Conservation Commission
MAIN TASK: the Conservation Commission is an advisory body established to help protect and enhance Barnard’s natural and cultural resources. For 2025, the Conservation Commission is working in collaboration with the Barnard Silver Lake Association and other local and state conservation partners to discuss the health of Silver Lake. The work includes researching various ways that homeowners and visitors can learn how to help with both monitoring and using better practices on the shoreline.
Past (and ongoing) activities include:
- Create inventories of the town’s natural resources including lands that have agricultural, scientific, historical, educational, or cultural value or importance.
- Provide ecosystem services like groundwater recharge, stormwater control, flood protection, wildlife habitat and other values.
- Receive gifts of land for conservation purposes.
- Assist and advise the Planning Commission and the Selectboard on natural resource issues.
- Encourage the public’s understanding of their local environment through educational activities.
MEMBERSHIP: Conservation Commission Members are appointed by the Selectboard to staggered 3-year terms.
- Kate Reeves (chair)
- Edythe Wright (vice chair)
- Arlana Ruch (secretary)
- Dean Edmunds
- Colin Ruch
- Doug Blain
- ONE VACANT POSITION -- email selectboard@barnardvt.us if you're interested in joining!
MEETINGS: The Conservation Commission is newly re-established and will have a regular meeting schedule posted soon.