Coventry conservation commission asks staff to compile fire‑code and to consider forest‑management involvement, signage grants

At the Jan. 8 meeting, the Coventry Conservation Commission discussed a proposed forest‑management plan, recent local fires and whether the commission should play a role in drafting or advising on fire‑ and forest‑related municipal policies.

Members said there were two small fires in recent months (one possibly arson, one possibly an illegal campfire; the cause was described as not fully known and "not specified" in the meeting). Several commissioners warned that Coventry’s western, forested areas are vulnerable and that the town’s fire department is currently thinly staffed — the meeting referenced a small volunteer complement for parts of the district.

Commissioners asked staff (Josh Chase) to gather the town’s existing fire‑code materials and to circulate them to members by email. A member suggested contacting Frank Brown (referred to in the meeting as the fire chief) to ask where official fire regulations and enforcement guidance are stored and whether the commission should provide input. Members emphasized they want to be involved in drafting or advising on a forest‑management plan but do not want sole responsibility for writing the full plan; they prefer an advisory role with staff and planning department support.

Separately, members discussed small grant ideas to support stewardship and public education — for example installing signage at Johnson Pond and along Lake Tioga to inform visitors about environmental protection and appropriate recreation. Miles Provost said he has not yet prepared grant applications and that he has been coordinating informally with management services; he noted the commission does not currently control grant submissions and that planning or management services would likely handle formal applications.

Next steps recorded in the meeting: staff were asked to collect and circulate fire‑code references (the meeting noted multiple fire districts may use different rules), to contact the fire chief for guidance on document locations and enforcement, and to invite planning leadership (Doug McClain was suggested) to an upcoming meeting so the commission can clarify its role and future involvement.