HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-08-13 Town Forest Committee Minutes� rq
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Meeting Minutes TpJp!
Board - Committee - Commission -
Town Forest Committee
Date: 2024-08-13 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Berger Room
Address: 16 Lowell Street
Purpose: Town Forest Management Session:
Attendees: Members - Present:
Tim Kirwan, Jeff Lamson, Bill Sullivan, Bill Hughes, Nancy Docktor
Members - Not Present:
Others Present:
Chris Cole (remote), DPW; Chuck Tirone and Walter Talbot (remote),
Conservation; Christine Lusk (remote); Nancy and Blair Howell
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Nancy Docktor
Topics of Discussion:
Meeting was held in-person and by video conference
• Reviewed Bill Sullivan's Select Board presentation on proposed warrants for the November
Town Meeting.
• Dog Waste signs were reviewed with suggestion to add QR code and border to enhance
appearance.
• Update on status of purchase order ($9,800) for invasive removal on fire roads and Area 4.
• Discussion to update website to include Parterre invasive plant management report,
updated forest map with "nicknames" and fire road names.
• Appreciation expressed to Jeff Lamson, Brian Buzby for installing forest restoration signs.
• Discussed how best to direct foot traffic from Lot 5 into the TF including the use of signs,
sawhorse, and creating a path with wood chips across the gas pipeline.
• Discussed feedback from RPD on how to obtain record/reports of any reported incidents in
forest. Suggestion was to request public records monthly, which will then be categorized
and logged into TFC record.
• Discussed dog waste bags located in Lot 5. The plan is to use up supply while monitoring
impact of providing these bags.
• Discussed fire restrictions during drought conditions. The current application process
includes RFD approval for fires, so no change is required.
• Discussed how best to correct the steep path from Lot 5 into forest. DPW is reviewing a
proposed plan to construct steps that would mitigate the problem, make entrance more
accessible and protect the path from erosion.
• A suggestion was made to purchase TFC vests. Other committees have vests to identify
members as both resources and stewards while in the forest. The Committee voted
unanimously to approve up to $250 for the purchase of TFC vests.
• Update on application of new members. Christine Lusk is waiting for VASC interview.
• Meeting minutes for the July TFC meeting were approved unanimously.
• Next meeting was scheduled for 9/17/24
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