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FRANKLIN WATERSHED COMMITTEE Minutes for Public Monthly Meeting May 14, 2009 Felco Room, Franklin Homestead Present: Jim Cameron, Heidi Britch-Valenta, David Breed, Sue Clark, Ruth Ann Krayesky, Dick Benton, Lucille Rainville, Jim Dewing, Paul Stanley, Peter Benevento, Sue Warren-Vt DEC, Rolland Rainville, Guy Breault, David Lucey, Mike Manahan, Ronald Paradis, Greg Bouchard, The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM. Septic & Shoreline Surveys- Jim Cameron opened the meeting with an overview of the Septic & Shoreline Survey initiative. The goal is to survey 50 camps in each category this summer. Sue Warren, VT DEC gave an overview of what a desirable lake shoreline should contain to provide minimal erosion and runoff. Ideally rough, dense shrubbery and vegetation with deep root systems should cover most of the shoreline. A draft shoreline survey was then reviewed for comments and recommendations. A draft septic survey was also reviewed for the same purpose. Heidi will finalize the surveys which will be ready for a survey training session to be held June 4, 2009 at Ruth Ann Krayesky’s camp. Water Testing Results- Sue Warren, VT DEC presented the group with a handout comparing the 2007 & 2008 water sampling results for the Lake Carmi Tributaries. Sue stated that readings greater than 44 ppb were not desirable and that this value may be used as a rough benchmark (absent heavy rainfall) when interpreting and comparing sample results. Lay Monitoring Program & Lab Future- Sue Warren stated that funding for the Lay Monitoring Program and Lab is included in the currently proposed Vermont State budget. The budget has been passed in both legislative houses. The Governor however is expected to veto the budget and the monitoring program & lab may not survive additional budget cuts. Contingency plans to use an outside lab for testing have been made. A suggestion to use a second outside lab for testing was also discussed. It was disclosed that the VT DEC lab is EPA certified with more than sufficient quality control and that the use of a second, outside lab was not necessary. David Breed expressed concern for the concept in that using one lab is part of the control process for the results. Adding another lab results into the mix could result in confusing and misleading data. Susan Clark noted the lack of funding for this concept. Port-O-Let Rentals- A proposal by Dick Benton to partially fund a camp owner rental of a Port-O-Let for a weekend party was discussed. Jim Cameron made a motion that the FWC expend $25.00 from the general fund per camp for a Port-O-Let rental and that expenditures for this program not exceed $250.00 per year. Peter Benevento seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously carried. Efforts will be made to advertise this program in the next LCCA Newsletter. Agricultural Project Updates- Heidi Britch-Valenta Aerators- Jim Dewing reported that the Aerators are currently being assembled and will be ready and available in one week. Tree Planting- Jim Cameron reported on the tree planting at the Wagner Farm on April 25, 2009. More than a 100 trees were planted in a four hour period. Jim expressed hope that the next project would result in more volunteers. Dewing Stream Stabilization Project- The project is ongoing. Quotes for fence construction are out. Fencing will be placed on north side of the stream to keep cattle out of the stream. Fencing on the south side of the stream is not necessary as it is crop land. Project will be completed sometime between July and October. Paradis bank stabilization Project- When asked if the group should schedule a day to accomplish the Paradis buffer seeding, Ron Paradis said he would be able to seed the project without the group’s assistance but he would put in a receipt for the seed. Treasurers Report- Sue Clark Sue Clark reported that a total of $11,632.19 in Sec. 319 grant money has been spent and that the current balances in the Money Market & Checking accounts are $4038.43 and $2055.99 respectively. A nutrient management bill in the amount of $825.00 submitted by Andy Goudin was approved. Coordinator Updates- Heidi Britch-Valenta Time Sheets- Heidi distributed blank time sheets which document volunteer time, mileage and expenses. Heidi encouraged all participants to complete and submit time sheets for work expended on behalf of the FWC. Membership Applications- Heidi distributed membership applications and encouraged all to complete the same. The ability to document FWC membership is advantageous for grant applications and other endeavors. Section 319 Grant- The application for the 2009-2010 Sec. 319 Grant is completed and will be filed by the May 15th deadline. Septic Survey Project- Volunteers are needed to conduct the survey. A training session will be conducted June 4, 2009 at Ruth Ann Krayesky’s camp at 97 camp road. Raingarden Demonstration- Scheduled for July 18 at the Franklin Historical Log Cabin. Soil needs to be tested before the garden is planted. Greg Bouchard agreed to request Ben and Jerry’s ice cream for the event. Cover Crop Session- Conducted April 24th at the Franklin Homestead. Three farmers attended. Presentation was very informative. Better Back Roads- Linda Bodette of Better Back Roads will meet with Franklin Highway Dept to evaluate Swamp road for areas where road side erosion is evident on Monday, May 18th. Stream Assessment- A Westcott Shore stream and culvert assessment was conducted by Brendan O’Shea, Ashley Kane, and Heidi Britch-Valenta. Brendan will return in June to do further assessments. TMDL- Jim Cameron stated that the TMDL has been approved. The FWC is now eligible for funding from the Clean & Clear Program. Currently there is 1.9 million dollars available for project implementation. Fifty percent of applicants who apply receive funding. Applications are due over the summer. The FWC should take advantage of this program. 501(C)(3)- Peter Benevento will contact the appropriate legislative liaison to determine the status of the FWC application for recognition as a Federal tax exempt organization. Beach Clean Up- Dick Benton inquired if another community volunteer effort to clean up the north end beach area is planned. Jim Cameron stated the clean up initiative this year will be coordinated trough the LCCA. Cover Crops- Paul Stanley stated that Farm Agronomic Practices (FAP) application for state funding of cover crops should be completed in the near future. This funding is in conjunction with the FWC cover crop incentive. It was suggested that the FWC reserve a specific quantity of seed to guarantee availability in the fall. Ameri-corp volunteer- Peter Benevento reported on his inquiries to the Ameri-corp program to find out if a volunteer is a possibility for the group. He will have further information at the next meeting to report. The meeting adjourned at 9:00PM. Respectively submitted, Peter Benevento, Secretary