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South Thomaston conservation members announce donation, weigh appraisal and environmental survey costs
Summary
Members of the South Thomaston Conservation Commission said a donor—giving through Georgia River Trust—offered $5,000 to support appraisal and environmental-survey costs for a prospective 135-acre preserve, and they discussed whether a Phase I assessment or separate ecological survey is needed.
The South Thomaston Conservation Commission heard an update on a new private donation and the permit-related costs for transferring a proposed preserve during its meeting.
A commission member said a generous donor arranged the gift through Georgia River Trust because the donation required a 501(c)(3) intermediary and offered $5,000 toward appraisal and environmental work. "People around told us $2,500 each and it was really good. Said, 'Okay, I'll give you $5,000,'" the member said.
Another member reported the first appraisal estimate at $5,400, and the group noted the parcel was roughly "135 acres or something like that," meaning an appraisal could still show the town qualifies for full reimbursement from LMF or other funders if the sale is structured as a bargain sale.
Commissioners also discussed environmental assessments. One member said a Phase I environmental assessment focuses on risks such as buried fuel or other disposal, and may not reliably detect evidence of prior indoor cannabis cultivation observed on the site. Members recommended a Phase I to check for significant contamination and considered adding a targeted ecological assessment to document habitat, invasive-species presence and special features such as vernal pools.
Members singled out invasive-plant clearing as a near-term volunteer task; one member volunteered to help with on-the-ground clearing for a day or two.
What happens next: commissioners said they will pay for required appraisals and surveys before pursuing the transfer and will follow LMF or other funder requirements for documentation. The commission did not take a formal vote on purchase terms at the meeting.
