Melissa Baxter

The agenda focuses on several key items including discussion of Environmental Stewardship Fund projects, review of the PACD proposed policy, an update regarding Youth Field Day, a discussion on the Hazard Mitigation Update concerning the maintenance plan, and a review of general office concerns.

The meeting included an introduction of a candidate interested in filling a vacant director term. Key discussions involved the Chairman's report on recreational trails and the timber industry status. The Commissioner's written report was distributed and reviewed. Ex-Officio members provided updates on grant opportunities, the Envirothon assistance, office reopenings following a budget shutdown, and workload redistribution among conservation district field representatives. The Executive Director reviewed the approved Ox Yoke Club Subdivision and her written report. Old business included the discussion and subsequent approval of the 2026 Proposed Budget. New business involved the election of officers for 2026, where positions remained the same except for the Secretary, who was elected as Sheila Conner. The Board approved the Wagner ACAP Application for $527,000.00, and a motion was passed to move the NWSB Deposit Account to the Tionesta Branch of Fryburg First United National Bank upon its opening. State Ethics Forms were distributed, and general office concerns included updates on the 2026 Conservation Poster Contest and the Ross Run Pavilion project idea.

The meeting included a presentation on Phase I completion of the Salmon Creek project and plans for Phase II, with a future funding request to be presented. The Board discussed the final meeting of a long-serving member and the potential replacement candidate, pending a conflict of interest check with the Forest Service. The proposed 2026 Budget was reviewed and will be presented for approval in January. The 2026 Meeting Schedule was approved. The Board reached an agreement to approve a stormwater permit for Timothy Williams contingent upon PennDOT verifying no right-of-way issues exist due to construction within the SALDO setback.

This document outlines municipal project opportunities as part of the 2025 Forest County Hazard Mitigation Plan. It details specific mitigation projects for various communities, such as addressing landslide risks in Hickory Township and ensuring continuous water supply through emergency generators in Tionesta Borough. The plan focuses on identifying and scheduling projects to mitigate hazards like utility interruptions and natural disasters, ensuring community safety and resilience.

This document outlines Forest County's mitigation actions focused on enhancing public safety and reducing vulnerability to natural and human-caused hazards. Key areas include public education and outreach regarding various risks such as gas wells, radon, and winter storms, improving emergency communication systems, integrating hazard mitigation concepts into county planning, assessing and reducing community vulnerability to events like landslides and dam failures, and implementing comprehensive flood and dam safety measures. The plan details specific actions to foster preparedness and protect residents and property.