MIDDLESEX CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Thursday December 6, 2007
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Middlesex Town Offices
Middlesex, VT

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


Administrative Operations

David moved to approve November 2007 minutes, Rick seconded and the minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report
• Operating Budget: $1000.00 as of , July 1
2006-2007 operating budget spent down to $52.90
• Conservation Fund: $ 21,828.05
• Special Projects fund: $2359.66 (May include the Operating Budget of $1000. Rick will check)
• Rick proposed a new budget to send to the Select Board for approval. It is identical to the current year’s operating budget and is a total of $1,000.

Correspondence
A Thank you note was received from Mrs. Domanski’s 1st and 2nd grades for the MCC donation of “Good Stuff” that they can use in the classrooms.
The MCC received a copy of the Vermont Land Trust’s Annual Report

Vacancies on the MCC
4 Current Vacancies. Duncan Nichols has asked to step down as he is working hard on the Ancient Roads work.
Dave announced that Eric Seidel would like to join the MCC and we will send his name on to the Select Board for approval.
 
Committee Reports
a.Water Quality Committee

b. Resource Planning Committee \ Recreation Trials Committee
Ancient Roads Research and Planning Effort Update:
Second ancient roads Review Committee met Nov. 29th. The committee is working on criteria on how to deal with any ancient roads that are discovered by the research group.
Wrightsville trail proposal update and work day:


c. Conservation Program:
Ott/Steed update
The VHCB grant has been applied for.

d.Village Action Committee
Morse Property
MCC will contact the new “to be formed” building committee to make sure there is green space consideration. 
Mad River Byway has gotten their grant and looking to Middlesex to sign a joint agreement for the grant. The Byway committee has sent out an RFP for signage and brochures and received two proposals. The committee will be meeting this month to decide who will be asked to start the work.

e. Wildlife Monitoring Committee

f. Community Forestry Committee
There is a MCC planned community tree-pruning day at Rumney School Dec 8th 9:30 – 11:30
Dave revisited idea of possible tree planting at the Center Rd Cemetery.
Suggestion to look at taking down the east side tree that is failing and coordinate that with a replanting. Talk to the select board 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
  Article on the Mad River Byway

Adjournment 
Rick moved to close the meeting, David seconded at 8:40

Respectfully Submitted
Barry Goodman
Secretary