[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6623092,"mediaKeyId","2776949-f3c9e5757e05ce458df8b60a06ac6fe6","parentId",2776949,"title","Conservation Commission to pursue owl-box installations later this year; vocational shop may build boxes","audioSeconds",354,"startMs",4422000,"endMs",4776000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2776949-f3c9e5757e05ce458df8b60a06ac6fe6&start=4422&end=4776","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2776949-f3c9e5757e05ce458df8b60a06ac6fe6/thumbnail_4422000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6623092/Torrington/Northwest-Hills-County/Connecticut/Conservation-Commission-to-pursue-owl-box-installations-later-this-year-vocational-shop-may-build-boxes","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6623092-4614c02cf1e32d890d530ded1ec12c8d/orig.mp4?Expires=1775445226&Signature=IXt39icPuu~C8Tl42AcyaRqkvbcEARw4LxVOhbGY-NzEz66v8xiejBlr0QXiGsRUAlHV8EjtZom0sqm5RxW1kzmfmltent5ICAzOSZTSD5j1ZbOZoK8DhgXXtpaB1maHh6YYBbWn0VQFvjgrg4vtjhTudTD0vytgmIzFeTCMc512~QQtsXU-FubYqH0rA2UeMFPBFOc~YD8JY4GNjRH2af3vBeTKJgM9j49e~hlRjn76Wn0DPHvQ-DQQ8vipLkqdJXJKTh5aGe4UsW8HSH5d9aoyrTkGucBEsWOXgkW3V-oPgsynHLb8P~z9M9m8re8tqrVXiP0j4r0cL3Hhbmk-Xw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Torrington CT","date","2025-03-26T14:00:23.147Z","article","Commissioners agreed to pursue installation of owl boxes and to target fall 2025 for construction and mounting, the group said at its March 25 meeting.

Christine Altman reported that a contractor or vocational-education students (from Oliver Wolcott Technology, referenced in discussion) could build the boxes if the commission supplies plans and materials. The commission discussed basic materials (plywood sheets) and agreed it could procure or solicit a lumber donation or a small Lowe’s/Home Depot gift card to cover supplies.

Members said they would aim for two boxes to start and to schedule installation at a visible trail location, such as the Red Mountain Trail, where volunteers and trail users would see them. One commissioner suggested waiting until fall so the project could coincide with trail activity and allow adequate time for material procurement and coordination with public works for mounting equipment.

No formal vote was recorded; members asked staff to confirm materials cost and coordinate with the vocational program before proceeding.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","March 25, 2025 | Conservation Commission Regular Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Commission members agreed to pursue installing owl boxes and will aim for fall installation; local vocational students were offered to build the boxes and the commission will supply plans and materials.","taxTitle","Torrington, Northwest Hills County, Connecticut","taxId",52777,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6623095,"Commission discusses pending West Hill solar application and limits on local control; no formal action taken",310,4786000,5096000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2776949-f3c9e5757e05ce458df8b60a06ac6fe6&start=4786&end=5096","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2776949-f3c9e5757e05ce458df8b60a06ac6fe6/thumbnail_4786000.jpg","/articles/6623095/Torrington/Northwest-Hills-County/Connecticut/Commission-discusses-pending-West-Hill-solar-application-and-limits-on-local-control-no-formal-action-taken","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6623095-51e3b244fb6ac9c1b4bdc99a698b8c1e/orig.mp4?Expires=1775445226&Signature=MzYve0qRQ2fVaTvnISa7SMzKQx~CCzxdlsECTKBeGkhf8t~mioyQ5mr~neLDs7YFZDYu77AhPReeL-3iNsQgbh~ga2pYRQDnGz9FFvTQ8HOb3SY3OtUftP1i76Fwndh~iDQLJHzu-7jD3h2QU0trsKU-HeEBRW8cJYq7qQr4iatmp0vGBr-aKO3yXpofU7JFhAG6~adh5JHtYJ4BvdaHWbTGq3VbHFfy8SEYU4LWTrUAn~3u5Ig-oJcszK~TDCzi9V93~73o53~ncxvBPk-U5hywqH6f2p848el17dWWUGkSKWY4kIco0TO6VsYvL1BnwbiP606qYTxc7vax7-Az3Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commissioners discussed a pending solar project application affecting the West Hill/West Veil Road area and whether the city would see direct benefits from the development, but they did not take a formal vote.

