741 Colonel Ledyard Highway  
Ledyard, Connecticut 06339  
TOWN OF LEDYARD  
Conservation Commission  
Meeting Minutes  
Chairman  
Mike Marelli  
Regular Meeting  
Tuesday, August 8, 2023  
6:45 PM  
Town Hall Annex - Hybrid Format  
I.  
CALL TO ORDER  
Chairman Marelli called the meeting to order at 6:45 p.m.  
II.  
ROLL CALL  
Commissioner Roberta Levandoski  
Commissioner David Holdridge  
Commissioner Kathleen Edgecomb  
Commissioner Barbara Kil  
Present  
Commissioner Michael E. Marelli  
Commissioner James Harwood  
Alternate Member Jessica Buhle  
Commissioner Betsy Graham  
Excused  
Non-voting  
Barbara Kill was appointed as a voting member.  
Also in attendance:  
Town Councilor Mary McGrattan  
Town Councilor Naomi Rodriguez  
Guest Maggie Favretti of Alliance for the Mystic River Watershed  
III.  
1.  
REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES  
Motion to APPROVE Regular Meeting Minutes for July 11, 2023, as written.  
APPROVED AND SO DECLARED  
Michael E. Marelli  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
David Holdridge  
SECONDER:  
5
2
Levandoski Holdridge Edgecomb Kil Marelli  
Harwood Buhle  
AYE  
EXCUSED  
IV.  
CORRESPONDENCE  
None.  
V.  
PUBLIC COMMENTS  
None present.  
VI.  
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS  
Maggie Favretti of Alliance for Mystic River Watershed gave a presentation on the new  
non-profit organization and the importance of all waters upstream that eventually feed into the  
Mystic River. The watershed is located in the towns of Ledyard, Groton, Stonington, North  
Stonington, Mashantucket and Eastern Pequot lands. The Alliance wants to apply for a federal  
climate resilience grant to complete GPS mapping of the watershed, among other things. The  
alliance is looking for letters of support from all entities in and around the watershed for its work  
on studying and protecting the waters. After reviewing the letters NOA will decide if it will  
extend an invitation to the alliance to apply for the grant. Ms. Favretti was expected to meet with  
Mayor Fred Allen III for a letter of support from the Town.  
VII. OLD BUSINESS  
Property Walks.  
None.  
1.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
5.  
6.  
Financial Reports.  
No change.  
Pollinator Pathways Project continued.  
No report.  
Field clearing at White-Hall Property.  
No report.  
New signage at White-Hall Property.  
No report.  
Any Other Old Business to come before the Commission.  
The Conservation Commission’s table at the Ledyard Farmer’s Market was a success. Two  
people expressed interest in joining the Commission, which was two alternate positions open.  
The Alliance for Mystic River Watershed is having a Noank Gathering on August 21, 2023,  
from 4-6 p.m., at Palmers Provisions, 17 Pearl Street, Noank. Discussion will include how  
oysters contribute to ecological health and coastal resilience as well as providing food and  
livelihoods for humans. All are invited.  
The Ledyard Democratic Town Committee is hosting a meet-and-greet on August 26, 2023,  
from 4-6 pm., with state elected officials to talk about goals for the next legislative session. All  
are invited.  
The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters would like to have a “Climate, Coffee and  
Conversation” event for residents to meet elected State Officials to discuss environmental issues.  
Ms. Graham will investigate.  
Tri-Town Trail Day is on October 1, 2023, at Preston Park. The Commission is invited to set up  
a table.  
VIII. NEW BUSINESS  
Purchase of invasive plant booklets.  
1.  
Motion to REIMBURSE Betsy Graham in the amount of $65.00 for the purchase of invasive  
plant booklets which the Commission will give to residents during public events.  
APPROVED AND SO DECLARED  
Michael E. Marelli  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
Barbara Kil  
SECONDER:  
5
2
Levandoski Holdridge Edgecomb Kil Marelli  
Harwood Buhle  
AYE  
EXCUSED  
Any Other New Business to come before the Commission.  
2.  
Motion to AUTHORIZE Chairman Marelli to write a letter of support for the Alliance for the  
Mystic River Watershed to apply for a NOA grant, contingent on discussions with Mayor Fred  
Allen III.  
APPROVED AND SO DECLARED  
David Holdridge  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
Roberta Levandoski  
SECONDER:  
5
2
Levandoski Holdridge Edgecomb Kil Marelli  
Harwood Buhle  
AYE  
EXCUSED  
IX.  
ADJOURNMENT  
DISCLAIMER: Although we try to be timely and accurate these are not official records of the  
Town.