Conservation Commission
Work undertaken by the Falmouth Conservation Commission in 2008 focused on bringing in speakers to educate interested citizens and committee members and participation in community events. Conservation Commission members are: Chair Lissa Robinson, Mel Dickenson, Frank Ruch, Caleb Hemphill, Sean Mahoney and Christopher Kittredge. The following highlights the committee’s activities in 2008
Falmouth Conservation Commission Updates
- Fielded questions from other towns and organizations regarding vernal pools.
- Contributed to preliminary discussions with Town Council and others regarding the formation of a Town energy committee.
- Participated in Natural Resource Review project led by LPAC.
- Attended activities related to vernal pool monitoring project at several Falmouth locations.
- Participated in Open Space Committee activities.
- Attended Town Chairs meetings to discuss governance.
- Conducted discussions regarding Outdoor Wood Boilers and, with the help of staff, developed recommendations for ordinance language.
- Set up a booth and attended Falmouth Green Expo.
- Gained new member, Sean Mahoney.
- Fielded questions from other towns and organizations regarding Invasive plant species.
2008_Presentations (hosted by FCC)
The FCC brought in several speakers in 2008 to provide presentations on key topics. These meetings were open to the public.
Contaminants in Maine’s Birds with Wing Goodale
Wing Goodale of Falmouth presented the preliminary findings from a report on contaminants in Maine birds that he prepared on behalf of the Biodiversity Research Institute in Gorham. The research sought to determine if manmade contaminants were present and accumulating in bird species.
Invasives with Bob Bittenbender
Bob Bittenbender of the Maine Audubon discussed ecological threats posed by invasives and how to distinguish between noninvasive alien plants and invasives. He presented information on how he has managed invasive plants for his work at Gilsland Farm in Falmouth and other Maine Audubon properties.
Yardscaping with Pat Ianni
Pat Ianni provided the FCC with a presentation to share new perspectives on the relationship between lawn and garden practices and the water quality of Casco Bay. This presented prompted the Conservation Commission to develop a page on yardscaping on the Town website.
Community Wind Development with David Critchfield
David Critchfield of Emsource described his work assisting municipalities in the preparation of grant applications for the installation of wind monitoring equipment. Through Efficiency Maine, the Maine Public Utilities Commission developed a grant program to help Maine-based schools, communities, non-profits and businesses assess the economic viability of proposed windmill sites. Mr. Critchfield explained that the program has particular appeal to municipalities who want to explore alternative property uses at, for example, closed landfills.
Watershed Survey, Piscataqua River, with Fred Dillon
Fred Dillon of FB Environmental Consulting gave a presentation on the Watershed Survey work performed on the Piscataqua River and tributaries. The project was conducted under a 319 Grant in partnership with the DEP, EPA, Cumberland County Soil and Water District, and Presumpscot Riverwatch.
Falmouth Conservation Commission Members participated and attended the following events:
Vernal Pool Event
On April 30, 2008, Sally Stockwell of Maine Audubon and Caleb Hemphill of Falmouth conducted a vernal pool mapping, monitoring and protection seminar at the Maine Audubon Society headquarters at Gilsland Farm. This event included a field visit to a vernal pool in Falmouth. The event was sponsored by the Maine Association of Conservation Commissions.
Quality of Place
Dick Barringer gave a presentation in Yarmouth summarizing the first report of the Governor’s Council on Maine’s Quality of Place. This report followed up on recommendations identified in the Brookings Institution report conducted by GrowSmart Maine. This event was sponsored by the Maine Association of Conservation Commissions.
Green Expo
FCC members developed and manned a Falmouth Conservation Commission booth and attended the Falmouth Green Expo hosted by the Falmouth Open Space Committee.
Liaisons
FCC members are active liaisons on the following Town committees, community initiatives, and state conservation boards:
- Falmouth Trails Advisory Committee
- Falmouth Conservation Corps
- Tidewater Conservation Foundation
- Falmouth Land Trust
- Open Space
- Green Ribbon Commission on Energy and Climate Change
- Falmouth Long-range Planning Advisory Committee
- Maine Association of Conservation Commissions
Budget Request -- The Conservation Commission is requesting $500 to cover expenses such as providing refreshments at workshops the Commission plans on conducting in 2009.
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