2014.11.24 Council Agenda Item 08
Summary
Presentation by the Land Management & Acquisition Committee (LMAC) and Forest Ecologist Andy Cutko, and Order to approve the 2015 Forest Harvesting Plans for Blackstrap Hill Community Forest and Woods Road Community Forest.
A public comment period will be included with this item (3 minutes).
ACTION: Council action is anticipated.
Description
As directed by the Town Council on October 15, 2014, the Land Management & Acquisition Committee (LMAC) procured the expertise of Forest Ecologist Andy Cutko. The Town Ombudsman, Bob Shafto, accompanied Mr. Cutko on a tour of both Woods Road Community Forest and Blackstrap Hill Community Forest. Mr. Cutko will be present to review his findings and answer any questions.
LMAC also reached out to the Conservation Commission with regard to the forest harvesting plans. The Conservation Commission has offered the attached response.
Also attached are the Department of Environmental Protection's Order and Exhibit A, as well as the Woods Road Management Background document.
LMAC recommends the specific harvest plans for both properties, Blackstrap Hill Community Forest and Woods Road Community Forest.
Attachments include:
- Woods Road Management Background document
- Department of Environmental Protection Order No. L-13859-L3-M-M
- Exhibit “A”
- Response from Conservation Commission
- Resolution No. 74-2014, adopted by the Town Council on 12/09/2013
- Approved management plans for both The Blackstrap Hill Community Forest and The Woods Road Community Forest
- Proposed Harvest Plans for both properties.
For more information about the state of the forests and forestry harvesting in Southern Maine see this article: http://www.forestsformainesfuture.org/fresh-from-the-woods-journal/southern-maines-new-forest.html
