Bristol Conservation Commission  

 

 

Mission Statement   Goals    By-Laws   Annual Reports    Commissioners     Minutes   Links   Sycamore Park Trail
 

Bristol Pond

 

Mission Statement

 

  To work to conserve Bristol’s natural and cultural heritage for present and future generations; raise public awareness of these resources; and provide opportunities for greater involvement by the community.

 

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Goals

 

 -  Identify natural and cultural resources in the town.
 -  Assist the town on natural/cultural resource and quality of life issues.
 -  Assist in developing and conserving parks, natural areas, farms and farm land.
 -  Establish and maintaining recreation trails.
 -  Organize Green Up Day and other activities that contribute to a healthier and cleaner
     environment.
 -  Conduct wildlife tracking and sign surveys, and work to protect native animal and
     plant species.
 -  Conduct water and air quality monitoring studies.
 -  Sponsor educational field trips and events with naturalists, the forest products
     industry, and outdoor sportsmen/women.
 -  Establish a fund for land conservation projects.
 -  Work with local businesses, organizations and citizens toward fulfilling these
     objectives.

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                   Deer Leap

 

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BY-LAWS OF THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

OF THE TOWN OF BRISTOL, VERMONT

 

 

I.             AUTHORIZATION

The Town of Bristol Conservation Commission shall be governed by all applicable Vermont State Statutes, local laws, and these rules.  Conservation Commissions are authorized in 24 V.S.A., Chapter 118 Sections 4501 to 4506.

 

II.         PURPOSES

The purposes of the Commission are:

(a) to develop and maintain an inventory and conduct studies of the Town of Bristol’s (Town) natural, scenic, and recreational resources and other lands which have historic, educational, cultural, scientific, architectural, or archeological values in which the public has an interest (subsequently referred to as social resources) and to assist in planning for their conservation for the continuing benefit of the townspeople of Bristol;

(b) to recommend to the legislative body the acquisition of property interests to protect and conserve the Town’s natural and social resources;

(c) to protect all water and wetland resources;

(d) to foster the protection of sensitive natural areas and species;

(e) to increase awareness of conservation and recreational goals in overall land use planning and zoning;

(f)  to allow for recreational uses on acquired lands which are consistent with conservation goals and have a minimum impact on the land;

(g) to conduct a broad education program on issues which have an impact on local natural and social resources;

(h) to make recommendations to and cooperate and communicate with town officials, commissions, groups, and organizations having similar concerns and with appropriate agencies of the regional, state, and federal government.

 

III.       MEMBERSHIP

(a) The Commission shall consist of 7-9 members, appointed by the Selectboard.  Each member shall be a resident of the Town. The term of each member shall be for four years, except for those first appointed, whose terms shall be varied in length so that in the future the number whose terms expire in each successive year shall be minimized.

(b) An appointment shall be for a four-year term, except that an appointment filling a vacancy shall be for the remainder of the term.

(c) The Selectboard may remove any member if just cause is stated to the member in writing and after a public hearing on the matter is held, if that member requests one.  Just cause shall include 3 consecutive, unexcused absences from the Commission meetings during the preceding twelve-month period.

(d) All vacancies shall be filled by the Selectboard forthwith.

(e) All members shall serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed by the Town for necessary and reasonable expenses incurred in the course of their duties.

 

IV.        PROCEDURES

The Conservation Commission generally functions as an advisory body to various town bodies, reporting ultimately to the Selectboard.

Clear lines of communication are important to the proper function of the Commission, its committees, and other town bodies.

In general, projects and decision-making are to proceed along the following guidelines:

(a) The Conservation Commission will develop its work program and assign specific tasks to its committees. The committees may present suggestions for projects.

(b) The committees will develop recommendations for Conservation Commission approval and/or amendment.

(c) The Conservation Commission will present approved recommendations and/or plans to the Selectboard.

(d) Final decisions and actions are the responsibility of the Selectboard.

(e) The Commission and all of its committees shall operate in accordance with the Vermont Open Meeting Law.

 

 

V.         OFFICERS

(1) The Commission shall elect the following officers at the annual meeting of the group:

(a) A Chair, who shall preside at all meetings of the Commission at which (s)he is present, and shall direct the work of the Commission. (S)he shall submit a brief annual report to the Selectboard and, upon their adoption, to the annual Town Meeting, which report shall review the Commission activities for the year past and present the Commission plans and prospects for the coming year.

(b) A Clerk, who shall keep minutes of all meetings and proceedings of the Commission and record any action taken by the Commission. (S)he shall post public notices of Commission meetings and give notice to individual Commission members when necessary.

