April 2025 Meeting

Apr 15th, 2025 at 7p, Norwich Historical Society (277 Main Street) and over Zoom

Join meeting via Zoom (meeting ID: 966 3633 0827, passcode: 721389).

Agenda

  1. Additional Agenda Items
  2. Public Comments
  3. Listserve Posts
  4. Vernal Pool Event
  5. Earth Day Event
  6. Emerald Ash Borer Subcommittee Report
  7. Trails Subcommittee Report
  8. Milt Frye Nature Area Subcommittee Report
  9. Melendy Parcel Management
  10. Land Conservation Project Ideas
  11. Election of Officers
  12. Approval of March Minutes

Minutes

Members present: Craig Layne, Lindsay Putnam, Peg Merrens, Lynnwood Andrews, Chris Rimmer in person. Andrew Torkelson, Alex Gottlieb by zoom

No members of the public present.

Meeting opened 7:00pm

Additional agenda items – Lynnwood asked to discuss the grant application from the Norwich Women’s Club for equipment to establish a Norwich Amphibian Team and the grant for Weed Wrenches from AVCC. The equipment list was reviewed and it was decided that larger buckets and a range of sizes of disposable gloves should be included. Lynnwood will incorporate these changes and submit the grant to the NWC. She also informed members that she met with Brie Swenson, Recreation Director, who has given the NCC some of the space in the shed on the green. Lynnwood suggested postponing the grant for weed wrenches so that more research can be done as to the best one. She recommends the Pullerbear from Canada, but the current tariff situation makes it very difficult to establish prices, and will likely increase the cost substantially. She will order one Pullerbear from Canada if the de minimus provisions of US tariff policy is still in effect.

Listserve posts – Lindsay reported an e-mail was received expressing appreciation for her vernal pool post. She asked about a bird migration post. Chris mentioned a youth birding club he was establishing under the auspices of the Vermont Center for Ecostudies. First outing May 3rd. He will do a post in next 2 weeks. Birdhouse post was suggested. Chris will do a short post. Lynnwood will do some plant of the month postings. Lynnwood will look at birdhouses in Milt Frye field and buy replacements as needed.

Lindsay asked about being reimbursed for printing costs for PO displays. Craig indicated that would be possible.

Vernal Pool event Sat April 19 1-4 at Brookmead. Craig and Lindsay will assist UVLT for this event. Craig scouted and said frogs were active. No salamander activity yet.

Earth Day event Tuesday April 22 6:30-8– Lynnwood put post on listserve today. She will post again Sat morning and Monday – Craig moved that we reimburse Hanover Garden club $216.50 for printing costs. Lindsay seconded, All approved.

Emerald Ash Borer Committee – Chris reported that the Selectboard voted to approve a challenge grant from the Stetsons to inoculate trees on town-owned property. Need to raise $1500 in matching funds. Chris wants to engage the community in donating money. Chris raised the issue to possibly treat some of the ash trees at the transfer station. He feels they should have a group survey potential candidate trees at Foley Park, Huntley Meadow and the transfer station. Chris has already identified 9 candidate trees which would cost about $3000 based on dbh. Suggestions were made to also look at Barrett park and the cemeteries. Cemetery committee should be asked to participate.

Trails Committee – No representative present., but Craig attended Trails meeting, so he reported. There is a problem at Schmidt bog with dogs off leash causing difficulty for neighbors who provide access through their property.

Milt Frye Nature Area – Lynnwood asked if EAB committee could request chips from cutting ash be deposited at the MFNA field. Craig asked for conservation projects for Dartmouth Flora and Fauna group. Spreading wood chips, pulling invasives, and northern leopard frog survey were suggested.

Melendy parcel management – Lindsay, Craig and Sara Cavin, from Willing Hands, toured the parcel. Willing Hands would like a kiosk with historical information and information about Willing Hands. They are working on trying to get a permit for the kiosk from the zoning administrator. Maintenance of kiosk will be by NCC and Willing Hands. Willing Hands has a donor ready to pay for construction of kiosk. UVLT does not object to the kiosk.

Land Conservation project – Lindsay mentioned property on Stagecoach road for sale which was part of a wildlife corridor. Peg explained need for general land conservation funds to support private landowners who want to conserve their land. Hartland is a good example. They do yearly fund raising appeals. UVLT uses state land prioritization tools to evaluate wildlife value of property.

Election of officers – Craig is willing be chair for only one more year, but someone else will need to step up then. There is a need for a formal rotation. Michael has agreed to serve as clerk. Treasurer – Peg.. Lynnwood - Vice Chair. Cody - webmaster

Chris moved to elect this slate of officers.

Lindsay seconded

All approved

March minutes approval– Lynnwood moved to approve the March 2025 minutes. Chris seconded. All approved

Adjourned 9:13pm

Respectfully submitted, Lynnwood Andrews