Hamlin Waterfront Committee advances seedling giveaway, GIS mapping and monitors oak blight

The Hamlin Waterfront Committee reported several local conservation and waterfront-management actions at its meeting. Committee members said they ordered and paid for 500 tree seedlings from the conservation account to ensure availability for an April seedling giveaway, selecting species including Colorado blue spruce, white pine and Norway spruce.

Committee members discussed newly obtained GIS access for Hamlin and a list of proposed map layers — roads, slope, floodplains, wetlands, agricultural land classes, parks and trails, sewer and storm infrastructure, electrical grid and solar arrays — and resolved to use the town projector to display layers at future meetings. One member said she had received a license to use the GIS system and would provide access and suggested layers to the committee.

Members raised concern about an oak blight recently detected in Wisconsin and reported in nearby counties. Planning staff told the committee there is no known treatment and that infected trees, stumps and brush must be removed and destroyed under current containment guidance. The committee discussed monitoring options and the limited local authority to treat or move affected wood.

The committee also reviewed a resident’s request to replace an existing cottage at Sandy Shore with a modular home to accommodate a family member. Committee members identified setbacks, conservation overlay and possible sewer connections as outstanding issues and recommended the resident go to zoning first; they agreed to withhold inspections until zoning outcomes were clear.

What’s next: Committee staff will circulate GIS access and layer lists to members, proceed with logistics for the April seedling giveaway, and advise the resident to pursue zoning review before scheduling inspections.