(c) A Treasurer, who shall recommend action on all bills received by the Commission. Payment authorization for all bills of $50 or more shall be voted by the Commission. The Treasurer shall prepare and present a financial report at the request of the Chair of the Commission, and shall submit an annual financial statement, approved by the Commission, to the Town.

(2) The Commission may also elect other officers it deems appropriate including Vice-Chair, who shall assume all duties and powers of the Chair in his/her absence or when the Chair so requests.

(3) All officers shall be elected for a one-year term and may be reelected for successive terms in the same office.

VI.        MEETINGS

(a) Commission meetings shall be open to the public, and held at Town Hall in Bristol at 6:00 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month unless otherwise advised.  Special and emergency meetings may be held at other times in accordance with the Vermont Open Meeting Law.  The Annual Meeting will be the first meeting in September.

(b) All records and minutes of any Commission meeting or action shall be filed with the Town Clerk and be available to the public.

(c) A quorum shall consist of the presence of a majority of the serving members.  No action shall be taken without the affirmation vote of a majority of the serving members.  Any member unable to attend shall notify the Commission in advance of the meeting date.

(d) In order to secure and preserve the highest level of public trust in the deliberations and decisions of the Conservation Commission, it is incumbent upon each member not only to scrupulously avoid any act which constitutes a conflict of interest established in law but also to avoid any act that gives the appearance of an undue special privilege or a conflict of interest.

A member shall withdraw from all participation, in any matter including all formal and informal discussion and voting, in which the member concludes that (s)he may have a conflict of interest or upon the assertion that there is a reasonable public perception that a conflict or a special privilege may exist.

 

VII.      PRINCIPAL FUNCTIONS

The principal functions of the Conservation Commission shall be as described below.

(a) INVENTORIES.  The Commission may prepare and maintain an inventory of the natural resources of the Town of Bristol. This natural resources inventory may include but not be limited to the following:  prime agricultural and forest lands; soil capabilities; water resources; floodplains; known mineral resources; unique or fragile biological resources; scenic and recreational resources; and other open lands.  The Commission may also be responsible for the preparation and maintenance of an inventory of the land-related social resources of the Town of Bristol.  This inventory may include but not be limited to those resources which possess historic, educational, scenic, cultural, scientific, architectural, or archeological values to the public.  These inventories shall be available for use by the Town of Bristol government and the public for continuing reference in all matters which may pertain to the conservation of the natural and social resources of the Town of Bristol, including amendments or revisions to the Town Plan, zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, highway plan, and to any applications made thereunder.

(b) LAND ACQUISITION. The Commission may, on the basis of the inventories or other appropriate study, recommend to the Selectboard the purchase of, or the receipt of as a gift, specific land and/or property rights (including easements) or other property for the purposes set forth in Article II.  The Commission may solicit or suggest sales or donations of specific interests from landowners.  Subject properties and/or rights may be acquired by the Town of Bristol, or may be acquired by other suitable organizations, for example, land trusts.  Properties and/or rights acquired by the Town of Bristol shall be by consent of the Selectboard or affirmative majority vote of the Town of Bristol.  Each recommendation by the Commission may include an estimate of the acquisition-related costs to the Town of Bristol, including but not limited to legal counseling, surveying, appraisal, effect on the tax base and the tax rate, and the proposed source of funds to be used for acquisition and related costs.

(c) LAND MANAGEMENT. The Commission may exercise stewardship responsibility for properties and/or rights acquired by the Town of Bristol for conservation purposes.  The Commission will propose plans and regulations for the development and use of acquired property interests which are consistent with the protection and preservation purposes for which they were acquired.

(d) PUBLIC REPRESENTATION. To the extent permitted by law, the Commission may represent the public interest in any matter which it determines may have a significant impact on the natural or social resources of the Town of Bristol. The Commission may initiate recommendations to amend or revise Town plans, ordinances, subdivision regulations, road plans, etc. for consideration by the appropriate authority.  The Commission may make recommendations to any municipal, regional, state or federal body which it feels are needed to implement the purposes of the Commission.

(e) EDUCATION AND INFORMATION. The Commission may be responsible for the conduct of educational activities pertaining to local natural and social resources.  It may make information available to the public regarding these resources, especially those relating to public lands.

 

VIII.     COMMITTEES

(a) The Commission may function with both standing and ad hoc committees.  Standing committees shall be established by a majority vote of the Commission; ad hoc committees may be established by decision of the Commission Chair.  The Conservation Commission Chair shall appoint Chairs for all committees.

(b) All committees shall function in an advisory capacity to the Commission. No action shall be taken by any committee without the prior consent of the Commission.

(c) Committee membership shall be open to the public.  Committee meetings shall be open to the public.  The time and place of each meeting shall be posted.  Minutes of committee meetings will be submitted to the Commission as soon as possible and incorporated with the records of the Commission.

