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Council Looks at Forestry Plan for Preserve, Other Lands

April 15, 2009 - WINDHAM -- Windham town officials are working on the outlines of a proposal that would create a forestry management plan for town-owned property, which could ultimately lead to selective cutting within places like the 308-acre Lowell Preserve.

Recreation Director Brian Ross got approval from the Town Council Tuesday to consult with forestry and conservation experts to see how much it would cost to create a forestry management plan, which could help keep the forest healthy and conducive to recreational pursuits. Ross said initial research showed that a plan could be created for the Lowell Preserve for around $2,000, but councilors said they would like to see a plan for all town woodlands, of which there is a total of over 500 acres.

But first the Town Council wants to discuss the idea in a workshop or series of workshops to better get a handle on the objectives of a management plan. Those priorities, which could include wildlife protection, trail maintenance and development or direction on which type of trees are preferred, among other things, would then be given to the forester creating the plan, Ross said. The council would have to include in the budget funds for the plan, and then approve any subsequent plan before cutting of any kind was done.

The development of a forestry management plan was being explored by Ross and Town Manager Tony Plante after a logger approached the town about the possibility of logging in Lowell Preserve, with part of the proceeds going to the town. The proposal, said Plante, made him realize that a forestry plan might be needed for the area, and he asked Ross to look into it.

The process caused some confusion when a resident who lives near the Preserve told the council during a recent meeting that logging was being conducted in the Preserve. It was the first the council had heard of the plan, and some of the members, most vocally Donna Chapman, were upset that Plante had taken those steps without informing the council.

Plante said Tuesday that he and Ross were only exploring the possibility of creating a plan and at no time was any logging done. They were gathering information to bring to the council, Plante said, and he was planning on updating the council the same night the resident complained.

Councilors Carol Waig and Liz Wisecup said they supported the idea of creating a forestry management plan because an unkept forest can be a fire hazard, and can impact the growth of the trees.

"You have to keep the forest healthy," said Wisecup.

Other councilors said they wanted to learn more about forestry and forestry management plans, prompting the matter to be moved to a workshop.

By Ben Bragdon
Assistant Editor - Lakes Region Weekly , April 10, 2009


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