The Eightmile River
Wild & Scenic Study Committee
Meeting Minutes – August 25 2003, Salem Town Hall
Present – David Bingham, Nathan Frohling, Peter Sielman, Michael Ott, Sally Snyder, Susan Merrow, Eric Belt, Jon Morris, Bill Koch, Tony Irving, Walter Smith, David Tiffany
1) Meeting called to order at 5:20 PM
2) Minutes of June 23, 2003 approved.
3a) Outreach and Education Subcommittee report – Walter passed out subcommittee report detailing current status. Salem reported a good presentation by Kevin. Lyme reported a very good presentation before the P&Z, with some skepticism shown by landowners during the presentation before the Inland Wetlands Commission. It was noted how important this feedback is to identify all views and perceptions. The new website was up and running this August. The new brochure should be available on the website soon. The fold up display used at the Hamburg Fair cost $700.00 and looked good. This display is available for all towns and events and should be fully utilized. A list was generated of people who attended the Hamburg Fair booth. There are three general tracks the outreach program will follow, (see handout for details). There are two new members of O&E - Les Cone of Lyme and Wendy Goodfriend. Discussion ensued as to whether O.R.V. report should come out prior to the next outreach effort to the communities.
3b) Historical/Cultural Subcommittee – Kevin to submit copy of report for record. The next step for this committee is to hire some staff to help pull the final report together. David B. suggested pulling together some of the local history publications to help gather information.
3c) Natural Resources Subcommittee – A work plan has been laid out designating member’s responsibilities. There has been good progress identifying what it is they want to accomplish. This subcommittee would like to hire Hank Gruner as additional support for the subcommittee. A “habitat map” is in the works at this time. Progress is being made with the river flow study. A number of rare and unusual species have been identified in the Eight Mile River Watershed with the anticipation of more to come.
3d) Management Subcommittee – Michael Ott, Town Engineer for Salem, is new to the subcommittee. Subcommittee is getting organized toward the goal of generating a management plan as part of the approval process. Currently looking into hiring N.R.C.S. to provide assistance. Committee also developing a work plan to be ready for the next meeting. Tony would like a rep. from East Haddam to be on this subcommittee.
4a) Old Business – Colchester and East Lyme were contacted with regard to the study. A discussion ensued as to the level of involvement these two towns should have in the study process. Sue Merrow has details as to the reactions from the two towns.
4b) Timeline – Tony noted the timeline could use some revisions preferably prior to the next meeting. Could this task perhaps be handled by Kevin?
5a) New Business – Sally is official D.E.P. representative.
5b) Nathan suggested a possible gathering of Eileen Dailey, Rob Simmons, Chris Dodd, Etc. as well as local reps. in order to bring them all up to speed on the study committee progress. A discussion ensued as to who should initiate the gathering and where it should take place.
6) Next meeting date September 22, 2003 5:00, East Haddam Grange Hall.
Meeting adjourned 7:00 PM
Submitted D. Tiffany