 

IX.        ADMINISTRATION

The Commission shall have the authority to request appropriations from the Town of Bristol for its land acquisition, land management, inventory, education, information, and operating expenses. Funds appropriated or donated to the Commission shall be carried in a public trust fund.  This fund shall be under the trust and management of the Conservation Commission.  This fund shall accrue from year to year for the use of the Commission solely for the purposes set out in Article II of these Rules.  The Commission shall have the authority to receive gifts, grants, or money from any sources for these purposes.  Any funds from private, state, or federal sources, which impose any obligation on the Town of Bristol, shall be accepted only by consent of the Selectboard.

 

X.         AMENDMENTS

These Rules may be amended at any regular or special meeting of the Commission by a two-thirds vote of the Commission.  Written notice of intent to amend must be publicly posted, sent to each member of the Commission, and the Chair of the Selectboard at least seven days prior to the meeting at which the proposed action is to be taken.

 

XI.        DISSOLUTION

The duration of the Town of Bristol Conservation Commission is intended to be perpetual.  In the event that dissolution is necessary, all existing public trust funds of the Commission remaining after payment of appropriate expenses shall be distributed to tax-exempt organizations emphasizing the same purposes as the Conservation Commission.  Remaining funds originating from the Town of Bristol’s appropriations revert back to the Town of Bristol’s general fund.

 

Adopted: 18 November 2009

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Bristol Conservation Commission Annual Reports since 2003

Village from the Ledges

 

 Annual Report for 2009

 

The Bristol Conservation Commission (BCC) meets at 6 PM the fourth Wed each month. We now have 6 members with openings for up to 3 more. The untimely death of Chuck Baser this spring deprived us of one of our most passionate and dedicated members.

 

With a Vermont Watershed Grant we were able to further improve Sycamore Park. A river interpretive trail map and brochure were completed, the kiosk upgraded and picnic tables added.

 

 The BCC headed up another Green Up Day in May. We hope to improve the recycling 

component in 2010. We also co hosted with the Rec Dept a raptor presentation by VINS in Oct.

 

We have tried to have a BCC presence at Select board and Planning Commission meetings. We believe our input to the new town plan section on natural resources significant and helpful. Our approval of a hazard mitigation plan facilitated FEMA support.

 

The Commission is now working with Vt. Fish and Wildlife to site universal (handicapped) fishing accesses on the New Haven River at Eagle Park on the Lincoln Road and at the former Shackett property on Rt. 116. With grant money, help from local organizations and volunteer efforts we hope to do this without stressing the Conservation Reserve Fund (CRF). A tribute to Chuck Baser in the form of education about Didymo (rock snot) is to be a part of this project.

 

A more substantial CRF is an important goal of the Commission. The economy has resulted in allocations less than we have requested. We continue to debate and wrestle with options of short-term expenditures to demonstrate the need for a CRF vs. building a fund for larger conservation opportunities in the future. We were happy to support the recent select board decision to allocate up to $6235 to complete the purchase of a conservation easement on the 194 acres of the Bacon property adjacent to the Waterworks. We would like to put in place a more predictable and permanent means to build up the Conservation Reserve Fund.

 

BCC members are Dave Henderson (chair), Pete Diminico (vice chair), Katie Reilley (clerk), Ken Johnson (treas.), Dave Rosen and Kristen Underwood.

 

  

Annual Report for 2008

         Members of the Conservation Commission for 2008 included Bruce Acciavatti, Chairman Chuck Baser, David Henderson Vice-Chair; Ken Johnson, Treasurer; Susan Kavanagh (through March); 
         Katie Reilley, Clerk; David Rosen; and Kristen Underwood. 

         Three topics garnered the largest portion of the Conservation Commission’s discussions during the year 2008: the Vermont Watershed Grant for a Sycamore Park interpretive trail and website
         (application and implementation); the New Haven River and recommendations for a flood erosion hazard overlay district; and the Natural Resources Plan. Other significant topics of discussion included
          the Conservation Reserve Fund, opportunities to obtain new members, and, concern about Didymosphenia geminate Didymo (Rock snot) coming to the New Haven River.

The year started with a presentation to the Commission by Amy Diller of the Addison County Regional Planning Commission, who introduced the New Haven River Corridor Plan for the river section from Route 116 in Bristol to Sargent Cross Road in New Haven. The plan aims to reduce erosion and the resultant sediment loading in the river. It also identifies areas where changes could be made to reduce erosion, and to directly involve property owners who have property affected by the erosive forces of the river. In addition, the corridor plan sets priorities for remediation efforts, and identifies funding sources and technical support for recommended improvements. Also, staff from the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources discussed adoption of a “Flood Erosion Hazard Overlay District” and distributed a “Municipal Guide to Fluvial Erosion Hazard Mitigation, 1 August 2007”. This map would delineate the river corridor, an area surrounding the river that is needed by the channel to maintain or adjust toward equilibrium.

