The Burke Conservation Commission (BCC) gathered information and explored conservation

issues for the town during 2008. Guests from other conservation commissions, town forest committees and land trusts attended BCC meetings to share their knowledge and experiences. BCC members attended workshops on Walkable Communities, Town Forest Issues and Town Conservation Plans-including uses of alternative energy. In addition, BCC members attended regular and special meetings of the other Burke Town Boards (selectmen, planning commission and DRB) to stay informed about ongoing town issues.

 

The BCC hosted a Button-Up Vermont workshop in November. This was a great resource for

home energy savings. The BCC is currently working on a project through the Northern Forest Alliance - called the Vermont Town Forest Project. This is a multigenerational project to increase awareness and appreciation of the wildlife habitats in our northern highland region. An animal species, whose population is in decline, will be chosen and a conservation strategy will be developed to help protect the habitat of this species. Since the Town of Burke does not have a Town Forest, the BCC received permission from the Ginn Company to use a portion of their proposed wildlife easement land for this project.

 

The BCC is planning to host an informational meeting with Matt Langlais (the county forester)

and a representative from a local or state land trust to explain current use and conservation easements and their impacts on land conservation and property taxes.

 

 The BCC currently has 7 members, but is looking to expand the size of the board to 9 members. Please contact the Town Clerk, the Selectboard or a BCC member if you would like to join the BCC.

 

The BCC meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 6 PM at the Burke Mtn. Club in East Burke Village. All meetings are open to the public and we welcome your input, insights and encouragement.

 

Current Members of the Burke Conservation Commission: