CONSERVATION COMMISSION
ANNUAL REPORT
The Select Board re-instituted the Poland Conservation Commission in March, 2008. The following mission statement was developed by the new Commission and approved by the Select Board:
The purpose of the Commission is to study the value of lands in Poland that may be important for outdoor recreation, as water resources, as wildlife habitat, for timber harvesting, farming, historic or scenic value with a goal of implementing stewardship and preservation where appropriate.
While focusing on issues of land preservation, the Commission will entertain any conservation related projects. We are especially interested in working closely with other town committees and expanding membership to include, as associates, citizens who have a broad range of interests and values.
During the first year, the Conservation Commission has focused upon two primary goals:
- Exploration and study of the Town Forest and adjacent lands on Bragdon Hill. (Bragdon Hill Project). We have begun evaluation of these lands, participated in trail building, and produced maps and signage to make the properties more accessible to citizens. There have also been productive initial discussions with three abutters who have expressed interest in conservation easements or other arrangements that would expand the scope of the project.
- Engaging a broad range of citizens in discussion of land preservation in Poland. To this end discussions were held with a number of committees and the Tripp, Thompson and Range Ponds associations. Displays and information were also made available at Heritage Days and the Community Fair.
A major activity was the sponsorship of a successful and well attended Conservation Forum, titled, Land for Poland’s Future featuring discussion of the human and economic values of land preservation.
In joint discussions with the Economic Development Committee we reached a common understanding that conservation and business development are complementary not competitive interests. Preservation of our town’s “Quality of Place” (e.g., rural landscape and village atmosphere) will be an essential characteristic of future economic growth.
The Commission wishes to thank Dana Lee and the many members of the town staff who have supported and assisted our initial efforts. We also appreciate the financial contributions of the Tripp Lake Improvement Association and the Poland Economic Development Committee. These contributions enabled us to affiliate with the Maine Association of Conservation Commissions and with the Androscoggin Land Trust. Both of these associations have given unstintingly of their time and informational resources.
During the next year the Commission hopes to focus upon creating a conservation plan and a blueprint for funding land preservation projects in Poland. The Commission will also expand its base of associate members, hopefully including all sectors of the population in a broad array of conservation activities.
Respectfully submitted,
Poland Conservation Commission
Donald Stover, Chairman
Rich Haslip, Vice Chairman
Sue Ellis, Secretary
John Crouch
Fred Huntress
John Laskey
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