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Litchfield Conservation Commission reviews state land option, community projects and fishing derby
Summary
The commission discussed town options for 110 acres of former state highway property, moved a July meeting date to give the developer time to return with revised plans, approved May minutes with corrections and reviewed community projects including signage, the community garden and a spring fishing derby postmortem.
At the same meeting commissioners reviewed other agenda items including a state‑owned 110‑acre parcel (previously acquired for a circumferential highway) that the town has first right of refusal to buy. George Lavash said the parcel contains wetlands and limited access in parts; a town committee will continue to evaluate whether to pursue purchase, conservation easements or marketing for development and whether any purchase would require a warrant article and voter approval.
The commission also discussed a small capital purchase for Muster Field signage (QR‑code signs and posts) and agreed the property management budget could cover the cost; members discussed an authorization figure of up to $500 for signs and posts and asked staff to confirm budget details before purchase.
Members reviewed community garden assignments (three plots open), the Boy Scouts' planned trail‑clearing dates for the town's 250th celebration, ongoing property maintenance work (mower and tractor service, removal of a hazard tree at Morse Falls) and a spring fishing derby postmortem. Organizers reported a record turnout of 46 children but fewer catches due to drought‑reduced pools and said the commission will consider a different fish vendor and possibly rescheduling to increase local participation next year.
Procedurally, the commission approved May 7 minutes with minor corrections and set its next meeting for July 9 to allow the applicant to return with a revised restoration plan and to avoid a holiday‑week scheduling conflict. The commission ended the public session and voted to enter non‑public session to discuss a separate real‑property matter.
