Allens Pond Association Meeting Minutes
August 16, 2026
Chris Baldwin and Rachel Burnes Permitting
The meeting began by recognizing Chris Baldwin, also known as “The Channel Whisperer,” for his many years of volunteer work securing permits for channel excavation. Chris helped transform permitting from a difficult process into a well-coordinated one, while noting that the federal, state, and local permitting process still requires significant effort and presents ongoing challenges. In appreciation, Chris received a beautiful painting of Allen’s Pond by artist (?what is her name Vanessa)
Rachel Burnes shadowed Chris over the past year to learn the permitting process and will now take over this work, with Chris remaining available for support and guidance.
The APA has relied on an antiquated pond schematic, drawn by hand approximately 40 years ago. Going forward, agencies are requiring an updated engineering plan for channel excavation permits, and an engineering firm has been retained.
Vanessa Anderson Board President
Vanessa reported that, although the APA has $12,279 remaining after the channel excavation, several significant new expenses arose.
For many years, Mass Audubon provided bird monitoring at no cost. Last year they informed Barney’s Joy Limited Family Partnership (BJFLP) that they would need to charge for the monitoring. BJFLP considered proposals from Audubon and the Lloyd Center and decided to move forward with the Lloyd Center for bird monitoring for a 3 year contract, at a cost of $11,000 this year. In addition, the updated engineering plan is expected to cost approximately $15,000.
Both expenses have been covered by BJFLP. Vanessa noted that this support is a reminder of the need to continue fundraising for future APA expenses beyond the organization’s usual operating budget.
Treasurer Report-Please Click Here
John Powel, after many years of service to the APA, met with Jeanne Motha and officially passed the treasurer position to her. Together they have filed the following report.
Alan Poole Osprey Report
Sadly, osprey are struggling. Many chicks are starving in the nest. Previously, about two-thirds were affected; now the figure is closer to four-fifths. Allens Pond ospreys are faring somewhat better than those along the Westport River. The situation is even worse in Chesapeake Bay.
The causes are complex and not fully understood, but the decline in the menhaden population appears to be a major factor. Menhaden are harvested by large industrial fishing companies and used in salmon farming and pet food production. Continued monitoring is critical.
Ed Flynn Audubon report on the Pond Click Here
Election of Officers And Directors For 2026-2027
By unanimous vote the following slate of officers was nominated and elected:
Vanessa Anderson, President, Term Expires 2027
Jean Motha, Treasurer, Term Expires 2027
Pamela Spatz, Secretary, Term Expires 2027
Edward Flynn, Director, Term Expires 2029
Rachael Kinsolving, Director, Term Expires 2029
Sam Powel, Director, Term Expires 2029
Officers serve from annual meeting to annual meeting, generally June, unless scheduled otherwise.
Directors serve a three-year term.
Respectfully Submitted, Pam Spatz, Secretary