HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-04-14-CAC-minutesTown of Danby Conservation Advisory Council (CAC)
Minutes of In-person Meeting in Town Hall, and Via Videoconferencing
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Council Members Present: Margaret Corbit, Joel Gagnon, Anne Klingensmith, Don
Schaufler, Jonathan Zisk
Council Members Absent/Excused: Pacific Austin
Others Present: Greg Hutnik
Meeting called to order: 7:05pm
Agenda Review: Additions or Deletions: No changes
Privilege of the Floor: None
Approval of Minutes: The March 2026 minutes were approved (moved by Margaret Corbit,
seconded by Joel Gagnon) with minor edits.
Easement Summaries: Jonathan presented his summary of the Gladstone easement. He
explained that his approach was to distill the natural and exceptional values from the
original easement document into a condensed reference that any monitor could use during
a walkthrough. He noted that the western edge of the property abuts a neighbor's access
road — an area requiring particular attention for potential encroachment or debris — and
included a small copy of Schedule C so that monitors could easily reference the property's
zones. The group discussed the distinction between natural and exceptional values and
whether to keep them separate or combined in the summary. Anne clarified that the goal of
the summary is to give the monitoring person the crucial information needed to assess
whether the easement is in compliance, without requiring them to wade through the full
legal document. Don confirmed he will present his summary of the Palmer easement at the
May meeting, and the group agreed that the boilerplate monitoring template can be
customized or used as-is depending on the easement. A one-page summary of zone
restrictions and allowable activities was discussed as a useful reference document to
include in every easement folder.
Easement Monitoring: No discussion.
Tax Benefits: The group briefly discussed that both state and federal tax benefits require
individual research, and that the town's tax credit is distinct from other programs.
Updates on Ongoing Easements:
Sherman Easement: The group received word that the Shermans have chosen to work
with the Finger Lakes Land Trust.
Olsefski Easement: No update.
Altman Easement: Jonathan reported that the Altmans are reviewing what may be a final
draft. The house parcel has been removed, leaving a single 37-acre parcel of woods and
field, with Greg assisting on updated metes and bounds. Language honoring the
Haudenosaunee history of the land was noted as carrying no legal ramifications. The group
discussed whether to include a requirement for organic-only farming practices, weighing
enforceability against the legitimacy of such language. Jonathan also flagged a potential
issue with how proportionate value is defined in the easement template related to tax
credit calculations and breach-of-contract scenarios; he will send the relevant language to
the group for review, follow up with the Altmans, and arrange review by the town attorney.
Rapid Waters Management Plan: Anne shared that community member Brad Rausch had
suggested the CAC consider engaging with the NYS Department of Environmental
Conservation regarding the Rapid Waters plan, which includes the Danby State Forest and
is overdue for an update. Concern was also raised about pending state legislation that
could open reforestation lands to solar and wind energy development. Anne indicated she
would reach out to Brad about attending next month’s meeting.
Resilience Fair: Members discussed tabling at the Danby Resilience Group fair on May 2 to
publicize conservation easements and volunteer opportunities. Don asked about the
group's focus, and it was explained that it centers on community resilience, land
connection, and mutual aid. Greg offered to share map options with the group for review,
and there was general discussion about printing a map of protected lands, potentially on
vinyl if the event is outdoors.
Easement Outreach: Anne reminded everyone to continue contacting landowners and
making connections toward new easements.
Items for Next Month’s Agenda: Don's presentation on the Palmer easement. Pending
Brad Rausch's availability, a discussion of the Rapid Waters plan.
Member Announcements: There were no announcements. Group briefly discussed
proposed state legislation related to State Environmental Quality Review exemptions.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 8:32pm.
Submitted by Kristin McCarthy, Secretary.