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NEW WEB PAGES:
Energy Conservation, Clean Energy, Trails and Parks, Litter Prevention, Greening Your Business, Lakes in Woodstock, Awards, Birding, Birds of Woodstock (photos), Vernal Pools, Productive Forest Soils in Eastern CT
HELP WANTED
The Conservation Commission has several openings for members, and is also looking for volunteers to help with an update to our open space inventory and to conduct a trails inventory. No experience needed - we will provide training. If you are interested, please contact Chair Jean Pillo at greenjeanpillo@charter.net or Bill Loftus at loftuslaw@charter.net.
REMINISCING AT ROSELAND, Roseland Park, Woodstock, CT
Saturday May 9 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - DOWNLOAD FLYER (PDF format)
The Woodstock Conservation Commission and The Friends of Roseland are proudly partnering with the Eastern Connecticut Conservation District and The Last Green Valley to Present:
Reminiscing at Roseland on May 9, 2009*, from 10 AM – 4 PM.
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
In coordination with The Last Green Valley, Source to Sea, Connecting the Drops through the Last Green Valley, you are cordially invited to join us on May 9, 2009 at Roseland Park in Woodstock, CT, site of Henry Bowen’s mid-nineteenth century Fourth of July Celebrations. Learn the history of the park, and the current efforts to restore the park and the water quality of Roseland Lake at this day long mini-festivals. Explore Woodstock while you're at it!
BYOB** – Boats, that is. Canoe or kayak on Roseland Lake. By state law, life jackets are required. Or, for one day only, relive the past and rent a boat at Roseland Park courtesy of the Nahaco Park Commission. A limited supply of kayaks and paddle boats will be available to rent at $5/half hour. Contact Tony at nahaco@aol.com to reserve your time.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
- 10 AM A Promenade in the Park
- Join Lyn Cole-Smith and Cheryl Wakely of the Woodstock Historical Society on an easy 60 minute stroll in the park as they highlight stories with old photos researched by Elaine LaChappelle, allowing us to step back in time and recalling the elaborate nineteenth century festivities of Henry C. Bowen. Ms. LaChappelle’s research was funded by a mini-grant provided by The Last Green Valley.
- 11 AM The Magic of Nancy, Lady Magician
- Noon In and Around with Matt Sheldon
- Take a walk on the Roseland Park Nature Trails with Friends of Roseland Volunteer Matt Sheldon. Trail difficulty levels vary.
- 1 PM A Musical performance by Maria Sangiolo
- Local musician Maria Sangiolo will perform an original children’s musical program, sponsored by the Woodstock Recreation Committee
- 2 PM Seek and Find Hike
- Find hidden objects in the park and earn a prize. Sponsored by the Friends of Roseland
- 2 PM A Promenade in the Park
- Miss the morning tour? Here is a second chance to enjoy this informative program.
- All Day Long The Last Green Valley Source to Sea Activity Tent – hands on activities and free give away items.
- For more information on Source to Sea, Connecting the Drops through The Last Green Valley, visit their website at www.thelastgreenvalley.org.
*This event will be cancelled if heavy rain is expected. Tune to WINY at AM 1350 for information.
**This event is alcohol free
STONE WALL INVENTORY
TheWoodstock Planning and Zoning Commission has begun arrangements to have UCONN Geology Professor Thorsen, together with some of his students, conduct a stonewall inventory for Woodstock. On a previous occasion when he was in town to work with the Commission, he suggested that Woodstock create a document with visuals and a narrative to which we could refer, as could others in the town. We are asking for your contributions to a list of stonewalls which are particularly important to Woodstock. These may be of any length, unique or typical; they may be on Scenic roads, town or State roads, or the work of a recognized local person who has made an important contribution to the esthetics which help make Woodstock the special town that it is. After a list is created, Professor Thorsen will identify 10-12 walls to focus upon and get the process going very soon. A suggestion should be identified by road, then by a telephone pole number, very visible house number or other recognizable landmark that a student from out of the area could readily find. Send your suggestion in writing to Planner D. Fey at the Town Hall Planning and Zoning office. Additionally, let her know of any interest you have in participating in the project. - From Dottie Durst, Woodstock PZC
VERNAL POOL INVENTORIES IN THE TOWNS OF CANTERBURY, POMFRET AND WOODSTOCK
Vernal Pools Introductory Programs:
Paula Coughlin, Citizen Science Coordinator, will present a slide program on the characteristics of vernal pools, breeding habits of the species that use them, and how volunteers work on this exciting project. Please call to register – 860-928-4948. If an introductory program has to be postponed due to inclement weather, a message will be left on your voicemail.
