Conservation Commission Minutes 01.20.15

Bradford Conservation Commission

DRAFT Meeting Minutes
January 20, 2015, 7pm at Brown Memorial Library
Present: George Beaton, Seth Benowitz, Nathanial Bruss, J Ann Eldridge, Meg Fearnley, Patty Furness, Scott MacLean, Brooks McCandlish.
Secretary’s Report:  The meeting minutes of 12/16/14 were accepted as written.
Treasurer’s Report: Meg reported $1.78 earned interest on accounts.
Saving Special Places: This annual meeting will take place Saturday April 11, 2015 at John Stark Regional High School in Weare, NH.  A schedule of planned workshops and the featured guest speaker is available online, as well as registration information.
Emerald Ash Borer Workshop:  An educational session on the Emerald Ash Borer will be held Friday January 30, 2015, from 1-4pm at the NH Forest Society Conservation Center in Concord.  This workshop will address issues such as being alert and prepared for the Emerald Ash Borer, and infestation management.
Aiken Pasture Town Forest Hike: George will lead this snowshoe expedition on Saturday February 28.  An article has been submitted to the February Bridge and Intertown Record to summon local hiking enthusiasts to join George in exploring this unique property.  The hike is sponsored by the Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Greenway Coalition.
Speaking For Wildlife Program: “NH Wild History: 350 Years of NH Wildlife” will be presented on Friday February 6, 7pm at Brown Memorial Library.  An article to advertise will be in the February Bridge.
NH Coverts Workshop: The 2015 program will take place May 6-9 in Greenfield, NH.  Patty will consider an application; deadline is March 1.
Natural Resources Inventory Chapter Synopsis: Seth has condensed the chapter on groundwater and submitted it to the February Bridge.
Town Website Update:  Ann and Seth will get together with Andrew Pinard to update the town website with maps.
Bradford Bog Report: Scott recently walked the Bog boundary to monitor any changes, and he discovered evidence of cutting of two mature spruce trees.  In reviewing the photos, Brooks noted that it appears the tops were taken, perhaps to use as a Christmas tree.  Seth will post additional signs to denote the Bog property boundary.
Mount Sunapee West Bowl Proposed Expansion: The period of public comment is closed.  The issue will be determined by the Governor’s Executive Council in May.
Bradford Pines State Natural Area: Ann has been trying to follow any progress in negotiations with the State over the transfer of the Bradford Pines area to the town.  A 75 foot wide section abutting the fire station would be available to the department for expansion and the remainder of the 5.5 acre site would be overseen by the BCC and remain in conservation.  Ann was informed the issue went before committee and was tabled.  Ann will contact Geoffrey Hirsch, who is sponsoring this bill, to ascertain the status of this matter.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:55pm.  The next scheduled meeting will take place Tuesday February 17, 2015, 7pm at Brown Memorial Library.
Respectfully submitted,
Patty Furness, Secretary