Willington Conservation Commission
Town of Willington
3/21/12 Meeting Minutes
Call to order:~ Meeting called to order @ 7:13 pm (The natural resource maps from the Natural Resource Inventory and Open Space Conservation Plan were re-hung on the walls prior to the meeting.)
Roll Call: P. Andersen, K. Demers, R. Shabot, M. Drobney
Approval of 02/15/12 min: Unanimous
Present to speak: None
Finance: No Report
Old Business
Properties Management
FRP-DS
Trails/Maintenance: (1) It was reported that several trees were down across the Weigold Trail. PA will try to get them removed. (2) Suggestion was made to replace the damaged/defaced polycarbonate glazing in the information kiosk. PA will check on prices. (3) A motion was made (KD/MD) to pay Barbara Austin a fee of $300 to update and revise the Taylor Pond trail guide. Unanimous.
Boundary Marking: Discussion of possibly hiring someone with field experience to do this.
Facilities: PA will have the previously discussed concrete bench and table parts delivered to the Park. These have been donated to the Park by J.J. Mottes, Inc. PA will look into purchasing the wood needed for the project. Motion (RS/MD) to approve not more than $100.00 for this. Unanimous.
KNOWLTON PRESERVE
Management Plan: Discussion of an introductory letter and RFP for a natural resources inventory and forest and wildlife habitat management plan drawn up by KD. The plan would cover both the Knowlton and Talmadge properties. Motion (RS/MD) for KD to send the letter and RFP to a list of several companies providing this service. Unanimous.
Boundary Marking and signage: A work party on March 11 put up medallions, tapes and blazes and cleared sight lines on the eastern and southern boundaries of the preserve. ATVs are entering the preserve and creating potential erosion problems on slopes. Discussion of sending a letter to the abutter from whose property the ATVs are entering. Some previously installed boundary markers had been torn down.
OTHERS
PA reported that the conservation easement area on the MycoScience property along Roaring Brook was very clean with no signs of camping and evidence of only one small campfire. A moderate amount of trash around the bridge abutment was picked up.
Town Development
IWWC will be having a site walk of the proposed Love's Travel Stop on April 3.
Collaborative Organizations
- Willimantic River Alliance: No report.
- Joshua’s Trust: No report.
- Windham County Conservation Consortium: No report
Programs/Educational Activities
- Two Astronomy Night/Star Parties will be held in Fenton-Ruby Park upper hayfield on April 20th and 21st from 8:30 - 10:00 pm.
- A decision was made not to participate in an Audubon Citizen Science program at this time.
Other
PA got some recommendations from Lynn Nicholls for dealers selling brush cutters and will get prices.
New Business
PA communicated with the Mansfield Conserv. Comm. chair re borrowing their copy of the "The City Dark" DVD for a possible Willington showing. It may be available in the near future.
Communications
An EO Smith student inquired about doing work in FRP to fulfill his community services requirement for graduation. Possibilities were discussed. PA will talk with the student.
Other : None
Next Meeting: 04/18/2012
Adjournment: 9:20 pm
Respectfully submitted, Peter Andersen, Secretary Pro Tempore
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