Text Box: final CONSERVATION COMMISSION

 

MINUTES OF August 16, 2007

 

Present: Chris Giordano (Chairperson), Judy Jervis, Jason Holder.

 

Also present: Dave Knight

 

The meeting opened at 7:40.

 

The minutes of August 2nd were reviewed.  There were two typographical errors to correct.  Judy made a motion to accept the minutes as amended.  Jason seconded and the motion passed.

 

Chris explained that he had contacted Mike from Beaver Solutions about the pipe design.  There was confusion about the plan apparently showing water flowing uphill.  It was explained that this works by pressure.  The bottom of the pipe is set at the invert.  For example, if the desired water level is 3’ then the pipe is set at 3’.  The pipe can be disguised so the beavers don’t chew through it. 

 

It was proposed that a walk would be planned to see what needs to be done with the water level.  Chris proposed the August 27, 28, 29, or 30.  Judy and Jason will see what their schedules are like but agree that the 29th is probably the best date for them. 

 

The water level on Tuckertown Road was discussed.  The water is below the culvert and this should not be a problem with Terra Realty.  The pipe, which is about 6”, is too small for spring run-off and should possibly be replaced with a 12” pipe.  Mr. Knight suggested that the water level is fine and the problem seems to be more that the road has washed out in places.  Also the grade of the road is too low.  Graveling the road was discussed.  Jason asked about how someone gets permission.  The application process was discussed.

 

Chris had called S. C. Cummings about the accepting his bid with the idea that we’d look into grants as well.  Judy will research those.

 

Chris had met with Curt Springer about the two of them meeting as chairs of their respective committees.  Mr. Springer agreed with the condition that Wally Fries will moderate.  This was agreed that it would be a good idea to have a third party as a witness to any proceedings.  Judy asked about how to document the meetings between Chris and Curt.  She reminded the commission about having spoken with LGC about putting it into the minutes that the Conservation Commission has approved the proposed meetings between the Conservation Commission chairman and the Forestry Committee Chairman, Curt Springer, with Wally Fries acting as moderator.  She made a motion that it’s acceptable that Chris and Curt meet as chairmen of their respective committees, with Wally as moderator, to find concerns and possibly solutions regarding the differences of opinion the two committees have.  Jason seconded the motion and the motion carried.

 

Chris’s concern is with the Forestry Management Plan and questions left over and unanswered.  When there is a full board, the FMP will be discussed and those issues will then be taken to Curt and Wally.

 

There was a discussion about the Easement and the number of draft copies.  The most recent draft copy will be forwarded to everyone.

 

Chris has been playing phone tag with Emily Brunkhurst.  It is his hope that they can speak about the water level problem and get some recommendations regarding the Wildlife Management Plan.

 

Funds were discussed and what would be good ways to use the funds available to the Conservation Commission.  There are other ways to use the money other than land acquisition.

 

Judy had some items of business.  She mentioned a book called Saving Our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder and also an article about culverts.  The differences between flat and bottomless culverts were discussed.  The possibility of finding matching grant money was discussed.  A written proposal to be presented to the Selectmen will be made about the culverts, along with a copy of the article.  Chris mentioned the concept of con-spans being one-piece concrete spans that are more cost effective than the standard dredge and fills.  Judy also mentioned an article she had read about grants available for a hands-on habitat.  This would be something educational and good for a school yard with nesting boxes and such.  This would be something ideal for the elementary school with the surrounding wetland. 

 

Mr. Knight mentioned to the commission that if they don’t spur on the Stewardship plan, it won’t get done.  The Forestry Management Plan was referred to as a “living document,” i.e. something that’s used all the time and can be updated.  It was mentioned that the wildlife inventory should be done before the Stewardship Plan and that both are an on-going process.

 

Correspondence:

 

  • a fax from the Department of Transportation to selectmen and conservation commissions from Ralph Sanders: a notice that a pipe arch culvert under 111A  will be replaced.
  • From SCA Center for Conservation Services regarding accepting crew and resource intern requests for the 2008 summer and fall season.
  • From CTAP: an invitation to attend the Sept. 29th training conference.
  • From LGC: the 32nd annual municipal law lecture series.
  • From NH Estuaries Project Map titled “Be a Part of the Solution.”

 

Judy made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Jason seconded.  The motion passed and the meeting adjourned at 8:36 pm.

 

 

 

*****Next Meeting: September 6, 2007 at 7:30pm****

 

 

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