Town of Edgecomb Minutes for Schmid Advisory Committee Meeting
January 15, 2003, 7:00 p.m., Town Hall

1. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Bob Leone, Chairman, at 7:00 p.m. Committee members present were Andy Abello, Jim Beam, Bob Leone, Dick Oulton, Deborah Sondergaard, and David Tonry. Also present were Janet Blevins, Faith Coakley, Barry Hathorne, John Markowski, and Betty Twarog.

2. Chairman's Report - Bob Leone

A. Review of Meeting Minutes: The second sentence in 3.A. was changed to read, "The plan for River-link is to spend approximately $1.5 million from LFMF to buy or obtain easements to keep the land from the Sheepscot River to the Damariscotta River as an undeveloped conservation zone." The third paragraph under 3.A. was deleted. The fourth and fifth sentences under 4.A. were changed to read, "Bob Brown said the deed is correct but changes could be made on the map. A field survey to make those map changes is estimated to cost a maximum of $500." The third paragraph under 4.A. as a clarification was changed to read, "Bob Leone said that the field survey money might be tied to any future Haselton funds." In the second sentence in 4.B. the number 13 was deleted. As a clarification, the second sentence in the second paragraph under 8. was changed to read, "Its trail system may link up with those in the preserve, but the Schmid Preserve will be managed in accordance with the town-approved Management Plan.

B. Next Meeting: February 19, 2003.

C. New Board Member: The chairman introduced Dick Oulton as the new board member, replacing Heidi Gagnon.

3. Selectman's Report - Bob Zak

A. River-link: In Bob Zak's absence, Bob Leone reported on the River-link proposal for funding made by DRA, SVCA, Schmid Preserve Committee, Town of Edgecomb, and Maine Coast Heritage Trust to Land for Maine's Future, a copy of which was available at the meeting. He said the first cut would be made in late January and the final decision would be made in late March. The decision at that time will fit in with the board's schedule for submitting warrants, if needed, for Town Meeting.

4. Land Acquisition, Boundaries and Roads - David Tonry

A. Barry Hathorne distributed a map of the preserve, which indicated 17 access points where signs prohibiting ATVs could be placed. He gave the committee eight signs which he had obtained from the State. Bob Leone suggested posting the perimeter signs first. If signs are posted, it was thought that Inland Fish and Wildlife would enforce them.

B. David Tonry distributed draft copies of a map/brochure which will be made available at the kiosk. The map shows trails which are indicated in the Management Plan and several others that the committee had marked. Bob Leone suggested that the preserve be shaded and the foundation and well locations be deleted. With regard to the mica mines, it was decided to put the words "mica mines" in the area where three mines are located and eliminate marking the others. Deb Sondergaard said that contour lines were needed and asked if they could be made more distinct. Trails can be highlighted in different colors. Names of the trails and colors will be indicated on the text side of the brochure below the Location Map. Faith Coakley suggested that the area around the preserve be shaded, rather than the preserve. Betty Twarog suggested that the dark lines outlining the preserve be eliminated. Andy Abello will contact Maureen Hoffman who might have a topo map of the preserve which could be reduced to 8-1/2" x 11". Trails that do not go anywhere will be eliminated. A decision about showing trails not on the preserve property will be made at a later date. The acreage shown in the Overview section will be corrected.

5. Public Relations and Stewardship - Andy Abello and Deb Sondergaard

A. Management Plan Timeline Review: Bob Leone reviewed the items on the Ten Year Implementation Plan, most of which had been or were being accomplished. Comments on particular line items: David Tonry will develop a plan in consultation with Bob Brown for scheduling boundary inspections. David recommended repainting 20% of the boundaries each year. Small signs which were destroyed or taken have not been replaced, the gate on Mt. Hunger Road East will not be installed because the beaver pond serves the purpose, roads are not planned for restoration because they will be maintained as trails, and fluorescent orange strips will be placed on the gates. Money has not been requested from the Recreation Trails Program fund, although funds had been received from MDOT. The fields will be mowed this year. Andy Abello cited a delayed mowing incentive plan which has money available to accomplish that purpose and he will check whether towns are eligible to apply. No wildlife plantings have been done. Barry Hathorne volunteered to show the committee how to prune the apple trees, and the work could be done by volunteers. Building and installing bluebird and duck boxes may be a suitable Eagle Scout project and will be mentioned in a newsletter. Bob Leone will ask Bob Brown to organize the biannual forest health inspection.

Trapping on the preserve was discussed and Bob Zak will be asked whether trappers are seeking permission from the Town. It is allowed in the management plan and it was suggested that someone from Inland Fish and Wildlife or a warden speak to the committee on trapping as well as other topics. Trapping will be put on the agenda for the next meeting.

B. January 26 - Placement of ATV sign: Bob Leone scheduled a work day on January 26th, weather permitting, to put up the signs prohibiting ATVs. Volunteers will meet at Town Hall at 8:30 a.m. with skis or snowshoes. Bob Leone will mount the signs on plywood.

6. Trails - Jim Beam

A. Planning for spring 2003: Bob Leone said the first weekend in June is National Trails Day. The committee had a patrolling day last year on that day ending up with a picnic and will schedule one for this year as well. He recommended that perhaps two weeks before Town Meeting the committee schedule the dedication of the parking area and the new section of trail. Marking the trail will have to be done the end of March or first of April and while the bridge may not be complete, it could be started. Boundary work can be done in the summer. Bob Leone asked for suggestions on marking the trails.

7. Other Business

Andy Abello said that the survey of the Haselton property could not be paid for from the LFMF grant, as that cost was not spelled out in the grant application; however, other grants could be applied for to cover the cost.

Bob Leone said that the committee may want to hire someone to plow the parking area, and Andy Abello suggested having a ski/snowshoe/pot luck fund raiser to cover the cost.

Andy Abello passed around a newsletter from the Maine Department of Transportation with an article and picture of the crew working on the kiosk

Bob Leone said he would not be applying for a Gateway grant this year because there was no immediate project that needed funding; however, it might be applied for again next year if an appropriate project comes up. He said he would leave the application in the Schmid box in case anyone had a need for it.

8. Public Input and Comment - None

9. Adjourn: The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.