On September 8 at 6:30PM at the Ellsworth City Hall (Council Chambers), the City of Ellsworth’s Arbor Commission will host a public forum focusing on the Branch Lake Public Forest. In the context of having recently expanded the forest to more than 800 acres, the City has recently contracted with David Wardrop of Golden Forestry Services to do an inventory and management plan for the forest..
At the forum Brittany Merrill, City Planner will describe recent work to expand the forest and Wardrop will present his initial findings. The public will then be asked to weigh in on their vision for the forest and the goals and objectives that should inform the plan. Given the importance of this forest for preserving water quality in Branch Lake, the City’s public drinking water supply, as well as its potential as a recreational and educational community asset, this forum should be of interest to a broad range of local residents.