Andrews Community Forest 8/3/26

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Andrews Community Forest Committee 
MINUTES:: Monday, August 3, 2026, 6pm-8:15pm 
Present:: Sam Pratt, Brad Elliot, Jimmy Cochran, Sonya Mastersen, Wright Preston, Dan 
Wolfson 
Public Attending:: Merrick Gillies 
Chair: Sam Pratt 
Minutes: Sonya Mastersen 
Timekeeper: Brad Elliot - General Committee Business:: 
Called to order at 6pm. Quorum confirmed. Motion to approve minutes from last meeting, 
6/22/26, moved by Brad, seconded by Wright, and unanimously approved. No changes nor 
updates requested for tonight’s agenda. Brad announced that he will need to resign at some 
point in 2026, as he is moving out of Richmond. - Recruitment:: 
The committee recognizes that Brad’s eventual departure will take the committee down to bare 
quorum numbers; discussion focused on the option of temporarily reducing the number of seats 
on the committee to allow for a more achievable quorum, and also on advertising for 
candidates. Jimmy will engage with the Richmond Trails Committee to recruit for ACFC.  - ACFC Workday Planning:: 
The previously scheduled ACFC Work Day to abate the Multiflora Rose invasion was cancelled; 
Sam and Jim met to do scoping and get a better idea of how to manage removal efforts and 
workdays; some committee members acknowledged that this rose species is rigid and deeply 
rooted, and difficult to remove en masse. Alternate solutions were considered, such as heavy 
machinery or RCC- approved herbicides. Discussed approaching the county forester for 
recommendations. -  Review of Public Feedback for the Proposed Management Plan:: 
On June 29, 2026, 7pm, the Selectboard met to offer the public a venue to comment on the 
ACFC Management Plan draft, for which a link was and is currently posted on the Town 
website. Those present appreciated the feedback offered for its sincerity and substance. The 
committee acknowledged that the maps included within the MP would benefit from improved 
clarity, specifically publishing standalone georeferenced maps would be helpful for user 
navigation and trail planning. Discussed plans to move forward; further feedback on the draft is 
expected soon from the Trails Committee and the Conservation Commission. - Trail Proposal:: 
Jimmy presented a compromise, focusing on a possible bike-friendly trail connector with Sip of 
Sunshine and making the lower trails pedestrian-only. Wildlife monitoring was also discussed. 
The committee determined more feedback needs to be processed before moving forward. Jim, 
Sam, and Wright will research further regarding the viability of a Sip of Sunshine connector, to 
explore and refine a possible proposal. - Close:: 
Committee members confirmed the next meeting of the ACFC at 6pm on August 24, 2026. 
Sonya moved to adjourn, seconded by Jimmy, and unanimously approved. Meeting adjourned 
at 8:15pm.