Conservation Commission
Tuesday, August 4, 2026
Meeting Minutes

HCC members present: Harry Wolhandler, Ralph Zingaro, Don Scott, Tom McGregor, Kathy Scott, John Sandri. Absent: Jordan Long
Attendees:  Andy Powers of Vegetation Control Services (Athol, MA), Bill McGahie of the Westmoreland Select Board, and Paul Steblein, Scientist
Recording Secretary: Mary Ann Noyer

Agenda – No changes to the agenda were proposed.

Minutes of previous meeting – No vote taken on the minutes of the July meeting.

Japanese Knotweed – The HCC is embarking on year two of its knotweed remediation program. Andy Powers of Vegetation Control Services was in town to survey regrowth. He covered 2/3 of town today and noted positive results. Some stands are almost entirely gone, and few have re-sprouts. He noted some new patches in areas where he would like to get in touch with landowners (on Seaver Road and Hurricane Lane, e.g.) to offer treatment beyond the roadside on their properties to prevent further spreading. Andy recommends sending letters to these property owners.  Once he finishes the east end of town, he will send Harry the inventory list.

The HCC reviewed the discussion points raised at the recent Select Board meeting. They noted the following relative to safety:

  • Following application to the leaves, the glyphosate solution dries in under 5 minutes – (and on a humidity-free day like today, it’s under a minute). At this point it is safe to re-enter the area.
  • The solution is not mobile in soil. It stays on leaves and travels down to the plant roots.
  • While a blue dye is used, because the solution dries so quickly the dye is only momentarily visible and then disappears.
  • Powers is a licensed applicator and must notify the permitting agency when and where he will be working.
  • Glyphosate is an aquatic herbicide and breaks down in water. It is specially formulated and officially approved for use in or near water bodies, though Mr. Powers avoids doing so to the extent possible.
  • On the request to have an HCC member accompany Mr. Powers, HCC members disagree that this is helpful as they don’t have the expertise of the licensed applicator.

Further comments:

  • The HCC noted that the goal is to reduce or eventually eliminate entirely the active ingredient.
  • Knotweed crowds out and threatens the loss of native vegetation, causing a monoculture. The knotweed becomes destructive as its roots spread, coming through foundations and roadways. If covered with plastic, it will grow around the cover. The HCC’s goal with the program is to restore native vegetation.
  • The two biggest issues with glyphosate are overuse and misuse.
  • The recommended duration of the program is five years of annual treatment, followed by every other year of monitoring and treatment as needed. Stopping altogether does not yield the desired long-term results.
  • Knotweed removal is being pushed on a county- and state-wide basis. There may be some legislation moving forward.
  • Powers has just contracted with 14 towns in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom and Keene recently came on board. Harry and Andy recently met with the Westmoreland Conservation Commission to discuss Harrisville’s efforts.
  • This coming winter’s snow load is likely to take down the dead stands.

The HCC will share its feedback with the Select Board relative to the SB’s requests that the HCC address suggestions for process changes, including 1) treatment around water; 2) flagging areas treated; 3) accompanying the vendor while he sprays; and 4) advertising when spraying will be done.

Hemlock Initiative

-The HCC is in a monitoring phase, identifying spread of released beetles and the effectiveness of the releases.  Approximately 7500 beetles have been released so far.

– White Mountain Horticultural Research Foundation, the 501c3 established by Ralph Zingaro, now holds the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) permit, meaning the permit is no longer with the Conservation Commission. White Mountain also can apply for grants, which the HCC couldn’t do.  Contributions, purchasing and distribution of beetles is all handled through this nonprofit.

-Paul Steblein suggested the HCC share its Hemlock Initiative efforts with both the Cheshire County Conservation District and the Southwest Region Planning Commission.

Other boards and committees
-Historic Harrisville – The Trip Hammer Shop project is still in the planning stages. HHI is also involved in researching walkability/a walking path along Main Street.
-Trails Group – The Pocket Park along the Rail Trail between Main Street and Brown Road is complete. The Trail is experiencing more visitors and is in great condition thanks to recent improvements in drainage and trail upgrades.

The meeting adjourned at 5:15 pm.