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Vernon Citizens For Responsible Development |
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Previous Newsletter July 14, 2010 |
Help Combat Invasives
No, VCRD didn't vanish. We've been regrouping and exploring our options. In May a six member Steering Committee was selected to be a focal point for the group and evaluate what we might accomplish as a community. One early decision was to focus on the Tankerhoosen Watershed as during the concert hearings it was apparent that people from all over town cared deeply about this unique resource. One result will be the creation of a website celebrating the Tankerhoosen and encouraging people to visit, explore and enjoy its many resources. A project we want to highlight at this time and that is coming up quickly is the need for volunteers to catalog and remove invasive species from the Tankerhoosen waterway. This will take place on Saturday, July 25, but you need to sign-up by this Friday, July 16. Other bits of news since April are highlighted in this newsletter. These include: Our website is under reconstruction as we move into a new phase of the organization. We feel we have a lot to offer the town and welcome your involvement and support. If this newsletter was forwarded to you and you'd like to be on our email list send name and street to info@VernonCRD.org. The newsletter is also posted on the website. Steering Committee ChosenA six member Steering Committee was selected in May to be a focal point for the organization and to explore where we might be able to contribute. The committee members are JEN ROGGI, LYNDA MORHARDT, ANN LETENDRE, MARYANN LEVESQUE, JON ROE and DAVID MCQUADE. Although exploring and weighing options will take some time we agreed that protection and stewardship of the Tankerhoosen Watershed is a priority. During the concert hearings people made it very clear how important the area was to them and the town. For some it was a reason to live here and for others it was a place to go to play, exercise and relax. All agreed it is one of Vernon's most valuable resources. As a result we've modified our Mission to reflect the new emphasis. It now reads: "Vernon Citizens For Responsible Development (VCRD) is committed to protect and preserve the things that are special in our town, such as our quiet and open spaces, our scenic areas, and our parks, with a special focus on the preservation of the pristine Tankerhoosen River and its watershed lands. We will encourage and assist, when possible, business development that is introduced in a productive and respectful way that complements our community." Combating Invasive Species
On Saturday, July 24 the Conservation Commission is leading a Tankerhoosen River Invasive Aquatic Plant Survey. They have asked for VCRD's support. It was discovered in 2008 that Walker Reservoir East and Valley Falls Pond are affected by two invasive non-native aquatic plants, fanwort (Cabomba caroliniana) and variable-leaved milfoil (Myriophyllum heterophyllum). These two species grow aggressively and are easily spread downstream to other water bodies. They have the potential to degrade water quality and displace native plants and wildlife. They can impair recreational activities including swimming and fishing. Vernon is presently treating these two ponds with herbicides to remove the plants. These treatments have been approved by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, and are supported by the Vernon Conservation Commission and Inland Wetlands Commission due to the threat that these plants pose to the ecological health of the Tankerhoosen River and the downstream ponds. These treatments are expected to keep Walker Reservoir and Valley Falls Pond free of these species for two to four years, during which time the Conservation Commission will work to develop a comprehensive invasive aquatic plant management plan for all of Vernon’s lakes, ponds and streams.
As part of the effort to prevent further infestation by these plants, survey participants will identify and remove any pockets of fanwort and milfoil from the river in an effort to prevent these species from gaining a foothold in the Tankerhoosen Lakes. Volunteers will meet at Walker Reservoir East at 8 a.m. on July 24 for a training session in plant identification and removal procedures. Volunteers will then disperse in teams and walk one of four segments of the river between the reservoir and Tankerhoosen Lake. The individual river segments vary from approximately 0.75 to 1.25 miles in length. Participants will be walking in the river or along the banks, and will need to wear suitable footwear - either boots or sneakers. The river is generally about knee-deep, with some deeper pools. Participants will map locations of, and may photograph, any plants that are found in the river, and will remove those plants and carry them off site in plastic trash bags. If interested contact TOM OUELLETTE at tom.ouellette52@att.net by this Friday, July 16. Tom represents the Conservation Commission and provided the above information. He can answer questions and provide more details. This is a great opportunity for us to do something positive for Vernon and to help preserve the Tankerhoosen waterway. » Go to Journal Inquirer article on the project Neighborhood Tag Sale
On the weekend of April 17 and 18 LINDA VENDRILLO organized a neighborhood tag, plant and bake sale with the proceeds being donated to benefit VCRD. Although the weather was less than ideal the attendance was good and she raised $1,000 for the organization. Our thanks to Linda and all the work she put into the effort to make it a success. Also thanks to those who donated, worked at the sale or made a purchase. Lynda Morhardt Appointed To Inland Wetlands CommissionThe concert hearings brought many of us in the community face to face with how a community like Vernon works. We became aware of how important the various commissions and boards are and that it is important for private citizens like ourselves to get involved by volunteering our time and talents. One of those who was moved to volunteer was VCRD Steering Committee member LYNDA MORHARDT. She submitted her application and MAYOR MCCOY recently appointed her as an alternate to the Inland Wetland Commission. There are also openings on the Open Space Task Force and Conservation Commission. We hope that others will get involved that want to see our way of life preserved and protected. Vernon makes applying easy. If interested go to Resume For Appointment Town Attempts To Ease Zoning Restriction At Exit 67
In May the town administration (no one will say who) sent to the Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) an application to change the zoning regulations on property off exit 67. This 40 acre piece of land behind Burger King and owned by Lee and Lamont was the center of a lengthy controversy in 2003 when an attempt was made to build a Walmart superstore. After many hearings the PZC denied the request which was later upheld in court. The PZC then reviewed the zoning regulations and after a lengthy study made revisions in the set backs which limited the size of buildings on the property. The application submitted by the town would essentially undo the restrictions. After some hard questions from the PZC and unfavorable publicity the town withdrew the application. VCRD did not get involved as an organization, but individuals attended the hearing and voiced their concern. The Exit 67 property is within the Tankerhoosen Watershed and runoff from the property feeds into the river. » Go to Journal Inquirer May 13 and 26 articles on the issue Stop And Smell The Flowers
One of the many treasures in the Tankerhoosen Watershed is the field of wild flowers on Bread And Milk Road planted and maintained by the DEP in the Belding Wildlife Management Area. The flowers change from month to month throughout the season and are in full bloom right now. Take a detour and drive slowly by or better yet stop and walk around the field. It's a lovely place to lose yourself and let the cares of the day drift away. To learn more about ongoing projects in the area see the Belding Habitat Management Slide Show.
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