WILTON — Before a forest management plan for Kineowatha Park is designed, townspeople have an opportunity to express what they would like to see.

A public meeting is planned for 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 23, in the Reunion Barn of the park, Town Manager Rhonda Irish said.

The town has received a Project Canopy planning grant of $2,500 for the 65-acre park, she said. 

The grant, a collaboration between the Maine Forest Service and GrowSmart Maine, provides for the development and implementation of forest projects and programs, according to its website.

Working with the town’s Conservation Commission, forester Peter Tracy was hired to work on the plan, she said. He wants to hear from residents on how they want the park managed before he starts a design, she said.

Townspeople may want a plan with a focus on recreation, the management of wildlife of one that protects the health of the forest, Irish said.

Some suggestions have been made but Tracy wants feedback, she said.

Tracy will provide a presentation geared toward creating a vision and a direction for what people would like the park to be, Recreation Director Frank Donald said. After the presentation, he may lead those attending on some trails and a tour of part of the park to point out different aspects, he said.

The forestry management plan will dovetail with applications filed this winter through the Department of Conservation for trail grants to upgrade existing trails, Donald said.

Donald has walked the trails with abutting landowners, he said. The time he put in is an in-kind payment on the town’s match for the Project Canopy grant.

The meeting provides an opportunity to voice questions. All are welcome.

For more information, contact the Wilton Town Office at 645-4961 or the Recreation Department at 645-4825.

abryant@sunjournal.com

Copy the Story Link