CAMBRIA FOREST COMMITTEE
TO CONSERVE AND MANAGE THE NATIVE FOREST OF CAMBRIA
Meeting Minutes
February 10, 2016,6:30 PM
Cambria Rabobank, 1070 Main Street
A quorum was not present. Those attending included: Crosby and Laura Swartz, Jim O’Neil, Nancy Anderson, JoEllen Butler, Vari MacNeil, Kris Fox, John Rolmbaugh, Bob and Ann Cichowski, Kathe Tanner of The Cambrian.
Ask the Experts Q&A:
Kris Fox and John Rolmbaugh presented their concern about wood being stored at the boundary of their backyard, next to Covell Ranch. Crosby Swartz referred them to Alan Peters of Cal Fire and Dan Turner of the Fire Safe Council.
Minutes of January Meeting could not be approved due to lack of a quorum.
Treasurer’s Report: Laura Swartz reported the current balance of $2,419.60, $714.75 of which is grant money.
Cambria Community Council gave the Forest Committee a $600 grant, included in the above figures.
Sub-Committee Reports
Website Hosting Change: Crosby Swartz continues to request the user name and password need to migrate the web site to Digital West from Amanda Rice.
Living in a Forest Brochure: Vari will present the revised brochure and possible paper selections at the March meeting.
Historical Society Kiosk Exhibit: Laura Swartz reported that she is working on a new display for the Historical Society kiosk, Expenditures not to exceed $200.
Forest Management:
Cambria Forest Health / Greenhouse Gas Project Implementation: Carbon sequestration is required in this grant. Dan Seawater may be able to convert some of the wood to useable lumber. A portable sawmill may be placed at Covell Ranch. A cogeneration project is under consideration. The power could be used for the CSD’s Emergency Water Project, now being called the Sustainable Water Facility. Electricity must be generated within a 30-mile radius..
Western States Forestry Grant Status: No word, remains in abeyance.
Forest Committee Projects / Grants: Laura Swartz suggested seeking grant funding to help the Fire Safe Council in its mission while protecting the forest.
Report From Fire Safe Focus Group: Kathe Tanner reported that the Fire Safe Focus Group may hold Chipping Workshops and other ways to use the dead wood that has built up as hazardous fuel.
Report From Coastal Commission Hearing: About 600 people attended, most supporting executive director Charles Lester. The Commission fired him in closed session after the public hearing.
New Business
Recommendations to NCAC on Verizon Permit Application: Vari MacNeil reported that the new tower being installed on Oxford Street will raise the existing tower about four feet. Some neighbors are upset about the proposal. No trees will be affected.
Please contact Crosby Swartz with agenda items for next month
Adjourned.
Next Meeting March 9, 2016
