TOWN OF SOUTH HERO
Conservation Commission DRAFT Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 23, 2026, 4:30 P.M.
(RESCHEDULED from June 16)
at the South Hero Town Office
All members present: Bob Fireovid, Joan Falcao, Bridget Kerr, Mark Naud
Call to Order by members at 4:35; Mark, Chair, arrived at 4:45; Zoom component of the meeting
was not started until 4:45 because a link had not been set up for this rescheduled (nonrecurring)
meeting.
Public Input (items not on the agenda) – No public attendees online or in person.
Approved May 19, 2026, minutes. Joan moved, Bob 2d to approve. Unanimous.
Lavin Vision Steering Committee follow-up from the June 20 Community Walk event
(postponed due to rain from June 14). 15 people attended, with approximately half not being part
of the SHCC or other Town bodies. Residents seemed enthusiastic about options for the parcel,
especially for recreational trail potential, though the path was very wet, muddy, and deeply rutted
the day of the walk. On the walk, there was no clear delineation of the 8 permitted mound areas,
which created some confusion. CC members wonder why there was an area cleared of shrubs &
trees on Lot 8 just South of the high power transmission lines. Since this is not part of any town
project or work for the Vision project, Joan will follow up with the town zoning office. During
the walk, residents asked about the existence of a vernal pool located on Lot 7, but were told by
officials on the walk that this vernal pool was not yet confirmed (by the state?). Therefore, CC
members examined and discussed David Tudhope’s 2023 wetland information, as well as the
recently posted updated wetland maps by Fitzgerald, which depict large areas of wetlands
throughout the parcel and a vernal pool on Lot 7. A June 8, 2026, Fitzgerald map states: “Vernal
Pool confirmed by FEA with salamander and wood frog egg masses present.”
South Hero Town Beach/White’s Beach shoreline project and trees – Guy Maguire of South
Hero Land Trust relayed to Mark that many of the tree removals are not technically part of their
project. However, these trees are considered past their prime and are liabilities for the Town.
Joan will check in with Tree Warden Anne Zolotas regarding specifics. If plans are to remove the
trees all at once, any shade at the beach would be eliminated for some time.
Budget review is tabled until the next meeting.
CC Membership – additional recruitment. Bridget met a few new residents on Lavin walk who
may be interested in joining the CC. Mark’s investigation into the potential for increasing
eligibility for CC membership was tabled until the next meeting.
Next Meeting is scheduled for 4:30 pm Tuesday, July 28 th. Bridget will connect with Naomi for
the rescheduled Zoom link and the Town calendar for board room use that afternoon/evening.
Meeting adjourned at 6:10 pm.
Submitted by Bridget Kerr, CC Clerk