PARADISE PARK COMMISSION

January 18, 2007

 

Meeting convened shortly after 7:30 PM.  Present were Paula Robbins, Andrew Robbins, Doug Whitcomb, Elton Davis, Natalie Frost, and Karen Tyler.

1.      Minutes: Motion and second to delay minutes until near end of meeting, time permitting; carried

 

2.      Treasurer’s report: motion and second to table treasurer’s report until next meeting; carried

 

3.      Beaver Management:

 

Skip Lyle/Flow Device Paula, Natalie, and Doug did walkthrough with Skip Lyle.  Viewed device installed near Price Chopper, and Skip cleaned it out on the spot, resulting in visible drop in water level (deceiver had been underwater).  Said this was ordinarily all the maintenance it needed.  On walkthrough, said there is pitch enough on the land so that devices could work; different areas need different types of devices.   Flat area limits height of water level.  Beavers won’t build dam higher than bank.  2 devices to start with would really help to alleviate problems with landowner flooding (Elton strongly disagrees).  Skip recommended against any trapping; will increase birth rate.  “Flooding due to too much water, not to dams.”  Water running over North Dike is OK.  (See Natalie’s notes, appended to these minutes.)

 

Natalie found a map drawn by Crofter in 1999 showing dams – provides baseline.

 

Paula received a letter from Mick Metz (cc: town, Kim Royer, Michael Quinn).  States that dams less than 2 years old can be removed or notched; older dams require permits.  Need to schedule walkthrough with Mick and Kim.  They will determine which dams are causing flooding.  Paula left message for Kim today. 

 

Mick sent a book detailing Best Management Practice that can be copied for anyone interested; town has a copy.

 

Trapping update:  Tom got four beavers and is done for this year.  Doesn’t feel there are more in that area.

 

Site/neighbor update:  Elton says it’s better; attributes this to notching of the dam.  John Lens came and looked at the area with him.

 

Paula moves that we send a letter to the Land Trust stating that Elton, as abutter, requests permission for the dams to be removed..  Seconded and carried with one abstention.

 

Planning for Management Plan Supplement:  Doug willing to write the supplement and bring it to the Commission once the information comes from Kim and Mick, and we determine funds for Skip’s flow devices.  (Annette had mentioned a grant, but time frame has passed; looking for others.  Paula has asked Kim for possible sources;  Natalie has others.  LT may contribute $500.  Need to clarify boundaries. 

 

Some discussion of North Dike – may just need some patching; if unsuccessful, consider other approaches.  Doug suggests we write a second addendum addressing this; Natalie states that it’s already covered.

 

4.      PPC Projects:

Grassland burning:  Natalie contacted Tim, who said it might be a good idea, but due to small size of area needed to look at further:  still pending.

Grants:  Natalie has submitted proposal for work on Zig-zag Trail, which she presented to the PPC.  Would involve eliminating some switchbacks.  (Natalie has solicited numerous donations of materials toward this project.)  PPC’s direct share would be $150; Natalie moves that we appropriate this if we get the grant; seconded and carried. Natalie also applied to VYCC to do the work if we get the grant.   Appreciation expressed to Natalie for all her hard work.

 

Appointments /vacancies to board:  terms up are Karen, Doug, and Mary.  Should inform town (Lynn) if interested in continuing.  Doug proposes giving Mary a certificate for her service, and keep her on as an honorary member. Doug will speak with her about this.

 

Upper Valley Trails Alliance Membership:  Paula asked if we wanted to renew our membership when due. Karen moved; seconded and carried.

 

5.      Quick Updates and other business:

Natalie found a reference in 2004 town plan to the fact that “the Park doubled in size” when the additional land was acquired; appears to clarify the intention that PPC would be responsible for the total property.  (Paula stated that Annette has said that she would never have agreed to expending the money for the purpose if the commission had not been in place to manage it.)

 

Doug has submitted our piece of the Town Report, and corrected the names of members of the commission.

                                                                                                                                               

6.      Review Action Plan

Reviewed and amended as necessary. (Karen  to get a sample of a volunteer liability sign-off form; info on harvesting Japanese knotweed)

 

7.      Next Meeting:  Feb 15.  Adjourn 9:00 PM.

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