HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAC Minutes - 05_09_23Town of Danby Conservation Advisory Council Minutes Page 1 of 14
Town of Danby Conservation Advisory Council (CAC)
Minutes of In-person Meeting in Town Hall and via videoconferencing
Tuesday, May 09, 2023
Danby, New York
Council Members present: Margaret Corbit (Acting Chair), Jonathan Zisk (via
Zoom), Joel Gagnon, Katharine Hunter, Don Schaufler, Renee Owens, Brittany
Lagaly (via Zoom)
Council Members absent: none
Others present: Elizabeth Keokosky (Secretary), Ronda Roaring (Danby resident –
via Zoom)
Meeting was officially called to order at 7:12
Deletions or Additions to Agenda: Secretary Keokosky mentioned that there is a
NY State 25% tax deduction that already exists with a Danby Conservation
Easement and it should be noted on the website. Others agreed and she will
send Town Clerk a file with the information.
Privilege of the Floor (PoF): Roaring wanted CAC to take on the issue of invasive
species in Danby. She noted that there is a state law about invasive species and
thought CAC should affirm that we agree with it and encourage people to follow it
and also help people to get rid of them. (Lagaly noted the law actually only covers
a few plants.)
Corbit said a good place to talk or or table on this is a community event and the
Farmer’s Market that was occurring last year in Dotson Park was suggested.
Hunter is going to check with Elana Maragni on whether it is taking place this
year. Other options suggested were a link to the DEC information on the CAC web
page or an article (Lagaly) or a monthly commentary section in the Danby
Newsletter (Owens expressed an interest in doing this). Schaufler and Lagaly and
Zisk were going to get something to distribute at the Danby plant exchange.
Town of Danby Conservation Advisory Council Minutes Page 2 of 14
Approval of April 11, 2023 minutes (with the amending correction of the
organization Schaufler belonged to, which should be “Society of American
Foresters”)
Zisk moved to approve
Gagnon seconded
Approval almost unanimous, except for Lagaly who abstained due to absence
last month
FYI from Owens who reported a lot of traffic north of Peter Rd on Travor Rd in
Danby State Forest, which consisted of 30 to 40 vehicles who vandalized gate and
cut a 4” pipe. It was reported to DEC.
REPORTS AND UPDATES (from the agenda)
1. Update on Town Board’s review of Temporary Easement Tax Abatement –
Gagnon
Gagnon reported the town board endorsed the scope of recommendations
for town tax abatements on temporary easements, as defined by
subcommittee, and a draft law is being prepared by the town lawyer.
2. Status of DEC approval of Timber Harvesting law – Schaufler
Since town planner West was uninformed about our decision to ask him to
make an appointment to speak to DEC, this is yet to happen.
3. Report on USDA partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities and how it
might affect Danby farmers or forest owners – Keokosky
Keokosky reported that, after the CAC regenerative agricultural
presentations, she wanted to call attention to the very affirmative action of
the USDA investing around $3.1 billion in what it calls “Climate Smart
Commodities.” These commodities are products based on regenerative
agricultural methods with support from production, marketing, university
research, labeling, and pilot projects partnerships geared to expand
revenue for people in agriculture and forestry – particularly for small to
medium farmers- especially the underserved community of people of color
and Indian tribes. These programs combine economic opportunity with
GHG benefits that can include sequestering carbon.
Town of Danby Conservation Advisory Council Minutes Page 3 of 14
Tom Vilsack, the Secretary of Agriculture, gave the presentation and the
money has come from the Inflation Reduction Act.
(Note: The deadlines to apply for these projects have passed but there is
additional funding this year see more for Conservation Energy Grants (CIG)
and other climate smart practices through NRCS conservation energy
grants).
4. Sub-committee on monitoring – Hunter and Zisk (others?)
Corbit reported on emails that she had received from people interested in
monitoring. She is following up.
5. Updates on Easements that need input from other members.
CAC Got an email from another resident of Comfort Rd who is interested in
an easement that Corbit will follow up on.
Gagnon announced that there will be a public hearing on May 19 for the
Hoffman/Karlsen easement,
Butje Easement – Planner West gave them a proposal which they are
thinking over. The small parcel in the front (2 acres of their 100 acre lot)
will not be included.
Zisk was very upset with a proposed 14 acre farm site on a fragile
environmental area that fronts on Hornbrook Rd with a right of way from
Nelson on a wet area over a riparian way. He thinks it is very
environmentally destructive and a dangerous location for a farm. He
asserted that he believes that the CAC should be included as a first stop.