In February the Conservation Commission endorsed the New Haven River Corridor Plan Reaches M06-M11 and specifically recommended that the Selectboard include the Corridor Plan by reference in the Town Plan update. Specific language was forwarded to the Planning Commission to this end.

The Commission also approved the Master Plan for Sycamore Park and submitted the document to the Selectboard as a plan to guide the management of Sycamore Park.

In March, we received notification that the town had been awarded $3500 grant for the establishment of an interpretive trail and website on Sycamore Park and its geomorphic significance. Kristen Underwood applied for the grant, with the support and enthusiasm of Shelly Snyder’s Mount Abraham classes. The students have been actively involved in setting up the website and writing the descriptions for the interpretive trail. Commission members, and friends, put up trail markers to identify stops on the trail. Many thanks to Kristen, Shelley and students, and all who contributed!

May found us leading the charge for “Green-Up Day” once again. Thanks to Sue Kavanagh for her volunteer time at the Town Green, distributing information, encouragement and collection bags. We always appreciate the generous contribution of time and work from Bristol’s residents doing something from which we all benefit.

At the end of the year, the current Chairman and charter member, Bruce Acciavatti, provided notice that he will be leaving the commission this spring. Our profound regrets, as well as our thanks for all the work he’s done and the leadership he’s provided.

For 2009, the Conservation Commission will be continuing to work with Mt. Abe students and faculty on the Sycamore Park website which will be accessed from The Mt. Abe website. There will also be links from the Conservation Commission site. Be sure to look for it!

The commission will also be sponsoring Green-Up Day and hopefully another Annual New Haven River Day. There’s a great deal of work to be done in educating people about the presence of Didymosphenia geminate Didymo, especially in the New Haven River. We will also be continuing to work with the Planning Commission and the Selectboard in future meetings o the town plan.

The Conservation Commission’s mission is to work to conserve Bristol’s natural and cultural heritage for present and future generations; raise public awareness of these resources; and provide opportunities for greater involvement by the community in this area.
 

Annual Report for 2007

 

1.  Conservation fund:
      -      At town meeting night, a $500.00 appropriation for a yearly operating fund was approved, as
             well as a  request for an operating conservation reserve fund starting in fiscal year 2007 in the
             amount of $10,000.00 for conservation land, project and education purposes.

2. Natural Resources Plan:

-         Continued working with the Planning Commission on natural resource issues and the Land Use section of the proposed new town plan.

3.  Sycamore Park:
      -      The board developed a management plan to be used by the town to uphold the
             ecological integrity of the park, and applied for a grant to develop a Geomorphic Interpretive
             Trail to highlight its hydrological and geomorphic features.
      -      Joined residents involved with the Edith Stock bequest in advising the town and
             landscape architect in the work conducted this year to improve security and access to
             the property to help protect it from misuse, as well as to complement its ecological
             values.

4. Green Up Day - May 5^th :

-         Coordinated Green Up Day in Bristol and encouraged participants to separate recyclables from other garbage collected that day.  Made recommendations to the State Green Up Committee for future Green Up Day considerations including the use of biodegradable bags and encouraging recyclables separation statewide.

5. General conservation efforts:

      -     Co-sponsored Vermont Family Forest’s April 28, 2007 Addison County Conservation
            Congress, "Fueling Our Community: Building Local, Sustainable Energy Solutions"
     -      Supported the continuation of the New Haven River corridor plan in partnership with the State
            Agency of Natural Resources, Addison County Regional Planning Commission, and South
            Mountain Research & Consulting.    

 

 

  The Conservation Commission’s mission is to work to conserve Bristol’s natural and cultural heritage for present and future generations; raise public awareness of these resources; and provide opportunities for greater involvement by the community in this area.

 

  Monthly meetings of the Conservation Commission are held the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7pm in the Holley Hall meeting room downstairs. All residents are invited, and public participation is encouraged.

 

Bristol Conservation Commission members: Bruce Acciavatti (Chair),  David Henderson, (Vice Chair), Ken Johnson (Treasurer), Katie Reilley(Clerk), David Rosen, Chuck Baser, Sue Kavanagh and Kristen Underwood.
 
 

Annual Report for 2006

 

1. Natural Resources Plan:

-         Completed a comprehensive Natural Resources Plan with maps and supporting documentation that was submitted to the Planning Board for inclusion in the new Town Plan.

