Minutes |
meeting in Westfield |
Upper Missisquoi and Trout Rivers
Wild and Scenic River Study Committee
Attendees
Jamie Fosburgh, John Little, Robert Qua, Mark Higley, Jayne & Jonathan Chase, Rick Hopkins, Bob Johnson, Mike Manahan, Chris O'Shea, Dan Rico, Laurie Stillwell, Anne McKay, Todd Kinney, Roland Mayhew, Brenda MacDonald-Kuper, Edward Ellis, Ken Secor, Wayne Hurtubise, Sylvia Jensen, Jacques Couture, Jim MacCartney, Cynthia Scott.
Study Committee Appointments
A committee roster dated Oct. 27/09 was provided by J. Fosburgh showing representatives appointed to date for the 10 communities and participating organizations. There are several Orleans towns which have not yet appointed a rep.
Coordinator Position
A draft job description for the local study coordinator's position was provided by J. Fosburgh. Issues such as continuity and length of contract, intern vs consultant, benefits, mileage reimbursement were discussed. It was suggested that the 'Upper Missisquoi' be described and that the 10 communities involved be named. Jane Chase and Rick Hopkins agreed to assist with interviews.
Draft Workplan Outline
A draft workplan outline was provided by J. Fosburgh for Committee review. The first steps (after committee formation and hiring of local coordinator) are to determine the river's free-flowing character and what natural, cultural or recreational values of the rivers might meet the "outstandingly remarkable" threshold for Wild and Scenic designation. Jamie indicated that to meet the "outstandingly remarkable" threshold a river feature/value must be significant at a statewide level. Two examples noted were Big Falls (largest undammed falls in Vermont) and flatwater canoeing (ranked among best in state).
The remainder of the workplan seeks to establish a common vision for the future management and protection (and potentially restoration) of the river and identified outstanding values.
There was substantial committee discussion of the workplan outline and how the Committee could engage the broader community in its investigations. Jamie noted that this is one of the most important aspects of the Study and the Committee's work. At the end of three years the effort would be a failure if the larger community has not been effectively engaged. This is item 6 on the draft workplan: Developing a Communications Strategy.
J. Fosburgh suggested bringing Joyce Kennedy to a future steering committee meeting to discuss the types of communications that have worked on the WSR Study of the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook in Connecticut; that study is in its third year.
Missisquoi River Basin Plan
R. Hopkins provided an excerpt of the draft Water Quality Management Plan produced in August 2008 by B. Gruessner but has not undergone either internal ANR or public review due to lack of staff. The interim plan does not address water classification, the Swanton dam, Carry Bay causeway, sewage or surface water supply, but can be available to the W&S committee. In reviewing its table of contents, there appeared to be much of use to the Wild and Scenic effort.
Next Meeting
The next Steering Committee meeting will take place on Thu., Dec. 10, 7 pm. in Richford. The Chase's (proposed re-activation of the Troy hydroelectric project) offered to provide a presentation on their plans and status as an agenda item (possibly a site visit could be organized too).
Minutes by: Cynthia Scott
This page last Updated March 19, 2010