Conservation Commission Minutes 02.21.17

Bradford Conservation Commission
Meeting Minutes
February 21, 2017, 7pm at Brown Memorial Library

Present: George Beaton, Seth Benowitz, J Ann Eldridge, Meg Fearnley, Patty Furness, Scott MacLean,
Brooks McCandlish

Secretary’s Report: The draft meeting minutes of January 17, 2017 were reviewed and accepted as read.

Treasurer’s Report: Meg stated $2.39 interest was earned on account in January 2017.

Saving Special Places 2017: Registration for workshops is now open for this annual land conservation conference. It will take place on Saturday, April 8 in Alton at Prospect Mountain High School.

Cottrell-Baldwin Environmental Lecture Series:The schedule is out, and programs in this author’s series will include big trees (3/7), NH rattlesnakes (3/21), the hurricane of ’38 (3/28), and wildflowers (4/4). Due to a conflict with next month’s meeting and the snake program, the BCC March meeting will be rescheduled for Monday, March 20, 7pm at BML. Ann will contact the Bridge for public notification.

NH Granit Map Update: Ann was contacted by Tim Fleury, county forester, regarding updating information on town-owned land tracts in excess of 10 acres. Brooks volunteered to research when any such land came under the ownership of the town.

Warner River Stream Crossing Assessment: Ann was contacted by NH Fish and Game regarding an assessment of culvert height along the Warner River. Ben Nugent will be attending our March BCC meeting to present the results of the Warner River stream crossing assessment.

Project Assistance Offer: Sam Rushia, the dedicated Eagle Scout who implemented the construction of the Bradford Bog platform, inquired about any upcoming projects in which he may be of assistance. Ann will invite this generous young man to our next meeting for further discussion.

Conservation Options Workshop for Landowners: Ausbon Sargent will sponsor this program on Thursday, April 13 at the Knowlton House in Sunapee Harbor. Seth will e-mail information on this workshop to landowners who have attended informational sessions and expressed interest in the past.

Warner River Nominating Committee: Scott reported that the committee has reviewed the five on-site town meetings, and is currently waiting for supportive letters from individuals and organizations before submitting their proposal to the Department of Environmental Services on May 1. The legislature will then hold a public hearing on the nomination.

Bradford Pines: It has been reported that there is a dead tall white pine; George will investigate.

Greenland Program: Bill Duffy will share his adventure in Greenland on Thursday March 16, 7pm at the Community Center. Snow/inclement weather date March 30.

Pollinator Workshop: Francie Von Mertens’ presentation will take place in late May or early June.

Ausbon Sargent Hike: The beautiful trails on the Blitzer Conservation property on Rowe Mountain Road will be explored on Thursday, August 25, from 2-4 pm. Save the date!

The meeting adjourned at 8:10pm. The next meeting will be held Monday, March 20, 2017 at 7pm at Brown Memorial Library.

Respectfully submitted,
Patty Furness, Secretary