Harrisville Conservation Commission
Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 3:00 PM to 5:00 pm
Meeting Minutes
HCC members present: Harry Wolhandler (on zoom), Kathy Scott, Jordan Long, Don Scott, Ralph Zingaro (by zoom), John Sandri. Absent: Tom McGregor
Attendees: Richard McDonald of Symbiont Biological Management, Harrison Wood (Dublin resident)
Recording Secretary: Mary Ann Noyer
The meeting opened at 3:00 pm.
Agenda Review / Approve Minutes – With the addition of review of invoices, all approved the agenda. Meeting Minutes for February approved unanimously.
Saving our Hemlocks – Spring 2026
Weather impacts – Beetles have been found to be tolerant of extreme cold. Other colder areas are already beginning spring releases (e.g., the Adirondacks and Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina). Adelgids are being found further and further north.
Spring monitoring – Lari Releases, Past & Present & Dr. McDonald Visit
Adelgid Mapping – The HCC will collaborate as possible with the Harris Center on a Citizen Science Project to map the location of Adelgids.
Invoices – Ralph will tour facilities up at Cornell, where they have established beetle populations all over NY state and on Cornell campus. The HCC discussed approval for his expenses for hotel, gas and food in the amount of $1,200. The HCC also discussed timing and agenda of second visit by Dick McDonald this April for possibly a week. The purpose is to monitor where releases have taken place (North Pond, Bollerud field area), to check predation rate under microscope, and for outreach to interested parties/presentations. He estimates $3K for his trip expenses. The total amount estimated for these trips is $4,200. The Chair subsequently moved to spend up to $6K from the Conservation Fund to cover spring visits from Dr. McDonald to Harrisville for up to a week and for Ralph Zingaro to go to Cornell for Hemlock initiative. Don Scott seconded. All voted in favor.
Harry Wolhandler moved to approve payment to Symbiont for $11,250 for 3 invoices submitted plus $1,300 for new invoice today all from Conservation Fund to be reimbursed through donations. All voted in favor.
The Chair noted the generous donation in the amount of $5K received for beetle releases in Dublin near Dublin Lake. The next step is to expand into working with the Harris Center and Hancock area property owners.
Wed, April 22, from 7 pm – 8:30 pm – As part of Dick McDonald’s visit, the HCC will sponsor a talk by Dick McDonald at the Village Community Center on the Hemlock Beetle Project. Jordan Long will reserve the space.
Wetland Permit Review: Permit By Notification for Beach Permit – Members discussed the Pond Road project to add 10 yards of new sand to replenish the property’s existing beach. The beach is 10’ off the side setback as required. A Shoreland permit also was submitted today for the house expansion approved by the ZBA. Given the wood turtles and potential loon habitat, measures will be taken to protect both species during the work. This won’t be an issue if sand goes down before April 15. Harry Wolhandler moved to approve the permit and to appoint John Sandri to sign on behalf of the HCC. Ralph Zingaro seconded. Voted 4-0 in favor with Kathy Scott and Don Scott recused.
The HCC separately noted that a Shoreland permit filed in October by John Stinchfield of Silver Road was approved on January 15, 2026. The project is to replace a stone wall.
Earth Day – Planning & promotion for roadside pickup
Goal: Pride in Pristine Harrisville Environment. The Chair will send language to Jordan for creation of posters to generate support for the annual cleanup.
The meeting adjourned at 4:45 pm.