Bradford Conservation Commission
DRAFT Meeting Minutes
May 19, 2015, 7pm at Bradford Memorial Library
Present: Seth Benowitz, Nathanial Bruss, J Ann Eldridge, Meg Fearnley, Patty Furness, Brooks McCandlish
Secretary’s Report: The meeting minutes of 4/21/15 were accepted as written.
Treasurer’s Report: Meg stated $1.73 interest was earned on accounts in April.
Bradford Pines State Natural Area: Brooks volunteered to act as a liaison to the advisory committee in determining the future of this unique area in Bradford.
Mount Sunapee West Bowl Expansion Draft Proposal: Ann shared the letter sent to DRED Commissioner Jeffry Rose on behalf of the Bradford Conservation Commission stating our concerns and objections to the draft lease agreement between Okemo Mountain Resort and the State of NH over use of Mount Sunapee State Park. The period for public comment ends 6/05/15.
NH Coverts Workshop: Patty reported on this 3 day environmental workshop she attended in Greenfield in May. It was an enriching experience, filled with indoor education reinforced by outdoor field trips to various sites in the surrounding area.
Bradford 2016 Master Plan: The Planning Board will be updating the current Master Plan in 2016. It was agreed that the BCC should assist them with Cost of Community Services; Ann has spoken with Marcia Keller regarding our offer. Seth mentioned that UNH Cooperative Extension has resources, such as a compilation of various statistics that may be useful.
Wetlands Inventory Update Workshops: There is a classroom workshop being offered on Friday, 29 May, 8a.m. to 4pm at NHTI in Concord, followed by a field workshop on Friday, 5 June at Bear Brook Park in Allenstown. Sonny Harris and Jim Bibbo will be attending, representing the Planning Board. Registration deadline is 26 May, with the cost being $40. The BCC voted to pay for any members who may wish to attend.
Potential Conservation Property: Andy Deegan hopes to approach the Zoning Board regarding a possible conservation property. Brooks volunteered to assist with zoning issues.
NH Rail Trail: The Rural Heritage Committee has graded the Tilly Wheeler Trail (with thanks to Nate Kimball), and Ann has trimmed shrubs and trees to allow the Whitman Park sign to be visible.
Ausbon Sargent Booth July 4th: Ausbon Sargent will sponsor a booth at the Bradford Independence Day celebration. They will provide the educational exhibit and pay the booth fee. They need booth sitters; Seth will handle logistics and has volunteered to man the booth. Patty will provide relief. Cindy Lawson is the AS contact person.
Natural Resources Inventory Chapter Synopsis: Rare Species and Natural Communities will be summarized in the August issue of The Bradford Bridge.
Ausbon Sargent Dragonfly Walk: There will be an afternoon workshop observing and identifying our local dragonflies on Tuesday, 28 July,2-4pm on the Blitzer Conservation Easement. Preregistration is required.
Congratulations Brooks! : The New England Society of American Foresters has presented the 2015 Practicing Professional Forester award to Brooks McCandlish. An article in The Bradford Bridge will spread the great news of Brooks’ remarkable achievement.
Fern Presentation: Ann has sent an email to Jane Williamson to set a date for her fern talk/walk.
The meeting adjourned at 7:55pm. The next meeting will be Tuesday, 21 July, 7pm at Brown Memorial Library.
Respectfully submitted,
Patty Furness, Secretary