Text Box: finalCONSERVATION COMMISSION

 

MINUTES OF April 19, 2007

 

Present: Chris Giordano (Chairperson), Judy Jervis, Sheila Johannesen, Michele Tingley

 

Also Present: Roger Denison, Hunter McGee

 

The meeting opened at 7:30.

 

Michele was welcomed as the newest member of the Conservation Commission.  Judy nominated Chris to continue as chairman.  Sheila seconded, everyone responded in the affirmative, and Chris accepted the nomination.  Michele nominated Judy to continue as vice-chair of the Commission, Sheila seconded the nomination, every responded in the affirmative and Judy accepted the nomination.

 

The minutes of the last meeting were discussed as well as a list of questions to be brought before the town council and Audubon concerning the Easement.  It was clarified that on page 2 of the latest draft that the wording “motorized and non-motorized” would be removed.  Also on page 5 the Roman numerals would be redone to add a line about following the Stewardship plan. 

 

On page 4 of the easement draft, the wording “motorized and non-motorized” was in the first draft, it was then taken out of the next draft, then put back in.  It was decided to leave those words out.  Judy made a motion to accept the minutes of April 5th as amended.  Sheila seconded the motion and the motion carried.

 

Judy had emailed Bruce who requested a copy of the latest draft of the Easement.  It was decided to send him the latest draft with the recent editing in order for him to see what changes had been decided.  Janet will take care of this.

 

A joint meeting for May 3rd is scheduled to again meet with the other boards to discuss the Easement, hopefully one last time.  Janet will email the Selectmen, Forestry Committee, Recreation Committee, Zoning Board of Adjustment, and Heritage Commission and invite them to attend.

 

The list of specific concerns that Janet had compiled was discussed.  This was a list made during the April 4th meeting whenever something came up that was specifically targeted as a question for either Legal or Audubon.  There were no comments about that list at this meeting.

 

Earth Day was discussed and the fact that it was too late to plan anything.  Sheila mentioned the program “Wind Over Wings.”  This would be a good program, well received in the past, for all grades at the Danville Elementary School.  This has been a program run every five years, but with possibly changing the program (showing different animals) the program could be done more often.  Also with the recent nomination of the hawk as the school mascot, incorporating that bird in the program would be especially nice for the students.  Chris mentioned that some of the Conservation Commission fund can be used.  However, other members would like to see that money used for land acquisition.  Sheila will look into possibly getting outside sources to defray the cost.  Since this is educational and fun for the community other schools may like to be involved and this will help to reduce the cost.  She would also like to see all five grades involved in the assembly, rather than just a few of the older grades.

 

Michele explained that the elementary school usually does nothing for Earth Day.  They have a spring clean-up, but there are other activities that can be done with them next year not necessarily involving trash pick-up.  Trees or some sort of garden can be planted, or an educational aspect could be incorporated into it, particularly since most kids don’t understand the importance of wetlands.  With the recent Eagle Scout project, an outdoor classroom, being built, that can be used next year. 

 

Other possibilities for Earth Day next year: UNH can plan a walk or NH Fish and Game can come to the school for presentations.  It was decided to not leave this for the teacher’s to plan since they were busy enough.

 

Michele mentioned that a couple of years ago she attended a walk with the Conservation Commission and the Forestry Committee in which they looked at the heron rookery.  Also the “Litter Free NH Program” was mentioned as well as getting kids to chart in their own yards the wildlife they see.  There is also a Backyard Wildlife Habitat program offered through the National Wildlife Federation from which packets can be ordered for different programs.

 

The question was asked about when Earth Day will be next year.  Mr. Denison looked up the information and told the Commission that Earth Day is every year on April 22nd regardless of the day of the week.

 

The recent complaint about the target practice in the forest was discussed.  People are entering the property, most likely from the rear, and bringing old appliances and using them for target practice.  The shooting is not being done in the pit anymore.  There is a tragic possibility that someone will get hurt or killed if the reckless action continues.  The Selectmen have said they won’t restrict shooting in the town forest, so stronger measure need to be taken to prevent people from using their vehicles to bring appliances into the forest, to use it as a dumping ground, to avoid paying the pick-up fee.  A gate has been made for the back entrance.  This will hopefully be installed when it’s not so muddy.  The idea of a private or public gun-club in town has the potential of keeping people from using firearms in the forest, since they would have a place to go for target practice.

