2022-12-20 Town Forest Committee Minutes

Home Browse Search

O K OFRFgOi Town of Reading RECEIVED Meeting Minutes TOWN CLERK e�" READING, MA.` Av— ronvov> Board - committee - Commission - CouncN23 JAN 18 PM 1: 26 Town Forest Committee Date: 2022-12-20 Time: 7 PM Building: Location: Address: Purpose: Town Forest Management Session: Attendees: Members - Present: Tim Kirwan, Kurt Habel, Tom Gardiner, Nancy Dockter, Jeff Lamson, Bill Hughes, Susan Bowe, Bill Sullivan Members - Not Present: Others Present: Jane Kinsela and Chris Cole, DPW; Martha Moore, and Brian Bowe Conservation; Bob Holmes, Reading Chronicle Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Bill Sullivan Topics of Discussion: Meeting was held by video conference due to the COVID pandemic. • Discussed Phase 3 of the dead tree removal in Areas 7, 8, 9 and 10 o Mayer Tree did an excellent job with the work. o There is a soft spot in the road to Area 10 (Scrub Oak) that ruts on occasion. DPW to look into placing crushed stone there to stabilize it. o Consider leaving some trees that have environmental value when preparing the Phase 4 Forest Cutting Plan. Leaving some 15' tall snags can be beneficial. o Need to decide on what native plants to plant in Area 7. o Need to cordon off Area 7 to prevent it from becoming a mountain bike track. Signs to be placed on the order of "Reforestation in Progress - Do Not Enter" o Block the unofficial trails into the TF that go through Area 7. The Trails Committee will create a new trail from Lot 5 on Grove Street into the TF. • Discussed the invasive plant inventory and control plan being prepared by Parterre Ecological. They will consult the invasive map prepared by Susan B in their field work. This plan will form the basis for the documents that will be prepared for bidding invasive plant control starting with the areas of greatest need. This contract will utilize the balance of the ARPA funds after Phase 3. • Discussed how to name the TF fire roads so that emergency responders can determine their location. Nancy D. to ask RFD Chief Bums for their preference. • Discussed status of a dog water fountain. DPW plans to install one at the end of Strout Ave in the spring after consultation with Conservation. • Approved the minutes of the 11/29/22 TFC meeting. • Next Meeting: scheduled for 1/17/23 at 7:00 pm Page 1 1