Hunter asked how to make the CAC part of the review process. Zisk said it
was accidental that he had found out, just as we had found out accidently
about the problems with the solar farm. Zisk said we need a formalized
check list and triggers for CAC review built in.
Name of the organization interested is Khuba International. They are
looking at a cooperative model that is sustainably educational. The general
opinion is that they should be directed to a different place.
Town of Danby Conservation Advisory Council Minutes Page 4 of 14
6. Status of Town Board review of Hoffman- Karlsen easement – Gagnon
See above
7. Report on NYSACC meeting and follow-ups – Keokosky
Keokosky (though she said she is not claiming ownership of this project for
CAC) reported that the theme chosen in the first Zoom planning session
was “What are we doing to respond to a changing climate.” The
conference was looking for speakers, and some presentations she would
like to suggest from Danby CAC activities were:
• Ben Altman or Stephen Henhawk on Haudenosaunee Respect
Easement they are doing
• Food for the future. Don Barber or Katie Hallas
• Problems encountered with solar farms. David West or Bill Evans
Some possible Trips: they also need People who might drive to:
• Farmer’s Market
• Boat that goes on Cayuga Lake – Discover Cayuga Lake
• Taughannock Falls
• Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability
• Cornell Botanic Gardens
CAC members approved these suggestions and Keokosky said that she
would check with the possible speakers and get back to Cait Darfler.
8. Preliminary discussion of impact of the new flood map.
This new flood map could present problems for people with property in the
newly-designated flood plain since FEMA will not help them unless they
have flood insurance, which is expensive . Gagnon said it doesn’t seem to
impact many households in the town of Danby – only 17 properties. Corbit
asked if this is pretty much being taken care of by town and town planner?
Gagnon replied that there were two information sessions in the county that
had been held in Ithaca. Hunter noted that determining whether or not a
house was in a flood plain was an inexact science and some might have to
be inspected before deciding. (Note: Question to be asked – were those 17
people informed? Answer: yes)
Town of Danby Conservation Advisory Council Minutes Page 5 of 14
9. Group discussion of Enabling Legislation creating the CAC and goals of the
Danby Comprehensive Plan. Continuing session on revisioning of CAC
mission and message for CAC web page.
Before discussion began, Zisk - referring back to discussion above -
volunteered to write up a check -list for DEC, Planning Board, and Town
Board on when to go to CAC for valuable environonmental input that is
non-binding but cannot be ignored. He asked who does it go to for
enabling. It was agreed that in order to become a formality it needs to be
first approved by the town board.
The group discussed goals and strategies laid out in the comprehensive
plan. Corbit said that the Land Use Section III of the Comprehensivew Plan
summary most relates to CAC function. (See Appendix A). She thinks that
amount and location of forested and undeveloped acreage is noted in
Comprehensive Plan on existing year-round roads (Gagnon commented it
might be a bit dated) and these figures should go into the preamble for the
Conservation Advisory Council; also land percentages that are in forest and
agriculture. She thinks they are good ways to start describing Danby. They
give facts supporting the rural character of Danby and “set the scene.”
Gagnon said that these facts in the Comphresive Plan had set the
parameters for zoning decisions. (There is a hard copy of the
Comprehensive Plan in the Clerk’s office if you don’t want to read it off the
web). The Comphehensive Plan has not been updated in 20 years, but the
zoning has just caught up with it. Gagnon noted that in order to allow a
variety of incomes to live in Danby we have to encourage growth in the
hamlets and that requires piped water and waste water systems and/or
enabling green field shared systems and creating new neighborhoods (such
as in the old Dotson property). Secretary Keokosky asked if Danby has
talked to the low income housing developers in Tompkins County who
create neighborhood clusters. Gagnon said that they were pursuing grants
for housing and already had gotten a repair grant. There is a dish-to-pass
supper in May for feed back from people in the hamlets on these plans.
Town of Danby Conservation Advisory Council Minutes Page 6 of 14
When thinking of goals for CAC, Corbit said that the goals, objectives, and
strategies in the Land Use section had probably already been addressed in
recent zoning regulations and in previous documents. In other parts of the
Community section were directives on education and outreach, which we
were doing. Also protecting open space with easements
(see Appendix B strategies B1.1.4 Consider establishing a municipal
conservation easement program and work on connecting nearby parcels
and trails. And B1.1.5 Explore ways to change the tax structure to provide
incentives for leaving land in open space/green space. }.