-         Worked with the Planning Board on natural resource issues and the Land Use section of the new town plan.

 

2. Green Up Day - May 6^th :

-         Coordinated Green Up Day in town and conducted the annual cleanup at Sycamore Park and other town-owned properties.

3. Town-owned properties:

     -     Conducted environmental surveys of The Waterworks property in Lincoln, Bartlett Falls area
             and Bristol Memorial Park to inventory them and determine their conditions in order to make
             recommendations for improving protection of sensitive areas.

4.  Conservation fund:
      -      Submitted to the select board, a request for appropriations to be voted at town meeting night.
             A $500.00 appropriation for the yearly operating fund, and the request for fiscal year of 2007
             in the amount of $13,000.00 for an operating conservation reserve fund.

5.  Communications:
      -      The board is increasing efforts to communicate more with other town boards (i.e. the Select
              Board and the Planning Board) by attending meetings and providing input.

 

  At our Annual Meeting in September, we elected a new Chairman, Bruce Acciavatti, and Vice Chair, David Henderson. Many thanks to Pete Diminico for his 3 years of leadership as Chair.

 

Annual Report for 2005

1. Sycamore Park:

- Volunteers assisted commission members on Green Up Day, May 7^th, to clean up the area by removing trash for the second year in a row, and there was much less to deal with this time! Also, many stumps and much old vegetation were cleared out. Thanks to everyone who helped out!
- A nature trail was laid out by placing down bark mulch. Thanks to Chris and Cassie Marion’s Girl Scout Troop and The A. Johnson Co., LLC for all their assistance.
- A vegetative inventory was taken, and identification labels were placed on trees along the trail. In the Spring of 2006 herbaceous plants will also be labeled. A bird survey was also initiated.
- Held a New Haven River Day in September to help introduce people to the park and river.

-Received a $500 grant from the Vermont Watershed Grants program to produce a brochure and map of Sycamore Park.
 

2. Green-Up Day coordinated from the Village Green and Sycamore Park. About 100 volunteers
participated.
 

3. Sponsored and worked with the Recreation Department to produce a Peregrine Falcon slide program by Margaret Fowle of the National Wildlife Federation and a Raptor Demonstration conducted by Vermont Institute of Natural Sciences in May at Holley Hall. Over 80 people attended.
 

4. Setbacks for waterways and river protection:

 - Developed recommendations to the planning board, with the assistance of South Mountain Research & Consulting and the Addison County Regional Planning Commission, for inclusion of language in the zoning regulations to require a zoning permit for development to have a setback of 75 ft. from a stream, pond or wetland to prevent erosion and protect water quality.
  Consequently the planning board added a section in the zoning regulations for Waterside Protection, adopting language that places setbacks on public waters that meet the minimum rear yard setback depending on the zoning district. This can be anywhere from 10 to 100 feet. The conservation commission recognizes this as an improvement. We will continue to work with the planning board to provide them more information that will help them strengthen the language to come in line with state-recognized and recommended standards for setbacks.

- Made recommendation to the planning board to keep the area at Rockydale, along and near the New Haven River, zoned as a conservation district, so as to provide the most protection to this sensitive area.

5. Made recommendations to the select board to restrict parking on Mountain Terrace when accessing the Ledges Trail.

6. Special thanks to Joan Allen who produced an interpretative “Take A Walk” flyer highlighting the natural and human history of Bristol Memorial Park and The Watershed Center, which was distributed around town.

 

 

Annual Report for 2004

 

1.      Sycamore Park (formerly known as Palmer’s Court or Tin City):

-         Volunteers assisted commission members on Green Up Day in May to clean up the area by removing truckloads of trash.

-         Trees were planted to fill in some open areas, and for stream bank stabilization.

-         Test plots of Japanese Knotweed were treated by cutting and covering. This will be ongoing and more aggressive in the new year.

-         Worked with Bristol Recreation Dept. to develop a plan for the park which included: mapping to include different habitats and trails, and providing descriptions of plant species and a history of the area.

-         Built a kiosk at the entrance to the park, and posted on it a welcome sign, map of the park, map of the New Haven River Watershed, a history of the area, and a species list.

 

2.      New Haven River Geomorphic Phase II Study*:

-         Worked with Kristen Underwood of South Mountain Research & Consulting on an assessment of the present geomorphic condition on the New Haven River network that was sponsored by the Addison County Regional Planning Commission and funded by a grant from FEMA .

-         Hosted a public presentation by Ms. Underwood in October of the results.
*A copy of this Phase 2 Stream Geomorphic Assessment can be obtained by contacting the Bristol Conservation Commission - vim@gmavt.net  

 

3.      Provided a Questionnaire at Town Meeting asking what townspeople would like the Conservation Commission to focus on. Received a very good response – over 200 questionnaires returned.

