Westport Island Conservation Commission

Minutes of September 18, 2008 Meeting

 

 

Members present:  Bill Hopkins, John Nelson, Dennis Dunbar, Marianne Williams, Dana Cromwell, and Sandy Hopkins

 

Secretary’s Report:  Draft Minutes of August 21, 2008 meeting were approved.

 

New Members:   Dana Cromwell was welcomed as a new member of the Commission.

 

Election of Officers:   Present officers were re-elected. 

·         Chairman – Bill Hopkins

·         Financial – Dennis Dunbar

·         Secretary – Sandy Hopkins

 

Home Heating Workshop:  Commission discussed Workshop planned for September 25th at Westport Island Town Hall and reviewed flyer for workshop.  Marianne said she would coordinate volunteer group to assist homeowners.

 

Signs:   

  • Bill said the cost of “Help Keep Our Island Clean and Green” sign is $55.
  • Bill will get a “Please Don’t Litter” sign for Squam Creek.
  • Bill will speak to the Shellfish Committee regarding a sign at Squam Creek informing the public that the beds are closed for any harvesting.

 

Bridge at Flagpole:  Bill and Dennis have completed building the access bridge.

 

Inland Fish & Wildlife:  IFW area designations are now on the Town Map.  This Commission would like to coordinate with the Planning Board to write a letter to/or have a meeting with affected property owners.  A meeting is planned for September 27th at 9 a.m. at Town Office with Rich Baker of IFW.  Commission discussed other “Habitats” that should also be noted, e.g. shorebirds.

 

Wiscasset Tidal Power Project:  This Commission would like to be the Intervener and monitor this project. Our position is to protect the fish, fishermen, monitor contaminants, etc.  Bill and Dennis have spoken to the Selectmen regarding this.         

We will also stay abreast through the Back River Alliance.  It is noted that the SVCA is also watching this project.  Their role is protecting salmon.

 

Conservation Lands Review:  Dennis is checking to see if there are any new properties listed, update of tax abatement status, and looking into focus areas on Westport Island with Lower Kennebec River Alliance and SVCA.

 

New Projects 2008/2009:

  • Carol will look into signs to identify trees/flowers.
  • Commission will have a walk on September 28th at 10 a.m. in the Greenleaf Road area to site a new trail.
  • Discussion about printing a Conservation Newsletter in the spring.

 

Next Meeting:  Thursday, October 16, 2008 at Westport Island Town office at 7 p.m.