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Resident proposes reactivating conservation commission

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"Fireworks" of a different kind over Wilson Lake in Wilton. The scene was captured by photographer Lisa Bryant on July 4, 2010.

WILTON – Selectmen will review material pertaining to the town’s conservation commission, after a resident suggested reconstituting the committee to help the board with the management of town-owned property.

The town previously maintained a commission, with members being chosen by selectmen to provide the board with guidance relating to the identification and management of property deemed important to the character of the town. Nancy Prince, a founding member of the Foothills Land Conservancy who has also been involved with the Friends of Wilson Lake, suggested a town-appointed commission could provide selectmen with a resource for making decisions about town property, a priority in the comprehensive plan.

Prince said the town had no official commission dedicated to that purpose and had been “really, really lucky” that local groups, such as the Tyngtown Club, and individuals, such as Betty Shibles, Corey and James Black, had stepped forward to volunteer their time.

“I see the opportunity here for our town to move in a direction we’re already aiming toward through this volunteerism,” Prince said.

Prince noted that Foothills Land Conservancy had formed to address issues occurring near the head of Wilson Lake, which was affecting both the land and lake itself. With local support and some grant writing, FLC was able to purchase the land in 1999 and manage it since then, controlling erosion and maintaining traditional farming and forestry uses. A town commission could have a similar role, working with both existing conservancy groups, town entities like the Recreation Department and the local schools to develop and implement management plans.

Selectman Russell Black supported the concept, saying that the town should work to identify property it considered a priority. A long term plan was important, Black said, given that the board of selectman’s makeup was constantly changing.

“I think it’s something we need to move ahead with.”

Selectman Tom Saviello recommended the board and Prince look at documents regarding the previous commission, to see if the town’s description encompassed some of the goals Prince envisioned a conservation commission undertaking. The town also maintains lists and maps of owned property, which would play some role in that discussion.

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2 Comments

  1. Wilton has an outstanding comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance. Many town and state rules are in place to protect conservation areas and the environment. Am quite sure the Planning Board has an opening for an alternate or 2.
    Rather than another group “advising” the Select Folks, how about a couple from the “FLC” constituency join the PB? They could work with this well qualified quasi judicial board and excellent CEO, help enforce the zone ordinance while keeping a watchful eye on their agenda. It is a wonderful way to spend 2 Thursday evenings and an occasional field day.

  2. A seperate conservation commission sounds like a wonderful idea to me. When existing group try to add a different perspective from what they are used to, something always gets lost. With a new or restart of an old commission, there can be very clear visions of all public properties from the singular perspective of conservation. Does our earth deserve anything less than this? They do not have to be concerned with money a use might generate or a particular educational aspect another use might grant or even exhibit a style coveted by the artsy population wishing to keep up with Gates and Rockefellas.

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