Deb Jones

The meeting addressed blazing current trails, discussing the use of color and plastic markers, and agreeing to blaze the main loop in yellow paint. The board discussed a new trail cut by Bob Wilson and the possibility of connecting it to the Sharon spur trail, deciding to wait until the logging cleanup is complete. An extension to Bob Wilson's contract for logging closeout work was approved. The board discussed potential trail work with Sharon Elementary 6th graders and the possibility of student involvement from the Strafford side. The board also discussed a possible cash gift to Ashley Community Forest from AVC via Vital Communities for conservation, trail design, historical research, and curriculum development. The MOU with Deb Fisk regarding trail access to repair a damaged stream crossing was approved. The board discussed the timber sale closeout, forest stand improvement, and a possible yurt pole sale, deciding to hold off on the yurt pole sale for educational purposes. Mowing plans for the summer were discussed, and the board agreed to mow Strafford again this year and the path through Sharon meadow. The Dan Healey program "How trees work" was mentioned, and concerns were raised about low attendance at scheduled events.

The meeting included discussion and approval of the agenda, an update on management activities including timber sale closeout and slash reduction, mowing, timber sale contract extension, slash reduction and trail work, and MOU with Deb Fisk. The board discussed recent events including the Forest Stewardship Plan, black locust harvest, forest stand improvement practice, and a special meeting held at the forest. The board accepted a resignation letter. The board also discussed how to advertise the open board position, whether the chair should remain the same, trails, trail signs and desired skillsets for a 5th Board member, and invasive plant management. The board reviewed minutes from a previous regular meeting and tabled the special meeting minutes. The board also discussed Vital Communities funds and possibly pursuing other grants.

The committee discussed Old Home Day, where they shared a table with the Sharon Health Initiative to distribute harm reduction packets and promote a future meeting. They reviewed online applications for funding from the Opioid Settlement Fund and discussed a draft recommendation for the Selectboard. Plans were made for a Substance Misuse Prevention and Harm Reduction meeting, including promotional efforts.

The meeting addressed several key issues, including a briefing on prospective subdivision applications from Bruce McCoy and Ron Gaetgens, with discussions focusing on boundary line adjustments and subdivision permit requirements. The commission also followed up on the TRORC Regional Plan Presentation, reviewing email correspondences and additional information regarding wastewater and steep terrain considerations. Revisions to the subdivision regulations were discussed, particularly concerning enforcement and exemptions, with consideration given to aligning with state law and clarifying permit application forms.

The meeting included a presentation on the new ideas for the regional future land use map configuration. There was also a discussion about creating individual DRB/PC email addresses for all members. The discussion of the Subdivision drafts was tabled for the next meeting.