Text Box: draftJOINT MEETING HOSTED BY THE FORESTRY COMMITTEE

 

April 2, 2008

 

Present:

--Forestry Committee: Curt Springer-Chairman, Betsy Sanders, Chris Lauria, Andy Ward

--Conservation Commission: Chris Giordano-Chairman, Judy Jervis, Sheila Johannesen,

            Jason Holder, Michele Tingley

--Heritage Commission: Carol Baird, Bill Gard

--Selectman: Joe Luna

 

Others Present: Bruce Schwaegler-Audubon Society; Jennifer Hunter-NH Estuaries Project; Ellen Snyder-consultant; Sean Jones-media technician; Janet Denison-Conservation Clerk; (Phil Emilio arrived at 7:50)

 

The meeting opened at 7:00 pm and was televised.

 

Curt began the meeting by introducing this as a joint meeting between the Forestry Committee, Conservation Commission, and Selectmen.  He welcomed Mr. Schwaegler, Ms. Hunter, and Ms. Snyder and guests from the Heritage Commission.

 

For the benefit of those not in attendance at the previous meeting, Ms. Hunter explained the NH Estuaries Project involvement in Stewardship Plan.

 

Ms. Snyder reviewed the “NHEP CTAP Project in Danville, Project Work Plan.” (see attached document)

 

Ms. Snyder briefly explained the timeline of activities and what will hopefully be accomplished by November 15th.  It was the consensus that this “aggressive” work ethic is acceptable.  Ms. Snyder explained that the present town boards may need to meet about three times during this process.  The timing and location of these meetings would need to be agreed upon, as well as who will chair the meeting.  Curt volunteered to run the meetings, as well as advertise and organize the meetings to be held at the Town Hall.  There were no apparent objections to this.

 

Chris G. pointed out, referencing page 1 of “NHEP CTAP Project in Danville, Project Work Plan,” that the town paid for with public funds the forest management plan developed by Charlie Moreno.  He said it would be a courtesy, if amendments were going to be made to the document, that Mr. Moreno could make them himself to ensure that someone does not plagiarize his work.

 

Ms. Snyder explained that she would like to have one or two field visits, to get a good assessment of the property, before the next meeting with the present boards.  This next meeting will possibly be during the first part of June.

 

Ms. Baird mentioned that there are historical features in the town forest, such as stone walls, that are not indicated on maps.  She asked that the locations of these be noted during site walks.  Ms. Snyder said this is good idea and is planning to use GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and GPS (Global Positioning Systems) while visiting the forest.  The location of any features would be easily noted.  A survey of the town forest was given to Ms. Snyder.

 

Mr. Schwaegler pointed out that Tuckertown Road and the power line corridor are not included in the Easement.

 

The distinctions between the Stewardship Plan and the Easement were discussed.  The Stewardship encompasses all the land within the forest while the Easement has segregated out certain sections.  These are delineated in both documents.

 

Ms. Baird noted that Tuckertown Road is in the historic district and use of it is of interest to the Heritage Commission.  Ms. Snyder said that “public use” is always the biggest issue and it will be discussed further.

 

Ms. Snyder said that the town will supplied with a hard copy and an electronic copy when it’s finished.  Mr. Schwaegler mentioned that the Stewardship Plan allows for amendments, so decisions made now can be corrected, if the future shows a need for correction.

 

Ms. Snyder explained that different areas of the property will have different uses depending on goals and objectives.  Recreation may encompass the entire property while historical would target certain areas.  She said we may end up with management units for certain recommendations, but this will be discussed at another time.

 

Curt said that he will continue to be the contact person for communication regarding the Stewardship Plan.  Chris G. will keep the Conservation Commission and Selectmen informed.  Ms. Snyder and Ms. Hunter said that they are available anytime as well.  Bill Gard will be the contact person for the Heritage Commission.

 

Ms. Hunter spoke about the budget allowing for five copies of the final report being made.  Three will be given to Danville, one will be retained by NHEP and one will be given to Audubon.  Electronic copies will be made available as well.

 

The Easement was discussed and the fact that it is almost finished.  Ms. Snyder asked about goals and objectives and it was noted that there are goals and objectives in the Easement.  There was a discussion about target shooting versus hunting.  There was also a discussion regarding motorized and non-motorized traffic.  It was agreed that Wade Parsons can be invited to a joint meeting to discuss enforcement issues.  Mr. Schwaegler mentioned that there are certain standards to be kept when considering traffic of any kind through the forest.  For example, anything that causes excess erosion or disturbs water quality is what he called a “no-no.”

 

There was a discussion regarding trails and the pros and cons of blazing new trails.  Mr. Schwaegler pointed out that there are best practices to be followed.  He mentioned that logging and forest management will create trails.  Those skid trails can be studied to see if those can become maintained trails.

 

It was mentioned that a reporter from the Eagle Tribune was hoping to write an article regarding this endeavor.

 

Ms. Hunter, Ms. Snyder, and Mr. Schwaegler were thanked for their time and expertise.

 

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm.

 

 

 

Minutes are prepared by Janet S. Denison, Conservation Commission Clerk