Andrews Community Forest 10/13/25

Printable version

ACFC Minutes 10-13-2025 67 KB

Web version

Andrews Community Forest Committee 
Monday October 13th, 2025, 6-8:30 PM 
In-person: Jim Cochran, Julian Portilla, Sam Pratt, Wright Preston, Dan Wolfson 
Remote: Brad Elliott, Ian Stokes 
Public: Ian Bender (remote) 
Minutes: Sam Pratt 
Timekeeper: Wright Preston 
6:06 p.m. - General Committee Business 
Meeting minutes from 09/22/25 approved unanimously. 
Sam noted that a progress update was sent to the selectboard in accordance with the last 
meeting’s discussion. ACFC was not requested to present or discuss the current course of 
action before the selectboard at this time. 
6:09 p.m. - Land Acknowledgement 
Sam read excerpts from the land acknowledgement section of the draft management plan, 
noting that October 13th is Indigenous Peoples’ Day. 
6:15 p.m. - Revisions of Management Plan 
Most of the discussion is reflected in updates to the draft “B6 Recreation” section. One of the 
main topics was trail planning and timing. The committee discussed when new trails should be 
considered—whether at any time or on a set schedule, such as following updates to the 
management plan. Members agreed that the goal is to avoid piecemeal trail development. After 
a trail is installed, the forest should be given time to rest and respond before additional trail 
proposals are considered. This approach does not constitute a moratorium on trails; the 
committee may still review new proposals once the management plan draft is complete. Dan 
volunteered to revise his comments to reflect this discussion for review at the next meeting. 
The committee also discussed mechanized and other non-pedestrian trail uses, including biking, 
horseback riding, and snowmobiling. It was decided not to add specific language to either permit 
or prohibit horseback and snowmobile uses at this time, since the easement allows them only if 
they are explicitly included in the management plan. The committee remains open to 
considering these uses in the future. 
In addition, the committee agreed that any applicant proposing a new trail should provide a 
preliminary map to help streamline the review process and respect everyone’s time. Members 
noted that a future meeting will be needed to determine the map’s specific requirements— such 
as what information it should include, who prepares it, how features are verified, and whether it 
should be geospatially enabled. 
Finally, the committee discussed qualifications for trail designers and ecologists. It was agreed 
that the language regarding trail designers should be broadened to allow for more community 
involvement and flexibility, rather than requiring that designers be hired professionals. Ecologists 
involved in the process should be qualified, though the committee has not yet defined what 
specific qualifications are required. Brad volunteered to research this topic and present 
recommendations at the next meeting. 
8:25 p.m. - Closure 
Committee confirmed the future meeting at ACFC at 3pm on Wednesday, 10/15, as well as the 
next two regular meetings on 10/27 and 11/10, both from 6-8:30pm.