03-29-2022 Forest Board Meeting

Forest Board Meeting

March 29, 2022

DRAFT Meeting Minutes

Attendance

Forest Board: Dan Ludwig, Reg Cramer, Terry Lewis

Guest: Arlene Guest, , Dashiell Rae, Peter Berger, Georgette Wolf Ludwig, Tad Nunez.

Via Zoom: Noel Walker, Lynne Fitzhugh, Laura Tucker, Peter Guest

 

Meeting called to order at 6:03PM

Trails Consultant Repot: Marcus Bradley  – Redstart

Marcus gave a thorough review, with recommendations of his report findings after evaluating the conditions of the majority of trails/old logging roads in the Town Forest. He indicated that there was a large amount of work to be accomplished. The northwest section of the Town Forest was pointed out as an area the town should take immediate action to repair and manage. Markus prepared a map with designated numbering of the areas that need attention, along with a written report that supported his presentation. The report and map will be placed on the Town web site.

Going Forward – Identify Projects

The project areas in the northwest corner of the Town Forest and areas identified in non-town areas will be addressed first.

Other areas that could be done by hand could be addressed with volunteers

The need for gating was a high priority. The financing purchasing/installing gates was discussed. There was a consensus of the Board to move ahead with lighter/less expensive gate system (cow gates) for the short term. There was a discussion to include a game camera system near the gates. Board may consider seeking donations to fund the gating project.

Review existing Trust Accounts

Dan Ludwig read from the 2021 Fairlee Town Report the description of how each of the respective forest trust funds could be utilized.

Stream Data – Health of Lake Morey

Dan Ludwig gave a brief overview of the 2021 stream data report prepared by the Lake Morey Commission. He indicated the findings of the data showed that the problematic areas (streams) were on the northeast side of the lake. The westside concerns were minimal and future emphasis of research was now going to be concentrated on the eastside of lake.

Correspondences

Dan Ludwig read aloud for the record a letter from Peter Lange dated 2/25/2022.

Public Comments

Arlene Guest shared that the phosphorus conditions in the lake may not necessarily be from stream run-off, but from organic material from the bottom of the lake.

Tad read aloud the zoom chat comments.

Meeting adjourned at 7:35PM

Respectfully submitted by: Tad Nunez, Town Administrator