Conservation Commission 8/11/26

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RCC Minutes 08-11-26 88 KB

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Minutes of the Richmond Conservation Commission Tuesday, August 11th, 2026
Roll call and Quorum: Committee members present: Sam Pratt (Chair), Trevien Stanger, Trevor Brooks, Kit Emory, Jeanette Malone, Melissa Wolaver. Member of the public present: Jack Linn, Zoom: Bob Low, Chelsea Brooks.
Timekeeper: Sam Pratt, Minute Taker: Melissa Wolaver
June 23rd and July 21st meeting minutes were moved for approval by Jeanette Malone and seconded by Trevien Stanger. The minutes were approved unanimously.
Additions/Changes to Agenda: Lending tool list for library will be on September RCC agenda and will be refined at that time. Send comments/ideas for tool list to Kit.
Bob Low requested a designated period for public comment on future RCC agendas.
Updates
ACF updates: There was a 6/29 Selectboard public comment meeting on the draft management plan. At the ACFC most recent meeting they discussed handling feedback. They discussed outreach needed to members of the community who are not in favor of draft management plan. Jim Cochran made a proposal for a trail to connect to the Sip of Sunshine trail located on private property adjacent to ACF. A working group has been formed to do proof of concept on this trail. Bob Low offered to join working group. He shared that he has categorized comments from the public. Bob shared comments on the draft management plan and requested the position of the Conservation Commission on trails in the northern part of ACF.
Chelsea Brooks: Asked if RCC has heard from Richmond Mt Trails about mowing and brush hogging schedule for avoiding spread of invasives and nesting birds.
Richmond Pulls Together weed of the month: Jeanette recently led a Poison Parsnip removal workday in Southview. Scoping possible Bittersweet for next session.
Herbicide Use Discussion: Discussion with time given for each commissioner to share their thoughts on using herbicides vs. mechanical/manual removal of invasive species. The committee prefers non-herbicide methods where feasible with native species replacement. Trevien shared that he thought we might be able to get grant for removal through Lake Champlain Basin program. Trevien shared a draft invasive plant management policy.
Introduced Species RFP
Discussion regarding adding replacement of native species to the RFP. Jeanette made the following motion: “I move that the Richmond Conservation Commission support moving forward with the RFP to obtain professional expertise to manage invasive species at Volunteers Green and Overocker Park, with a preference for non-herbicide methods where feasible, considering careful justification, targeting, and safeguards for any proposed herbicide use.” Kit seconds the motion. Discussion ensues.
Sam amends the motion as follows: “I move to approve the request for proposals titled Invasive Plant Species RFP 8-4-26 included in the packet materials tonight, with the provisional update that we add a preference for including restoration and native planting as a part of the project goals and evaluation criteria.” Trevien seconds the amended motion. Amended motion is unanimously approved.
Erosion on the Linn Property: Jack Linn shared water runoff issues on his 3 parcels on Williams Hill. A washout since 2018 has prevented him from getting to back of his property. Wants someone to look at runoff issues. States he must put in $4000 culvert. Looking for best excavator to handle this project. He has talked with Pete Goslin on how to manage runoff. Looking for recommendation from RCC on someone who is knowledgeable about hillside runoff.
Notice of upcoming webinar of interest on how to host a river cleanup. Webinar: Tuesday, August 18th from 4:30-5:30 pm
Business for Upcoming meetings: Stormwater / Wetlands Rules; Trevor asked that everyone review. CC’s potential per the state: legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/fullchapter/24/118
Motion to adjourn: Melissa made a motion to adjourn. Trevor seconded. All voted to adjourn