Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Trash And Open Space topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Conservation commission discusses trail cameras to deter illegal dumping, and votes to advance rodenticide policy review
Summary
Commission debated trail-camera options to detect illegal dumpers, discussed owl-box installation hardware and received staff updates on open-space projects and the Red Mountain Trail crosswalk; the commission also formally referred the rodenticide policy drafting to land use staff.
Members discussed installing trail cameras at known illegal-dumping sites (Stillwater Pond Road, Newfield Spring Road) to capture license plates and deter repeat offenders. Commissioners weighed pros and cons of transmitting cameras versus SD-card units, the risk of vandalism, volunteer cleanup capacity, and whether warning signs or fake cameras might act as deterrents.
The commission also reviewed materials needed to install four owl boxes (lag bolts, flashing, stainless screws) and agreed to procure hardware and schedule installation; Purple Martin housing work remains pending until owl boxes are in place. Staff provided an open-space update on the John Brown Homestead, noting a state archaeological-preserve designation on part of the parcel may make acquisition unnecessary.
On trails, staff said the Red Mountain Trail crosswalk design is under review by Connecticut DOT crossing experts and the regional office; staff is seeking an extension on a grant that expires in August to keep the project on schedule.
The meeting concluded with a referral for land use staff to work with rodenticide proponents on a draft municipal policy; commission members moved and voted to table final action pending staff review and a facility map.
