Auburn's Conservation Working Group

Part of the Sustainability & Natural Resource Management Board

The Conservation Working Group will be a standing working group of the Auburn Sustainability and Natural Resource Management Commission. The purpose of the Conservation Working Group shall be to promote responsible stewardship of the natural environment in Auburn through research, advocacy, and education.

The Conservation Working Group: 

  • Shall seek to coordinate the activities of conservation and recreation bodies organized for similar purposes
  • In coordination with the City GIS staff shall keep an index of all open areas within the city, whether publicly or privately owned, including open marshlands, swamps and other wetlands, for the purpose of obtaining information relating to the proper protection, development or use of those open areas. The working group may recommend to the city council or to any Board of the city a program for the better protection, development or use of such open areas, which may include the acquisition of conservation easements
  • Shall promote public awareness and appreciation for Auburn’s natural environment through a broad education program. This may include organizing events, distributing educational materials, and coordinating with local conservation organizations, both private and public
  • Shall support and advise City staff on the sustainable management of Auburn’s natural resources, and promote cooperation and information-sharing with regional, state, and federal agencies
  • Shall provide advisory opinions and recommendations to the City Council, Planning Board, and other municipal elected or appointed officials on matters pertaining to natural resource management in Auburn
  • Shall assist with and coordinate applications for grants from the Federal or State governments, or private sources, to improve conservation assets for the city including parks, trails, and the community forest
  • Shall undertake any other conservation or environmental activity referred to it by the city council

The SNRB appoints members to the Working Groups.  All Working Groups are between 5 and 11 members. Standing working groups shall provide a quarterly report to the SNRB. All meetings of the SNRB and standing working groups shall be open to the public, and notice, if required by law, should be provided to the public about such meetings.

Members

  • Sam Boss (Chair)
  • Amy Dieterich (Vice Chair)
  • Jane Costlow (Secretary)
  • Rhyanna Larose
  • Adam Platz (City Councilor)
  • Kryston Chapman
  • Dave Griswold

The City of Auburn is committed to raising awareness of invasive species, the threats they pose, and what can be done to slow or prevent their spread. The dedicated community volunteers on Auburn's Conservation Working Group and the L-A Community Forest Board are very proud to present this informational video about Asiatic BITTERSWEET, which grows as a climbing vine or shrub. It kills native plants by growing over them, blocking sunlight, and choking stems and trunks. We encourage you to watch & learn, then be on the lookout for bittersweet in your yard or neighborhood.

 
  • Huston Field Spring

  • Little Andy Androscoggin Confluence

  • Lower Barker Falls

  • Oak Hill Cemetery New Auburn

  • South Bridge New Auburn

  • Tree City USA

  • Community Forest

  • Balloon Over Little Androscoggin

 

BACKYARD POLLINATOR HABITATS: It's easier than you think!

View this recent Auburn Conservation Working Group webinar on the importance of providing pollinantor habitats and great ways to bring nature into your yard. https://youtu.be/w0ACm-Bt2-g?si=ZL1JQnrcBcYHtdTx  

This fascinating webinar features Lynne Holland, Horticulture Professional and Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator from the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Click HERE for some great pollinator habitat resources!

Knockout Browntail Webinar

Winter/early spring is a great time to fight Browntail, as nests can be easily spotted, clipped & destroyed. The Auburn Conservation Working Group, Lewiston-Auburn Community Forest Board, and the City of Auburn recently presented a discussion (via Zoom) on Browntail moth and other invasive pests.

Our special guest was Allison Kanoti, Director of the Maine Forest Service Forest Health and Monitoring Division.

Watch the webinar on our YouTube channel: CLICK HERE.

Annual Reports

2017-2018

2018-2019

2019-2020

2021-2022

 

Meeting Schedule

Meetings are typically held on the third Tuesday of every month. 

2024 Agendas

January 16, 2024 - Postponed to January 22, 2024 

February 20, 2024

May 21, 2024

June 18, 2024

August 20, 2024

September 17, 2024

2024 Minutes

February 20, 2024

May 21, 2024

June 18, 2024

2023 Agendas

January 17, 2023

February 21, 2023

March 21, 2023

May 23, 2023

September 19, 2023

2023 Minutes

January 17, 2023

February 21, 2023

March 21, 2023

May 23, 2023

September 19, 2023

November 21, 2023

Archive

Find agendas and meeting minutes from previous years HERE