Bradford Conservation Commission
Meeting Minutes
April 19, 2016, 7pm at Brown Memorial Library
Present: George Beaton, Seth Benowitz, Nathanial Bruss, J Ann Eldridge, Meg Fearnley, Patty Furness, Scott MacLean, and Brooks McCandlish.
Secretary’s Draft Report: The draft meeting minutes of 3/15/16 were accepted as read.
Treasurer’s Report: Meg stated there was $2.38 interest on accounts. The report was accepted.
Nomination and Election of Officers: Ann was nominated and elected as chairperson, Meg likewise as treasurer and Patty as secretary for the year. Women rule once again!
Town Clerk Swearing in: Nathanial and Meg were reminded to be sworn into office by the Town Clerk.
Ausbon Sargent News: Seth attended a recent ASLPT meeting and reported on upcoming events. There will be a volunteer appreciation party on Tuesday, May 17 from 4:30 to 6:30 at the Knowlton House in Sunapee Harbor.
For the outdoor enthusiasts, there will be a “spring awakening” hike on the Old College Road Preserve in Andover on Saturday, May 21 from 2 to 4pm. Looking ahead, a presentation on pollinators will be given on Thursday,
September 22 at 6:30pm at the Red Barn Community Association in Wilmot.
Warner River Protective Designation Program: A public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 20 at 7pm at the Warner Town Hall. Scott reported that the goal is to complete the application process by June 1. Scott intends to set up informational meetings with the Selectmen, the Zoning Board, the Planning Board, Rural Heritage Committee, and Bradford Fish and Game Club.
House Bill 1686: This bill sought the repeal of the Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP), and was killed.
Senate Bill 324: This bill proposes to limit federal land ownership in the state, limiting the total to no more than 5% of the total assessed valuation of all real estate in a community. A town meeting vote would allow a community to exceed this level; however, this bill could make it almost impossible to apply federal grant dollars for land conservation. This bill is pending, and will go to executive session on 4/26/16. Ann volunteered to write a letter voicing the BCC’s opposition to this bill.
Map 3, Lot 89, potential business site: The April 6 public hearing was postponed, due to the temporary withdrawal of the application request for a variance to buffer provisions. The BCC’s concerns were drafted and sent to the ZBA (Brooks recused).
Permit for agriculture in wetland/shoreland: A landowner is considering erecting a hoop house/greenhouse on property in a shoreland area and is seeking advice from the BCC. Brooks suggested finding a more suitable site on the landowner’s property; Ann will discuss with the landowner.
2016 Bradford Master Plan: Ann expressed concerns over the monitoring process for the online survey to ensure that it is restricted to Bradford residents and that each household submits only one survey. Discussion followed, and all members were in support of sending an inquiry to the Planning Board to voice these concerns.
Bradford Springs Site: A heart-felt thank you note was signed by all and sent to the thoughtful individual who has taken the initiative and cleaned up the area. It is a much appreciated gesture, and noticeable improvement!
Big Trees: George reported that there are 6 county champs which have been recently documented in Bradford, including a red pine, poplar, red oak, red spruce, beech and birch. These noble trees are located on public and private lands.
Sunapee Ragged Kearsarge Greenway Coalition: George and Brooks have each volunteered to lead an SRKGC hike in Bradford in the upcoming months, with the date and destination to be announced. We look forward to this promise of great adventure!
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:25pm. The next scheduled meeting is Tuesday, May 17, 2016, 7pm at Brown Memorial Library.
Respectfully submitted,
Patty Furness, Secretary