Inland Wetland and Watercourse Commission
40 Old Farms Road, Willington, CT ~06279
November 27, 2017
Meeting Minutes
Members Present:
Dave Schreiber – Co - Chairman
Tess Gutowski – Co-Chairman
Patrick Lord
Members Absent:
Mark Drobney - excused
Also Present:
Regular Meeting
D. Schreiber called the meeting to order at 7:30.
New Business
W2017-25 Application for Timber Harvest at River Road & Schofield Road (Map 39 Lot 10 & 10A Zone R80) Owner: Willian Baxter & Goeller Family Trust Applicant: Hull Forest Products (Received November 27, 2017 Public Hearing or decision within 65 days)(Site walk November 18, 2017)
D. Schreiber said the application was received today and a decision will be made at the next meeting on December 11, 2017.
Brennan Sheehan of Hull Forest Products was present. He said the parcel is 89 total acres and they are going to harvest on a smaller portion of the property. He said he has flagged the main skid roads and described the parcel; it is very dry site with seasonal drainage to the east. He added that they will need 2 temporary bridge crossings in this area and has flagged the stream crossings. Mr. Sheehan said there is an existing woods road and he supplied pictures of the proposed bridges. He said by the time they get to the back portion, the site should be dry.
Mr. Sheehan said the harvest will be selective and not a clear cut. He said there is a lot of white pine so the regeneration should be very quick.
The Commission conducted a site walk and do have concerns on 3 areas of the parcel. They reviewed the plans and T. Gutowski showed the areas of concern. D. Schreiber said he is concerned on rutting. Mr. Sheehan said they will Implement Best Management Practices at all times and use forwarders. P. Lord noted there is drainage from the perch and there are seeps. Mr. Sheehan said if they see standing water, they will hold off until it is dry.
T. Gutowski said whoever cut last time left the corduroy behind. Mr. Sheehan said they will remove any new corduroy that they put in but will leave the old as it has been there for quite some time.
Mr. Sheehan said he marked the site in the summer when it was dry and said he could go back out and take notes of areas of concern. T. Gutowski said she would be more comfortable with that. She asked how close the harvest is from Roaring Brook and Mr. Sheehan said there is a big buffer in between.
Mr. Sheehan said he will go back to the site after a heavy rain and added, with Best Management Practices, they will not impact the wetlands and watercourses. He said he will send a follow-up email to S. Yorgensen after he visits the site.
The application was tabled to the December 11th meeting.
Minutes
T. Gutowski motioned to approve the May 22, 2017 minutes. P. Lord seconded the motion. All in favor. Motion carried.
P. Lord motioned to approve the minutes of September 11, 2017. T. Gutowski seconded the motion. All in favor. Motion carried.
Staff Report and Discussion
T. Gutowski said they need to schedule for the 2018 meetings.
T. Gutowski said they need to update the regulations but have been waiting on DEEP. She asked if Staff can follow up and see if the model regulations have been issued.
Discussion was held on the Forest Practice Regulations. T. Gutowski asked if Staff can inquire on what towns have finalized their regulations and if they have them posted on their website; she would like the Commission to view them online.
T. Gutowski would like to have updating of the existing regulations and the forestry regulations added to the next agenda. She added that she would also like to discuss the IWWC Commission’s role in crumbling foundations.
Meeting adjourned at 8:05.
Respectfully Submitted,
Michele Manas
Michele Manas
Recording Clerk
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