On January 19, 2009 the Hartwick Town Board created the Hartwick Conservation Advisory Committee (HCAC).
The purpose of the HCAC is:
1) To provide a focus for environmental, energy, and natural resource activity in the Town;
2) To provide a forum for the coordination of various programs;
3) To ensure that environmental, energy and natural resource concerns areconsidered as part of related future projects, programs and policy development;
4) To inform residents of conservation measures that can be implemented;
5) To encourage residents to become more conscientious about the impact of human activity on the environment in our homes, in our communities and on our planet;
6) To assist in the general environmental education of the diverse audiences found within the community; and
7) To advise the Town Board on matters related to environmental, energy, and natural resource activity in the Town.
Projects:
• What you need to know... • See Link: Poster
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• Walk on Over •
Residents of the hamlet and beyond Hartwick are invited to a "Walk on Over" meeting, on Wednesday, January 19 from 7pm - 8:30pm at the Town Hall. We will be discussing and sharing ways to save money and reduce your energy bills.
This get together is sponsored by your Hartwick Conservation Advisory Committee. The Low Carbon Diet book will be reviewed and energy conservation measures will be discussed. Please bring a friend or neighbor. Questions call: Martha Clarvoe, 293-6654.
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• Hartwick Tire Clean Sweep Program •
The Hartwick Town Board is pleased to announce that our Conservation Advisory Committee is organizing a tire collection on Saturday, Nov. 13 from 8am-4pm, at the Hartwick Town Hwy Department. "We are hoping to encourage residents to clean up tires from fields and storage areas", said committee member Anita Briggs Jones. This program is open to all town residents. There will be a price for dropping off tires for recycling but the town is subsidizing some of the cost with the money raised from the scrap metal collection. Tires are being recycled by Goldilocks of Worcester, NY.
Tire prices are as follows:
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Type of Tire with or without rim
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Size
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Cost
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Passenger - Autos, light truck and SUV
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18" or under
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$1
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Industrial - Small/Medium/Commercial
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19.5"
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$5
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Tractor Trailer Tire
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$9
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Farm Tires
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75lbs or under
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$13
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Farm Tires
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over 76lbs but under 100lbs.
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$19
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*** Tires with rims will be accepted. ***
***Off-the-road "HUGE" tires will not be accepted.***
David Petri, vice chair of the committee states "We hope this will be a big success. We are in need of volunteers with strong backs who can help move tires. If you wish to volunteer please call Sarah McGuire, town clerk at 293-8123 and let her know which two hour slot you wish to work."
Tires are being picked up by Goldilocks of Worcester, NY.
Questions about the collection please call Martha Clarvoe, Hartwick Conservation Advisory Committee Chair, 293-6654.
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• Hartwick Chipping Station Created •
In cooperation with Town Highway Superintendent Rusty Striesse, the Committee established a chipping station at the North end of Wells Ave./School St. (turn right in an easterly direction toward Otsego Electric and you will see pile on the right of the gravel road) to provide for chipping of spent Christmas trees and/or brush. Once chipped, this material will be available to all Town residents for pick-up for mulch around your homes or gardens. Chipped material is currently available as you can see in the picture.
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• Low Carbon Diet Classes •
Reducing your carbon foot print is about reducing your use of non-renewal petroleum fuels. Get together with your neighbors to discuss the Low Carbon Diet Book to learn simple and inexpensive ways you can save money by saving energy. Commit to an hour long meeting for three weeks and see the difference you can make. These are common sense solutions but focusing on these changes for a few weeks can result in 20-40% energy reductions in your home. Take a few evenings, meet your neighbors, and make a difference in your carbon foot print. If you are interested in attending these classes please call Martha Clarvoe, 293-6654 to reserve your spot. Classes will be scheduled in the Fall.
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• Energy Audits for Town Buildings •
The Hartwick Conservation Advisory Committee has initiated a review of energy audits performed by town and has developed a building management guidance document to provide ideas on activities that should be considered when evaluating solid waste and energy issues related to municipal building management. A copy of the building management guidance document is provided below under "Documents" or by clicking this link: http://townofhartwick.org/content/Boards/View/6:field=documents;/content/Documents/File/144.pdf
• Remember - Trash Burning is Banned in Hartwick •
Reduce your garbage, reduce, reuse, recycle and compost your food and yard waste. What's left should be examined and figure out ways to reduce the purchasing of these items. If you have trouble affording garbage pick-up share the expense with your neighbor. Don't pollute the air, water, land or food supply to save a few dollars. You will pay for it later.
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• Local Clothing Closet in Morris •
For those looking for a clothing closet, visit the Episcopal Parish Hall in Morris, 162 Main St., Morris, The Magic Closet. The hours are Wed. 11am-1pm, Thursday 4:30pm-6:30pm, and Saturday 11am-1pm. According to Barbara Smith, a volunteer and member of the church, "Anyone is free to drop off clothing and borrow clothing from the Magic Closet. You'll be surprised at what you will find!" For info: 263-5116, 263-5942 or 783-2715.
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• Ways to Reduce Stormwater Runoff in the Future •
Something to consider for the future. With heavier rains and possible development, perhaps our building codes should be considering the use of pervious surfaces. These surfaces allow water to drain in instead of running off, this reduces erosion and extra work for sewer systems. Interesting and informative websites are below.
http://www.oregonmetro.gov/index.cfm/go/by.web/id=25101/level=3
http://www.landscapeonline.com/research/article/10426
