Agenda Items

Estimated

Time

Key Person(s)

1. Call to order and Welcome to Ashfield Community Hall

4:00 p.m.

D. Crane – Board Chair

2. Introduction of Guests and new Board members - Board Roll Call

4:05 p.m.

L. Hayden – NEFF/Agent

3. Review and approval of June 24, 2025 Board Minutes ^

4:15 p.m.

A. Peteroy – Board Clerk

4. Agent Overview of National Heritage Area feasibility study process

4:20 p.m.

L. Hayden – NEFF/Agent

5. Board Chair report: Introductory meeting with Stockbridge Munsee Band of Mohicans representatives on behalf of Partnership

4:30 p.m.

D. Crane – Board Chair

6. Update on work underway to complete an Indigenous-Focused Natural & Cultural Assets Inventory as part of the Heritage Area study

4:40 p.m.

4:55

Jessica Dolan, Ph.D. – consultant presentation; Q&A, discussion

7. Report on mapping, statistics and regional assets RPA study; Brainstorming on Heritage Area components & emerging themes

5:05 p.m.

5:15 p.m.

Jessica Atwood, FRCOG & Agent: Questions for Board on focusing themes

8. Potential collaboration with Deerfield Wild & Scenic River Initiative and other federal designations

5:30 p.m.

Agent or guest speaker TBD

9. Committee Updates as Needed: PILOT reform bills;

Education, Outreach & Research: Chair wanted - How Do Forests Grow; Natural Resource-based Economic Development New Chair

5:35 p.m.

Sam Haupt – Municipal Financial Sustainability Com.

John Waite, FCCDC

10. Other Agent Reports: Contract update; Board member listening tour; state & federal grants: Voices for Forest outreach projects; Hawley Town Garage tree-planting Nov. 15-16 – volunteers wanted; MVP Letter of Interest; Input on draft Land Acknowledgement; Upcoming meetings

5:40 p.m.

L. Hayden – NEFF/Agent

11. Any item(s) not anticipated within 48 hours

5:45 p.m.

L. Hayden – NEFF/Agent

D. Crane – Board Chair

12. Public Comment

5:55 p.m.

13. Adjourn

6:00 p.m.

D. Crane – Board Chair