Forester reports completed tower‑site road; next timber‑sale road work estimated at $19,500, commission plans Jimtown road walk for NRCS grant

At the Randolph Community Forest Committee meeting on June 4, 2025, David DeGruttola of LandVest reported several operational updates: the access road for the tower site has been completed using gravel from the Farrar tract and sod scraped from the roadway has been set aside for later revegetation. DeGruttola said he will bring winter rye seed for the preserved sod and that JML will pick up wood left on the landing for firewood. He also said a gate will be installed to prevent unauthorized vehicle use.

DeGruttola told the commission the Little Ledge timber‑sale site is expected to be closed out by the end of June or early July. Looking ahead, he said the next timber sale will require ditching, grading and culvert installation; JML provided an estimate of $19,500 for that road work.

Mark Kelley said work on the Jimtown Logging Road may be eligible for an NCRS grant and that the commission will walk the road with Kelley Eggleston on June 19 to assess needs including culverts and a bridge. Kelley suggested contacting local snowmobile clubs about sharing costs and noted the culvert on Randolph Hill Road that currently causes runoff will be among locations addressed.

Committee members did not take a formal vote on these planning items; the discussion focused on scheduling, grant eligibility and contractor estimates. Next procedural steps include the June 19 site walk and confirming funding options for the Jimtown work and the road work estimate for the next timber sale.