HomeMy WebLinkAboutCB Minutes 2011-03-03 Town of Ithaca Conservation Board
March 3, 2011
Final Minutes
Members and *Associates present: Diane Conneman, Eva Hoffmann, Kristine Shaw, Tony
Ingraham, Larissa Smith*, Andy Goodell, Jon Meigs*,Ellie Stewart, James Hamilton
Staff present: Mike Smith
Guests present: Mark Whitmore, Rich DePaolo, and several Ithaca High School government
students (Brendan Callahan, Kelly Martin, Ruthie Grigorov, Joana Grigorov, Eric Juers, Max
Medina, Sylvan Whitmore, Corey Mahoney, Andrew Tomi en, Mike Quinlan-Cohen, Chiray
Saliyee, and Ja-Toni Telfair)
1.Persons to be heard
None
2. Member concerns
Kristine informed the Board that it is currently National Invasive Species Awareness Week (Feb
28 - Mar 4) according to NISAW.org.
3.Presentation/Discussion regarding the Emerald Ash Borer
Mark C. Whitmore, Forest Entomologist, Cornell University
Mark detailed the issue of the Emerald Ash Borer and its impacts regionally and potentially local
as well. They originated from China, and have a"good chance of wiping out ash trees in North
America." The mid-west has already been greatly affected, and due to not acting quick enough,
entire streets lined with ash trees were cleared due to the risks of large dead trees with potentially
harmful limbs falling.
New York was the first state to limit the movement of firewood in attempts to slow down the
spread of the emerald ash borer. With 10% ash trees statewide and some areas as high as 20% ash
stock, the death of trees in high numbers needs to be spread out over time so municipalities can
best deal with the dead trees, and attempt to keep as many alive as possible. Mark explained that
there are three parasitic wasps that may aid keeping emerald ash borer populations low. The best
control method is still "mechanical chipping" though that requires killing affected trees. Pesticide
use is a third option,but Mark warns about overuse by untrained residential applicators causing
water quality issues.
The Purple Prism Traps (PPT) seen along roadways are throughout the area to help identify
where the emerald ash borer have reached. Visually spotting bark splitting or woodpecker
foraging is another method. Crown thinning is a sign that the ash tree has already been greatly
affected and will likely die.
4. Chair and coordinator reports
Chair: Ethics forms were recently sent to members,which are due to the Town Clerk by April 30,
2011.
Coordinator:
- The lights at the new Cornell Plantations Welcome Center that shine upwards into newly
planted trees do not meet code and they are looking at how to correct them.
- The Codes and Ordinances Committee is working on the Timber Harvesting plan.
- The Town is working on an Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan, with a draft to be
completed soon.
- The Holochuck development on Route 96 is now in the Findings Statement stage. The DEIS is
online on the Town's website.
5. Business
February 2011 minutes were approved unanimously as written.
6. Regular reports and updates
Environmental Review Committee -No report
Scenic Resources Committee - The SRC has met twice since the February board meeting, on 2/7
and 2/23 with two subjects considered.
1) The Town's Draft Scenic Resources Inventory and Analysis report -Discussion continued on
how to consolidate comments, corrections, and additions from the committee, and Eva has been
collecting and summarizing committee members' major points and met with Sue Ritter about
how to incorporate those.
2) The proposed wayside exhibit for East Shore Park - The National Park Service's Wayside
Exhibit Guide was reviewed to help determine progress. A formal proposal will soon be ready for
approval to move forward. Tony will bring a draft of this to the next meeting.
R. Fischer Award- EcoVillage at Ithaca was nominated and will receive the R. Fischer award for
2011. The closest town owned land to plant a tree may be on Helen's Way (Westhaven Preserve),
and James will look into the details about where to plant the tree. James motioned for EVI to
receive the award, which Kristine seconded and all were in favor.
Tompkins Counter- Kristine reported that the EMC is the lead agency for Unique Natural
Areas in the County's Comprehensive Plan.
Six Mile Creek Volunteer Monitoring Program -James reported that the volunteers met twice
recently for monitoring, and had their quarterly meeting and a well-attended annual symposium.
The program is seeking to test for barium or strontium, as a method to monitor levels
before potential gas drilling comes to Ithaca. The tests are around $90 each.
City of Ithaca Natural Areas Commission -Jon reported the NAC is concerned with Marcelus
shale gas drilling impacts.
Comprehensive Plan - Diane brought maps of potential new zoning in the Town.
7. Other business
James expressed interest in attending the Natural Areas Academy at Cornell University. Kristine
moved for the Board to pay his application fee ($100)which Tony seconded with all in favor.
8. Adjourned at 9:1Opm