STEERING COMMITTEE UPDATE

A final ’99 Demonstration Project steering committee meeting was held on October 26^th at the Ricker Library with members of Androscoggin Soil and Water Conservation District, the DEP and TLIA representatives in attendance. Ron and Claudie Getchell, Linda Laskey and myself represented TLIA.

We focused on what we’ve accomplished and where we go from here. Since we’ve been granted an extension, we still have time to consider the "where." Monies are still available for more demonstration projects and will be applied next year toward several, late, technical-assistance requests. If you’ve not yet requested technical assistance and would like to, IT’S NOT TOO LATE. Call or write us and you’ll be contacted. Remember…the advice is FREE until July, ’99. We’ve accomplished much and will continue to combat NPS with all creative solutions.

Our work at the Public Beach was recognized, yet there’s still more to do. Safe parking is a big issue and we plan to approach the Town with our ideas. We‘ll work with them and with DOT for the best solution.

A new volunteer is available to help us next year. Susan Redmunds, an Americorps Volunteer with AVSWCD, was introduced to our group. She will work with volunteers on projects related to water quality (right up our alley!) and is open to suggestions. One idea was documenting all facets of our Demonstration Project into a binder and placing it in the Library in a dedicated area. Another is to address school children on water-quality related issues…in other words, educating the next generation. A short term Youth Conservation Commission program, utilizing teenage volunteers from the local high-school, was discussed. Linda Laskey and Susan will work together on this. Supervising restoration projects would be yet another. We’re open to suggestions. If you’ve ideas, please share them with us! We’re very fortunate to have Susan as a free resource and advisor.

AVSWCD sponsors an Annual Plant Sale. We missed it last year, but will share ‘2000 information as soon as we receive it. Hardy, native stock is ordered in early Spring from local nurseries; pickup is May 6. Prices are good and it’s a great opportunity to get winter-tolerant plants and trees. More information later!

Our next meeting is Tuesday, April 11, 2000 at 4 p.m. at the Ricker Library. Circle your calendar…if YOU’D like to join us, we encourage you to do so. Let me know…we want your input. Babs