The Wilton Conservation Commission held an Open Space Land Acquisition Work Session on Monday, 28 June 2004, starting at 7:00 PM (to 9:00 PM) at the Town Hall Courtroom.

This was a meeting of the Wilton Conservation Commission/Open Space Team.  Members present were Spencer Brookes, Les Tallarico, Stanley Young, Lynne Draper, and Alan Preston.

• Open Space

1. A landowner attended the meeting to discuss a parcel of land she owns.  She has offered it to the Town to purchase; it is approximately 25 acres.  A lengthy discussion was had regarding details of the land and how it could be of benefit to the Town as open space/conservation land.  It abuts other land which is open space/conservation land and it could support passive recreation, such as trails and picnicking, so it is a reasonable candidate for acquisition.  Spencer and Les will walk the land and take notes of the features of the land, whether it appears to have any animal corridors, etc.  It was further decided that we would discuss this with the Selectmen and get back to the landowner after that time.

2. Another landowner has been in contact with us regarding putting his land (about 65 acres) into conservation easement.  He has had a discussion with New England Forestry Foundation (NEFF), and they have indicated to him that they are interested in obtaining the easement.  This is an important piece of land as it is in a large watershed area.  We would like the Town to act as “backup holder” of the easement.  We discussed finding some funding to help with the landowner’s monetary contribution to NEFF.

A motion was made by Spencer, seconded by Alan, that we:
- Proceed to meet with the Selectmen to discuss the matter with them;
- Propose the Town act as “backup holder”;
- Get a commitment from the Landowner and NEFF;
- Establish a date for a public hearing;
- Spend $50.00 to advertise the public hearing in the Milford Cabinet;
- Hold a public hearing to authorize spending Conservation Funds to contribute on behalf of the Landowner to NEFF to secure the conservation easement.
The motion passed unanimously.

Lynne will contact Peggy to get on the Selectmen’s agenda (for both items).  Spencer will contact the landowner and NEFF regarding decisions taken at this meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:00 PM.

Submitted by Lynne Draper