CONSERVATION COMMISSION

MINUTES OF march 5, 2009

Present: Chris Giordano-Chairman, Judy Jervis, Sheila Johannesen, Jason Holder, and Janet Denison-CC clerk

The meeting opened at 7:30 and was televised.

I. Minutes:

There was some confusion regarding the latest minutes to be reviewed as there has not been a meeting for a few months due to holidays and bad weather.

The minutes from November 6^th were discussed.  It was noted that Jason was not in attendance.  Sheila moved and Judy seconded a motion to accept the minutes as amended.  The motion passed.

II. Canceled Meetings:

It was noted that this has been the first meeting of the Conservation Commission this year.

III. Easement and Stewardship Plan:

Chris recently traveled to Concord with Curt Springer to meet with Bruce Schwaegler from Audubon and John Barto, attorney for Audubon.  The meets and bounds were finalized.  These have become complicated with Tuckertown Road being kept out of the Easement.

Bruce informed Chris that the legal fees have become excessive by about $5000 due to the complexity of the meets and bounds.  It was agreed that the legal fees would be paid as budgeted plus $2000.  The rest of the work will be finished pro bono.

The first meeting of the Conservation Commission in April will be scheduled as a joint meeting with the Forestry Committee.  The Easement and Stewardship Plans will be signed and forwarded to the Board of Selectmen for their signatures.  Copies of these plans will be forwarded to several town boards for their review.

IV. Milfoil:

Jason has spoken with Amy Smagula about treatment plans for Long Pond.  June 15^th has been set as the date for the first treatment.  Sarah Summer will contact Jason about information to go to the residents abutting Long Pond.  Jason was told that after one day the water will be safe, however, more details will be obtained in order to inform residents.  There was a discussion about how soon the pond will be pet safe and how to notify residents of the treatment plans.  Jason will find out more information and discuss this further with the Conservation Commission.

V. Member Appointments:

Judy and Chris’s appointments to the Conservation Commission expire on April 15^th of this year.  Chris said that he will continue to attend the meetings as the Selectman’s representative.  He would like to see the current projects finished.  He recommended that the Commission return to a three-man board unless new members can be recruited.  Judy said she has been on this town board for 15 years which is a long time.

VI. ’09 Projects:

The passing of the budget will determine what projects can be pursued during 2009.  He said that the informational flyer regarding the milfoil should be sent.

VII. Other Business:

The dues for the national conservation commission organization have increased by $25, making the total $250 rather than $225.  As there was no notification of an increase, the budget was set for $225 and the check was sent for that amount.  There has been no correspondence asking for the additional $25.  Chris said that the increase should be noted for next year’s budget.

VIII. Correspondence:

• forwarded from the Planning Board: From NH Estuaries: round 4 for project grants
• forwarded from the Planning Board: NH Arborists Association beautification award
• an advertisement from Solid Earth Technologies: walkways through marshes.  There was a discussion that this would be an ideal alternative for Tuckertown Road rather than gravel and culverts.
• from Land Trust Alliance: the ’09 New England Trust Conference will be April 28-30 in West Point, NY
• March ’09 issue of Tide Lines
• November ’08 issue of Tide Lines
• 2 letters to the Selectmen from Chris dated 12/8/08 regarding warrant articles.
• Winter ’09 issue of The Source
• advertisement for free workshops from CTAP regarding free workshops that can be scheduled
• advertisement for the Coastal Conservation Association of NH dinner and fundraiser to be held on March 28^th.

At 8:30pm Sheila moved and Jason seconded a motion to adjourn.  The motion passed.

*****Next Meeting: TBD****

Minutes are prepared by Janet S. Denison, clerk