Now, she noted, the CAC was looking into more responsibility for giving
advice in protecting land from future development. Renee suggested a goal
of solicitiing and engaging the public more. Her particular interest was
wildlife – from invasive pests to predators. She was interested in a
“bioblizt,” involving people doing a wildlife count on their property, or in
making the CAC webpage more exciting.
(See Appendix B strategies B1.2.2 Involve residents in conducting a scenic
resource inventory of Danby as a community effort to plan for preserving
Danby's natural resources and rural character.
B1.2.3 Encourage community awareness of Danby's natural resources and
unique viewsheds by developing fair exhibits, brochures, and events such as
walking tours, bicycle tours, and photo contests.
(Note: Appendix C – Enabling Legislation for CAC - is attached for
comparision against these goals)
There was no Executive session
Next Meeting is on June13, 2023 at 7p.m.
Adjournment at 7:35 pm
_____________________________________________
Submitted by Elizabeth Keokosky (Secretary)
Town of Danby Conservation Advisory Council Minutes Page 7 of 14
Appendix A
From “Danby Comphrehensive Plan” Summary
Section III. on Land Use
III. LAND USE
The goals, objectives and strategies for Land Use in Danby are based on a vision of revitalized
town centers with managed residential growth and protected open spaces. Forested and
undeveloped lands, wetlands, and open water comprise 77% of Danby , or 26,568 acres. Active
and inactive agricultural lands together comprise an additional 18%, or 6,060 acres. The
remaining 5% of land in Danby is developed land. Agricultural land, wetlands, County Unique
Natural Areas, State-owned lands, areas with historic or scenic value, and lands with slopes
greater than 15% should be protected from extensive development. Respondents to the 1998
Comprehensive Plan Survey valued open space and recreation and believed in the importance of
limiting business development, which many felt should be placed in the Central Danby hamlet.
Half of the respondents also indicated that land use regulations should be increased along with
development. The 2003 Danby Comprehensive Plan does not provide a specific, graphic land use
plan, but provides data and identifies resources that lay the groundwork for land use planning.
Preparing a Resource Conservation Plan for Danby would be a useful next step for the Town.
This would entail designating areas that are to be conserved, such as Unique Natural Areas and
conservation lands, State-owned lands, active agricultural areas, and historically important
agricultural sites. The areas remaining available for growth and development are in the
northernmost section of Danby, within the Central Danby hamlet, and along Route 96B. While
the hamlet of West Danby may be somewhat less suitable for growth because of its proximity to
wetlands, steep slopes and Unique Natural Areas, opportunities for development can also exist
within and to the north of this hamlet. Protecting Danby's natural resources and rural character
and focusing development in appropriate areas will require data collection and development of
incentives and proper zoning provisions, all with community involvement.
Goal LU1: Land use practices of the Town seek to preserve natural, agricultural, and historic
resources in Danby and the greater community.
Objective
LU1.1: Designate areas where development should be encouraged and areas where development
should be discouraged. Strategies: LU1.1.1 Maintain and enhance the traditional settlement
patterns of the Central Danby and West Danby hamlets by designating areas for high-density,
clustered residential, business, and community oriented development in or near these hamlets.
LU1.1.2 Encourage the establishment of new Private Forests protected by forest conservation
programs.
LU1.1.3 Encourage the preservation of Conservation Lands and Camps and the development of
additional, similar resources. LU1.1.4 Limit development in areas of Danby identified as
wetlands, steep slopes, Unique Natural Areas and State forests and parks. LU1.1.5 Restrict
development in areas of active agriculture, and in historically important agricultural lands
through special agricultural zoning, site plan controls or clustered subdivisions. LU1.1.6 Prevent
sprawl by planning for residential development consistent with open space conservation, such as
clustered housing or conservation subdivisions with adjacent protected open space. 26 Summary
LU1.1.7 Document the amount and location of forested and undeveloped acreage with frontage
on existing year-round roads, and consider ways to protect these open spaces from urban sprawl.
Town of Danby Conservation Advisory Council Minutes Page 8 of 14
LU1.1.8 Document, preserve, and protect flood plains, areas prone to flooding, aquifers and
aquifer recharge zones, and all related water bodies and corridors, to ensure safe and potable
water supplies and to prevent the emission, migration, or introduction of toxins and other
deleterious substances, including by utilizing the Town’s Constitutional and statutory authority
and power to craft and adopt ordinances and local laws to prohibit heavy industry and
highimpact industrial and commercial activities in these areas. LU1.1.9 Engage in the utilization
of modern planning and zoning techniques and methods to regulate land use activities so as to
preserve the small town rural characteristics that residents desire, as well as to protect the unique
natural and environmental resources of the Town of Danby.
