Essex conservation commission approves $2,500 for forest plan to pursue DEEP invasives grant

The Essex Conservation Commission on July 9 approved a $2,500 appropriation to develop a forest‑management plan that the commission said is required to apply for a DEEP grant to address invasive plants at Viney Hill Brook Preserve.

Chair Tom Soboleski said the DEEP (state) grant could be supplemented with federal funds and noted First Selectman Norm Needleman is encouraging the town to apply. The commission discussed starting with a smaller area such as the land around Quarry Pond and obtaining estimates from licensed foresters and vendors for later implementation.

The motion to appropriate $2,500 to fund the plan was made by Jim O’Brien and seconded by Drina Zuvic; the minutes record the motion as approved. The commission did not record individual vote tallies in the minutes; the action is described as an approved appropriation for plan development.

Commission members noted next steps: solicit proposals from licensed foresters, hold vendor walk‑throughs of the preserve, and collect implementation estimates. Tom Soboleski said he will select a consultant to prepare the plan and that the DEEP application deadline is August 31 (as stated during the meeting).