Dates: Thurs. March 26, 7:00 p.m. at the CT Audubon Society Center at Pomfret, Route 169. Wed., April 1, 7:00 p.m. at the Canterbury Library
Fee: CAS members and Woodstock residents: $7. Non-members: $15
Volunteer Training Sessions:
Volunteers who attend one 3-hour training can then collect data on their own time or visit vernal pools with the project coordinator during April and May. Please call to register at 860-928-4948. The more trained Citizen Scientist volunteers we have, the more pools we can identify.
Dates: Saturday, April 4 & April 11, Friday, April 10 - 9:00 a.m.-noon
Fee: CAS members and Woodstock residents: $7. Non-members: $15
Location: CT Audubon Society Center at Pomfret, Route 169
See more information: Volunteer to Search for Vernal Pools
VERNAL POOL SURVEYS AND CERTIFICATIONS - VERNAL POOL SURVEYS AND CERTIFICATION
Woodstock Conservation Commission Vernal Pool Surveys and Certification Dear Property Owner: The Woodstock Conservation Commission in collaboration with the Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Pomfret, is conducting a voluntary town wide vernal pool inventory. Protecting the integrity of our natural resources is essential to providing a healthy environment for local wildlife. Wetlands and isolated lowlands known as vernal pools are an integral component of these natural resources. Vernal pools are critical breeding grounds for many species of frogs and salamanders as well as important habitat for a diverse collection of woodland creatures. Identifying and permanently protecting vernal pools benefits our natural ecosystem and maintains forest ecology. As a property owner, you can help assure that vernal pools remain protected for years to come. There are several important facts you should know about vernal pools and limitations which they can place on your property.
1. A vernal pool is an area regulated by the Woodstock Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission based on the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Act in Sec.22a-38 Definitions section number 16 “Watercourses means rivers, streams, brooks, waterways, lakes, ponds, marshes, swamps, bogs and all other bodies of water, natural or artificial, vernal or intermittent.…” The vernal pool area can not be filled. Its elevation cannot be altered.
2. The location of the certified vernal pools will be mapped and placed upon state and local wetland and water course maps. As such, it will be identified as an area regulated under Connecticut Wetlands laws.
3. Vernal pools are temporary bodies of water, usually wet in the spring (Vernal), but are sometimes wet much longer. They generally need to be wet at least two months of the year to support vernal pool wildlife. While the pools are fairly easy to spot when there is standing water dried out pools can be more difficult to locate.
WATER QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM NEEDS VOLUNTEERS
How Clean is the Water in The Last Green Valley? You can help us find out. The Quinebaug-Shetucket Heritage Corridor Water Quality Monitoring Program is offering free training and use of equipment to "citizen scientists" who are willing to collect data to help us learn more about the current condition of their local streams. The "RBV" method uses pollution sensitive insects as indicators of water quality. Join QSHC Water Quality Program Coordinator Jean Pillo on Saturday, September 13 from 9 AM at the Ashford Town Hall for a 3 hour program that will teach you all you need to know to participate. Please call Jean at the 860-928-4948 extension 605 to reserve you space for this training opportunity. Download PDF version of flyer.
