TOWN OF SOUTH HERO
Conservation Commission Meeting
Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at 6:30 P.M.
at the South Hero Town Office
and via Zoom
Meeting Minutes
Members attending: Bob Fireovid, Cynthia Kelley, Bridget Kerr, Mark Naud
Public attendees:
Call to Order – Bridget called the meeting to order at 6:38p.
Finalize the Agenda – No modifications.
3) Public Input (items not on the agenda) – No public attendees.
4) Update on town trails – Bridget discussed the town trails subcommittee of the Town
Recreation has not been meeting recently, and there is some Land Trust work to connect
with the Robinson trail. We would like to see some effort from the Conservation
Committee to support trail connectivity in the event the Recreation Committee is focused
on other efforts. Bridget will connect with Phil Scott, Rec. Committee Chair, about the
committee’s priorities.
5) CC Facebook & Education Outreach – Cristin has taken the lead on the FB page, and we’ll
ask her to update the Committee when she is available in January. The Committee
discussed FB and FPF as primary media communication avenues.
6) Brief Report on the Status of Act 59 (30 X ’30, 50 X ’50) – Bridget shared the link for a
recent presentation on the new conservation initiative: VHCB Public Information Session
30×30 VT Conservation Strategy Initiative 113023 Bridget has reached out to the
Implementation Team so that the So Hero Cc can be engaged as Stakeholders in the
initial process. There was additional mention of ACT 250 changes for further discussion .
7) CC Fundraising – There was a question at the last meeting on whether and how the CC can
raise funds, and manage funds for CC work. Jens shared his references to the statute and
links to other towns.
Bob discussed fund accounting with Kim Julow regarding how funds can be held.
8) CC Budget Proposal Submitted to Selectboard – The budget proposal was presented to
the Selectboard, who will take it under advisement. Selectboard members inquired about
the Natural Resource Inventory (definition) and the significance of Kestrel initiative in the
Islands. Follow up with Anne and Ross regarding their inquiries was recommended.
9) Approve minutes from November 21 meeting – Cynthia moved to accept minutes as
written, with typo correction. Bridget 2d. Unanimous consent.
10) Preparation for Next Meeting – Next meeting is January 16, 2024. FB page and FPF follow-
up with Cristin. There was discussion about whether to only provide Zoom meeting
connectivity for the January meeting.
11) Adjourn – Bridget adjourned the meeting at 7:40p.