Ridgefield Conservation Commission Backs Rodenticide Restrictions

Commission members expressed unanimous support for pursuing a similar anti-rodenticide effort in Ridgefield. Commissioner Allan Welby said he would like the town to consider adopting a local ordinance, while Chairman Erik Keller agreed to lead the initiative. Commissioners Roberta Barbieri, Jana Hogan, Tommy McCarthy and Jack Kace volunteered to assist with the effort.

The commission also approved several funding requests related to management of conservation properties.

By unanimous vote, commissioners appropriated $3,000 for haying operations at McKeon Farm, covering fields at Lauzun Lane, Ridgebury and Stagecoach. Members agreed the work would not begin until after Aug. 1 to avoid disturbing nesting bobolinks and other grassland birds.

Commissioners also unanimously approved spending an additional $2,690 toward the purchase of a replacement commercial mower after a previously approved model was discontinued, along with $800 for two string trimmers. The funding will allow the commission to purchase a RedMax 60-inch mower for maintenance work on conservation properties.

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In another unanimous vote, the commission approved spending up to $425 on an electric leaf blower after a resident complained that grass clippings from mowing operations at Lauzun Lane were being left on the roadway. Commissioners said the blower would allow volunteers and staff to clear clippings more effectively after mowing.

The commission also approved allocating $600 for additional Extractigator tools used in invasive plant removal projects. Commissioner Barbieri said a recent volunteer workday at Aldrich Park was well attended and productive, prompting the need for more equipment.

Members discussed maintenance issues at several conservation properties. Matt Sharp reported receiving an estimate of approximately $3,000 to clear debris and repair a stone wall at Wittman Preserve. Commissioners requested additional input from a stone mason before deciding whether to proceed, citing concerns about preserving the wall's structural integrity.

The commission also agreed that the town's Tree Warden should remove two trees that had fallen from conservation land onto a private yard near Oak Knoll.

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At McKeon Farm, commissioners unanimously declined an offer from a neighboring resident to pay for border plantings intended to screen newly planted chestnut trees from view.

During new business, Hogan reported that Ridgefield Library has developed a summer reading list that pairs children's books with local hiking trails as part of its Summer Trekking program. Commissioner Anthony Markert also reported progress on expanding areas included in the town's deer management program and said additional information about a state grant opportunity for the Florida Refuge property is expected later this month.