TOWN OF SOUTH HERO
Conservation Commission Meeting
Tuesday, November 18, 2025, 4:30 P.M.
at the South Hero Town Officeand via Zoom
Members present: Bob Fireovid, Cynthia Kelley, Mark Naud
1. Call to Order – The meeting was called to order at 4:35 pm 11/18/2025 at the South Hero Town Office.
2. Public Input (items not on the agenda) – No public participation.
3. Finalize Agenda Review agenda – no proposed changes.
4. Approve minutes from October 21st meeting – No minutes for last meeting due to a presentation on October 21, 2025 from Charlie Hancock, Essex Forrester.
5. 2026 Budget discussion (draft to Town Administrator for Selectboard review 11/17)
Town of South Hero Conservation Commission Proposed 2026-2027 Budget
The Conservation Commission requests a continuing budget of $1,500.00 for its work during FY2026. The allocation is below:
$500.00 – Outreach and communications, events
$1,000.00 – Supplies and support for initial work on Town Forest designation, including invasive species control, boundary marking, trail maintenance and related work as the Commission and Town engage residents regarding the use of a portion of the Lavin property for a possible Town Forest.
Proposed budget was approved by CC. Moved by Bob, seconded by Cynthia, passed unanimously.
6. Follow up on presentation on draft plan for Lavin parcel – Town Forest Designation potential; Charlie Hancock, County Forester, VT DFPR
Management Plans to manage the Lavin land with no easement. Charlie did a great job on this information and working plan. Town has set aside $1500 to support a planning grant to work with community, townspeople and stakeholders how to optimize the utilization of the Lavin town parcel. Mark will send a revised copy of Charlie’s plan with alterations to Cynthia and Bob.
7. CC Membership – Mark has been in touch with 2 potential new members. Mark will write up a invitation to become a member for a FrontPorch Forum announcement with a link to the draft plan.
8. Next scheduled meeting was December16, but due to a conflict, we switched the meeting date to Wed. Dec. 17 at 4:30. Mark will check on room at town office to make sure the room is available.
9. Meeting adjournment. Bob moved to adjourn. Cynthia seconded. Passed unanimously at 5:14 pm. 11/18/25