WILLINGTON CONSERVATION COMMISSION MEETING
10/16/2013
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm.
Roll Call: K. Demers, C. Jordan, P. Andersen, R. Shabot, M. Drobney
Approval of Minutes: Minutes of 9/18/13 were approved by KD and CJ. PA, MD, RS Abstaining
Present to Speak: District 53 State Rep. Sam Belsito introduced himself to the Commission and voiced his appreciation for the work of conservation commissions and the importance of, and his support for, efforts to conserve and protect our rural heritage in eastern Connecticut. He offered his help and support for the Commission's work.
Finance: No changes since the last meeting
Old Business
A. Properties Management
FRP-DS:
Trails/ Maintenance: M. Drobney will use the brush cutter on the Taylor Pond Trail thru the open field areas. Signage for "good stewardship " protocols was reviewed: C. Jordan will revise. Discussion of Willington Word notice to publicize need for trail stewards for all properties was discussed: C. Jordan will revise. R. Shabot has cleared several blowdowns from the Weigold Tr. The cedar bridge on Julia's Trail needs replacement: P. Andersen will evaluate needs. Additional signage regarding leashing dogs was discussed.
Boundary Marking: Commission will evaluate additional needed boundary clearing and marking to be contracted out.
New Trail Guide: C. Jordan will edit the manuscript for clarity and ease of use on the trail. Commission will review the guide "on the ground".
October 19th Park Day - 9:00 am to noon. P. Andersen has evaluated trail areas that need clearing and maintenance. Notice has been sent to Friends of the Park about the work day.
Knowlton Preserve/Talmadge Tract: Bridge construction and trailhead parking still pending.
B. Town Development
Love’s Travel Stop: Project is proceeding through next levels of approval.
C. Collaborative Organizations:
Willimantic River Alliance: No report.
Joshua’s Trust: Disposition of the Labbee Property on Blair Rd. is still under consideration.
Windham County Conservation Consortium: No report.
D. Other: Commission voted to reimburse P. Andersen to register for the CACIWC annual meeting on Nov. 16: $40.00 for reps from member organizations.
New Business
Communications: (1) P. Andersen will attend the MassConn Sustainable Forest Partnership meeting at the Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary in Wales, MA on Nov. 1. The Partnership includes over 30 public and private entities committed to sustainable forest management and land protection in 38 towns in south-central Mass and northeast Conn. (2) Mike Masinda, an EOS senior would like to work on invasive plant removal in FRP for a senior public service project. Commission approved. (3) The Ashford Conserv. Comm. is planning an interpretive walk on the Old Conn. Path through FRP and the Langhammer Woods in Ashford on Oct. 20 as part of Walktober Events.
Programs: Discussion of possible screening of the documentary, "The City Dark" in Willington sometime in the winter.
Other: None.
Next Meeting: Wednesday, 11/20/2013
Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 9:15 pm.
Minutes submitted by Peter Andersen, Secretary pro tem
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