MIDDLESEX CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Thursday November 1, 2007
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Middlesex Town Offices
Middlesex, VT

MINUTES
 
Commissioners Present
x Barry Goodman
  Judy Keyes
  Duncan Nichols
x Rick Paradis
x Dave Shepard
x Scott Gurley

 
Guest:  Jane Dudley


Administrative Operations
The meeting started at 7:25, It was moved to Barry Goodman’s house as the key to the Town Hall was not available. Rick motioned to approve the minutes, Scott seconded. The minutes passed.

Treasurer’s Report
• Operating Budget: $1000.00 as of , July 1
2006-2007 operating budget spent down to $52.90
• Conservation Fund: $17451.27
• Special Projects fund: $1287.98

Correspondence

Vacancies on the MCC
3 Current Vacancies. Need to put ad in Middlesex Monthly
Dave tried to contact Kathy Chabot, and Steve Hagenbuch, possible Chip Darmstadt. Possible Mike Kline.
Possible high school student? Possible Brian Redmond. Hal Cohen? Jessica Brown? (center rd). Jane Dudley? 

Committee Reports
a. Water Quality Committee: Note from Ned Swanburg, state about new flood zone mapping. Towns need to do, or re-do maps starting August 2008 to qualify for flood insurance. Dave will forward this information to the Planning Committee

b. Resource Planning Committee \ Recreation Trials Committee
Ancient Roads Research and Planning Effort Update:

Wrightsville trail proposal update and work day:
Scott spoke to Ron Wells about trails and the State suggested the MCC apply for a Recreational Trails Grant (due Jan. 15). 1st phase possibility of trails from picnic area to boat launch, and 2nd phase from boat launch to dam. There needs to be a town match for a recreational trails grant….can it be in kind? The State has voiced support for the concept of building trails on the western side of Wrightsville. Ron and Scott may walk the proposed area after hunting season.

c. Conservation Program:
Ott/Steed update
Appraisal done. $343,000. Vermont Land Trust will take lead on grant application. Bill has been in contact with VHCB (Vermont Housing Conservation Board) Vermont River Conservancy will head up fund raising. Middlesex Conservation Fund may have possible funding to contribute to make deal happen. Nov. 19th deadline to get an application into the VHCB for funding. Dave and Bill meet with the SelectBoard meeting Oct 16th to see how the town would like to see the property used if it can be purchased and conserved. The Selectboard was open to the possibility of creating a Town Forest with this land and using some of the Middlesex Conservation Fund toward the purchase of this property.
The Selectboard is open to the MCC to ask for additional funding for the conservation fund, especially if the Town Forest can become a reality.

d.Village Action Committee
Morse Property
MCC will contact the new “to be formed” building committee to make sure there is green space consideration. 
Madriver Byway has gotten their grant and looking to Middlesex to sign a joint agreement for the grant. The Byway committee will be putting out an RFP for signage and brochures.

e. Wildlife Monitoring Committee
Bill brought the camera. Dave took the camera to pass it on to Judy. Bill will create a checklist of items with the camera. We need to get John Austin’s one page town procedure page and sign out sheet. (a requirement should be to share the pictures.

f. Community Forestry Committee
Dave suggested a possible community tree pruning day at Rumney School
Dave revisited idea of possible tree planting at the Center Rd Cemetary.
Suggestion to look at taking down the east side tree that is failing and coordinate that with a replanting. Talk to the selectboard and tree warden and cemetery committee.
Dave presented a simple form for a “Middlesex Big Tree Tally”

Other Business
a. Monthly Articles
  Conservation Fund Discussion
   Currently conserved lands
   Value of conserved lands to Middlesex residents
  Friends of the Worcester Range annual meeting
  Article on Vermont Town Forest Projects
b. Bill suggested that Rumney gets an Energy Tool Kit in the conservation section at the Library.

Adjournment 
Rick moved to close the meeting, David seconded at 9:10

Respectfully Submitted
Barry Goodman
Secretary