VASSALBORO: Conservation commission looks at three different projects

by Mary Grow

At their April 9 meeting, Vassalboro Conservation Commission members continued planning work at two town parks; talked about the pending three-lake watershed survey; and rediscussed the contentious subject of cemetery trees.

Chairman Holly Weidner added information on a record tree in town, a slippery elm measured in 2014 and listed as the largest in Maine on the Maine State Big Tree Registry. It is in the road right-of-way, near a house whose owner says the insurance company wants it cut.

Weidner said in January a Project Canopy inspector said the tree is healthy. She plans to talk with state highway officials who can see about getting it marked and advise the homeowner.

Commission members, with generous help from Vassalboro’s public works crew, plan significant improvements at Eagle Park, between Outlet Stream and Route 32 north of East Vassalboro Village, this spring.

Weidner and commission member Steve Jones met with public works director Brian Lajoie to discuss roofing the pavilion, improving the parking area and grounds and building a second jetty to allow more room to fish in the stream.

Commission members plan to buy three picnic tables, one adapted for use from a wheelchair, from Rob Lemire’s Maine Adirondack Chairs, on Holman Day Road. Lajoie and Lemire agree the chairs can be left in the pavilion over the winter without harm, Weidner said.

Commission members voted unanimously to ask Town Manager Aaron Miller to buy three tables, two regular and one wheelchair-accessible, using money from the Conservation Commission budget.

Commission member Paul Mitnik, formerly Vassalboro’s codes officer, suggested some of the work near the water might need planning board approval. John Reuthe recommended checking with current codes officer, Eric Currie.

The issue at Monument Park, in the south end of East Vassalboro near the China Lake boat landing and dam, is erosion control along the shoreline: where it is needed and on whose property and what kinds of plantings are appropriate.

After another discussion, commission members again defined their objectives as protecting water quality and preserving views of the lake (thus limiting placement of trees and tall shrubs) while avoiding excessive initial and maintenance costs.

They intend to cooperate with the Kennebec Water District on the shoreline KWD owns. Weidner will look into a grant to help put in $3,000 worth of plants Jones suggested at the Jan. 8 commission meeting. Jones will provide an estimated maintenance cost.

Mitnik reported on a planning meeting he attended on the watershed survey scheduled for May 15, 16 and 17 around Webber, Threemile and Threecornered ponds. (See Mary Schwanke’s article on the front page of the April 10 issue of The Town Line for more information.)

Commission members are still not sure about responsibility for trees in cemeteries, an issue they’ve been discussing indirectly with Vassalboro Cemetery Committee members since last fall. (See the March 20 issue of The Town Line, p. 8, and references therein).

They decided they should attend the next cemetery committee meeting and, after pre-town meeting budget work is finished, consider approaching the select board. The cemetery committee meeting was then scheduled for April 21; the town website calendar later said it is rescheduled to 6 p.m., Monday, April 28.

The next Vassalboro Conservation Commission meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 14.