CONSERVATION
COMMISSION
Minutes OF
February 1, 2007
Present: Chris Giordano (Chairperson), Judy Jervis, and Jason Holder
Also present: Robert Meaney, David Drowne, Elisabeth Sanders, Curt Springer, Joel Collins, Mollie Sheely, Andrew Sheely, Tammy Collins, Russ Pouliot, Joe Luna, and Robert Moore
The
public hearing was called to order at
On
the agenda was the proposed purchase of map 3 lot 4, approximately 20 acres off
Questions
and comments were asked to be directed to the board.
Curt
Springer, owner of map 3 lot 20, commented that the roads on the map are
incorrectly drawn. He indicated on the
map the dirt road actually goes from the Cul-de-sac to the four corners. There is a dirt road, part of the
Mr.
Springer also commented that he thought the proposed purchase was a strategic
one, in that it would help preserve the trail system, and lessen development
pressure on the surrounding area because of it’s location on the road
system.
Bob
Moore asked what happens to the property after it is purchased. The answer was that the property would be
owned by the town and then it can be put to vote whether or not to put a
conservation easement on it. It is hoped
to be purchased because it’s a nice piece of land which includes a pond
occupied seasonally by blue herons. It
is eventually hoped to have a conservation easement put on it to be kept an
open space. It is also in close
proximity to the residents of Colby Pond and the
The
land was described more in depth as follows: an approximately 20 acre parcel
accessible by two means- a right of way off of GH Carter left by Lewis
developers and a dirt road known as Bedbug Road or Hersey Road; about 2 acres
of it is wetland.
It
was asked if it would be managed by the Conservation board. It was answered that it would be town land,
hopefully with a conservation easement.
The
question was asked if hunting would be allowed.
The answer was not definite but believed that it is a state RSA that
hunting is allowed on town owned property and if so, hunting can’t be
disallowed, making a deed unnecessary.
Historically it is not known if hunting has ever been restricted on town
owned property. However, the
conservation board is not yet ready to put into words a conservation
easement. The current owners, Bob Meaney
and David Drowne, want to ensure and expressed their wishes that the land be
open to all people, whether they want to hunt, fish, hike, etc. The owners were assured that those activities
would not be restricted.
The
procedure after this hearing would be to take the proposal, along with any
information from this hearing, to the Selectmen and hopefully obtain approval
for purchase. It was asked when the
Selectman would be approached. It was
hoped that next Monday evening, February 5, this would be on their agenda.
It
was noted by Jason that purchases like this don’t go without much thought and
discussion. It was agreed that this
property can serve the town well, and it was worthwhile for the town to
purchase this land. Other land has been
considered and is still being considered, but it was agreed that this
particular piece was the best to purchase at this time to serve this town. It was also noted that the board has worked
aggressively to purchase land but the board is in competition with developers.
At
The
minutes of January 4 were discussed. One
change was proposed, Judy motioned to accept the minutes as amended and Jason
seconded and the motion carried.
Judy
filed with project updates. CTap made
available to the town of
It
was asked if they do anything with land purchases and grants and it is believed
that they do not. This money is to be used
in conjunction with the expansion of ’93, essentially helping towns with the
expansion: anything the expansion will affect; prepare for the expansion;
planning wetland impact; and adjusting growth when considering wetlands.
Designating
prime wetlands in 2008, once the UNH students get involved, was discussed and
whether or not there is a cost for that.
It
was hoped that the wetland inventory would be completed this year, 2007.
Jason
asked if funds like this can be used for trail development. Chris will check to see if this fits into
their criteria. Jason spoke about having
trails made accessible to those who may find some trails inaccessible due to
the terrain. With the purchase of
property to be turned into conservation land, it would be nice to have trails
that are flat, easy to walk on, more accessible to a wider range of the
population. Tuckertown road was given as
an example of a more difficult hike, not so easily traversed by the elderly or
by those looking for a more leisurely stroll.
It
was noted that the trail by Rockrimmon finished by the Boy Scouts was done
nicely. It was suggested that UNH could
design some trails, join them with existing trails, etc. Emily Brundhurst could
help or at least steer the board in the right direction.
Judy
will designate on the map the present trails.
Some
trails will be used no matter what, but with trails that are easier to walk on,
they will be enjoyed by more of the population.
It was then discussed the different types of traffic on the trails,
including, cross-country skiing, snow mobiles, ATV’s, etc. It was discussed designating some trails for
non-motorized vehicles, with a difference between snow-mobiles and other
motorized vehicles: the snow-mobiles don’t have the tendency to dig up the
terrain like other motorized vehicles.
Tagging
properties was discussed: whether the Audubon Society tags the property, if the
board will make up their own tags, some other properties still await being
tagged, and surveys need to be made before the tags are placed.
It
was decided to invite Emily Brunkhurst to the next meeting. Chris sent her information and she will take
the time to review it and she’ll talk about wildlife management plan and perhaps
help the board with a trail system. It
was asked if she can bring in the state wildlife plan.
The
Conservation Easement was discussed. The
meeting was
Correspondence
to the Board:
- Land Trust
- NH Department of
Environmental Services (NHDES): accepting proposals for new pet waste
outreach program
- NHDES: to John Vlasuk
of
- NHDES: to Donald Kaminski
of
- NHDES: to Norman Lee of
- NHDES: to Peter Spear
of Natural Resource Consulting Services in
- Curt Springer: copy of
email correspondence between Mr. Springer and the NH Local Government
Center (LGC). Mr. Springer had
questions regarding who has control over the town forest and the use of
alcoholic beverages, firearms, and firecrackers.
- NH Estuary Project:
brochures were given to the board members present regarding the new buffer
outreach program.
- NH Estuary Project:
copy of state of the estuaries report made every three years. Brochures were given to the board
members present.
Since
the discussion will involve consideration of land purchase which, if discussed
in public, might benefit a party whose interests are adverse to those of the general
community RSA 91-A: 32d should warrant nonpublic session, Judy made a motion to
go into nonpublic session per RSA 91-A: 32d and Jason seconded. The motion was made and seconded. The motion carried, a roll call was made, and
the motion passed.
At
At
*****Next
Meeting
THESE MINUTES ARE
NOT PERMANENT RECORD AND ARE SUBJECT TO APPROVAL AT THE NEXT REGULARLY
SCHEDULED CONSERVATION COMMISSION MEETING, AT WHICH TIME, THE ABOVE MINUTES, AS
CORRECTED BECOME PERMANENT.
MINUTES ARE PREPARED BY Janet S. Denison, CLERK