The Eightmile River

Wild & Scenic Study Committee

 

Meeting Minutes – January 3, 2005, Salem Town Offices

Present: David Bingham, Nathan Frohling, Randy Dill, Anthony Irving, Sue Merrow.  NPS – Kevin Case

Absent: Larry Reitz, John Rozum, Brad Parker, David Tiffany, Walter Smith, Sally Snyder, Jamie Fosburgh, Linda Krause, Eric Belt, Bill Koch

1)                  Meeting called to order at 5:10 PM

2)                  Minutes of November 22, 2004 meeting approved unanimously.

3)                  Subcommittee Reports:

a.       Cultural/Recreational –

Merrow reported the Cultural Landscape Report public presentation was a success.  Over 70 people attended along with three newspapers.  Case distributed one final copy of the report to each of the three town representatives.  It was agreed that archaeology should not be considered as a separate ORV but instead recognize it as one important feature of the larger cultural landscape.  Bingham moved to adopt the Cultural Landscape as an Outstanding Resource Value within the Eightmile River Watershed.  Merrow second.  It was approved unanimously by those present.  It was also agreed that because of such a low turnout at the meeting those not present would have an opportunity to discuss and revisit the decision if necessary.  

b.       Management –

Frohling reported that in the last 6 weeks there have been two lengthy meetings addressing the ORV threat assessment.  The threats have been scored and ranked through a fairly systematic effort of the subcommittee.  The most highly ranked threats are consistent with what was anticipated to be major threats.  Another extended meeting is scheduled for January 10 to discuss current protection from threats, desired protection levels and gaps in desired protection.   As well the subcommittee is developing a summary of attributes and indicators for each ORV that will assist in the gap analysis. 

The committee has entered into a contract with Planimetrics, a planning consulting firm from Avon, CT, to perform an assessment of past and future growth rates in the Eightmile River Watershed.  This will be helpful to the Committee as it attempts to quantify the timeframe in which growth pressures could affect ORV qualities in the Watershed.   

c.       Outreach & Education –

The committee will be meeting in a week and will begin embarking a number of tasks including a development of a new display, newsletters, and coordinating with the management subcommittee on the land use commissioner’s summit this winter.  Discussion ensued as to how best deliver information to the land use commissions.  There was strong consensus that specific recommendations backed by good science will be the most effective way to work efficiently with the commissioners.  Case noted he has two upcoming public presentations with the East Haddam Lion’s Club and the Lyme/Old Lyme Chamber of Commerce.

d.       Natural Resources

Moorhead will be delivering the watershed ecosystem report this month, and Lewis will be submitting his revisions to our draft geology report.  It is hoped that at the February Study Committee meeting those resources can be voted on for endorsement as ORVs.  The Committee discussed future funding for the instream flow work being done by UMASS.  It was generally agreed that the Committee does not want to put all of FY’05 study funds into the instream flow work.   It would like to retain a set aside fund to be available to assist towns and other stakeholders if necessary if there are opportunities to implement certain management plan recommendations during the study process.   This will help establish a stronger argument to Congress by showing local commitment to protecting the Eightmile Watershed.  

4)                  Other Old Business

a.       Pending Diversion Permit Renewal for Fox Hopyard Golf Course –

The comment letter from the Committee is completed and ready to go.  Irving will sign and send to DEP with copies to town First Selectman, Inland Wetland Commission Chairs, and the golf course owner.  It was noted the local wetland commissions have jurisdiction over the withdrawal if they wish to pursue.  Case will follow up with DEP to get a status report on their application review process.

b.       Lyme Gravel Pit Proposal –

A new application has been submitted for a gravel pit along Beaver Brook in Lyme.  The Committee again has been asked to comment on the application.  Irving will be meeting with the Pleasant Valley Association to present the study findings to date.  This issue and the golf course permit have again raised the question as to the role of the Study Committee in advocacy issues.  The Committee recognized they have evolved over the last two years and may have more knowledge and expertise to provide in such instances but need to establish some internal guidance for determining the level of involvement that is appropriate without distracting from the main mission of the Committee.  Merrow noted the Committee should help in bringing light to subjects it has developed expertise in.  Case drafted a series of guiding questions for the executive committee to review to establish an updated advocacy policy.

c.       CT Support Legislation – Merrow will start securing a bill sponsor when the session starts later this week.

5)           New Business – none

6)           Next Meeting Date – Monday, January 24, 2005, 5pm, East Haddam Grange Hall

Meeting adjourned 7:00 PM

Submitted K. Case