Tues. 6-28 7 PM

If you want to learn more about the controversial tree clearing project, or if you have concerns you would like have addressed by the Selectboard, the next meeting is Tuesday, June 28 at 7pm.

This project is on the agenda (see link).
http://www.northfield-vt.gov/text/Agendas/Select_Board_Agenda_062816.pdf

The proposed plan includes contracting Limlaw Pulpwood to clear & chip roadside trees (see link).
https://www.facebook.com/LimlawChippingLandClearingInc/

Per the Town Manager, the right-of-ways to be cleared are on: Stony Brook, Smith Hill, Dole Hill, Winch Hill, Bull Run, and Messier Hill this year.

The Town plans to clear trees on additional town roads the following year.

The contract with Limlaw Pulpwood includes this paragraph:

"The Town of Northfield does nearby agree to have Limlaw Pulpwood clear designated areas of roadside trees within the right-of-way of the Town road limits of Northfield."

Please note the word "clear". Nowhere in the contract are the words remove 'selected' trees.

The contract also includes a paragraph stating that Limlaw "will follow all acceptable management practices for maintaining water quality as prescribed by the State of Vermont, 1986 Water statutes."

Those 1986 water statutes are 30 years out of date. I am concerned with any major logging company that would not having 100% understanding of CURRENT water quality and environmental impact regulations. The a large percentage of right-of-ways on our Town roads have streams adjacent and/or are within a riparian buffers zone which are protected under conservation law.

It would be a mistake to allow this project to go forward without more careful planning. Some Board members insist there is nothing wrong with the plan, and that Limlaw should begin the clearing immediately.

I believe that this project must to be tabled until there is a contract proposed with the interest of the Town as well as the Northfield community, and landowners abutting the right-of-way to be cleared.

Mary Dollenmaier