Westport Island Conservation Commission

Minutes of February 19, 2009 Meeting

Members present: Bill Hopkins, Sandy Hopkins, Dennis Dunbar, John Nelson, Kyle DePietro

Secretary’s Report: Draft Minutes of January 22, 2009 meeting were approved.

Treasurer’s Report: Approved – no expenditures in January.

Tax Map Project:

• The need to design and maintain Conservation Commission webpage was discussed.
• Shoreland/wildlife protection mapping – Dennis met with Planning Board regarding Conservation Commission overlay.

Land Conservation Issues:

• Land Trusts - Commission discussed the draft that has been created for the “Requirements for Non-profit Exemption for Land Trusts on Westport Island” and made a few more revisions. Dennis distributed a bulletin from Maine Coast Heritage Trust on Maine Land Trusts and Property Tax Exemption.
• Open Space - Kyle distributed “Steps in Developing a Conservation Plan for Westport Island” that he devised and Commission discussed the possibility of having a public forum in late spring to introduce residents to the plan. We are using the Bremen plan as an example for this plan.

Spring Newsletter: Discussed possible topics – would like to get out to residents before “Open Space” forum.

Clough Point Preserve: Dennis will order trail signs which will be installed in the spring.

MEACC Activities:

• Bill informed group Commission that MEACC now has an online forum.
• Shoreland Zoning conference planned in March – date not yet set.

The next meeting will be held on March 19, 2009 at 7 p.m.