 

4.      Offered monthly “Discover Your Town” hiking/walking/snowshoeing outings.

 

5.      Added a web page on the Bristol town web site for the Conservation Commission.

 

 

Annual Report for 2003

 

  The Bristol Conservation Commission was approved at the 2003 Town Meeting, and by June, after an interview and selection process, 9 members were appointed by the Selectboard for 3, 4 and 5 year terms. The first meeting was held on July 8^th.

 

  The first few meetings were used to find out about what other commissions and conservation organizations in the state were doing by inviting guests to speak, as well as to getting to know and learning to work with each other.

 

  Bylaws were adopted, and a Mission Statement was adopted: “To work to conserve Bristol’s natural and cultural heritage for present and future generations; raise public awareness of these resources; and provide opportunities for greater involvement by the community.”

 

  Monthly meetings were established on the 1^st Monday of the month at 7-8:30pm in the Holley Hall main meeting room downstairs. All residents are invited.
 

 

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TOWN OF BRISTOL, VERMONT

CONSERVATION COMMISSION

LIST OF COMMISSIONERS AND TERM OF OFFICE AS OF APRIL 2010

NAME

ADDRESS

PHONE #

E-MAIL

APPOINTMENT BEGUN

END OF CURRENT TERM

        David Henderson, Chair        5 Meadow Lane     453-3961    sheilakhenderson@yahoo.com   6/2009                    3/2013

        Peter Diminico, Vice-Chair 1311 Meehan Road  453-3899    diminico@gmavt.net                   6/2003                    3/2014

        Ken Johnson, Treasurer  957 South 116 Road   453-4147    kdjvt@gmavt.net                         6/2003                    3/2011

        Katie Reilley, Clerk       4519 South 116 Road    453-4628    reilleyglass@gmavt.net               6/2003                    3/2011

        David Rosen                  1105 Meehan Road        453-5655                                                      6/2003                    3/2014

        Kristen Underwood       2852 South 116 Road    453-3076    southmountain@gmavt.net                                        3/2014

        Nathan Bouvier             10B Pleasant Street       453-3456    bouv10@hotmail.com                 3/2010                    3/2013

        John Beatty                  415 North 116               453-2447    cisvt@gmavt.net                          3/2010                    3/2012

        Howie McCausland       149 Woodland Drive       453-2839    Howie@middlebury.edu             9/2010                    3/2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

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TOWN OF BRISTOL, VERMONT BOARD MEETINGS

CONSERVATION COMMISSION

APPROVED MINUTES OF MEETING

HELD ON 9 FEBRUARY 2012

AT HOLLEY HALL, BRISTOL VT

 

MEMBERS ATTENDING: Ken Johnson (KJ), Chair; Katie Reilley (KR), Clerk; Kristen Underwood (KU); Nate Bouvier (NB); Howie McCausland (HM); Adam Ginsburg (AG)

 

ALSO ATTENDING: Michelle Smith, Southern Lake CREP Coordinator

 

I.          Call to order.

Meeting called to order at 6:10 p.m.

 

II.        Public comment period. Michelle Smith present (see Item V. A. below)

 

III.       Approval of minutes of 12 January 2012.

HM moved that the minutes of 12 January 2012 be approved; NB seconded; all approved.

 

IV.       Correspondence

            A.  E-mails related to items below.

            B. Bristol Selectboard Meeting minutes from January 9, 23, and 30, 2012 (added).

C. Public Notice from the Army Corps of Engineers, comment period ends 15-Feb-2012: Vermont Agency of Transportation proposes to conduct work in waters of the United States during the construction of a new bridge over the New haven River to replace the existing VT 116 bridge south of Bristol Flats.

D.  Notice of Application for Individual Wetland Permit #2011-183 by the Vermont Agency of Transportation for a bridge replacement project located south of Bristol, on VT Route 16 [sic].

 

V.        Old Business

A.  River Erosion Concern – South 116 Road Bristol Flats: Discussion with Michelle Smith, Southern Lake CREP Coordinator.

Kristen introduced Michelle Smith, who works with the United State Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). This program, according to their brochure, “aims to improve water quality in streams and lakes by helping agricultural landowners to voluntarily establish vegetative buffers which filter runoff by trapping sediment, fertilizers, and pesticides”. CREP works in conjunction with the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, the Natural Resources Conservation District and Partners for Fish and Wildlife.

