Present:
- Matt Boudreau, Chair
- Lisa Bozzuto
- Erik Rasmussen, via Zoom
- Shelby Marshall, Alternate
Also present: Mike Buffoni, Water Supervisor
- Buffoni said he read in Stockbridge Updates that there was an Agricultural and Forestry Commission. He was attending this meeting to share what he does and coordinate with new (re-established) commission.
- Attached to Lake Averic, the Town reservoir, is 300 acres under the Water Department’s management.
- The forester for that property is Jeff Jourdain. He has been forester for twenty years. Jourdain does the cutting plan. The plan is then reviewed and approved by the Commonwealth forester, Tom Ryan. Stockbridge does not cut more than 30%.
- The plan is sent out for bids, take highest. Town made “a couple of hundred thousand dollars” over the years.
- Buffoni stressed the care taken in an area around a reservoir. He also suggested that the Town has 330 acres near Turnpike and West Stockbridge line that could be logged as soon as they establish the property lines.
- Bozzuto asked if Water Dept does any re-planting. Buffoni said yes. As many as 500 — 750 seedlings — Black Walnut, Red Maple, and Chestnut. (The Chestnut does not flourish). They talked about a joint grant application and a joint field trip to visit the two forests.
- Suppression Grant — thanks to Marshall for clarifying the definition of Suppression grants as follows: once the trees (in worst condition) in Ice Glen are treated using the funds made available at Town Meeting, then, Stockbridge might apply for a Suppression grant, that is, to suppress the disease in the trees, perhaps in better condition, but still untreated. E.g., 226 trees in poor condition and 123 in fair condition.
- Brief discussion of community gardens and the needs to pick good location and have folks willing to manage the garden.
- Mention of desire for a Stockbridge Farmer’s Market perhaps in coordination with Laurel Hill Association?
- Tree Warden, Mark Faber, expected at next meeting — September 13.
Meeting adjourned
