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Select Board approves $1,688.49 extra pay for forestry subcontractor after wet conditions; timber sales net $65,429
Summary
The board approved a $1,688.49 payment to a subcontractor after forestry work required extra gravel due to wet conditions. AFM reported net timber revenue of $65,429.40 from 2,396 tons; the Public Lot Reserve had a prior deficit of about $136,440 as of 12/31/23.
Bill Haslam of AFM updated the Select Board on 2024 forestry operations, reporting the crew completed about 90 acres of harvesting (out of 130 planned) and generated net revenue of $65,429.40 from 2,396 tons of roundwood. Haslam said they had expected approximately $22 per ton but realized about $27 per ton; the pulp vs. logs ratio came in at about 55% pulp rather than the 65% estimate. No biomass was sold because topwood was left onsite to protect soils on trails.
Haslam and the minutes noted the Public Lot Reserve Account showed an approximate deficit of $136,440 as of Dec. 31, 2023, to be reimbursed with 2024–25 timber revenues. The town paid $10,600 for necessary road access work. A subcontractor requested an additional $1,688.49 to cover extra gravel and costs tied to wet conditions. Roddy Ehrlenbach moved to approve the $1,688.49, Lloyd Cuttler seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
Local forester Mark Leathers and town participants praised the contractor’s care in protecting roadside aesthetics and trail work. The Forestry Committee plans a follow‑up meeting in October to review work and prepare for the next 10‑year plan period.