Objective
LU1.2: Provide incentives and appropriate regulations for clustered development and associated
open-space conservation. Strategies: LU1.2.1 Ensure that zoning regulations reflect desired
development patterns by expanding high density zones in and near the hamlets.
LU1.2.2 Discourage commercial strip development by locating businesses as close to the hamlet
centers as possible and, where appropriate, by encouraging flexibility in lot dimensions and site
design.
LU1.2.3 Explore possible enhancements and additions to water and sewer provision in areas
where clustered development is desirable.
Objective LU1.3: Develop a land use plan that is compatible with the principles of the greater
community. Strategies: LU1.3.1 Coordinate planning with other municipalities in Tompkins
County and adjoining counties, defining and working toward common goals. LU1.3.2 Work with
adjacent municipalities to conserve important intermunicipal resources. LU1.3.3 Ensure that the
Town’s goals, objectives, and strategies and their implementation are in accordance with the
Tompkins County Vital Communities Initiative. LU1.3.4 Cooperating and coordinating with
other municipalities, governments, and governmental agencies and authorities, to ensure that
adequate industrial and high impact industrial operations and uses continue to be funded,
encouraged, and permitted in surrounding areas outside of the Town where the same are
currently permitted and allowed, so as to meet regional needs for land use for such businesses;
but at the same time, take steps to ensure that the intercommunity impacts of the same do not
negatively affect the Town of Danby, its residents, its community, its resources, or the natural
environment and ecology of the Town of Danby.
Town of Danby Conservation Advisory Council Minutes Page 9 of 14
Appendix B
From “Danby Comphrehensive Plan” Summary
Section B. on Natural Resources
B. Natural Resources
Danby's natural resources are a critical element in Town planning and the preservation of these
resources is deemed vital to the health and welfare of the citizens of Danby, as well as critical to
the future economic viability of the Town. These resources are integral to residents' lifestyles,
economic opportunities, and settlement patterns, and are aesthetically valuable. Many of these
features, such as open spaces, undisturbed parks and forests, wetlands, and aquifers, are vital to
public health. Many of these features present substantial obstacles to any type of development
due to their existence and nature, such as shallow aquifers with low recharge rates, primary
aquifers for potable water supplies, and flooding along riparian corridors and in wetlands; and
are vulnerable to change. For example, Danby’s sand and gravel aquifer in the upper Buttermilk
Creek and Danby Creek valleys is the source of water for farms and residents in the valleys; is
both thin and shallow; and, in some places, is vulnerable to contamination.. The Town of
Danby’s 1989 Comprehensive Plan stressed the preservation of open space, Unique Natural
Areas, and rural character as a crucial element of planning for the Town’s future. It also stated
that approval of plans for development should be based on the preservation of these features as
well as the extent to which the soil type, topography, and water availability in the area are
suitable for development. These goals were affirmed by the residents’ responses to the 1998
Comprehensive Plan Survey, were reaffirmed in 2003, and are again reaffirmed in 2011. Plans
for any future development in certain areas of the Town should recognize those characteristics
that render certain land uses prohibited or less desirable, and evaluate where development can
create conditions that are hazardous to residences, to other property, to public health, or to the
aesthetic, ecological, or economic value of the natural resources themselves. Various regulations
and protective measures exist for the preservation of some natural resources, while it is the
responsibility of the Town to prioritize others for preservation and protection. Danby's
preservation efforts should be accompanied by programming that increases the resources’ value
as community recreational, economic, and historic assets, whenever this can be accomplished
without degrading the natural environment.
Goal B1: Danby's natural resources and natural areas are maintained, enhanced, and protected by
public and private activities.
Objective B1.1:
Support and create public and private programs related to natural resources. Strategies: B1.1.1
Educate Town officials and residents in planning tools and techniques that: (i) protect natural
resources and maintain rural character; and (ii) prohibit and regulate business, commercial, and
industrial uses and impacts to enhance, conserve, and preserve natural resources, the rural
character of the Town, and important ecological characteristics of the Town, including streams,
wetlands, aquifers, and other features important to the Town, its development, growth, health,
tourism, and economic vitality.
Town of Danby Conservation Advisory Council Minutes Page 10 of 14
B1.1.2 Work with groups such as the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
and Tompkins County, to identify significant habitats and endangered natural resources in order
to establish priorities for resource protection.
