Special Conservation Commission Meeting (extended from the walk on the Lavin
property)
Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 4:30 at South Hero Town Office
Attendees: Mark Naud, Bob Fireovid, Cynthia Kelley
Public: Joan Falco
The Conservation Commission considers this meeting as a continuation of the site visit
to the Lavin property that was held on Friday, June 20, 2025. Meeting began at 4:30.
On June 20, members of the Conservation Commission (Bob Fireovid and Cynthia
Kelley) and SHLT (with Guy McGuire and members of the SHLT) walked the Lavin
property with Charlie Hancock, the county forester.
Questions about where the location of the proposed septic fields would be. Because
lots 7 and 8 are wetlands, it looks like we could propose these as a town forest. We
should walk this area when it dries out. We are hoping for possibility of connecting trails,
Landon and Round Pond to Allen Point (off Martin Road near bike path).
Mark Naud will follow up with County Forrester, Charlie and Guy McGuire, SHLT, on
plans for a town forest.
Joan reported that the Town Forrest came up for discussion on the land at the
Selectboard – they want to make sure that designation doesn’t affect the waste water
area. Steve Robinson told the Planning Commission – best to get people involved and
walk on the land.
The Conservation Commission has not heard back from the Selectboard on the meeting
request made by the Conservation Commission (by Bob Fireovid and Cynthia Kelley) to
brush hog a path on the Lavin property. This path could be used by people who want to
see the property, as well as reduce the poisonous parship and poison ivy. The
Selectboard mentioned that the town does not own a center brush hogger, just a side
version. It was discussed at this CC meeting that the CC may be able to use some of its
funds to start the process of brush-hogging a trail so people can have access to the
land.
Lot 8 has headwaters that contribute to the one of the only perennial streams in South
Hero. A town forest designation may provide some protection and wildlife species
official habitat.
Mark will reach out to Charlie and to Ann about the brush hogging.
Kathy is resigning and moving out of town. We hope to get some interest on the Town
Forrest and maybe we can get some more interest in the Conservation Commission.
The special meeting was adjourned at 6:00. Mark Naud moved to adjourn, Bob Fireovid
seconded. Next meeting August 19, 2025 at 4:30. Agenda to follow up on the forest.