The meeting was called to order by Bob Leone, Chairman, at 7:00 p.m. Committee members present were Andy Abello, Bob Leone, Dick Oulton, Deborah Sondergaard, David Tonry and Jo Cameron. Also present were Chris Burton, Faith Coakley, Barry Hathorne, and Betty Twarog. There was no public input

1. Chairman’s Report - Bob Leone
   1. Review of Meeting Minutes: The date of the minutes of the previous meeting was corrected to June 18, 2003.
   2. Next meeting: October 15, 2003
   3. RiverLink, LFMF: A statement of value had been prepared previously, but more specific information is necessary. Andy Noyes will prepare the appraisal which is estimated to cost $400 to $500. It will be paid for by DRA from RiverLink funds.
   4. Trapping Request: A request to trap fisher and coyote in the Schmid Preserve had been received from Mike Brown of Jefferson. A letter signed by Jo Cameron with copies to the wardens will be sent giving permission to trap through August 31, 2004 and advising that trapping within 250 feet of marked trails or roads is prohibited, as is beaver trapping. Barry Hathorne expressed concern with coyote trapping because of the danger to dogs during the bird hunting season. Bob Leone will advise Mike Brown of the concern of the bird hunters and that if there are problems, the bird hunters will be given priority.
2. Selectman’s Report - Jo Cameron
   1. Budget Status: Expenses have amounted to $149.72, leaving a balance of $1,600.28. Of the $100 printing budget, $75 has been spent.
3. Land Acquisition, Boundaries and Roads - David Tonry
   1. Gate Damage: Bob Leone and David Tonry had straightened the bent gate at Old County Road.
   2. Old County Road Update: David reported that Chris Burton was building a house on his 85-acre property on Old Country Road adjacent to the preserve. Chris was advised that the gates to the preserve will be open for hunting season. Chris offered to widen the parking area and block the area to the right of the gate with rocks to keep vehicles out when the gate is locked.
4. Public Relations and Stewardship - Andy Abello and Deb Sondergaard
   1. Map/Brochure: 400 maps have been distributed. Bob Leone reported that some people had been lost in the preserve for several hours. He said that the area around the trail entrances had been mowed to make them more visible and that marker posts were at every trail head.
   2. Mowing: $600 has been budgeted for mowing the fields; however, a grant for $338 will be coming from the US Dept. of Agriculture, reducing the amount needed. A similar grant will be received every other year for the next six years. Mowing will begin shortly.
   3. Apple Tree Restoration: A "Pruning Old Trees" workshop by Barry Hathorne was tentatively scheduled for October 26. The charge or donation request will be discussed at the next meeting. The goal is to provide fruit for the wildlife.
   4. Road sign at Bob Brown Parking Area: The sign was vandalized in the past week. Bob Leone said that under "Other Business" at the next meeting he would bring an inventory of the signs that now exist on the preserve and a list of suggestions for signs. Betty Twarog said that she had heard from people who could not find the preserve because of lack of signage. Bob Leone said he would try to put up a temporary sign.
5. Trails - Jim Beam and Dick Oulton
   1. Trail Flagging: Bob Leone said he and David had tried to establish a link trail, and more work on that will be done this fall. He will try to do some flagging on October 26th. Deb Sondergaard said she would organize a planning session for construction of the bridge.
6. Other Business

   None

7. Public Input and Comment

   None