 

Trails through the town in which ATVs are allowed were discussed.  It is believed that there are three trails in the proximity of Rockrimmon, Hersey, and Tuckertown Road.  ATVs have a tendency to go off the trails.  The problem, it was said, is the policing of the area.  Chris said that markers are needed that use specific words indicating there are fines imposed on those going off the trails.  Signs have been put up in the past which have been taken down.  Neighborhood watches can be used, also the Police Department has ATVs available which they can use.  Also signs advertising that it is everyone’s forest need to be placed on the trails.  If the problem persists, it is within the parameters set in the easement that ATV use can be prohibited.  The trail signs can be a project for the Commission after the Easement is finished, possibly over this next summer.

 

Chris had spoken with the Selectmen last week and was asked to work with Forestry to determine first of all which trails allow ATVs.  Janet will speak with the Selectmen’s clerk and try to find the maps indicating the trails.  Chris will find the price of the signs that can be posted along the trails.

 

Chris will call Mary Currier tomorrow regarding the Stewardship plan.  It was noted that the Forestry Committee is looking for funding for the Stewardship plan.  Judy had found grants that will help pay for such projects.  It was hoped that the Forestry Committee will look into that.

 

Michele asked why Audubon got involved with the Easement.  Chris explained that they had promised to help with educational projects and were generally less expensive than other organizations that help with Easements.  They had also expressed direct interest in Danville because of the heron rookery.  However, Chris, as well as others, has become uncomfortable with the fees and restrictions Audubon has.  These will be discussed with them in a joint meeting.

 

The wildlife inventory was discussed.  Emily Brunkhurst will be called to ask for her help with this project.

 

The problem with the water level on Tuckertown Road was brought to the attention of the Selectmen.  It is hoped that lowering the water level will be postponed until later.  Chris is on their agenda for Monday night.  It is hoped that research will be done first which will tell us what trees will be affected by a lower water level.  One main concern is that fact that herons nest in trees surrounded by water which provides their eggs with protection from raccoons and snakes.  If the trees which hold their nests are on dry land, those predators climb the trees and eat the heron eggs.  It should be noted that in the fall the hatchlings will be out of the nests.  This is another reason to postpone the lowering of the water level.

 

Another option to be researched is raising the grade of the road.  However, this solution should be carefully considered since adding a load of dirt could be construed as the town having to maintain the road.  A walk through the property needs to be planned and perhaps more than one leveler put in.  The possibility of annual inspections was discussed.

 

Chris is on the Selectmen’s agenda for Monday night at 8:45 to discuss the beavers, the shooting in the forest, and other concerns.

 

Correspondence:

  • An invitation from CTAP: four workshops for Conservation Commissions on April 30, July 30, September 24 and October 29. 
  • Article announcing Marjory Swope’s recent death
  • From Doucet survey: their recent bill for a meeting between Chris and Carol Baird was rescinded.  On file at the town hall.
  • Notice from the Recreation Committee: they are forming committees for the upcoming Old Home Day celebration
  • From Doucet Survey: proposal to surveying services.  On file at the town hall.
  • The original bill for the meeting between Chris and Carol Baird.  On file at the town hall.
  • From Peter Laughlin: email to Chris about two pieces of property believed to be owned by the town but claimed to be owned by someone else.  On file at the town hall.

 

Since the discussion would involve consideration of land purchases which, if discussed in public, might benefit a party whose interests are adverse to those of the general community, RSA 91-A: 3 II d should warrant nonpublic session, Judy made a motion to go into nonpublic session per RSA 91-A: 3 II d and Sheila seconded.  The motion was made and seconded.  A roll call was completed and the motion passed.

 

The public meeting adjourned at 8:57 pm.

 

Sheila made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Michele seconded.  The motion passed and the meeting adjourned at 9:16 pm.

 

 

 

 

*****Next Meeting: May 3, 2007****

 

 

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