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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-12-06 Town Forest Committee Minutes t2EGEIVci. T0wN CLERK MINUTES R E AD I r;.C: "„9 A. Reading Town Forest Committee Berger Conference Room,7:00 PM 2811 NOV 13 PM 6: 43 December 6,2011 Present: Committee Members: Patrice Todisco,Mike DeBrigard,Tom Gardiner,Mark Wetzel Representatives of the Boy Scouts: Michael Bourque,Jeffery Hegarty, Bill Sullivan Call to Order The meeting opened at 7:00 PM. Old/New Business o The minutes of 11.18.2011 were approved. o The revolving account was approved at Town Meeting and the committee discussed next steps to implementing a pilot project. The existing stewardship plan provides a framework for choosing the appropriate sites. Patrice has requested a meeting with the town planner to discuss how to structure the RFP to engage a forester. The draft scope of work circulated by Mark was discussed as was the need to consider a public education component to the project. o The consultant for the Natural Resource Inventory and Management Plan from Mass Audubon has recommended that they undertake field studies during the winter to assist with the identification of mammals and birds. Patrice forwarded the request to the town manager who seemed amenable to the modification and will work with the consultant to revise the scope accordingly. o Two letters have been received from citizens stating concerns about the volume and speed of automobiles in the forest. They were shared with the committee. A discussion followed regarding the use of automobiles by the boy scouts during campouts as well as potential guidelines for all groups requesting to bring vehicles into the forest. It was agreed that the discussion about vehicles in the forest will continue during the winter with a goal of balancing the needs of users with sound environmental practices. o The committee reviewed the draft rules and regulations as noted in the minutes. It was agreed that in item#2 the word notification should be changed to approval. The next step in the formal process is to circulate the draft to the selectmen,town manager,by-law committee,FinCom and town counsel. o The next meeting of the committee has been scheduled for January 17th. Patrice will arrange a room. Adjournment Meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m..