langhammer property as a preserve and for passive recreation. Given the WCC’s experience with managing the Fenton-Ruby Park and Drobney Sanctuary (FRP-DS), the Ashford Comm. sought our input on management plans, resource assessment, trails development, managing public access and stewardship. The property is across Lustig Road from FRP-DS and presents an opportunity to collaborate on connecting trail systems. Of interest
to Willington is the fact that the Langhammer prop. contains the headwaters of Taylor Pond. Discussion was productive and informative for both commissions.
Finance: The FY 2012 balance is approximately $1600.00. Brief discussion of the
’12 -’13 budget due in February.
Old Business
Properties Management
FRP-DS
Trails/Maintenance: RB reported that the Boy Scouts did a good job clearing the Weigold Trail in Sept. All other trails in good shape. RS reported that the top rail on the Taylor Pond bridge needs repair/replacement. More trail maps and trail guides are needed. PA had removed many small encroaching pines and large fallen branches from the larger of the Taylor Pd Tr. fields.
Burma Road: Reconstruction of Burma Road appears to be complete. Public Works Dept. has done extensive work on the unimproved section by creating extensive drainage channels to remove rain water flow from the road. Each area has been given a heavy layer of woodchips for erosion control. Boulders have been placed across the road at the lower end to prevent vehicular access.
KNOWLTON PRESERVE
Management Plan: KD is researching and consulting with D.Donahue on a template for an RFP for resource management plan consultants. PA has sent a letter to BOF regarding potential use of funds in the Parks and Rec Fund 06 account for this project.
Town Development
PA and KD presented a letter from WCC voicing concerns about protection of the wetlands areas around the proposed Love’s Travel Stop to IWWC at the January 9, 2012 hearing. Another hearing will be held on February 13, 2012.
Collaborative Organizations
- Willimantic River Alliance: No report.
- Joshua’s Trust: No report.
- Windham County Conservation Consortium: Next meeting is 1/31/2012.
Film Screening
The viewing of the documentary video “ The City Dark” in conjunction with Mansfield’s and Ashford’s Conservation Commissions will take place at EO Smith High School 2/3/2011. Leo Smith of International Dark Skies Association will be there as well. PA will check on the needs for refreshments.
Other
KD made a proposal to pay for an expert/naturalist to lead a walk on a Willington property on Connecticut Trails Day June 2, 2012. Unanimous agreement on a motion by CJ/EB to approve a stipend not to exceed $200 for a qualified person. Chris Demers will research possibilities. A suggestion was made to utilize the Talmadge Tract for the event this year.
New Business
Communications
A letter from the Conn. Land Conservation Council (CLCC) describing their programs and requesting the WCC’s membership was read. No action.
An email from CLCC announcing the CT Bond Commission’s approval of $5 million for the Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition grant program was read.
Other
Mention was made of a 23-acre property apparently for sale on the corner of Moose Meadow and Liska Roads. No action.
Next Meeting: 2/15/2012
Adjournment : 9:06 pm
Respectfully submitted, Peter Andersen, Secretary Pro Tempore
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