HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-02-19 Town Forest Committee Minutes iCCtL L ; vCl '
M1NOTES G V:'N C I_ F R K
Reading Town Forest Committee R E A ` � .� "+�A
Main Conference Room,7:00 PM y�i NOV 13 PM 6: 30
February 19,2013
Present: Patrice Todisco,Kendall Stackhouse,Jean,Rick Wetzler,Terry Selle, Kim
Honetschlager,Peter Hechenbleikner
Call to Order
The meeting opened at 7:00 PM.
I. A discussion of the previously assembled list of priorities was undertaken, and several
were grouped into categories.
Priorities for 2013
o Improve Trail Network
o Manage Recreational Activities
o Manage Recreational Camping
o Limit Vehicle Access
o Promote Forest Diversity
o Manage Dog Walking
o Explore Opportunities for Environmental Education
Future Priorities
o Improve Access and Parking
o Minimize Impact of DPW/Compost Area
o Restore Flow and Flooding
o Manage Grassy Area as Habitat
o Implement Climate Change Adaption Strategy
Note: Peter suggests that we talk to the Reading Climate Change Committee
Amended Priority List _
o Plan to manage invasive species
o Establish Committee Staff roles
2. A discussion of the Rules and Regulation process was explained by Peter
Hechenbleikner.The town can draft rules and regulations through public hearings,the
town council and the selectmen..Four of the priorities for 2013 can be rules and
regulations—Manage Recreational Activities,Manage Recreational Camping, Limit
Vehicle Access and Manage Dog Walking.
Peter suggested that the Town Forest Committee should articulate what should be done.
Patrice mentioned that the current set of rules and regulations are from the 1930's.
3. Trail Improvement was discussed.The culverts to connect wetlands need work. Some
trails need to be removed; some new trails should be added. If some roads should be
removed,discussions would be needed with the DPW Water Division,the Fire
Department and the Conservation Commission.
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4. The changing use of the Town Forest and its future use were discussed. Infrastructure has
changed the use. Is it a forest or a park? Should there be a fee charge for use?Possible
candidates were the Boy Scouts and Reading Recreation. Where would the funds be
deposited? Town Forest Revolving Fund? This must be renewed every year. Funds can
be taken and contributions go into the General Fund. Grants are narrowly defined—they
must be used as spelled out in the original purpose.. Also, the purpose of any fee must be
spelled out.
5. The wells are not currently being used, but they need to be maintained until a secondary
water supply is complete—3 years.
6. Opportunities for environmental education were discussed. Peter said that the
Conservation Commission has always wanted to do this. It was also suggested that we
talk to John Feido, Recreation Administrator.
7. If there is a possibility of cutting trees in the forest, the committee should find a resource
(forester) for this.
8. Peter said that the liaison with the town would be transitioning from Jean's group
(Community Services)to the Department of Public Works. A liaison from that
Department would probably be appointed during the next meeting. Scheduling for use of
the Town Forest has been handled by Mike DeBrigard. Recreation is also part of the
DPW.
9. Regarding the list of Future Priorities, the Conservation Commission has expertise in
flow and flooding.
10. Peter expressed concerns with some of the priorities:
o Access and Parking—location is unrealistic. The town is stockpiling topsoil, and
this is the only place to use. We are generating more compost than the town
needs.
o New parking on side of road and by the water tanks—there is salamander traffic
across the roadway of Strout Avenue, and there are wetlands close by.
o Water Treatment site not being used for recreation—the town has need for more
are, but for practice only.
11. The committee should formally present plan to the selectmen. It is better to formalize
plans than to just let things happen. As there is more use, it is better to plan. We need to
ensure that cutting is done appropriately.
12. Repeated messaging on decisions and plans was encouraged, through the use of Cable
T.V., newspapers, etc.
13. Peter brought up the use of bathroom facilities
o should they be permanent or transitory?
o where does animal waste go?
o there is sewer access at the Water Treatment Plant
o should there be parking and feces disposal at the same place?
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o would some company take away dog waste?
14. Peter will inform committee of new liaison. Patrice will schedule new DPW liaison to
come to the next Town Forest meeting.
15. Jean said that all comments from the Public Meeting Should be added as an addendum to
the Forest report. Kim suggested breaking the report into sections.
16. Patrice asked that the rules and regulations on the website should be looked at before the
next meeting. She suggested that the next meeting be on March 19.
17. Projects to discuss are a possible Cranberry Dam rebuild, trails, educational kiosk, dog
waste disposal, and a nature trail.
Adjournment
Meeting was adjourned at 8:40 pm.
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