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Montgomery conservation commission sets path to a long-term management plan for Town Land
Summary
The Montgomery Conservation Commission agreed Sept. 3 to prioritize a long-term management plan for Town Land, citing invasive knotweed, tree mortality and a 4.5-acre area slated for potential flood-plain restoration. The commission set a site walk for late Oct/early Nov, RFP timing and outreach to river-conservation partners.
The Montgomery Conservation Commission agreed on Sept. 3 to develop a long-term management plan for the town-owned parcel known as Town Land (TL), citing widespread knotweed, heavy browse and the death of many planted fruit and nut trees.
MCC member Matt Paggi reviewed the TL’s history and current uses and said the commission and community vision developed earlier by Carissa Stein remains a guide. Paggi reported that about 4.5 acres of the TL near the river has been identified as important to a proposed flood-plain restoration project the Town is pursuing, and that the commission already holds a grant to address knotweed expected to begin in 2026.
Visitor Charlie Hancock, identified in the attendance list as Selectboard Chair and Franklin/Grand Isle County Forester, told the commission the Town is working with Vermont River Conservancy (VRC) on conserving an adjacent parcel that could be transferred to Town ownership and tied into River Walk Park; he recommended MCC connect with VRC and review the Brownway Property in Enosburg as a model. Dorothy Kinney‑Landis, representing the Franklin County Natural Resources Conservation District (FCNRCD), said FCNRCD is exploring funding options for the proposed flood‑plain restoration and agreed the restoration must be considered in the TL plan.
Commissioners discussed options for who should prepare the plan; Dorothy agreed to check whether FCNRCD could be hired to develop it and Charlie suggested Arrowwood Environmental as another contractor possibility. MCC member Kip Potter proposed dividing the TL into five distinct management zones: a mature forest area with enrichment, an orchard area (with the possibility of a small structure), flood‑plain acreage, an early‑successional area to support nesting birds, and wetland/restoration space.
For near-term steps the commission set a schedule: Patrick Calecas and Kip Potter will send past plans and knotweed information to Dorothy; late October or early November (date to be set) the MCC and FCNRCD will walk the TL to assess surviving planted trees and mark survivors for protection; late fall the MCC will issue Requests for Proposals for management‑plan quotes; and early spring the commission will check the trees, mow most areas, and address interior knotweed. The commission agreed to contact Vermont Land Trust (VLT) and VRC about restoration work and the possibility of an easement.
The TL plan remains a work in progress; the commission said it will seek broader community input as planning advances and will coordinate with partner organizations to align restoration and public‑access objectives.
