Conservation Commission

Conservation Commission Minute 6/10/16 Meeting opened at 7:05 Agenda approved May minutes reviewed and approved. John Jose gave update on Vernal pool. Steven Brady has begun the inventory. John reported wood frog egg masses were not very successful in Hubbard Park but were successful in the pool on Cummings Street, where some wood frog and spotted salamander activity has been seen. The stump dump vernal pool dried up. Wetland Survey Debated timing of doing the survey. Doing the survey in the fall was questioned, suggested holding off till spring. Goal to verify, field truth and make sure key data is available for the planning commission. Discussed holding off on the survey until the next round of LIDAR becomes available, which could be soon. Budget report Explored goals and priorities for commission funds. Motion was passed to appropriate remaining conservation funds accordingly: 1. $2000 for contract with Steve Brady for vernal pool survey 2. $2750 for the conservation share of the Americorp member match 3. $450 for fencing around trees planted along the bike path near the high school 4. $250 for fencing around the vernal pool by the new shelter in hubbard park James is working with Jens to set up a strategic planning session in the fall. INaturalist project Charlie went in the Montpelier town forest and documented around 100 plant species in the iNaturalist program. There is some unusual habitat he is exploring how to classify. There is some floodplain that wasn’t obvious in winter that is more obvious in spring. It was noted that logging near water supply should be limited in the floodplain but may want to log the Norway Spruce. Should avoid disturbing the seep but overall logging has been done well.