Chair Matt Boudreau announced that the Superintendent of the Highway Department will handle the Tree Warden’s job as it relates to emergencies such as tree removal or tree clean up after a storm.

The bulk of the meeting was then focused on invasives: Bitter Sweet, Sumac, Phragmites, etc. Bittersweet, for example, can kill a tree given time and can easily kill bushes including lilac. It is a huge and growing problem. The discussion was long and detailed. The suggestions were to apply for funds through CPC and other state grantors to remove the invasives and to educate the public about the destructive power of the plants, and (very important) how to recognize them.

The AFC also discussed the proposed fund they would lie to establish to purchase properties coming out of 61A.

Editor’s note: The AFC now has the power to buy sell hold or lease land. The municipality has the right of first refusal on all property coming out of 61A. 61A is a tax classification that allows for a lower taxes on property conserved for open space, agriculture. or forests. When the owner removes it from 61A (usually to sell) the owner owes back taxes and the municipality has first right to purchase.