Ms. Smith discussed her work with Paul Fuller on the conservation of the Bristol Flats area. They are currently in the process of finalizing a contract to remove approximately eight acres of his property along the New Haven River. The property, currently cornfields, was deemed not viable to stay in agriculture due to the removal of much of the topsoil as a result of flooding. As part of their agreement, Mr. Fuller will receive compensation for taking his property out of agriculture, and the CREP will restore the flood plain to a riparian forest buffer. Ms. Smith presented the proposed planting plan for the restoration of the riparian buffer, which will include the planting of approximately 2600 individual plants. The planting work will be contracted out.

The overall conservation plan also includes maintaining existing wooded vegetation along the river and controlling invasive vegetation such as Japanese knotweed that has taken hold in the eroded areas.

Kristen suggested that the early knotweed control (pulling plants) might provide an opportunity for the Conservation Commission to organize volunteers to assist. This would probably be scheduled for some time in the spring when they begin the tree planting. Kristen thanked Ms. Smith for her presentation to the Commission.

B.  Eagle Park Handicapped Accessible Fishing Platform: Update

Although Pete Diminico was not attending the meeting, he had sent several e-mails to and from Bill Bryant and the Dock Doctors regarding the progress on the completion of and payment for the fishing platform. The Dock Doctors had submitted a final detailed bid summary for completion of the fishing access, to the amount of $8,400. It appears that FEMA will provide payment just short of that amount.

C.  Farmland Conservation: Farr property at North 116 Bristol.

      Discussions are on-going; it looks hopeful that Bob Fuller might move forward with riparian buffer negotiations.

D.  Conservation Commission Budget and Conservation Reserve Fund: Update on Selectboard actions.

There was no further discussion in the Selectboard minutes regarding final amounts for the CRF or Conservation budget. The Annual Report was not yet available.

 

VI.       New Business

A.  Bristol Conservation Commission Town Report 2011.

After receiving information from several of the commissioners, Ken put together an annual report from the Conservation Commission for inclusion in the Town of Bristol Annual Report. KR moved to endorse the BCC Annual Report as submitted; HM seconded; all approved.

B.  Lincoln Waterworks Property: Expanding sugaring activities and construction of sugar house.

Tabled until next meeting, due to Dave’s absence.

C.  State policy concerning excavation in streams: H560 “An act relating to the training and certification of a person conducting stream alteration”.

After some discussion it was the consensus of the Commission that the proposed policy requiring contractors to receive certification prior to working in watercourses might not be a productive approach, and did not endorse the bill. It would probably be helpful to have information available on appropriate techniques provided to contractors.

D.  Correspondence reviewed as related to the construction of the new VT Route 116 bridge over the New Haven River. No specific comments were noted. (added)

 

VII.     Next Meeting Schedule and Agenda

            A.  Next meeting: Thursday, 8 March 2012

 

VIII.    Upcoming events

IX.       Adjournment

HM moved that the meeting be adjourned; AG seconded; all approved.

Meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.

 

CONSERVATION COMMISSION

APPROVED MINUTES OF MEETING

HELD ON 8 MARCH 2012

AT HOLLEY HALL, BRISTOL VT

 

MEMBERS ATTENDING: Ken Johnson (KJ), Chair; Pete Diminico (PD), Vice-Chair; Nate Bouvier (NB); Adam Ginsberg (AG); David Henderson (DH), Howie McCausland (HM); David Rosen (DR); Kristen Underwood (KU)

 

I.          Call to order.
Meeting called to order at 6:09 p.m.

 

II.        Public comment period.
No public present.

 

III.       Approval of minutes of 9 February 2012.
NB moved that the minutes of 9 February 2011 be approved; seconded by HM; approved by all.

 

IV.       Correspondence.

E-mails related to items V.B and VII.A listed below.

 

V.        Old Business

A.  Lincoln Waterworks Property: Expanding sugaring activities and construction of sugar house.

DH noted that an individual who has been sugaring on the Lincoln Waterworks property owned by the town of Bristol would like to substantially increase the number of taps, and lease a portion of the lands to build a sugarhouse.  An ad hoc committee has been formed to consider these requests – comprised of Bill Bryant, Pete Ryan and a member of the Selectboard. Several questions were raised by CC members, concerning the fair market rate for leasing per tap, potential to affect other recreational uses of the land by expansion of a network of sap lines, need for a bid process to award rights to sugar the land.  A motion was made by DR that the Conservation Commission request a seat on the ad hoc committee addressing sugarmaking on the Lincoln Waterworks property.  AG seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously. DH noted that he would be willing to represent the CC on the ad hoc committee, should this request be approved.  DH will follow up with Bill Bryant.

 

B.  State policy concerning excavation in streams: H560 “An act relating to the training and certification of a person conducting stream alteration”.

PD briefed the Commission on current status of H560, as further detailed in emails previously forwarded to the Commission members.  Along with members of the New Haven River Anglers, PD plans to testify at the statehouse in Montpelier next week in support of this bill (as an individual, not as a representative of the Bristol CC).