B1.1.3 Support efforts of private conservation agencies, such as the Finger Lakes Land Trust, in
coordinating conservation easements and preserves in threatened areas.
B1.1.4 Consider establishing a municipal conservation easement program and work on
connecting nearby parcels and trails.
B1.1.5 Explore ways to change the tax structure to provide incentives for leaving land in open
space/green space.
Objective B1.2: Promote public awareness and appreciation of Danby's diverse natural
resources.
Strategies:
B1.2.1 Support and publicize ongoing outdoor education programs sponsored by the Danby
Community Council, the State Parks Department, and others.
B1.2.2 Involve residents in conducting a scenic resource inventory of Danby as a community
effort to plan for preserving Danby's natural resources and rural character.
B1.2.3 Encourage community awareness of Danby's natural resources and unique viewsheds by
developing fair exhibits, brochures, and events such as walking tours, bicycle tours, and photo
contests.
Objective B1.3: Be active in planning for preservation and use of State Forest lands..
Strategies:
B1.3.1 Develop and pursue a regular and productive working relationship with the State
Department of Environmental Conservation and the State Office of Parks, Recreation and
Historic Preservation in joint management and planning for the Danby State Forest.
B1.3.2 Encourage the DEC to improve access to the State Forest by making specific
improvements which may include but are not limited to improving parking areas, creating a trails
map, and identifying trail entrances.
B1.3.3 In conjunction with the DEC, and using local volunteers, provide access to identified
State Forest areas for people with disabilities.
B1.3.4 Propose and work with the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to
develop both a natural history walking tour and a cultural history walking tour through the State
Forest to highlight Danby’s Unique Natural Areas and geological formations as well as its
settlement and agricultural past.
Objective B1.4: Protect water resources from sedimentation, run-off from erosion, drainage,
contamination and flooding.
Strategies:
B1.4.1 Enhance the study of drainage, runoff, and water use in the review of development
applications and require drainage planning or improvements and erosion and sedimentation
control as needed.
B1.4.2 Develop a funding program for a Town salt shed that adequately protects the surrounding
wetlands.
Town of Danby Conservation Advisory Council Minutes Page 11 of 14
B1.4.3 Participate in the activities of other agencies and organizations in water resource
planning, such as the County Water Resources Board and the Cayuga Lake Watershed
Association.
B1.4.4 Support the wetlands protection enforcement efforts of State and Federal agencies.
B1.4.5 Encourage residents to obtain assistance from the County Soil and Water Conservation
District for wetlands restoration and pond construction. Maintain informational materials at the
Town Hall to encourage resident use.
B1.4.6 Identify properties outside the 100-year floodplain that are frequently subject to flooding
and develop plans for flood hazard mitigation. Consider applying to FEMA for related hazard
mitigation funding.
B1.4.7 Prohibit heavy industry and high impact industrial activities, as well as prohibit or
discourage other business, commercial, and light industrial impacts, and other uses, that may or
will negatively affect aquifers and their recharge areas.
B1.4.8 Prohibit or discourage development on erosion-prone steep slopes.
Objective B1.5: Actively work with County, State, and Federal agencies to improve hunting,
fishing, and wildlife management programs on State lands.
Strategies:
B1.5.1 Encourage the County and the State to establish a Quality Deer Management Program to
promote a healthy and viable deer population and to reduce overpopulation.
B1.5.2 Encourage the State to investigate stocking Jennings Pond with such species as are viable
in a shallow water impoundment.
Goal B2: Innovative and responsible land use policies enhance both environmental protection
and local economic development.
Objective B2.1: Enhance use of existing regulations that balance the conservation of natural
resources with new construction and development. Draft and adopt new regulations where
appropriate.
Strategies:
B2.1.1 Encourage developers to use voluntary preservation of open space and conservation
methods.
B2.1.2 Study improvements to the Town's present regulations to further protect natural resources
while providing for sensible and flexible development patterns. Examples include, but are not
limited to, conservation overlay zoning, incentive zoning (which would provide density bonuses
in exchange for the protection of important open spaces) and rural development guidelines.
B2.1.3 Streamline the development review process, particularly with respect to small
subdivisions. Consider a minor land division permit for clustered subdivisions that meet certain
rural development and environmental impact criteria.
B2.1.4 Establish conservation standards for Unique Natural Areas and buffer zones around these
areas.
