Erosion control discussed by conservation commission

Janice Clowes, president of the Vassalboro Historical Society, captured the silhouette of the monument in the park, next to the historical society building.

by Mary Grow

Vassalboro Conservation Commission members continued discussion of plantings in Monument Park, in East Vassalboro, at their Feb. 12 meeting. As at previous meetings in December 2024 and January 2025, they came to no decision (see the Jan. 2 issue of The Town Line, p. 2, and the Jan. 16 issue, p. 3).

Their goals are to improve erosion control along China Lake and Outlet Stream, while preserving views of the lake, and to create a demonstration erosion control garden. Issues are what to plant, where to plant and how to pay for plantings and maintenance.

They decided they should visit the area before making a decision, and scheduled a meeting there at 5 p.m., Tuesday, March 25.

Another ongoing discussion was about trees in China cemeteries, a topic that requires cooperation with the town’s cemetery committee. Commission Chairman Holly Weidner plans to confirm with Town Manager Aaron Miller that the plan he proposed last fall remains in effect.

In new business Feb. 12, Weidner reported briefly on meetings she attended about the TriWatershed Management Plan, which includes Webber Pond, Three Mile Pond and Three Cornered Pond; and about China Region Lakes Alliance plans.

CRLA is currently without an executive director. Weidner said board members are interviewing candidates to oversee the summer 2025 Courtesy Boat Inspection (CBI) program, intended to protect regional lakes from invasive species.

Weidner proposed Conservation Commission members review the town ordinance that established the commission and defined its duties, to make sure the document is up to date and to consider how well they are implementing it.

The commission is allowed to have seven members; it now has six, Weidner observed.

The next Vassalboro Conservation Commission meeting is scheduled for Wednesday evening, April 9.