Conservation Commission — June 3, 2026

The Chair called for motions to approve both the non-public sealed minutes and the public meeting minutes from the previous session.

Both sets of minutes were approved.

Two options were presented: installing two pipes for under $4,000 or one pipe on the South Dam for just over $2,100. Members debated the cost-effectiveness of the two-pipe option and raised concerns regarding landowner permission for a dam located on private property, as well as potential downstream flooding impacts.

The Commission approved the two-pipe installation for up to $4,000, contingent upon receiving permission from the adjacent landowner and ensuring no negative flooding impact.

Creighton Brubaker will verify with the USDA contact whether the installation might affect the property or downstream areas and confirm landowner permission.

The report highlighted successful senior and community hikes. Regarding the upcoming forest cleanup, members discussed strategies to improve attendance, such as using RSVP systems via email to better track interested participants.

The Commission noted the success of recent events and discussed improving advertisement/RSVP methods for future cleanups.

Plan a forest cleanup for late August or early September.

Three potential locations (A, B, and C) were presented. Members debated between convenience (placing it near the bridge/kiosk) and aesthetics/smell (avoiding the Garden Club's improved flower beds). There was concern that placing it too far away might lead to non-compliance.

The Commission approved placing the bin at location 'C', next to the 'no parking' sign, to avoid disturbing the gardens while remaining accessible.

The fund received $5,800 in interest and tax deposits. Creighton requested approval for a $2,400 Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) quote for an upcoming acquisition of seven lots.

The $2,400 ESA expenditure was approved unanimously.

Proceed with the ESA to move the land acquisition forward.

New laminated maps and information are posted in the kiosks. However, a member noted that the interior kiosk had been tampered with/pulled at the top, suggesting vandals were trying to break it. It was noted that the current single-lock system is insufficient.

The Commission identified the need for a more secure locking mechanism.

Creighton Brubaker to ask Julie to look into adding a second lock to the top of the kiosks.

A resident reported concerns about tall, dead trees leaning toward their home and power lines. Members discussed whether to remove them entirely or turn them into 'snags' (standing dead wood) for wildlife. It was clarified that because the trees are on Town Forest land, the town is responsible for the liability and cost.

The Commission agreed to wait for professional feedback from 'Bob' (likely the town arborist/forester) to determine if removal or snagging is safer.

Creighton Brubaker to wait for Bob's assessment before seeking removal quotes.

Edits were made to the goals to remove completed items (Master Plan update, park improvements, and trail ridge) and add current priorities like the USDA beaver solutions.

The updated goals were accepted.

To avoid waiting until the July 8th meeting, the Chair proposed holding a special public hearing sooner to help close the land acquisition faster.

The Commission agreed to hold a special public hearing on July 17th at 1:00 PM in the meeting room.

Notice for the special hearing to be sent out.