HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-01-30-CONCOM-min
TOWN OF LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
Monday January 31, 2017
6:30 P.M.
Parker Room, Town Office Building
1625 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington
Commissioners Present: Alex Dohan, Kevin Beuttell, David Langseth
Others present: Karen Mullin- Conservation Administrator, Casey Hagerty- Conservation
Department Assistant, Jordan McCarron- Conservation Steward Coordinator,
Stewards Present: Bob Hausslein, Mike Tabaczynski, Laurel Carpenter,
Vice Chair, David Langseth, explained that the Conservation Commission did not have a quorum
so the meeting was not officially opened. Mr. Jordan McCarron would make a presentation to the
commission and no decisions would be voted on.
Stewardship Report: Accomplishments from 2016
Mr. McCarron showed the Commission a PowerPoint presentation that outlined some of the
achievements that the Conservation Stewards had completed over the past year. The highlights
included completing a baseline report for the CR at Cotton Farm, installing a wayfinding sign
system in Whipple Hill, completing the meadow restoration work at Hennessey field, and
finishing the first phase of the shire trail easement project. Additionally, the stewards worked to
clear a stone wall at Willard’s Woods, open up a vista at Daisy Wilson Meadow, and remove
Japanese Stilt Grass at Wright Farm.
Funding Updates
Mr. McCarron explained that the Conservation Department will be going to Town Meeting to
request funding through the CPA program for infrastructure improvements at Cotton Farm and
meadow restoration work at Willards Woods and Wright Farm. The department has also applied
for the DCR RTP Grant for a trail project at Hayden Woods.
Ongoing Projects
Mr. McCarron told the commission that the Conservation Department has multiple ongoing
projects. The projects include the Idylwilde Garden expansion, completing baseline
documentation and paperwork for conservation restrictions at the Leary and Goodwin properties,
installing the wayfinding sign system in Lower Vine Brook, completing the Meadow Restoration
at Joyce Miller’s Meadows, completing the second phase of the Shire Trail Easement, and
completing the Shaker Glen Trail and Bridge replacement project. The Conservation Department
will take over management of final restoration plantings and annual invasives monitoring as part
of the Willard’s Brook Daylighting Project. Additionally, Mr. McCarron will continue to work
with Cooper’s Poison Ivy Eradication Service to finish black swallowwort treatments at Chiesa
Farm in 2017.
Upcoming Projects
Pending FY18 funding, the Conservation Department also has projects that they are committed
to for the next year but have not yet began. Mr. McCarron explained they are planning site
improvements at Cotton Farm, meadow restoration at Willard’s Woods and Wright Farm, and
Hayden Woods trail improvements.
Ideas for Stewards trainings in 2017
Steward Director, Bob Hausslein, explained to the Commission that they have created a
Stewardship Saturday schedule for this year. There will be one event per month from the Spring
into the Fall. He explained to the Commission each event.
Mr. McCarron asked the Stewards and Commission to approach him with ideas for trainings for
2017.
Mr. McCarron asked the steward directors and commissioners to think about the projects that
have been proposed and get back to him with any feedback or comments.
Respectfully Submitted,
Casey Hagerty
Conservation Department Assistant
Approved 3/21/2017