Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Commission Governance And Conservation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Canaan conservation commission reviews membership, Tinker Brook beaver concerns and forestry grant opportunity
Summary
At its June 15 meeting the Town of Canaan Inland Wetlands/Conservation Commission discussed recruitment for open seats, voted unanimously to send a memo to the selectmen about beaver activity at Tinker Brook, and reviewed a state forestry grant opportunity; members also approved the previous meeting’s minutes and adjourned at 8:13 p.m.
The Town of Canaan Inland Wetlands/Conservation Commission opened its June 15, 2026 meeting with attendance taken and proceeded through several administrative and conservation items.
Membership and governance: commissioners reported that Karl Munson declined an invitation to join the commission, while Mark Gozonsky has expressed interest and Elizabeth Bock was suggested as a candidate. Commissioners said they will clarify whether Marlene is eligible to serve before forwarding recommendations: Chairman Mark Burdick will contact Marlene; Susan Kelsey will speak with Selectman Barger; and Ellery Sinclair will update Gozonsky. Kelsey said only one commission member is required to complete the Connecticut DEEP training for certification and she plans to take the course.
Beaver activity at Tinker Brook: Susan Kelsey drafted a memo to the Board of Selectmen describing the commission’s concerns about beaver activity on Tinker Brook along Route 126 between Amy and Johnson Roads. Ellery Sinclair moved that the memo be sent to the selectmen; Mark Burdick seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously. Commissioners recorded that Bruce Bennett has information on state water diversion policies and will forward that information to Burdick for follow-up.
Trees, grant opportunity and other items: Burz reported that the town street‑tree inventory for Cobble Road is complete; Kelsey said she will attempt to inventory Page Road before the next meeting. The commission reviewed a Resilient Forestry Practices Grant offered through the State of Connecticut Urban and Community Forestry Program (deadline Aug. 31, 2026); Kelsey will compile a list of town‑owned properties to determine whether any are suitable for forestry management. Commissioners noted there was no new update on railroad herbicide spraying; Sinclair will follow up with Bruce Bennett. Members also discussed the Coolidge Subdivision on Beebe Hill and agreed Kelsey should consult Carol Flaton, a resident of Sharon who has protected acreage in the region, for advice.
Motions and adjournment: Ellery Sinclair moved to approve the minutes of May 18, 2026 as presented; Burdick seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Sinclair moved to adjourn at 8:13 p.m.; Burdick seconded and that motion also passed unanimously. Minutes were submitted by Susan Kelsey, secretary.
Next steps noted by commissioners included clarifying Marlene’s eligibility to serve, completing the Page Road tree inventory, forwarding water‑diversion materials to the chair, and compiling town property lists for the forestry grant application.
