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Conservation Commission wins Selectmen support for boundary markers, invasive-plant workday and kiosk
Summary
The Board agreed to fund boundary markers and supported a conservation workday to remove invasive buckthorn and barberry at the Morrell property; the Commission will pursue a 4x4 informational kiosk at the Town Beach and draft a letter backing continued operation of the Bartlett Experimental Forest. The Board also agreed to allow Rick Gelting to join the commission.
Steve Frackleton of the Bartlett Conservation Commission asked the Selectmen for several actions: purchase and placement of conservation-land boundary markers at Stillings Grant and Pine Hill (the latter on town property at the top of Maple Villa), an invasive-plant workday at the Morrell property to remove buckthorn and barberry, and an informational kiosk in the gravel parking area off the River Street bridge to educate visitors about river ecology and watershed protection.
Frackleton said the Commission has price quotes for boundary markers; Town Administrator Lynn Jones suggested contacting the Department of Corrections Sign Shop for lower pricing, and Administrative Assistant Amanda Gagnon will forward the contact information. Frackleton described the invasive plants at BARA’s complex as having large roots that need to be dug out and said Bryan Morin of the Bartlett Athletic and Recreation Association had raised the issue with him.
On the kiosk, Frackleton said the proposed structure would be about 4 feet by 4 feet and would display items such as a Swift Saco Headwaters Alliance poster describing watershed protection, notices prohibiting overnight camping and urging leave-no-trace practices. Chairman Gene Chandler suggested meeting on site to determine an appropriate placement; Frackleton will coordinate with Chandler on timing.
The Commission also asked the Board to write to state and federal representatives in support of continued operation of the Bartlett Experimental Forest; the Selectmen agreed and Frackleton will draft the letter. The Board agreed to let Rick Gelting join the Conservation Commission; Gagnon will send Gelting an application form via Frackleton.
The Selectmen voiced general support for the Commission’s proposals but asked that placement of markers at Stillings Grant wait until conservation land boundaries are finalized.
