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HomeMy WebLinkAboutConservation Board 2019 Work Goals - Final - 03-08-191 Conservation Board 2019 Work Goals Goal and Supporting actions Goal Steward Conduct and improve environmental review process to better promote environmental conservation.  Develop a checklist of elements from the Town’s Comprehensive Plan and other relevant sources.  Review state laws and town codes relevant to our charge to develop thresholds, metrics, criteria and processes including a timeline for response.  Review proposals for projects allowing time for thoughtful and comprehensive review.  Continue involvement in natural areas and in the enactment of new conservation zones, including the East Shore Drive Conservation Zone. Contact residents to engage participation. Mike Promote awareness of the importance of scenic resources.  Await final approval from NY State DOT for placing the second view sign and bench at the Rt. 96B scenic view pull-off. Work with the Town Highway Department to finish details of installation of that sign and bench.  Get permission to place the third view sign on Town of Ithaca land at the intersection of Snyder Hill and Pine Tree Roads. Refine and finish earlier draft language and design for this sign and get approval of the draft from the whole CB. Send the design to our local design firm for final layout before sending it to the manufacturer of the earlier signs. Eva and Jon 2 Work with the Town Highway Department to get the sign located the optimal way at the site.  Consider what additional signs to place at other major view sites we have previously identified. Promote proactive pest management on Town properties.  Continue to work on issues related to pests such as White Tail Deer, Emerald Ash Borer, Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, Japanese Knotweed, and Swallow-wort, etc. Educate residents and municipal staff on need for pest management action. Will and Lindsay Continue outreach through both traditional and new social media methods, including Facebook page and newsletter articles to encourage and foster more public participation in conservation of our resources and environment. Explore the use of other social media services, such as Twitter and/or Instagram.  Post 4-5 times per month articles and events of interest.  Generate novel text periodically.  Solicit input from residents on environmental issues that are important to them. Will Help implement action to reduce energy used for water distribution via public education; focus on outreach to Ithaca College.  Research and post actions for implementations. Will Continue ongoing activities such as Fischer Award, Earth Day (April 22nd), Mike 3 Invasive Species Week.  Nominate and select Fischer awardee!  Plant tree and host a rollicking party! Promote non-automobile infrastructure in the Town, including trails, walkways, bikeways. Support the extension of the South Hill Recreation Way. Eva and Elizabeth Search for groups or individuals to help with continued maintenance and annual cleaning of bluebird boxes along the South Hill and East Ithaca Recreation Ways and in Eastern Heights Park.  Find and train a responsible steward(s) of Town Blue Bird boxes.  Connect them to needed resources.  Receive report from them annually. Elizabeth and Lindsay Investigate recommending a new thin film plastic checkout bag policy.  Review and present to CB options for plastic bag law.  Solicit feedback from residents.  Gauge TB’s temperature on plastic bag legislation across options. Mike Develop a strategic plan (vision) for the Conservation Board.  Develop actions supporting 2019 work goals. Mike Conduct a year-end review of goals and accomplishments.  Track progress on goals.  Communicate accomplishments to the public and the Town Board. Will and Mike 4 Reduce landfill waste in the Town of Ithaca by connecting Town residents to local composting resources and infrastructure, and ultimately helping to divert more food waste to the compost. This will be accomplished by working with partners and building on existing outreach efforts. Hannah and Lindsay Revised 03/08/19