Hinesburg has been a forerunner in the conservation of
its natural resources, culture and heritage. The Hinesburg Conservation Commission was
formed under Vermont State Laws, Municipal and County Government, Chapter 118, Sections
4501-4506, and is one of about 56 municipal conservation commissions in Vermont. The HCC
operates as an advisory board to the local zoning commission, planning commission and
Select board. The direction of the group is generally determined by the Hinesburg Town Plan
(re-adopted 8/18/97). The Open Space Planning Tasks provide
more specific tasks for the
Conservation Commission.The Powers and Duties of Conservation Commissions in Vermont are many and varied, but in general, they revolve around conservation of air, surface water, ground water, soils, streams, lakes, wetlands, scenic resources, flora, fauna, wildlife, historical and archaeological resources.
Some
of the Hinesburg Conservation Commission's current projects include Geprags Park, bird walks,
GreenUp Day, LaPlatte River Management and 4th of July
Auction. Other issues that the HCC is working on include storm water management,
coordination with Hinesburg Land Trust, Lewis Creek Association,
Sunset Lake Preservation Association,
light pollution and wetlands management. One of the best sites for information on the LaPlatte River is the Shelburne Bay Watershed Data Collection. The website contains a great deal of valuable information. http://www.shelburnebay.org/pages/laplatte.htmlThe Hinesburg Conservation Commission is currently planning and coordinating a tree planting of some 980 trees along the LaPlatte River. On April 28, HCC members, friends and volunteers will meet to plant some 980 trees on the Giroux and DeVost properties just downstream from the Hinesburg Elementary School. This is part of a long-range riparian repair project to clean up the LaPlatte River by restoring vegetation to its banks. See the April 9 minutes for more information.
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