At the March 25 meeting members raised concerns about large-scale siting and municipal benefit, noting that some solar proposals deliver discounts or arrangements to municipal customers while others do not. Commissioners also discussed how state siting rules and recent statutes can limit local control over larger arrays.

Commissioners said they would prepare draft comments on the West Hill application and bring them back to the commission for review at a later meeting, with one member proposing to draft comments after the May meeting and present them for the commission’s input.

The group did not adopt a formal position at the meeting; members agreed to monitor the application and coordinate any comments through the commission at an upcoming meeting.","Members discussed a West Hill-area solar project application and broader questions about municipal benefit and statutory limits on local control for large arrays during the March 25 meeting.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6623101,"Torrington commission sets May 10 date for Jigs Donahue food‑forest planting; partners, soil and mulch plans discussed",1758,2641000,4399000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2776949-f3c9e5757e05ce458df8b60a06ac6fe6&start=2641&end=4399","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2776949-f3c9e5757e05ce458df8b60a06ac6fe6/thumbnail_2641000.jpg","/articles/6623101/Torrington/Northwest-Hills-County/Connecticut/Torrington-commission-sets-May-10-date-for-Jigs-Donahue-foodforest-planting-partners-soil-and-mulch-plans-discussed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6623101-728d4724cb26beaadec78447e55b45c8/orig.mp4?Expires=1775445226&Signature=R~JZ8CInGZ8Lamy~-TOeyGI6E2~Kf1pntI-Qfa6ygqzNvNcLdLGOkEbbOq-DQr8GDd6eFjzzIanKJUNYwisOI22UO6YPwjKarCv5aWtNfIhehX99MO-3bXeR~jo9qq7gg92NyY4E~cb9DOFBbKZryV4mVRiuGKO0kR-1A5tbAySEhMhAhe~Gi-tX2VxJN4Va-ZMlxMP95BZ4a3W~GNSPwsjnERE0bP4DkGWYNCmlQmYqC436v-BwGC0ufxGeHtyCIwaj6SHXqB4vjcAqFGLnmxw9ARX6DSOBBtvbpkOoaVQTez8zMSxFnQmyk7fTBPqtjPo3qTu18SqhnUNQZJNgvg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Torrington Conservation Commission discussed plans for a food-forest planting at Jigs Donahue (Lewis Park) and agreed on a volunteer event date of Saturday, May 10, organizers said at the March 25 meeting.

Christine Altman, the commission member leading the project update, said the commission has identified three local partners: the community garden group that tends the adjacent plots (with harvested produce donated to Friendly Hands), the conservation district (represented by Annette) and EdAdvance, which the commission expects to help coordinate youth and family outreach and bring attendees.

Altman said the planting plan has been adjusted for shade and site conditions: pawpaws would sit on the north side of the planting area to avoid shading lower plants, with blueberries and currants placed to the south in rows. She said the conservation district had completed soil testing for contaminants and that test results would guide any soil amendments. \"Annette with the conservation district... had the soil testing,\" Altman said during the discussion.

Logistics and materials: commissioners discussed using donated mulch, cardboard barriers and amendments; the conservation district and community-garden volunteers pledged help with mulching and access to water. Public Works has been consulted about mowing and site maintenance, and commission members said they would coordinate placement of a low fence or trellis to reduce dog incursions and protect plantings. Altman said the group will ask local suppliers for mulch donations and check whether donated mulch is dyed before use.

Access and outreach: the commission plans to direct volunteers to a nearby parking area identified in the meeting notes and to ask EdAdvance to handle broader event publicity and family outreach. Commissioners said EdAdvance had offered to bring children and parents and to arrange a food truck and meal vouchers for participating families; organizers would rely on that partner’s outreach in lieu of a broad city mailer.

