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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-11-29Conservation Board November 29, 2016 Page 1 of 2 Town of Dryden Conservation Board November 29, 2016 Members Present: Bob Beck (Chair), Peter Davies, Charlie Smith, Gian Dodici, Milo Richmond, and Steve Bissen. Liaison Present: Dave Weinstein, Planning Board The meeting was called to order at 7:08PM Review and approval of minutes from October 25, 2016: P. Davies moved to approve the minutes as presented. G. Dodici seconded the motion and the minutes were unanimously approved. Additions to the agenda: - A South Hill Recreation Trail meeting was held at the Coddington Road Community Center today. - A large number of folks attended the meeting. - Several land owners along the trail still feel that they possess ownership of trail sections although a decision has been made that NYSEG does own it. - Rail to Trail - there has been continued discussion with the NYS DEC regarding the Game Farm section of the trail. Board reports: - Town Board: no report - Planning Board: D. Weinstein: - 1. The board finalized it’s draft of a new solar energy law and sent to the town board for its consideration (see attached). 2. The board finalized a proposed amendment to the Dryden Comprehensive Plan to make it conform to the concepts in the New Solar Energy Law, and sent to the town board for its consideration (see attached). 3. The board finalized a recommendation to amend the Dryden subdivision law to allow conservation subdivisions in the Varna districts, sent to the town board for its consideration (see attached). - EMC: S. Bissen: - At the November EMC meeting we mostly listened to a talk given by Katherine McComas, Professor of Communications at Cornell, about communicating about climate change. Also, Bill Evans provided his power point from our June meeting about artificial light and its effect on migrating animals. We would like to vote on boundary changes to a new set of Unique Natural Areas at the Dec. meeting. - Both presentations can be found on the Conservation page on the Dryden website. Natural Resources Conservation Plan: P. Davies did a review of the documents that he was been sent: Water Resources, Farmland Resources, Biological Resources and Recreational Resources. Conservation Board November 29, 2016 Page 2 of 2 - In general, he did not change any of the wording, he removed duplications, and tried to create a consistent order to the sections (description of current situation, section on threats or difficulties and actions or recommendations). - D. Weinstein pointed out that the Town has a Recreation Plan and he was concerned that the section on recreation in the NRCP might be redundant. - M. Richmond shared the work he has done with the viewsheds. He shared copies with each member. - P. Davies pointed out that although the Recreation Master Plan includes trails and parks, it does not address passive recreational activities such as photography, birding or horse back riding. - M. Richmond has a copy of the Dryden Sustainability Inventory (available on the Dryden website). It was created by Nick Goldsmith several years ago. - D. Weinstein suggested including a map showing the viewsheds in Dryden. - M. Richmond suggested preserving the unique qualities of the Town is best achieved by making that information available to people. Perhaps an art contest or photo contest would generate more information and interest. - B. Beck asked the Board where/how they can integrate other documents that have been generated – sections of the Open Space Plan, the Methods and Criteria for Land Purchases, the Trail Maintenance Guidelines, etc. - C. Smith recommended that unless they can be easily incorporated into the document, they could be added as appendices or have a link on the Town website. - N. Munkenbeck suggested including the small, family cemeteries, which can be considered open space. Leadership roles for 2017: - B. Beck stated that he is deeply involved in the Rail to Trail project and three years of Chairing the Board is enough for now; he is ready to pass on the leadership. - C. Smith recommended P. Davies as a potential Chair. He has past experience with the Board, is current with the work the Board is engaged in, and has experience with the leadership position. - The Board discussed the members whose terms are expiring and potential new members. There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 8:30pm. Respectfully Submitted, Erin A. Bieber Deputy Town Clerk