Chairman Bob Leone called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Board members present were Andy Abello, Jim Beam, Jo Cameron, Bob Leone, Chris Riser, Deborah Sondergaard and David Tonry. Also present were Janet Blevins, Faith Coakley, Barry Hathorne, John Markowski and Betty Twarog. There was no public input.

1. Volunteer insurance coverage:
   The renewal application for MMA volunteer accident insurance will be sent in shortly.
2. Lallis lien update:
   Jo Cameron will ask Attorney Ferguson to check after Thanksgiving to see if the lien has been lifted or renewed as of the renewal date of November 18.

1. October River~Link Meeting:
   Andy Abello and Bob Leone attended a River~Link meeting on October 11 at DRA. The status of various properties on the River~Link was discussed; some have agreements to allow the trail, some have been purchased, and some owners will be contacted again to see if they are interested in selling. The committee will be seeking funds for a kiosk where the River~Link and Schmid Preserve trails meet. The Governor will cut the ribbon and unveil the River~Link trail at 10 a.m. on Thursday, October 25, at Dodge Point in Newcastle. Board members and Selectmen were invited to attend. Bob Leone showed examples of the trail marker and logo of the River~Link trail.
2. Boundary maintenance:
   David Tonry said that 8% to 10% of the boundary has been painted. He will be working on this during the fall.

1. Bylaws:
   Bob Leone said that he had reviewed the bylaws and noted that they limit membership on the Board to three consecutive terms. Unless changed, some of the members will be unable to continue on the Board. A vote of the Board and approval of the Selectmen will be needed to change the bylaws. Board members will address this matter again in January.

   Management Plan:

   1. Administration:
      an update is required every ten years. Bob Leone recommended that the plan be updated after the title to the Church property is secured. He estimated that it may cost $3,000 to $5,000 and possibly a grant would be available for this work.
   2. Boundaries:
      remarking should be done every 10 years. Work on this should be completed in the next three years.
   3. Access Roads and Safety
      criteria has been met - signs have been installed, roads are gated, wells covered.
   4. Hiking Trails:
      ongoing and River~Link is the next phase.
   5. Wildlife Management:
      work on the woodcock habitat is planned and there is more that can be done for other species.
   6. Forest Management:
      would be advantageous to have a health assessment by a Department of Conservation forester.
   7. Land Acquisition:
      Acquired Haselton and River~Link is ongoing.
   8. Public Relations:
      the Board makes an Annual report in the Town Report and issues an annual newsletter.
2. Dan McAuley follow-up:
   McAuley had left a message that he would visit the preserve in the middle of October relative to establishing a woodcock habitat. Andy Abello will contact him again.
3. Mowing:
   Barry Hathorne will finish mowing the Middle Road field on October 18 and then begin on the Haggett field.
4. Annual Newsletter:
   Andy Abello said he plans to send the newsletter out between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Bob Leone will write an article about the governor's visit and Jo Cameron will write on tree diseases. Other articles and photos should be brought to the next meeting.

1. Work trip Sunday, November 4, from 8 to 12:
   Volunteers will meet at Town Hall at 8 am with loppers and saws to work on a section of the River~Link trail.

In response to Chris Riser's question on the state of the Bob Brown parking lot, Bob Leone said that he had heard no further complaints.

David Tonry said a friend who visited the preserve commented that there was no address available to which donations could be sent. David suggested that an address be available.

Betty Twarog asked the status of the sign for the Middle Road field. Bob Leone said that Joe McSwain would be routing the sign as soon as he has obtained the wood for it.

Chris Riser asked whether a wireless tower would be allowed in the preserve. Janet Blevins said the FCC can put up towers where needed; however, electricity and access by road would be required.

The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.