Energy Conservation Fair
Energy Conservation & Economic Fair Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008 Time of the Event 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. Location:. Plainfield Town Hall (Auditorium, Community Room and Track & Field) 8 Community Avenue Plainfield, CT 06374 EVENT DESCRIPTION The public will have the opportunity to visit with social service agencies and learn alternative ways to save money and conserve energy. This is a “Regional” fair that’s FREE to the public. Intention of Fair is to provide information to low and middle-income families agencies, nonprofits, CT State agencies and the resources available. They can participate in seminars and presentations that can help them financially save money in their homes, conserve energy, get information on health care services, learn energy efficient ways to save money, budgeting workshops, senior and military services, credit card counseling, coupon clipping workshop, solar energy, green builders, heating assistance, financial advisors, food banks etc. ABOUT THE AUDIENCE The fair will be for all income levels, families, businesses, senior citizens, military, teachers and students. It will be in the Plainfield, CT at the Town Hall auditorium and outside on the track & field. Most non-profit, state agencies and seminars will have booths inside the auditorium. Some businesses will be outside under tents. A closed session room (for workshops) is available for speakers who are doing small workshops of up to 50 people. Or they can have workshops outside under the tents. Expected Number in Attendance 1,000 + CONTACT INFORMATION Donna Bourque 860-450-9381 PositivelyPlainfield@yahoo.com
Vernal Pool Inventory in Woodstock
Woodstock is conducting a vernal pool inventory. For more information, or to report the location of a vernal pool in Woodstock, CT, call 860.928.4948.
Rock Snot - a New Invasive Species threatening CT waterways
See DEP press release in Word or PDF format
MEETING ON KOWAL FARM - PURCHASE OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS 02/28/07
On 02/28/07, at a Special Town Meeting, Woodstock residents voted unanimously to purchase development rights for the Kowal Farm. It will be farmland forever. For more information, see article in Our Better Nature
New Review Requirement for Projects in Public Water Supply Aquifer or Watershed Areas
As of October 2006, all applicants before a CT municipal Zoning Commission, Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals or Inland Wetlands Commission for any project located within a public water supply aquifer or watershed area are required by Public Act No. 06-53 of the CT General Statutes to notify their local Water Company and The Commissioner of Public Health of the proposed project by completing steps described here. You will need to go to the Woodstock Town Hall and look at the Public Water Supply Sources map. For more information about the program and requirements, see CT DPH Source Water Protection.
Protecting Villages and Hamlets
The Planning and Zoning Commission is looking at the possible need to enhance neighborhood zoning regulations in neighborhoods considered "historic" (even though they are not formally designated as such). Such neighborhoods in town can be found in East Woodstock, West Woodstock, South Woodstock, North Woodstock, Woodstock Valley, Sprucedale, Elmvale, and Kenyonville.
The goal would be to maintain the character of these areas, while still keeping property owners' economic interests in mind. Woodstocks' A Plan of Open Space and Conservation includes a similar goal to: "Assure the protection of aesthetic, historic and recreational resources so that current residents and future generations may appreciate and experience Woodstock’s rural heritage." Related recommendations are to "protect key scenic resources and roadways by identifying visually sensitive areas and developing land use planning and design guidelines that preserve our rural areas and village centers. Enhance the conservation of our local historic, archaeological and cultural resources by identifying these areas and integrating them into a town-wide cultural resources management plan."
Planning & Zoning intends to start with the work done by the Historic Properties Commission, identify the villages/hamlets/neighborhoods to focus on, conduct walks/visits to become familiar with them, and involve residents in discussions. The subcommittee meetings are usually held before regularly scheduled Planning & Zoning meetings (Note: the subcommittee meeting will not be held in February 2007).
Greenways Designation: Little River and Natchaug River System
Both the Little River and the Natchaug River System were designated as a State Greenways in June 2006. The goal of these greenways is to conserve natural resources, in particular by protecting water quality, providing for wildlife habitat, and in some areas offering passive recreational opportunities such as walking or birding. On June 2, 2006, DEP Commissioner Gina McCarthy presented a Municipal Achievement Award to the towns of Woodstock and Putnam for their joint support and willingness to conserve the natural resources of the Little River. For more information, see Woodstock Greenways.
CT Trees and Forest Corn Maze
For a truly fun and educational experience this fall, Steve Broderick of UCONN recommends checking out Chris Kueffner?s Connecticut Trees and Forests corn maze on Merrow Road in Mansfield (http://merrowmaze.com/). Folks of all ages will learn and enjoy.
