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Commission schedules bird/bat box installation, expands invasive-species work for 2026
Summary
Halas Conservation Commission set a Sunday installation for bird and bat boxes, coordinated volunteers and tools, and directed staff to request invasive-species assessments from contractor Eric Radloff for six priority parcels; procurement and permitting constraints were discussed.
The Halas Conservation Commission on April 15 confirmed plans for habitat work and stepped-up invasive-species treatment in 2026.
Karen, who is organizing the bird- and bat-box installation, reported 18 RSVPs on Eventbrite and said the commission will install six bluebird boxes, a wood duck box and higher-mounted kestrel and bat boxes on Sunday at 1 p.m. Volunteers and equipment (post drivers, augers, electric screwdrivers) were coordinated; members agreed on logistics and discussed parking and assistance for attendees who may not want to walk up a hill.
On invasive species, Chair Joe said he would contact Eric Radloff to inspect four primary properties (Splint Pond; Rocky Pond Road near Beth’s house; the Sergwick parcel; Dunkley) and provide an estimate for shoreline and land treatment. Commissioners discussed legal constraints on volunteers doing shoreline treatment and noted that professionals and permits may be required in certain areas. Procurement rules were reviewed: projects over $5,000 typically require three bids, and members discussed splitting work to stay below thresholds where appropriate.
Connie identified three parcels for priority walks this year — the Nashville River line (about 20 acres), Worcester Conservation Land near new subdivisions, and a Birch Hill parcel known as Corey’s front lot — and the commission agreed to walk at least one this year and continue incremental invasive treatment across parcels.
Members also discussed using mobile apps (iNaturalist/SEEK) for inventories and continuing public education at events such as Old Home Days. No formal procurement was executed at the meeting; staff were assigned to solicit estimates and coordinate contractors and volunteers.
