Conservation Commission 6/9/26

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RCC Minutes 06-09-26 118 KB

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Conservation Commission 
Wednesday, June 9th, 2026 - 7:00 to 9:00 PM 
Minutes 
Present:  Sam Pratt (chair), Jeanette Malone, Kit Emery, Trevor Brooks, Melissa Wolaver, Trevien 
Stanger 
Minutes: Melissa Wolaver 
Timekeeper: Sam Pratt 
a. Committee Business: - 
Roll call and confirm Quorum; Quorum confirmed - - 
Approve May 13th minutes. Minutes from last meeting approved  
Additions/Changes to Agenda:  none noted 
b. New Term Updates: - 
Welcome new/returning members, introductions - - 
Annual election of chair:  Sam Pratt will continue to be the chair for the coming year. 
Code of Ethics / Acknowledgement Form reminder - 
Review Code of Ethics and sign acknowledgement form (annually) - - - 
Statewide Municipal Code of Ethics video (once every three years) 
Code of ethics review:  Sam gave a review of the ethics topics including Conflicts 
of interest, members are allowed to ask other members about potential conflicts, 
prohibited conduct, annual review of code, complaints,  
Selectboard:  says that there is no rule against RCC filing their own request 
for Conservation funds, but the Selectboard would like transparency. 
c. General Updates - 
Farmers Market:  Sam and Susannah are tabling on 6/26 – invasive species will be the 
topic.  Trevien will try to come – would like to talk about what people can plant after 
non-native species removal. - 
Vermont Protected Lands Database:  Richmond Land Trust is working on this. 
d. Discussion on CRF Uses - 
Public vs private land / ecological importance vs shared resources with public access:  
Susannah decided to pursue her project without CRF funding, but how do we approach 
requests:  Sam discussed this topic with town manager and Selectboard and was 
told:  CRF are allowed to be used on private property.  CRF guidelines are clear on 
this. We can be concerned about fairness. Members shared various ideas – many 
focusing on community tools. We are interested in talking with library about how to lend 
out tools.  Also discussed possible rubric for evaluating or prioritizing private land 
requests.   - 
Purchasing shared community tools for conservation projects - 
Set up infrastructure to pursue projects at minimal cost to town - - - 
Tools geared toward invasive plant species removal (or other conservation 
projects) 
Could be checked out by Richmond residents with information via book or QR 
code 
Action Items:  1) Sam will ask Josh Selectboard about liability.  Sam will 
ask about possibility of using closet in basement of town center for tool 
- 
lending storage 2) Jeanette will invite Susannah from the library to discuss 
working on a possible tool lending partnership at a future RCC meeting. 
Where would the lending tool shed be located?  Possibly at shed on the side of the 
library, or closet at Town Center.  - 
Other costs (waste disposal) - can we coordinate with the town/highway department to 
reduce costs for hauling material.  Maybe the landowner must take care of it. 
e. Introduced Species RFP - 
Next steps:  We are close to finishing – just need a few adjustments, final version to 
approve at the next meeting. Trevor can work on it again.  Jeanette shared various 
comments and corrections she would like to have included or amended.  RCC wants to 
make it clear in RFP that bid might be favored if there is a mechanical removal vs. 
herbicide.  Would need to work with Selectboard on the bid process.  Probably looking at 
next year – bids for 2027. 
f. ACF Management Plan Draft Review:  Sam suggests a dedicated meeting to do this. There is 
planned public comment meeting at Selectboard meeting on 6/29. - 
Richmond Conservation Commission will also schedule a special warned meeting for 
further review of the ACF draft management plan– this meeting is scheduled for 6/23 @ 
7pm – 9pm 
g. Closure - Business for Upcoming meetings:  scheduling next regular meeting:  July 21, 7pm-9pm. - Motion to adjourn Kit moves to adjourn Trevor seconds.  Meeting adjourns