Bradford Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes
September 17, 2013, 7:00pm at Brown Memorial Library
Present: George Beaton, Seth Benowitz, Nathaniel Bruss, Meg Fearnley, Patty Furness, Scott MacLean, Brooks McCandlish
Secretary’s Report: the minutes of 8/20/13 were amended to reflect the date of the Rail Trail organizational meeting on Thursday 8/29/13. The minutes were accepted as corrected.
Treasurer’s Report: Meg reported $1.16 interest earned on account in August. Reimbursement was made to Ann for the moose presentation, and printing of the NRI maps in the library exhibit.
Rail Trail: Scott attended an organizational meeting on 8/29. This proposed recreational trail will follow vacant rail beds that exist between Hopkinton and Sunapee, including a section through Bradford. Some lengths would traverse privately owned property; obtaining permission from land owners to gain access is part of the work that lies ahead. Meg suggested that establishing the section through Warner should preclude any efforts in Bradford at this time. All were in agreement.
W.E. Steere Probate Issue: Discussion was tabled until next meeting when Ann can provide further information.
Hoyt Brook Debris: A fisherman has reported the discarding of stumps and wood chips along Hoyt Brook that appear to be from Doug Jackson’s operation on Center Road. George volunteered to investigate and speak with Doug.
Dunfield Road Damage: Nathaniel noted that the water bars on Dunfield Rd/Low State Forest are being compromised due to motor vehicles, despite a state-posted sign prohibiting their use. Brooks will contact the state forester to confirm that the no motorized vehicles sign is legitimate. Discussion followed about the possibility of erecting a barrier to discourage motorized vehicles, yet encourage other recreational use.
Breezy Hill Rd Bridge: Seth shared a copy of the wetland permit application from Headwater’s Hydrology.
Town Cleanup: Lois spoke with Seth regarding the Conservation Commission providing impetus in encouraging up of town roads. Brooks provided a history of the former road cleanup committee in past efforts. Ideas discussed included a Bridge article to encourage individuals/groups to adopt roads to monitor; this type of on-going effort would be more effective than annual events such as Earth Day. Seth and Patty will confer further with Lois.
Bradford Big Trees: We were enlightened by George and Seth in learning that we do indeed live among giants. Bob Lyons, UNH Coop Extension, measured and confirmed that one of the Bradford Bog’s White Cedars is unusually big. In fact, it is now registered as the state White Cedar co-champion. Bob also measured a White Ash (located near the Nelson Farm Easement) that George had found, and it qualified to become the county White Ash champion. Criteria for ‘big trees’ includes circumference, height, and canopy spread. There was lively discussion about promoting a town-wide champion ‘big tree list’ to encourage conservation, appreciation of trees, and outdoor exploration. A Bridge article on this is in the future.
Possible conservation commission interest: Seth contacted a landowner who owns property abutting already conserved land. Seth told him of Ausbon Sargent and its mission, and gained permission for Beth to follow up, which she has done. The owner has expressed intention to put a portion of the property in easement; some fundraising may be necessary for surveying and stewardship costs. Nathaniel proposed that the BCC support this effort and all were in agreement.
Sonny Harris/Wetland Reserve Program: Ann has spoken with Sonny, and further information is needed.
Erosion Control Program (NRCS): Horse farms on Hoyt Brook and West Meadow wetlands may benefit from these programs, Seth and/or Ann will contact.
Bog Repair Day: Sunday, October 20, 9am-12pm. Nathaniel will contact the Lumber Barn for the 40 hemlock planks needed for this project. George has offered to provide the 4×4 crosspieces. Patty will supply goodies.
NRI: Surface water synopsis for the November Bridge is due 10/15. Ann/Seth will write and submit.
NRI Action: Revisiting conservation zoning is a possible first step. Carol Andrews may be able to provide insight on how other towns approach this issue. Brooks suggested we discuss this at a later meeting, and all were in favor.
Doug Jackson/Center Road: The site plan for an addition to the current barn, to be used for storage, was reviewed. The BCC concerns were the potential impact to Hoyt Brook, the location of which was not indicated on the site plan. Concerns were written and submitted to the Planning Board.
Gioldassis/Main St/103 Junction: The site plan for office space was reviewed. There were no natural resource concerns with the plan.
The next meeting will take place Tuesday October 15, 2013, 7pm at Brown Memorial Library.
The meeting adjourned at 8:40 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Patty Furness, Secretary