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Shelburne conservation commission hears concerns that forest-block mapping could lower property values
Summary
At its June 10 meeting the Shelburne Natural Resources and Conservation Commission heard that the Planning Commission is mapping forest blocks, a process expected to finish by July, and considered resident concerns that an ecological-corridor designation could reduce property valuation; the commission outlined several possible responses.
Chair Chandler Noyes and vice chair Cathy O’Brien led discussion June 10 on a Forest Block Task Force update and related town planning work, telling the commission that the Planning Commission is mapping Forest Blocks and expects to finish by July.
"The Planning Commission (PC) is currently mapping Forest Blocks and this should be completed by July," Vice Chair Cathy O’Brien said, reporting on the task force’s May 21 meeting. Commissioner Gail Albert relayed a Webster Road resident’s concern that creating an ecological corridor on private property could reduce its market valuation.
Noyes outlined possible options the town could consider in response to property-owner concern: "no action and accepting the bylaws as is, providing more funding for the open space fund, a one-time levy on property tax and developing a process for a property owner to agree not to develop their property and allow public access," he said. The task force will meet again after mapping is completed.
Commissioners also discussed how the SNRCC should coordinate with the Planning Commission on maps and related Town Plan language. Noyes said the Planning Commission revised Chapter Two (Natural and Scenic Resources and Land Conservation) and asked the SNRCC to supply mapped information about conserved land and natural resources; he proposed bi-weekly working sessions to review the Town Plan.
Separately, the commission tabled detailed review of the LaPlatte Nature Park Forest Management Plan until July after key participants were unavailable to attend the June meeting.
Votes at a glance: the commission approved the agenda (motion: Cathy O’Brien; second: Sarah Nilsen), approved the May 13, 2026 minutes as amended (motion: Jon Cocina; second: Chris Rottler), and adjourned the meeting (motion: Christine Haines; second: Cathy O’Brien). Each motion passed 8-0.
What happens next: the Planning Commission’s mapping is expected to be completed by July, after which the Forest Block Task Force will reconvene and the SNRCC plans to support mapping and Town Plan review in scheduled working sessions.