PD notified the Commission that there will be a public meeting re: management of the Middlebury River through East Middlebury on March 22 at 7 PM at the East Middlebury Methodist Church.

 

C.  River Erosion Concern – South 116 Road Bristol Flats: Update

KU updated the Commission regarding status of activities along the Bristol Flats.  Two landowners inquired about potential FEMA buyouts.  KU coordinated meetings of those landowners with Tim Bouton of the Addison County Regional Planning Commission to share latest information from FEMA and Vermont Emergency Management re: eligibility under a few programs. Easement opportunities continue to be pursued with select landowners.

The Army Corps of Engineers issued a public notice on Jan 17 identifying that Vtrans has applied for a permit to place fill in the New Haven River and nearby wetlands associated with the replacement of the Rt 116 bridge just south of the Bristol Flats.  Vtrans has proposed that the required $143,391 mitigation fees be given to Ducks Unlimited.  KU contacted Marty Abair of the ACOE to inquire whether some or all of these mitigation fees could instead be directed to restoration and conservation projects on the Bristol Flats.  This idea appears to be gaining some traction at ACOE.  KU and Shannon Pytlik of the River Management Program will meet with Marty Abair on March 15 to further discuss.  KU briefed Bill Bryant on Feb 24, who has in turn briefed the Selectboard. 

 

D.  Eagle Park Handicapped Accessible Fishing Platform: Update

Per PD’s email of March 5, 2012, FEMA has provided verbal approval to the town of Bristol that funding will be provided for repairs at the fishing platform site to address damages sustained in TS Irene.  FEMA funding will cover nearly the full amount of the cost estimate provided by Dock Doctors.  PD recently met with the New Haven River Anglers who voted to give another $500 to the Town of Bristol to make up the difference.  PD is hopeful that repairs to the site and installation of the platform will occur in June.

 

E.   Farmland Conservation: Farr property at North 116 Bristol.

Vermont Land Trust is carrying out baseline documentation activities at the Farr and Fuller properties located north of the village along Rt 116 – including appraisals and surveying.  Additionally, river corridor easements and CREP buffer options (a USDA National Resource Conservation Service program) have been offered on each property for the landowners to consider.

 

F.   Conservation Commission Budget and Conservation Reserve Fund: Update on Selectboard actions; Town Meeting update.

As presented in the Annual Report, the Town of Bristol 2012-2013 budget includes a $10,000 contribution to the Conservation Reserve Fund and a $400 operating fund.  The budget passed at town meeting. 

 

VI.       New Business

A.     Town Plan: extraction in Conservation Zone.

 

The outcome of the latest Planning Commission meetings was discussed.  Now that revisions to Section 12 of the proposed Town Plan have been resolved generally by the PC, DH noted that it would be a good idea for the CC to review the latest version and consider issuing a more formal statement re: the proposed Town Plan in preparation for upcoming public meetings to be held by the Selectboard.  The CC agreed to review latest revisions to Section 12 in preparation for discussion at the next CC meeting.

 

VII.     Events

A.     Saturday April 7 9 am – 12 pm: VT Family Forests/UVM sponsored forest walk to recognize, identify and survey trees for invasive insects; Waterworks Property, Plank Road, Bristol.

HM will post a notice to the Front Porch Forum to help spread the word.

 

B.     KU suggested that the CC could host a summertime paddle around Bristol Pond, to learn more about the ecology of this lake & wetland complex.  KU read an email from Sue Warren at the VT Lakes & Ponds Division who offered that their staff could offer a talk on functions and values of natural shoreland vegetation, or wetland plants and ecology.  CC members were also interested to learn more about the fish and bird species at the lake.  AG will check with a contact at the Audubon Society.  HM will check with Jim Andrews who could speak on reptiles & amphibians.  KU will inquire about VFW staff who could speak to fish.  A summertime (June) week-night (6 to 8 PM) paddle is envisioned. 

 

VIII.    Next Meeting Schedule: Thursday, 12 April 2012

 

IX.       Adjournment

DH moved that the meeting be adjourned; seconded by NB; approved by all.

Meeting adjourned at 7:09 p.m.

 

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

Kristen Underwood

 

 

 

 

 

Links to Related Web Sites

The Association of Vermont Conservation Commissions
Addison County Regional Planning Commission

Audubon Vermont
Green Mountain National Forest
Green Up Vermont

Lake Champlain Basin Program
Lewis Creek Association
Middlebury Area Land Trust
Vermont Agency of Natural Resources
Vermont Family Forests
Vermont Land Trust
Vermont League of Cities and Towns
Vermont Smart Growth Collaborative