CONSERVATION COMMISSIONMINUTES OF August 7, 2008
Present: Chris Giordano-Chairman, Judy Jervis, Michele Tingley
Others Present: Janet Denison-CC clerk
The meeting opened at 7:45.
Milfoil
Chris had spoken with Amy Smagula,
limnologist/Exotic Species Program Coordinator with NH DES, about the
milfoil in Long Pond. Ms. Smagula has offered to visit the board
at a regularly scheduled meeting to discuss this issue. Chris
will see if she is available September 4. Ms. Smagula mentioned
different actions can be taken with the milfoil, including not treating
it, using chemicals to eradicate it, and using divers to pull or vacuum
it. Chris will also speak with John McGee.
Judy mentioned that her parents
live on a small pond which had a huge problem with milfoil. Other
methods were used to no avail. Chemicals were finally used which
got rid of the problem. According to Ms. Smagula, the chemicals
do not harm other species in the pond. She has visited Long Pond
and told Chris that it is on the list of ponds to treat next spring.
Ms. Smagula will also mail
signs to post at the boat ramp. Judy mentioned mailing notices
to the abutters. Chris will call the Trahants to let them know
the status of ridding Long Pond of milfoil, as they visited the board
at the last meeting.
The first treatment will be
paid by the state. It is supposed that there are grants available to
help defray the costs of treatment.
Wildlife Corridor Planning
Ellen Snyder will be contacted
about helping the board with the wildlife corridor planning after the
stewardship project is finished. There may be grants available
to help pay. It is hoped that she can help prioritize locations
to acquire.
Town Forest - Site Walk
Chris told Judy that the previous
meeting was not the right forum to bring up Judy’s questions.
The site walk went well.
Ms. Snyder pointed out an invasive plant that is in the town forest.
She said there is not a lot of it, but is should be monitored.
Ms. Snyder also mentioned the
trails around the vernal pools. The distance between them depends
on different factors. Chris explained that this is a reason trails
need to be designed properly. The observation blind was discussed
on the walk. It will be moved further away from the rookery than
originally planned. It was suggested that either side of the blind
is roped off to prevent those who want to get closer. Signs will
be posted as well to inform observers to be respectful.
Chris found out that the town
can regulate hunting on town property. He spoke with Paul Sanderson,
a staff attorney with LGC, who said that the Selectman can, without
a town vote, enact regulations on hunting. A town hearing is recommended
first.
Chris cleared the culvert again
under Tuckertown Road. He said the water level is halfway up the
pipe. Ms. Snyder suggested getting the elevation on the beaver
pond versus the water level on the other side of the road. According
to her maps, it’s all one water body. There may be another beaver
dam.
Mr. Schwaegler is treating
this area as wetland, which is what it has become, and wants it kept
as wetland. Phil Emilio said that he thought there was another
culvert somewhere. Chris said that if there was a culvert there
at one time, that means it was wet on both sides. As it is now
flooded across Tuckertown Road, this would mean it is reverting back
to its former condition.
There was a discussion of trucks
traveling along Tuckertown Road. Low-impact walking bridges across
the water were discussed. Other entrances for vehicles to on other
parts of the town forest were discussed. Gates can be put up at
entrances with rocks on either side to prevent traveling around the
gates.
Joint Meeting with Forestry
The next meeting about the
Stewardship Plan will be August 21. Another walk will be planned
as well.
Master Plan
Chris spoke with Barry and
found out that there is money in the conservation section. Chris
applied for a matching grant in the amount of $2000. There was
a discussion of creating cluster and senior sections of zoning and this
being more attractive for builders. There may be no incentives
for open-space subdivisions.
Wetlands Inventory
Chris was informed by Paul
Johnson from UNH that they have done away with the senior projects program
which allowed the students to assist the town with this inventory.
Mr. Johnson recommended sending a letter to the department asking if
someone is doing an internship and may be able to help. He mentioned
Linda Isaacson as a possible contact about this.
The Commission may also hire
someone to help. Chris will ask Ellen Snyder and see if she can
recommend a school or firm.
Other Business:
CTAP sent an Open Space Planning
Assessment to Chris about the Master Plan. Chris will send a copy
vie email attachment for everyone to review and supply input.
Janet will also review the Master Plan to see about answering questions.
If answered, this will help us discover deficiencies that may be in
our Master Plan, and then applications for grants can be made in order
to fill those gaps.
Wildlife tunnels and wildlife
corridors were discussed. It is hoped that Ellen Snyder can assist
the Commission in finding the best areas for culverts or tunnels for
wildlife. Chris explained that green bridges have been constructed
along wildlife corridors that allow the wildlife to pass over roadways
without harm. Chris explained that mapping can be done to delineate
the wildlife corridors, and when a new subdivision is planned, a culvert
or green bridge can be requested or an ordinance can be put in place
that requires it.
Kingston is hosting a meeting
about the new Shoreline Protection Act on the 20th at 7pm
in the Kingston Town Hall.
The property along 111 was
discussed. The exact location of the lot is still being determined.
Correspondence:
- copy of the budget from Jan. to July. It was noted that the lamination of maps is not on the budget.
- copy of Planning Board minutes.
Minutes:
The minutes from the joint
meetings on June 26 and July 24 were discussed. The Commission
felt those minutes were fine.
¯ The minutes of June 5 and July 17
were discussed. These minutes need to be reviewed before the next
meeting. The non-public minutes of June 5th
will be brought to the meeting on Sept 4th
for the board to review.
At 9:00pm Michele moved and
Judy seconded a motion to adjourn. The motion passed.
*****Next
Meeting: September 4th, 2008****
Minutes are prepared by Janet S. Denison, clerk