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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-09-27 CONCOM-min MINUTES – LEXINGTON CONSERVATION COMMISSION September 27, 2011 Commissioners present: Joyce Miller, Dick Wolk, David Langseth, Stew Kennedy, Phil Hamilton, Charlie Wyman Commissioners Absent: Duke Bitsko Others present: Karen Mullins, Conservation Administrator; Emily Schadler, Conservation Assistant; Members of the Lexington Conservation Stewards Chair Joyce Miller opened the meeting at 7:35 pm in the Legion Room, Cary Memorial Building 7:35 pm Informal: 10 Grove Street – Goat Use of Conservation Land for Grazing Mr. and Mrs. Beaudett of 10 Grove Street explained that they are procuring 2 dwarf goats that they would like to walk on conservation land to graze, primarily Chiesa Farm. The Beaudetts explained that the goats would always be leashed and supervised, that they do not pull plants up by the roots but rather crop them at ground level, and that they are not aggressive. The Commission agreed to permit the Beaudetts to graze the goats on a leash at Chiesa Farm for 1 year, with a requirement that they check in with the Commission after 1 year to request permission to continue. The Commission asked that the Beaudetts speak with Conservation Staff if they are interested in exploring other conservation areas that may be an option to graze. The Commission also expressed interest in having the goats eat invasive plants and poison ivy if possible. 7:50 pm Informal: Conservation land encroachment at Lower Vine Brook CA: 14 Fairfield Drive Mr. and Mrs. Beander of 14 Fairfield Drive, represented by _____, met with the Commission to discuss encroachment in the form of lawn and landscaping maintenance on a conservation parcel abutting their property at 14 Fairfield Drive. The Beanders explained that this area has been maintained as such since before they purchased the property and possibly since the lot was established. The Beanders also suggested that there has been no detriment to the town or to natural habitat by having this area maintained as lawn. They also stated that failure to allow them to maintain it would decrease the value of their home. Comments from the Commissioners follow: Commissioners stated that as the owners and managers of conservation land, they have the obligation to not allow public land to be treated as private land. Commissioners felt that maintaining the Page 1 of 2 Draft MINUTES – LEXINGTON CONSERVATION COMMMISSION MEETING September 27, 2011 area as lawn and landscaping was detrimental to natural habitat and to public use of land. The Commission agreed to make a site visit to see how it may be possible to demarcate the area as conservation land. 8:16 pm Informal: Quarterly Meeting with the Lexington Conservation Stewards Directors Bonnie Newman, Lexington Conservation Stewards Director, summarized the work of the Lexington Conservation Stewards over the past 3 months:  The DCR Recreational Trails program grant application for trail improvements at Whipple Hill was submitted this week, with much thanks to Tom Whelan for pulling the application together.  The grant from the DCR Recreational Trails program for trail improvements at Paint Mine has come through, permitting has been received, and Stew has arranged for the track and cross country teams to help carry the lumber. Progress will begin this fall during workdays and will continue throughout the spring. 8 workdays are anticipated.  An Eagle Scout is working on a trail realignment at Paint Mine to remove trail from a very steep section and move it to a gentler grade.  Volunteers helped to clear trees on conservation land after Hurricane Irene, greatly decreasing the burden on DPW during a busy time.  The interns were of great help again over the summer with trail maintenance and other conservation land projects. They built compost bins and helped to install rain barrels at Idylwilde community garden and put down woodchips on paths in Dunback Meadow community garden.  Scout projects underway in the past 3 months include a new kiosk at Parker Meadow, meadow restoration at Willard’s Woods, trail realignment at Lower Vine Brook, and a kiosk for Cotton Farm.  The capital request was submitted for the Paint Mine barn restoration, and it has also been submitted as a CPC project as well.  Stew and Emily have been working on a project to identify trees at Meagherville for an interpretive walk. David Williams reminded the Commission that the Idylwilde Community Garden th was started in 1973, so next year will be the 40 anniversary. Funding needs for projects was discussed, including the need for funds for: general land management planning (i.e. surveying) and work, maintenance of equipment and replacement of the 4 weed-whackers that are aging, improvements to the Willard’s Woods parking lot, and a town-wide Ranger position. Increased publicity for stewardship projects was discussed. Page 2 of 3 Draft MINUTES – LEXINGTON CONSERVATION COMMMISSION MEETING September 27, 2011 A discussion of land management at Cotton Farm was lead by Bob Hausslein, Steward Director and lead Steward for the area. Mr. Hausslein updated the Commission about recent activity at Cotton Farm. The fence and the dock have been removed, but the arbor remains, because it is beyond the scope of the volunteers to remove. A brush heap that was on conservation property has been moved by the Cataldo family onto their property. A mound of topsoil and some debris (barrels, pipes) still remain on public land. Mr. Hausslein explained that the next steps are figuring out mowing questions in certain areas (back of property line, “glade” area to back of property, apple orchard) and the opening up of a viewing area and invasive species removal near the pond. The Commission requested a site visit to look at the areas of discussion on site. Mr. Hausslein also explained that funds were needed to remove the arbor and dispose of materials from the fence removal. The Commission asked about the need to demarcate the back property boundary. 9:14 pm Issue Certificate of Compliance: 124 Maple Street DEP# 201-811, BL 769 Motion made and seconded to issue Order of Conditions, 6-0 in favor. Wetland Protection Code Regulation Updates: Karen Mullins updated the Commission that further work is required on the regulations updates and suggested that time is set aside at a future meeting for this purpose. 9:21 pm The Commission voted by roll call vote to go into executive session for the purpose of discussing land acquisition and announced that it would not be returning to open session. Respectfully submitted by, Emily Schadler Conservation Assistant Page 3 of 3