Dear Citizens of Raymond,

 

In 2008 the Raymond Conservation Commission prepared a draft final Open Space Plan, incorporating public input received in 2007 and updating our Natural Resource Inventory maps. We participated in Planning Board meetings, provided information to landowners who were concerned about residential development on Conesca Road and held a conservation hike on Pismire Mountain. We provided letters of support to Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife for land conservation around Morgan Meadow and we supported the Maine Association of Conservation Commissions.  

Land Conservation

During 2008 we continued our work with Raymond’s contract planner Hugh Coxe, drafting our Open Space Plan which included the following natural resource maps:

  • Recreation (trails, water access)
  • Water Quality
  • Habitat
  • Public Health and Safety (wellhead protection areas, steep slopes, wetlands)
  • Vistas Inventory
  • Land Productivity
  • Special Places
  • Composites

 

The composite maps identify areas in town with the highest value natural resources – these areas should be the focus of conservation efforts. The Plan provides tools and strategies for protecting the priority areas. At the end of 2008 the RCC had scheduled a meeting with the selectmen to present the plan and the path forward, and we had scheduled a second public workshop to gain input from landowners. Our goal looking ahead is to present the Open Space Plan at the 2009 Town Meeting for a vote to adopt the plan.

 

The Open Space Reserve Fund balance as of January 20, 2009 was $45,089.60. Raymond established the Fund in 2002 with a $20,000 contribution; the RCC requested $20,000 each year through 2006/2007. The requested amounts were reduced by the budgeting process most years and a $25,000 draw was taken from the fund in 2005 to support the Files parcel purchase (a 70 acre parcel that included the old town landfill). No request has been made in recent years but the fund does receive proceeds from penalties when land is removed from Tree Growth. The fund was created to provide the critical Town match that is required to leverage state and federal funds for land protection projects. The RCC encourages the Town to protect its most important natural resources; these efforts will not only support our local economy but will ensure that future generations can enjoy some of what surrounds us today.

 

While Raymond’s growth slowed in 2008, the current economy will likely present conservation opportunities. We need active and energetic members to push our efforts forward. For more information on RCC projects, contact a member or join us on the last Tuesday of each month (September through May) in the Broadcast Studio or at the Town Office at 7:00 P.M.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

John Rand, Co-Chair

Elizabeth Algeo, Co-Chair

Kimberly Rowe, Secretary

Ben Severn

Jim Ross

Russ Hutchinson

Bill Fraser

Mark Gendron