 Farmers, agricultural associations, and agri-business showcased the many aspects of agriculture in this region. The day included exhibits, demonstrations, music, a farm tour, animals, a parade and family fun designed to improve understanding of residents and visitors, of the presence and importance of agriculture in the Quinebaug Shetucket Heritage Corridor. The Conservation Commission's display focused on Greenways, Bluebirds and Invasive Plants. For more info, see the Celebrating Agriculture website.
INVASIVE PLANT GUIDE AVALABLE
The U.S. Forest Service State & Private Forestry Division has just published a new, weather-resistant, color illustrated, pocket-sized ?Invasive Plants Field and Reference Guide: an ecological perspective of plant invaders of forests and woodlands.? To quote the introduction, ?the purpose of this particular field guide is to give a scientific synthesis of what is known about the behavior of such species in managed, disturbed, and pristine forested systems, in addition to key information for accurate identification.? The guide includes an extensive list of citations of peer-reviewed research on each species for those who wish to learn more. The pages are bound in a steel-ring loose leaf format, and the Forest Service anticipates printing additional sheets that can be added to the guide.Single copies can be obtained by contacting Tom Rawinski at the U.S. Forest Service Durham New Hampshire office: (603)868-7642 or trawinski@fs.fed.us.
The General Assembly has adopted the Recommended Conservation and Development Policies Plan for Connecticut 2004 - 2009. The Conservation and Development Policies Plan for Connecticut 2004 - 2009 ("Recommended" is now dropped from the title) is now in effect and replaces the 1998 - 2003 Plan. Specific project reviews will now be based on the 2004 - 2009 Plan. In compliance with Governor Rowland's Executive Order #30, hardcopies of the 2004 - 2009 Plan of C&D will not be distributed by the State. Those wishing to may download a copy of the Plan from the Office of Policy and Management website at www.opm.state.ct.us (from the main page click on Reports/Publications and then scroll down to the Conservation and Development Policies Plan for Connecticut 2004 - 2009). They expect to have the Locational Guide Map available on the OPM website in both PDF and digital format by 07/15/05.
Researchers and foresters are concerned that Sudden Oak Death has the potential to have a catastrophic impact similar to that of Dutch Elm Disease or Chestnut Blight. Sudden Oak Death has never been found in the wild in the eastern United States. To date, it has been found only on nursery stock in nurseries. For more information see a DEP Forestry advisory at http://ecfla.org/sod.htm.
The American Farmland Trust has set up a new and improved Farmland Information Center (FIC) Web site at www.farmlandinfo.org. It includes statistics, laws, literature and technical resources related to farm and ranch land protection and stewardship.
Agriculture is a significant part of Connecticut's heritage and economy, yet the state loses over 8,000 acres of land in farms every year. To help curb this loss of land, American Farmland Trust has developed a new tool that will help landowners, land trusts and communities identify options available to help protect and conserve farmland. The guide, Conservation Options for Connecticut Farmland, is available free of charge on AFT's Web site at www.farmland.org or you can download it here: Conservation Options for CT Farmland (PDF file - requires free Adobe Acrobat Reader to download)
"Many landowners, land trusts and town officials are not aware of state and federal programs available to help them conserve farmland and improve its environmental stewardship," said AFT New England Policy Director Cris Coffin. "American Farmland Trust's new guide identifies these programs and helps landowners understand the process of donating or selling their development rights." Conservation Options for Connecticut Farmland describes farmland protection tools and programs available in Connecticut and answers some frequently asked questions about agricultural conservation easements, which are deed restrictions that protect land from development. The guide also identifies state and federal incentive-based programs for conserving wetlands, wildlife habitat, soil and water and other natural resources on farmland. "The guide is a helpful tool for communities looking for ways to sustain agriculture, rural heritage and their quality of life," Coffin said. "Increasingly, communities are recognizing the value of state and federal conservation programs that keep farmland in production and help keep farmers in business." According to Coffin, farmland offers many important environmental benefits, from wildlife habitat and flood control to recreational opportunities and access to fresh, locally grown foods. "Farmland also generates a key source of tax revenue for communities-revenue that often subsidizes the cost of residential development," she said.
To obtain a free copy of the guide, visit AFT's Connecticut page or contact Cris Coffin at 413.586.9330 ext. 29.
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