Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1978-06-29 Town Forest Committee Minutes 76 March 24, 1978 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TOWS FOREST COMMITTEE To the Citizens of Reading: We submit our report for the year 1977, and through the current date . A fire in the Scrub Oak hill area on April lb. 1977 burned over approximately five acres. Fire Chief Robert Pratt believes it may have been started by a spark from a motor bike which did not have a spark arrestor. This is the only serious fire in the Town Forest in many years. An up-dated map, along with the Rules of the Tuan Forest was made available for distribution. Several Cub Scout and other youth groups were taken on guided tours of the Forest by a member of the Committee . These young people are learning about nature , and to respect the woods, which belong to all of ns. Year after year the Boy Scouts continue to camp and hike in the Forest throughout the year , and do various conservation projects as part of their Good Turn. Each year more cross country skiing enthusiasts use the Forest . The Forest is used by individuals and families during all seasons for hikes and nature study. Respectfully submitted, George B. Perry , Chairman Irving E. Dickey,Jr. , Vice Chairman Benjamin E. Nichols, Secretary June 29 , 1978 7 :30 PM. A formal posted meeting was held at the home of Chairman George B. Perry , 230 Franklin Street , leading, Mase. The following members were present : George B. Perry, Chairman Irving E. Dickey, Jr. , Vice Chairman Benjamin E. Nichola Secretary The records of the meeting of March 24, 1978 were read and approved. It was voted to write the Town Accountant , Raphael W. McDonald, with a request for him to encumber the balance of nur account of $1,416.43 as of June 30, 1978, so these Hinds will be continued into the next fiscal periods. 77 The condition of the roads in the Forest was discussed . Irving E. Dickey will- donfer withtheother Board of Public works personnel so that arrangements may be made to brush the side of the roads in a joint effort . The letter of the Board of Selectmen dated June 20, 1978 requesting information -concerning the 10% reduction of departmental coats was discussed. The vote of Town Meeting June 8, 1978 requested that this information be returned not later than October 1, 1978 . The TownReports for the years shown below give the costs charged to this account . 1974 $1,685.57 1975 187.04 1976 263.92 1977 225 .25 1978 49 .47 $,411.2 This gives an average expenditure of $482.25. A tentative budget has been planned for the next fiscal period , but the letter showing these figures, and the 10% reduction, will* not be sent at this time. Trash pick-up 4150.W flew plantings 150.00 Insurance on equipment 35.00 Heavy tree removal 145.00 480.00 The approximately 171 acres in the Town Forest is a valuable resource of our Town. Much of the maintenance in the Forest has been, and will be , done with volunteer work by the Boy Scouts of Reading. No land acquisition is planned at this time , The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 PM. February 21, 1979 1:30 PM A formal posted meeting was held at the home of chairman George B. Perry, 230 Franklin St . , Reading, Mass. The following members were present : George B. Perry, Chairman Irving E. Diokey,Jr. , Vice Chairman Benjamin E. Nichols, Secretary ' The following visitor was present : Mrs. Virginia Adams The records of the meeting of June 29, 1978 wet* read and approved.