Conservation Commission Minutes 08.20.13

Meeting Minutes
August 20, 2013, 7:00pm at Brown Memorial Library

Present: Seth Benowitz, J Ann Eldridge, Meg Fearnley, Brooks McCandlish.
Secretary’s Report: The minutes of 7/16/13 were accepted as written.
Treasurer’s Report: Meg reported $1.07 interest earned on accounts in July.  Ann to deliver receipts for payment to Rick Libbey (moose program) and for printing 3 two by three foot maps of the completed NRI for the library.  Seth provided frame stock for the aerial map, many thanks!.

Possible ‘Rail Trail’: received email from a Warner citizen interested in exploring the idea of a hiking trail connecting communities from Concord to Claremont using parts of the old railroad bed if possible.
Voted to nominate the absent George Beaton to attend meeting on Oct. 29.

Ausbon Sargent: annual meeting on afternoon of October 20.

Zoning Board Comments: requested on two variances for construction on property on Sunset Lane, owner Manning. These structures are currently grandfathered and non-conforming. Land resource concerns will be addressed by appropriate state agencies, Shoreland and sub-surface (for new septic system) Ann signed comment sheet and returned.
Lake Massasecum Property: A concerned landowner states the right of way through the property is a potential source of erosion and runoff into the lake.  Ann emailed and sent photos to Rick DeSeve, compliance coordinator for the Land Resource Management Program NH DES. He investigated septic design and found nothing amiss. Will keep track of possible increased erosion here.

Bradford Bog Boardwalk Repair Day: The repair day will be Sunday October 20.  Nathanial will be consulted to acquire our customary 40 boards. This is one of the trailwork projects of the Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Greenway Coalition. Possible need for ‘sleeper’ boards also.

E. Washington Rd Conservation Easement: The landowner who had expressed interest in a possible conservation easement on her property has not followed up with Ausbon Sargent. This land is in a focus area for Ausbon Sargent, NH Wildlife Action Program and the Conservation Commission.

Wetland Reserve Program: There is potential grant funding through the NRCS with an emergency wetland reserve program that might benefit local landowners, who will be contacted.  The BCC is willing to assist interested landowners with the application process.

Blitzer Easement Hike: a dozen hardy souls came out for the hike on a rainy Thursday, August 1.

Rick Libby Moose Program: Between 30 and 35 people attended the presentation on moose that was held on Friday August 16.

NRI: Next Bridge article on abridged version of the next chapter will be on Forestry Soils. Ann and Seth to draft by September 15.  Discussion of how to best promote local agricultural businesses in town. Article to be written in winter highlighting a few? Insert to Bridge? Contact owners…

The next meeting will be Tuesday September 17, 2013, 7pm at Brown Memorial Library. Ann will be absent. Members will have to fight over honor of chairing this meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 8:50pm.
Respectfully submitted,
J. Ann Eldridge, Temporary Secretary