Paradise Park Commission

4/19/07

 

Meeting called to order at 7:05. 

 

• Present:  Doug, Andrew, Paula, Natalie, Elton, me; new members Katrina Hill and Owen Campbell.
• Public:  Michael Quinn, Kevin Anderson

 

Approve minutes of March meeting: moved and seconded; passed with the 2 new members abstaining

 

Treasurer’s report: postponed pending Ilene’s possible arrival

 

Welcome New Members

 

Without a Trace Volunteer Boy Scout Project: 

      Kevin Anderson, Boy Scout Leader, spoke about the philosophy of “Leave   No Trace” camping

      They do a lot of work cleaning up and maintaining the park

       Anticipating a campout this fall with about 150 people using Leave No Trace ethics  --eg. everything backpacked in; no fire.  Interested in doing projects to “earn keep.”  Small groups spread throughout park; will approach hospital about using their parking lot.  Would have a program during day open to others outside of scouting.  Would rent portable toilets.

 

Discussion of need to go thru the town for permitting form; be aware of rules

             What level projects?  Kids are 11-18; also some adults – local group can do projects on Monday nights

              PPC can generate projects over the summer

              Discussion of tree damage from recent storms; work on lean-to

              Usually last weekend in Sept.

Moved and seconded to approve; passed

 

Discuss PPC Spring Projects

Year End Mowing/Grassland Burning

  Natalie:  spoke w/Tim Carey – recommended raking it into windrows or piles and burn – would need only regular permit.  If we do it as a controlled burn, require a certificate and a certified person to supervise.

Concerns about impact on birds and wildlife

Paula suggests doing a sample area to see how it works out.

Elton:  west side is mowed;  east is not, and getting too big

Question of FD involvement; availability of water pumps

Elton might be able to get a rake for his tractor—will call Natalie

Need to check with Land Trust when we decide

 

Trails Day:  should be try to organize something for June?

Harry LaDue has suggested maintenance on a specific trail – Michael  urges caution bc it’s a wildlife corridor – Paula will check

                        Susan Morse of “Keeping Track” had advised caution in this area

                        Natalie: it’s not an “official” trail; used by runners – may need to post

                        a sign

 

           Check Runnemede-spring runoff, muddy areas:

                      Susan Warren had been concerned about runoff in some areas

                      Michael suggests putting in stakes to monitor changes

         

            Earth Day/Valley Quests

                      Vital Communities has a specific quest they would like to publicize

 Senior Volunteers to walk through periodically and check the boxes and markers?  Karen will pursue

 

             Park Guided Tour on CD/Library Connection:

                       Library has backpacks and kits available

 Doug will contact Bob Walsh to follow up on his Windsor on Air suggestion

Michael suggests contacting Steve Giroux, who recently produced a DVD of a presentation one of Michael’s students did – Paula will approach him

 

Rotary Club potential volunteer project:  they have matching funds for projects in Windsor; would like their members to be involved – Paula spoke with them about grassland signs – waiting to hear back;  Michael suggests benches as an alternative.

 

Volunteer List:  Paula has generated an organized call list

Michael suggests a computer forum about the park; Natalie suggests “low-tech” alternative of posting it around the park.  Paula and Doug will contact Stew

 

Beaver Management Discussions

Update on Kim Royer/MicMetz Dam mapping:  Paula got a message from Kim that she and Mic are coming on May 11.  Several people would like to come.  Paula will find out what time and contact people.

Grant Update: Paula had spoken with Jay from the Land Trust to find out if we need any special permission if we get the grant from Mascoma Bank – we can put in flow devices anytime, but need permission to notch dams

 

Management Plan Supplement:  Jay would like us to resume work on the Management Plan.  Natalie volunteered to resume this over the summer; discussion ensued. 

 

WHS Projects in Paradise Park:  Ms. Houde’s Surveying Class still working on their project

Owen:  have done tracking, planning to do water quality, earth science projects

Brian Burnette, shop teacher/artist, interested in doing a sculpture project

Kristina:  ELF volunteers also frequently use park as well as other groups

Doug: could the school work on invasive species?  Owen says they could.

Quick updates and other business:

Natalie:  no news on trail grant application

CVPS “Greenteam” looking for outdoor work projects

Natalie is interested in doing an inventory of trees, shrubs, and understory plants; would like assistance – Michael offers use of palm pilots

Paula:  Upper Valley Trails Alliance having an event May 6 at Dothan Brook School; would like to know if we would like to have a table – I will do this;  Kristina may also

Michael:  What happened with the Wellborn Ecology Fund?  Andrew has passed along to the teachers;  Karen, Paula, and Natalie have gotten info

Action Plan:  reviewed

 

Next Meeting;  May 17.

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