Notes from Agriculture and Forestry Commission (AFC), March 6, Hybrid meeting

Present:

• Matt Boudreau, Chair
• Lisa Bozzuto
• Erik Rasmussen, Abigale Fredsall, and Shelby Marshall via Zoom

1. Minutes of February 6 approved as written
2. Position for director of Farmer's Market advertised with 1 application to date.
3. Met with Berkshire Agricultural Ventures and appears to be advantageous connection.
4. Forest-focused stewardship group attempted a site visit but storm interfered — will reschedule.
5. Climate-smart forestry measures by AFC to include identification and management of old growth forests may qualify for funding from Municipal Vulnerabilities Program (MVP).
6. Chair reported on possible purchase of 351 acres on Monument Mountain by a coalition of the Stockbridge-Munsee band of the Mohican Nation, Stockbridge Land Trist, Town of Stockbridge, Berkshire Natural Resources and more.
7. John Hart offered a rack for the distribution of brochures from AFC to the public about invasives with non-chemical formulas for removing. Invasives may be ground level or trees. Distributed in racks, at Town Meeting and online.
8. There will be an annual report from AFC.
9. The Commonwealth will limit disposal of organic waste in the years to come and AFC suggests a Town compost.
10. Brief discussion of placement of Ice Glen sign

Meeting adjourned

Photo: Xavier Letteron