Timing and follow-up: the commission said it will finalize a materials list and planting plan, confirm porta‑potty access and coordinate with Public Works before the May 10 event. Altman said the commission will meet with Lauren from EdAdvance and follow up with Annette of the conservation district to confirm soil- and mulch-related logistics.","The Conservation Commission and partners set a May 10 planting plan for a small food forest at Jigs Donahue park and discussed site access, soil testing, mulch and partner roles.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6623106,"Torrington schedules 20th annual Earth Day cleanup for April 19; organizers seek volunteers and donations",3115,163000,3278000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2776949-f3c9e5757e05ce458df8b60a06ac6fe6&start=163&end=3278","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2776949-f3c9e5757e05ce458df8b60a06ac6fe6/thumbnail_163000.jpg","/articles/6623106/Torrington/Northwest-Hills-County/Connecticut/Torrington-schedules-20th-annual-Earth-Day-cleanup-for-April-19-organizers-seek-volunteers-and-donations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6623106-b6c492f88d385bba6051aff21d29839a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775445226&Signature=XjOX5xgQMorsUB4ZCm1u8a~CdLoQvzcHTv5STwWVpUWwqrtoeoW-3YQGM2yJc-puMONOafeUvZuaC8vG8iNw0oHsDYavGBvyHNSIq9W9V1xfNKqo1aWwBWjWhX7sODCfvRDnpu9SrFvr7DjDllcYs0XhmP0P3rjsQRnEukgncg~T1eGn8ICFRV5h6-sKQ5G23lRqRUv2FcvBvfgsUqolb1TN7tcsk285GRbZHQ~N7X8NqU2ZGoRGlctIdnd-EGFm7ulIBNb75FxTWYLPMLXvamyW~r0chclaCSrj5N8m065d5XYi72taPH3KOj~vt~1oTzsm-ivyd~yWJutbl469Zw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Christine Altman, a member of the Torrington Conservation Commission, told commissioners at their March 25 meeting that the commission had scheduled its 20th annual Earth Day cleanup for Saturday, April 19, from 9 a.m. to noon at Coe Park, 101 Litchfield Street.

The commission plans to provide gloves, trash bags, water and lunch and is seeking volunteers, business donations and prize sponsors to support the event. \"We provide food, water, and supplies. You supply your time and desire to make Torrington beautiful,\" Altman read from the event flyer during the meeting.

Why it matters: The cleanup is the commission’s largest volunteer mobilization of the year and organizers said the event both removes litter from public spaces and builds relationships with civic organizations and businesses. Altman said the commission has cataloged more than 80 litter locations across the city and hopes to use targeted assignments to increase the event’s impact.

At the meeting commissioners discussed outreach and sponsor solicitation strategies. Organizers said they will post notices on the mayor’s Facebook page and the city website, send an email blast, and distribute printed flyers at City Hall and partner businesses. Commission members volunteered to solicit gift-card or in-kind donations from regional retailers and hardware stores, naming Big Y, Market 32, Walmart, Stop & Shop, Lowe’s, Home Depot, BJ’s, Harbor Freight, Price Right and Ocean State Job Lot among outlets to contact.

Prize and volunteer logistics were a major focus. The commission plans prize categories such as best before-and-after photo, best cleanup outfit and most interesting find; prizes would be gift cards donated by businesses and distributed at the event. Altman said families and youth groups will be encouraged to participate and that children will be offered an egg-scavenger activity; she asked donors to notify the commission by April 11 if they intend to provide prizes or gift cards.

Organizers laid out procedures for collecting evidence for judging: volunteers may take before-and-after photos or submit pictures of unusual finds by text or email. The commission assigned a staff contact to receive texts and photos during the event and said volunteers who cannot return to the site may still enter by submitting a photo and contact information for prize delivery.

Public-works and pickup logistics: Commissioners said the city will arrange trash pickup and that a designated truck driver (identified in previous years as a volunteer) will collect filled bags and larger items at a central dumpster area behind nearby lots. Members discussed parking and drop-off areas at Coe Park and circulation of volunteers across mapped hot-spot locations to increase efficiency.

Food and supplies: The commission said Dunkin’ Donuts typically donates coffee and the group will request donated food and hot beverages; additional lunch expenses will be covered, in part, by previously approved cleanup funding. Members also confirmed supplies—bags, gloves and grabbers—are sufficient but committed to inventorying items before the event.

Organizers asked volunteers and sponsors to contact Nate Cyrus, assistant city planner and staff liaison, to register locations, offer donations or volunteer specific time slots. Altman said the commission will post a list of donors after the event and intends to publish before-and-after photos on the mayor’s page and the city site.","The Torrington Conservation Commission set its 20th annual Earth Day cleanup for Saturday, April 19 at Coe Park and outlined volunteer recruitment, donation solicitation and event logistics at its March 25 meeting.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Conservation Commission to pursue owl-box installations later this year; vocational shop may build boxes

Commission discusses pending West Hill solar application and limits on local control; no formal action taken

Torrington commission sets May 10 date for Jigs Donahue food‑forest planting; partners, soil and mulch plans discussed

Torrington schedules 20th annual Earth Day cleanup for April 19; organizers seek volunteers and donations