Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-20 Town Forest Committee MinutesTopics of Discussion: Meeting was held in-person and by video conference • The two members voted to allow Associate Member Nancy Docktor to vote during this meeting as there was not a quorum of members at the start of the meeting. This was the case for approval of the Eagle project only, after which a third voting member arrived. • Reviewed Thomas Cockrell's Eagle Project to plant saplings (50 white oaks and 50 tulip poplar) in Area 3 around Arbor Day. The Committee requested that he use wire cages to discourage deer grazing. The Scouts' Trees for Reading program will fund the purchase of the saplings. The committee voted unanimously to approve the project. • Discussed the closure of a section of the Pine Ridge Trail due to the hazard of falling dead red pine trees. The committee voted unanimously to approve the draft public notice. DPW will post it on the Town's website. The Committee voted unanimously to use TFC funds to pay for two 12" x 18" trail closure signs. DPW will get prices and procure the signs. • Discussed the unofficial trails that some mountain bike riders are using. There is a particular problem with riding on the slope of Area 7 by the gas pipe. The planting that was done to establish a healthy plant ecosystem and to stabilize the slope is being destroyed by these riders. Discussed adding signs to limit riding to official trails only. It was decided that downed trees will not be removed from unofficial trails. Placement of logs across unofficial trails was also discussed. • A site walk will be arranged to set priorities for Phase 4 of the dead tree removal program. Attendees will include forester Phil Benjamin, Chuck Tirone and Conservation Commission members, TFC members, DPW and DCR. This will assist in framing the November Town Meeting request for funding which currently is expected to be around $40,000. • The Committee voted unanimously to use the balance of the ARPA funds ($10,000) for invasive plant control. • Discussed the installation of a sign for the new entrance and parking lot at Lot 5. • Approved a letter of support from the TFC for a grant being sought by the Reading Library. Page I 1 Orq Town of Reading RECEIVED Meeting Minutes r TOWN CLERK'' REAhl,�kf3, MA. .` nxmnvo Board - committee - Commission - Council2024 MAY 28 AM 7: 35 Town Forest Committee Date: 2024-3-20 Time: 6:30 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Berger Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Purpose: Town Forest Management Session: Attendees: Members - Present: Tim Kirwan, Bill Sullivan, Bill Hughes, Nancy Docktor Members - Not Present: Jeff Lamson, Tom Gardiner Others Present: Chris Cole and Mike Kessman, DPW; Walter Talbot, Conservation; Thomas and Brian Cockrell, Troop 702 Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Nancy Docktor Topics of Discussion: Meeting was held in-person and by video conference • The two members voted to allow Associate Member Nancy Docktor to vote during this meeting as there was not a quorum of members at the start of the meeting. This was the case for approval of the Eagle project only, after which a third voting member arrived. • Reviewed Thomas Cockrell's Eagle Project to plant saplings (50 white oaks and 50 tulip poplar) in Area 3 around Arbor Day. The Committee requested that he use wire cages to discourage deer grazing. The Scouts' Trees for Reading program will fund the purchase of the saplings. The committee voted unanimously to approve the project. • Discussed the closure of a section of the Pine Ridge Trail due to the hazard of falling dead red pine trees. The committee voted unanimously to approve the draft public notice. DPW will post it on the Town's website. The Committee voted unanimously to use TFC funds to pay for two 12" x 18" trail closure signs. DPW will get prices and procure the signs. • Discussed the unofficial trails that some mountain bike riders are using. There is a particular problem with riding on the slope of Area 7 by the gas pipe. The planting that was done to establish a healthy plant ecosystem and to stabilize the slope is being destroyed by these riders. Discussed adding signs to limit riding to official trails only. It was decided that downed trees will not be removed from unofficial trails. Placement of logs across unofficial trails was also discussed. • A site walk will be arranged to set priorities for Phase 4 of the dead tree removal program. Attendees will include forester Phil Benjamin, Chuck Tirone and Conservation Commission members, TFC members, DPW and DCR. This will assist in framing the November Town Meeting request for funding which currently is expected to be around $40,000. • The Committee voted unanimously to use the balance of the ARPA funds ($10,000) for invasive plant control. • Discussed the installation of a sign for the new entrance and parking lot at Lot 5. • Approved a letter of support from the TFC for a grant being sought by the Reading Library. Page I 1 „oeq� Town of Reading �� c Meeting Minutes 5 Fa ri • The Committee decided to participate in the 2024 Friends and Family Day on June 8'. TFC will register for table and use it as platform to educate the public on TF projects and as recruitment for the Committee. • Discussed the report on how the Committee's ARPA funds have been spent to date. • Discussed recruitment for two open positions on the Committee. • Meeting minutes for the February TFC meeting were approved unanimously. • Next meeting was scheduled for 4/17/24. Page 1 2