Cambria Forest Committee
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF March 25, 2009
Cambria CSD Suite #204
1316 Tamson Drive Cambria, CA 93428
DIRECTORS PRESENT: Bill Schassberger, Brad Seek, Rick Hawley, Bryan Bode, Mark Miller, Jo Ellen Butler, Rob Trask,
GUESTS PRESENT: Bob Putney, Mike Walsh, Howard Vallens, Muril Clift, Nancy Anderson, Chris Cameron.
1.0 Called to order at 7:03 pm.
2.0 February 25th minutes approved with the following correction: Muril Clift will act as a CCSD liaison at CFC instead being a CFC director. (Hawley/ Butler)
3.0 Treasurer Report. The current balance is $1900. Still trying to convert debit card to cash. An exchange may be possible through Fiscalini Ranch Preserve.
4.0 Nancy Anderson (Community suggestions for implementing the Forest Management Plan FMP). Community partnerships is an effective way to get people involved including professionals(educators, researchers, planners), who work on 5 areas: common goals, democratic decision making, team effort , shared outcome/ownership, and mutual benefits. These priorities can result in a more effective implementation program.
Dirs. Butler and Hawley and Mr. Clift suggested that the first step would be to explain (to the public) the need for implementing the FMP. Then, political leadership could be directed to act if a majority of the community wanted implementation.
Dir. Hawley offered to look into contacting an Ecologist to conduct a series of talks to address forest preservation. Also, He would contact a County Clerk/Recorder representative to discuss the mechanics of the initiative process and report back to CFC on the possibilities and costs.
5.0 Sub Committee Rpts.
5.1 Forest Management Plan
Dir. Hawley suggested that CFC further discuss the following topics: Assessment District, the Initiative process, Build out Reduction(Forest Protection Plan?) and a benefit analysis of the FMP.
Dir. Trask offered to contact Cal Poly on the possibility tapping into a senior or graduate program to assist in addressing a cost/benefit analysis of the Forest Management Plan.
Dir Bode suggested that the directors and interested parties contact people in the community about implementing the Plan. Dir suggested developing a one to two page public information document.
5.2. Annual Lot Clearing
Dir. Miller passed out. Resolution 11-2009 (to be presented to CCSD Board on 3-26-09), a list of Certified Contractors, and a draft timeline.
Dir. Miller stated that the deadline for passing the Parcel list to the County may be extended from 7-26 to 8-10. Also provisions will be made for contractors to work on first time lots earlier in the season.
Dir. Hawley expressed a need to train individuals who work under the certified contractor.
Directors discussed ways to encourage lot owners to use a certified contractor.
A sub. sub. Committee was formed to address the maximum/minimum logs and branches that could be left on a lot after clearing. Fire Dept. will review these guidelines and apply to existing guidelines.
Dir. Miller stated that there is a need to add more lots for clearing but also stated that some some low risk lots can be eliminated. The goal is to keep the total number static.
Hawley, Vallens, and Butler expressed the need to add the exceptions to the phrase that all vacant lots will be considered a nuisance. Dir. Miller agreed to add the exceptions in the draft resolution.
5.3 Tree Planting and Education
Dir. Butler agreed to approach the newspaper editor on adding articles about the forest. Another 500 pine trees were planted off San Simeon Creek rd. (Hawley).
5.4 Membership outreach
Dirs. Provided more contacts (person, email, phone #) for individuals and groups pertinent to CFC issues.
6.0
6.1- Dir. Trask will contact Vern Kalshan on 501-C updates.
7.0 None.
8.0 All future meetings will start at 6pm(Miller/Bode).
9.0 Meeting adjourned 9:05pm.
Next meeting will be April 22, 2009. Respectfully submitted by Brad Seek.
