Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Environment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Consulting forester urges multi-year invasive-species plan for Avon properties
Summary
Eric Hansen of Ferrucci & Walicki presented updates and a multi-site forest management plan for six town properties, recommending mapping, multi-year removal and native species replacement with volunteer and partner engagement; councilors discussed potential funding options.
Eric Hansen, Consulting Forester and owner of Ferrucci & Walicki, LLC, presented the townforestry and invasive-species update on Dec. 4, summarizing work at six properties including Fisher Meadows, Fisher Farms, Foundland, Huckleberry Hill Recreation Area, Alsop Meadows and Hazen Park.
Hansen said the plan completed a recent update and recommends a multi-year approach: map infestations, set scope, identify personnel and resources for removal, and plan native-species replacements to restore pollinator habitat and species diversity. He pointed to the Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group and regional groups as resources for replacement-plant lists and community outreach. "Plan it! Communicate and collaborate," Hansen advised as steps toward success.
Councilors discussed funding options and partnerships. Mrs. Barthel proposed a municipal native-plant policy for replacement plantings; the Town Manager noted the Open Space fund may have statutory limits that could constrain using it for removal work and recommended reviewing the statute. Mr. Weber urged combining municipal staff, volunteers and third-party organizations to scale work beyond isolated volunteer events.
Next steps: Council members encouraged review of the Forest Management Plan and suggested exploring funding and partnership models to begin multi-year invasive-species mitigation and meadow stewardship.
Sources: Presentation by Eric Hansen, Ferrucci & Walicki, Avon Town Council meeting, Dec. 4, 2025.
