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t2EGEIVci. <br /> T0wN CLERK <br /> MINUTES R E AD I r;.C: "„9 A. <br /> Reading Town Forest Committee <br /> Berger Conference Room,7:00 PM 2811 NOV 13 PM 6: 43 <br /> December 6,2011 <br /> Present: <br /> Committee Members: Patrice Todisco,Mike DeBrigard,Tom Gardiner,Mark Wetzel <br /> Representatives of the Boy Scouts: Michael Bourque,Jeffery Hegarty, Bill Sullivan <br /> Call to Order <br /> The meeting opened at 7:00 PM. <br /> Old/New Business <br /> o The minutes of 11.18.2011 were approved. <br /> o The revolving account was approved at Town Meeting and the committee discussed next <br /> steps to implementing a pilot project. The existing stewardship plan provides a <br /> framework for choosing the appropriate sites. Patrice has requested a meeting with the <br /> town planner to discuss how to structure the RFP to engage a forester. The draft scope of <br /> work circulated by Mark was discussed as was the need to consider a public education <br /> component to the project. <br /> o The consultant for the Natural Resource Inventory and Management Plan from Mass <br /> Audubon has recommended that they undertake field studies during the winter to assist <br /> with the identification of mammals and birds. Patrice forwarded the request to the town <br /> manager who seemed amenable to the modification and will work with the consultant to <br /> revise the scope accordingly. <br /> o Two letters have been received from citizens stating concerns about the volume and <br /> speed of automobiles in the forest. They were shared with the committee. A discussion <br /> followed regarding the use of automobiles by the boy scouts during campouts as well as <br /> potential guidelines for all groups requesting to bring vehicles into the forest. It was <br /> agreed that the discussion about vehicles in the forest will continue during the winter with <br /> a goal of balancing the needs of users with sound environmental practices. <br /> o The committee reviewed the draft rules and regulations as noted in the minutes. It was <br /> agreed that in item#2 the word notification should be changed to approval. The next step <br /> in the formal process is to circulate the draft to the selectmen,town manager,by-law <br /> committee,FinCom and town counsel. <br /> o The next meeting of the committee has been scheduled for January 17th. Patrice will <br /> arrange a room. <br /> Adjournment <br /> Meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m.. <br />