CONSERVATION COMMISSIONMINUTES OF July 17, 2008
Present: Chris Giordano-Chairman, Judy Jervis
Others Present: Dennis Francoeur-Eagle Scout Candidate, Mr. and Mrs. Trahant-Long Pond abutters, Janet Denison-CC clerk
The meeting opened at 7:45.
Eagle Scout Project
Dennis Francoeur spoke with
the CC regarding his Eagle Scout Project. He plans to install
an observation blind in the town forest near the heron rookery.
He explained it will be an 8’ wall and almost 10’ wide with holes
spaced throughout for viewing. He plans to install this near a
trail he says Chris Lauria recently made. The blind will allow
people to take photographs or simply view the rookery and beaver dam
without disturbing the animals.
Mr. Francoeur had spoken with
Fred Borman, Rockingham County Extension forester, who said the distance
from the rookery to the planned blind was fine because of the region
and the lack of cement footings. The footings, 4x4’s driven
three feet into the ground, are not in the wetlands, he plans to be
15-25’ away from the water. Mr. Francoeur has also spoken with
Raymond Remmel from NHDES Wetlands Bureau-Shoreland Program. Mr.
Borman told Mr. Francoeur that the nests are far enough away on the
water.
Chris asked if anyone had recommended
distances. There was a question about the new trail having been
researched so that its placement is at a safe distance.
Mr. Francoeur was told his
project sounds like a great project and will email pictures to the committee
members. He was asked about instructions being posted in the blind
cautioning the viewers to respect the rookery or other information about
the forest.
Milfoil in Long Pond
Mr. and Mrs. Trahant spoke
about the milfoil infestation in Long Pond. They said that they
noticed the problem last year and since then it has spread significantly.
Mr. Trahant mentioned that Fish and Game is aware of the problem as
it has been treated throughout the state.
Financial responsibility was
discussed. It was assumed that the acreage of Long Pond puts it
under the state’s jurisdiction. The board discussed the need
for a posting at the boat launch and will make calls to find out the
procedure for treating the milfoil.
Joint Meetings
Judy mentioned statements in
the June 26 work session minutes that need to be mentioned again at
the Stewardship Plan joint meeting July 24th. She will email Chris
with her comments since she will not be able to attend.
Other Business:
The rookery was discussed.
It is believed that it was the largest in the state at one time with
over 120 nests.
Judy has seen Blanding’s
turtles in the town forest.
The master plan and funding
for it was discussed.
Point of Order: Jason
arrived at 8:15. He discussed that he has seen a lot of milfoil
in Long Pond. He was called out of the meeting at 8:45 to deal
with an emergency.
Curt Springer had emailed LGC
regarding the hunting and shooting in the town forest. It was
supposed that the question was too broad and does not answer accurately
the specific question about shooting.
Previous minutes were discussed.
It will be noted that Laura Games is an alternate.
Correspondence:
- from NHDES-acknowledgement of receipt of Phil Emilio’s “Notification of Forest Management or Timber Harvest Activities” It appeared from the sketch that ownership of part of what Mr. Emilio intends to cut is under dispute. It will be brought to the attention of the Selectman.
- from LGC-volunteer awards nominations due August 29th.
- SPACE summer ’08 issue
- from NHDES-watershed restoration grant proposal. This may be a possibility for treating milfoil.
- copy of the budget from Jan. to July
- notification of a seminar in Stratham and Manchester-the Merrimack Co. Conservation District has a 12 week training course beginning the 1st week of September
- RPC matching grant notice—Chris will call Barry about this.
The meeting ended at approximately
9:15 pm.
*****Next
Meeting: August 7th****
Minutes are prepared by Janet S. Denison, clerk