09-29-2021 Forest Board Meeting
Attendance
Forest Board: Dan Ludwig, Mitch Phelps, Terry Lewis
Arlene Guest, Peter Guest, Dashiell Rae, Lynne Fitzhugh, Bill Fitzhugh, Peter Berger, Ann Stephens, Donna Richardson, Georgette Wolf Ludwig, Bill Weale, Chaz Hinsley, Smith Reed, Chad Pierson, Tom Daley, Dennis O’Donnell, Larry Farnham, Tyler Farnham, Michael Moore, Jason Backus, and Tad Nunez.
Via Zoom: Noel Walker, Bruce Durgin, and Robin (no last name given)
Meeting called to order at 5:32PM
Order of agenda was accepted with the Public Comments moved to the end of the meeting agenda.
Review of State reports from site visit June 4, 2021
Dan Ludwig gave a brief overview of the reports submitted by State officials and of items recommended by the State. Primary emphasis from the State was water run-off from trail and old logging roads.
State report recognized concerns of the wet land area near Cross Mt trail (private property).
Forest Board to close off the Cross Mt Trail section that goes through the private property and wet land area.
Need signage on trails when the trail enters into private property.
Forest Board to address the AMP issues shared by the State.
There were no one major issue addressed in the reports, other than continued AMP practices need to be committed to maintaining the existing trails.
Forest Board members have made several trips into the Town Forest to assess the concerns of the State. The trails were in fairly good shape. Some areas will be hard to repair due to the locations.
Stream water quality data points were reviewed. It was evident that water quality concerns were from the streams on the east side of the lake. No significant evidence showing that phosphorus coming from Town Forest (specifically from Glens Falls Brook).
Discussion of Town Forest priorities and actions
Would like to keep the Town Forest in a wilderness state. Open to residents.
Installing seasonal gating at entry locations to keep traffic out during weather events, mud season and when there is a hazardous situation.
Consider felling trees to discourage people from entering areas that are closed off.
No immediate logging in the future due to the poor markets for wood products.
An emergency access to Town Forest should be designed into the trail system. Consider having coded gate entry for emergency services.
Close off the Cross Mt Trail that goes through wet land areas.
Create a list of signs, similar to the existing sign at the east end (Aloha Foundation maintenance barn) Brushwood Rd.
Bill Weale inquired whether or not the Fire Dept had been consulted before opening/widening Knox Rd. Answer was no, as there was no need to consult with the Fire Department.
Knox Road concerns were discussed. Primarily concern was the amount of large water bars that can obstruct vehicle passage.
The existing water bars could be armored, allowing for easier vehicle passage and continue to maintain an effective water bar.
Question was raised as to why the Knox Rd water bars are so large. No answer given.
Public Comments
Gating into all wetland areas need to be installed to discourage vehicle traffic. Specifically, a gate is need in the Northwest sector (Mill Pond/Brushwood) of the Town Forest.
Work to maintain the trails and old logging roads by following the AMP’s.
The Town Forest should remain open to all, not just Town residents.
It was asked the two large, discarded culverts be removed.
Maintain the access for all terrain vehicles to travel to hunting destination locations.
Town folks do not want to lose the privilege of utilizing the Town Forest and appreciate what previous generations have accomplished to maintain the property.
A list of existing trails should be considered for permanent closing.
It was asked when the “Public Town Forest” meeting is to be scheduled. No response was given, other than the Forest Board would not be scheduling the meeting.
A concern was raised about the lack of action to mitigate the water quality issues.
Bill Fitzhugh shared is archeological project in the Town Forest. Georgette thanked Bill for his good work. Items found will be displayed for the public to view, time & place to be determined.
Meeting adjourned at 6:55PM
Respectfully submitted by: Tad Nunez, Town Administrator