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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-12-08 Minutes Draft minutes – Not yet approved by Committee NOTES OF MEETING OF SAMUEL WILMOT NATURE AREA MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE HELD TUESDAY DECEMBER 8, 2015 7:00 PM Present: Suzanne Land Patrick Bothwell James Hodge Paul Davidson Melanie McArthur Brian Reid Jim Cleland Regrets: Taullie Thompson Councillor Corinna Traill Kate Potter Leo Blindenbach Absent: Dyan Amirault 1. AGENDA MOVEDSECONDED : by James Hodge by Melanie McArthur THAT : the agenda for December 8, 2015 be accepted CARRIED 2. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING Approval of Minutes MOVED:SECONDED by Suzanne Land by Patrick Bothwell THAT: the minutes of November 10, 2015 be approved. CARRIED SWNA December 2015 Minutes 2 3. ITEMS/UPDATES 2016 Trail Construction Project Peter Windolf presented a plan showing the proposed trail alignment and bridge crossing location for a new woodland trail that will connect the Waterfront Trail to the existing trail along the north side of the sewage treatment plant. The design for this trail is being done by Clarington Engineering’s design team. One of the main goals in the design is to have grades that do not exceed 8% for accessibility. The valley that this trail passes through sometimes floods in the spring and fall. The plans will now be reviewed with the GRCA prior to finalizing the trail and bridge location. It is anticipated the project will be tendered in the winter for spring construction. The timing of the project may be influenced by the fisheries window if it requires “in water” works. The committee would like to organize an official opening in 2016 as a way to increase awareness and use of the SWNA. Special Events in 2016 As discussed at the November meeting GRCA Biologist Ken Towle has been asked to lead a walk to identify and educate the public about invasive plants. The event would highlight the ecological damage and the toxic effects of some invasive plants found at the SWNA. The committee suggested a weekend date in July or August. Ken Towle will be contacted about his availability so that the date can be confirmed. The event would be hosted by the SWNA committee and advertised on the municipality’s web site and through Clarington’s social media platforms. Brian Reid will investigate the possibility of hosting and event with noted wildlife photographer Bill Bickle. Although the event would not be specifically about the SWNA, it would help promote the area by highlighting some of the flora and fauna that could be found at the SWNA. The event would be a presentation of his photography at a venue with seating. Possible locations could include the Newcastle Library or the Council Chambers. Brian Reid will report back at a future meeting. Birdhouse removal on Toronto Street side 18 bird houses were removed on the Toronto Street side of the SWNA. Many nests were found in the original birdhouses again this year. A local resident has been building birdhouses and installing them at various locations around the SWNA, however only one of eight was occupied in 2015 probably due poor locations. Some were located next to trails or are too low to attract nesting birds. Those birdhouses will relocated next spring to more appropriate locations around the SWNA. SWNA December 2015 Minutes 3 Plant removal at the SWNA It was noted that some people having been cutting branches off coniferous trees, apparently for festive displays. The committee acknowledged that it would be very difficult to police such activity however a temporary notice will be made up to install on the Kiosks to discourage this from happening. Winter Meeting Schedule There will be no SWNA meeting in January or February. The next regular meeting will be on Tuesday March 8. The chair will contact the committee by e-mail should an issue arise that requires their attention. 4. OTHER BUSINESS Brian Reid mentioned that the cable to control vehicular access just south of the apple orchard on Toronto Street was down and vehicles are entering the SWNA through that gate. Hydro One will be asked to repair the cable as the access point is on their property and is intended for their service vehicles. 5. MOTION TO ADJOURN MOVED: SECONDED by Patrick Bothwell by Melanie McArthur THAT: the meeting be adjourned. CARRIED Adjournment 8:15 PM Next Meeting: Tuesday March 8, 7:00PM in 1A Notes prepared by: P.Windolf