Conservation Commission Minutes 12.16.14

December 20, 2014 Meg Fearnley Conservation Commission, Minutes 0

Bradford Conservation Commission
Meeting Minutes
December 16, 2014. 7pm at Brown Memorial Library
Present: George Beaton, Seth Benowitz, J Ann Eldridge, Meg Fearnley, Patty Furness, and Brooks McCandlish.  Also present Chris Frey, representing the Bradford Fire Department.
Secretary’s Report: The meeting minutes of 11/17/14 were accepted as written.
Treasurer’s Report: There was no activity to report on the accounts this month due to lack of bank statements.
Bradford Pines State Natural Area: Chris Frey, representing the Bradford Fire Department, spoke to the group about negotiations with the State over the Bradford Pines area.  This 5.5 acre protected site is currently owned by the State, but they would like to transfer ownership to the town of Bradford.  A 75 foot wide section abutting the fire station would be available to the department for expansion purposes, and the remainder of the site would be conserved.  It is a BCC concern due to the bordering West Branch of the Warner River, the pines, and the surrounding wetlands.  Chris will keep us updated of the process as it unfolds.
Saving Special Places: This annual meeting will take place April 11, 2015 at John Stark Regional High School in Weare, NH.  Information on the guest speaker and workshops offered can be obtained online.
BCC on Facebook: Seth was commended for a superb effort in setting up the BCC Facebook page, complete with a link on the town website.  It features beautiful photography, informative and fascinating glimpses into the natural world outside our windows, and mysteries of nature to ponder.  Well done, Seth!
Natural Resources Inventory Chapter Synopsis: Seth volunteered to condense whatever chapter of the NRI  is next in line and submit to the February Bridge.
Public Outreach Programs: The group reviewed available “Speaking for Wildlife” public programs, and decided on ‘NH Wild History: 350 years of NH Wildlife’ for a possible February program.  Ann will contact the organization to inquire about booking this presentation. In April, Ann and Bill will host a program on NH amphibians, with a possible vernal pool adventure and investigation to follow.
Aiken Pasture Winter Hike: George will be leading a snowshoe trek to explore Aiken Pasture in February, sponsored by the Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Greenway Coalition.  He will submit a January Bridge article to inform local hikers.
Bradford Sand and Gravel Pit Ordinance Revision: Brooks shared matters being addressed at these ongoing sessions, and will continue to represent the BCC.
The meeting adjourned at 8:15pm.  The next scheduled meeting will take place Tuesday January 20, 2015, 7pm at Brown Memorial Library.
Respectfully submitted,
Patty Furness, Secretary