be helpful. He said the trail is marked but since his house is close to the trail, people wander onto
his property. The Commission agreed that putting up "private property" signs along the property
line would be appropriate. Mr. Cohen's phone number and email will be passed along to
Chairman Marelli for further action.
DISCUSSED
RESULT:
VI.
1.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
Informational Items.
1. Riparian buffers - Chairman Marelli began researching and drawing up a proposal to pass an
ordinance/zoning regulation for riparian buffers on all the Town's inland wetland waterways to
be presented to Town Commissions. Chairman Marelli discussed this subject with Juliet Hodge,
Town Planner and the Mayor Fred Allyn III, both are in favor.
2. Chairman Marelli attended the Mystic River Watershed Alliance meeting on February 22,
2024. Betsy Graham also attended and reported that the Alliance is looking for students to
participate in co-designing solutions to problems along the watershed. Ms. Kil said she will
contact someone at the Ledyard HS Agricultural Department.
3. Chairman Marelli attended the Connecticut Sea Grant Program for sustainable and resilient
communities funding workshop at UConn Avery Point campus in Groton on March 7, 2024. He
spoke with CT DEEP representatives concerning potential grant opportunities for the future.
4. Funding ideas, including a possible timber harvest was discussed with the Mayor.
5. Chairman Marelli is researching professional foresters and invasive plant removal companies
for Burton Property, including possible grants. He has still not heard back from the State
Forester. The Commission is expecting a written report soon.
6. Should the Commission contribute to the Connecticut Land Conservation Council? The
Commission has supported the group in the past but last year did not make a contribution, which
was an oversight. All agreed to contribute and Support the Council.
ACTION ITEM:
Vote on an amount to contribute to the Land Conservation Council during the April meeting.
DISCUSSED
VII. OLD BUSINESS
RESULT:
Property Walks.
No comments.
1.
2.
3.
Financial Reports.
No comments.
Pollinator Pathways Project continued.
Chairman Marelli met with Scott Johnson, Parks and Recreation Director, who will speak with
Public Works to ask them to look at the Highland Lake Park drainage situation. Parks and
Recreation is short staffed and that prevented the completion of plans for the Bush Pond project.
The draft plan addressed to various Commissions will be submitted for approval. Planting the
riparian buffer should be started soon. Chairman Marelli offered the Commission to help with
planting. Parks and Recreation will ask the Rotary Club for help tending to the gardens.