Town of Burke

The meeting includes discussions regarding cemetery bids, new and old business items, public comments on the agenda, and an executive session to address personnel matters.

Key discussions included two commission members stepping down, an agreement to order ten Nanny Berry plants for the town forest, plans to share Vermont Fish and Wildlife Camp information with the local school, and scheduling a Vernal Pool Workshop for May 17th. The commission granted permission to Northwoods for seed collection at Willey woods and North Pasture. The group also planned to brainstorm grant ideas for an upcoming Tiny Grant application due April 11th. Additionally, there was a discussion concerning the State of Vermont Conservation Plan goal of conserving 30% of Vermont, and integrating a newly created Natural Resource Map with existing community outreach mapping for use by the Planning Commission, with a joint meeting scheduled for the spring.

The meeting focused on several key areas of discussion and action. Regarding Willey Woods, progress was made on the NorthWoods Stewardship Center seed collection permission form, which was signed by the Selectboard. A successful site visit with NEFF confirmed support for the Roundy Brook trail and bridge project and the 2026 Recreational Trails Program grant application. Coordination is underway for a vernal pool educational walk. Draft trail maps for Willey Woods were reviewed, with plans to incorporate changes and make them accessible online and physically. For the North Pasture, the subcommittee plans to research optimal criteria for installing duck nest boxes, ideally when snow is present. Additionally, a potential gathering in May led by The Northern Forest Center was noted under other business.

The joint meeting included discussions on the treasurer's report, clarification of an October invoice related to road work at Willey Woods, and planning for town forest projects and maintenance for 2026, including a proposed budget. The development of town forest trail signs and maps was reviewed, with a focus on map details and optimal size. The meeting also addressed the need for signs for the VAST trail and the construction of a fence at Willey Woods to deter motorized vehicles.

The meeting included discussions on the Treasurer's Report, focusing on budgeting and expenditure procedures, and the ability to purchase supplies from Lyndonville Hardware using the Town's charge account. The Subcommittee approved a proposal for habitat work at Willey Woods and discussed plans for an Information Kiosk. They also approached the Select Board with a proposal for improvements to Sugar Maple Lane and explored options for bridge placement along Roundy Brook, including the removal of a damaged bridge.