B2.1.5 Examine laws and regulations, and planning tools and techniques, that will prohibit heavy
industry and high impact industrial effects, as well as prohibit or discourage other business,
commercial, and light industrial impacts and uses that may or will negatively affect aquifers,
aquifer recharge areas, and other ecologically and environmentally sensitive or valuable areas,
whether such value arises under the public health, for tourism, or to preserve and promote the
continuation of a rural small town atmosphere.
Town of Danby Conservation Advisory Council Minutes Page 12 of 14
Appendix C
Section 1: Purpose and Authority from Enabling Legislation
for Conservation Advisory Council
As provided for in section 239-x, it shall advise in the development,
management and protection of the Town's natural resources. The
Council shall direct itself toward accomplishing the following tasks:
(a) conducting researches into the land area of the Town of Danby;
(b) seeking to coordinate the activities of unofficial bodies
organized for similar purposes and to cooperate with other official
municipal bodies active in the area of community planning for the Town;
(c) advertising, preparing, printing, and distributing publications
(Including, but not limited to, books, maps, charts, plans,
pamphlets, and digital materials) that it deems necessary for the
accomplishment of its goals;
(d) keeping a required inventory and map, as defined in section 239-y
of the General Municipal Law, of all open areas within the Town with
the plan of obtaining information pertinent to proper utilization of
such open lands, including lands owned by the state, any other
municipality within the state, or by the Town of Danby itself;
(e) keeping a required inventory and map of all open marsh lands,
swamps, and all other wet lands in a like manner, and recommending,
when it deems it appropriate, to the Town Board a program for
ecologically suitable utilization of all such areas;
(f) keeping required accurate records of its meetings and actions and
filing a required annual report with the Town Board on or before the
thirty-first day of December of each and every year [Once approved by
the Town Board, a copy is required to be forwarded to the NY State
Commissioner of Environmental Conservation].
Town of Danby Conservation Advisory Council Minutes Page 13 of 14
In addition, authorization is explicitly given by this resolution for
the Council to:
(g) focus its preservation efforts on land it deems to be at risk of
development located in areas zoned for low density or conservation;
(h) develop a list of scenic or historic sites to protect as
opportunities allow;
(i) lobby on issues relating to the council's duties and goals;
(j) actively support open space protection by facilitating the
transfer of land from sellers to buyers sympathetic to open space
preservation;
(k) accept by gift, grant, bequest, or otherwise, money or other
personal property in the name of the Town of Danby, for its use in
furtherance of the objectives of this resolution;
(l) propose, subject to Town Board action, the acceptance by gift,
conditional or unconditional, grant, devise or otherwise, the fee or
any lesser interest, development right, easement, covenant or other
contractual right, including conveyance with limitations or
reversions, land, in furtherance of natural resource protection
within the Town of Danby;
(m) recommend acquisition by the Town Board by purchase in fee or any
lesser interest, development right, easement, covenant or other
contractual right, including conveyance with limitations or
reversions, by negotiation or condemnation, such real or personal
property as may be needed in furtherance of the purposes of the Council;
(n) pursuant to (l) and (m), administer a conservation easement
program on behalf of the Town, to include the crafting, acquisition,
and monitoring of easements, both purchased and donated, with the
Town of Danby Conservation Advisory Council Minutes Page 14 of 14
acquisition being subject to Town Board approval of each proposed
easement.
(o) develop and implement management plans for Town-owned
conservation land. At a minimum, the plan for each parcel or group of
contiguous parcels shall identify and set forth the features of the
property to be preserved and/or enhanced, the features that can be
compatibly exploited for public benefit, and the actions needed or
desired in order to do so, complete with a schedule of steps to be
taken. For conservation properties owned by the Town at the time of
creation of the Council, the Council shall create management plans
within three years. For newly-acquired properties, the Council shall
create management plans within two years. For each management unit,
an opportunity for public comment shall precede adoption of the
unit’s management plan by the Town Board, with adoption required
before implementation by the CAC. The management plans for every
management unit, once adopted by the Town Board, shall be reviewed by
the council every five years. Progress, via the specified
implementation steps, toward the adopted goals, shall be carefully
scrutinized. The public, particularly the neighbors of the management
unit, should be encouraged to participate in the review. The Council
may propose changes to a management plan, subsequent to its periodic
review; these changes must be approved by the Town Board before the
Council can implement them.
(p) for land acquired by the Town for conservation not protected by
conservation easement at the time of acquisition, prepare an easement
for Town Board review and possible adoption.