Conservation Commission Minutes 05.20.25

May 21, 2025 Meg Fearnley Conservation Commission, Minutes 0

Bradford Conservation Commission Secretary’s Draft Report
May 20, 2025
Present: George Beaton, Seth Benowitz, Nathaniel Bruss, J Ann Eldridge, Meg Fearnley, Becca Herman, Brooks McCandlish, Sott MacLean, Doug Southard, and Rett Weber; and guests, Mike and Janet Bauer.
Bauer Wetland Permit by Notification: Mike and Janet Bauer have a property at the intersection of Jewett and Rowe Mountain Roads, and are seeking approval for a permit by notification they are preparing for a wetland crossing on the property. Brooks asked whether there was existing access. Mike explained that there was no existing access to the rear of the property, due to the positioning of the property lines. He presented a site plan, and explained the project in detail. Brooks moved, seconded by Doug, to approve the permit, pending the Natural Heritage Bureau’s approval. A vote was taken, and the motion carried. Ann asked the Bauers to keep in touch if the project moves forward, and if interested in a box culvert.
Secretary’s Draft Report: The draft minutes of 04/15/25 were reviewed. Meg moved, seconded by Nate, to approve the minutes as amended by Ann to change an announcement date error on page 2. A vote was taken, and the motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report: Meg presented the accounts spreadsheet, and announced the Commission can send three children to summer nature camp this summer. However, the bank account balance for the camp fund is now $93.07, and would have incurred a monthly fee, if not for a recent $60.00 donation. Patty will provide a detailed camp update at next month’s meeting.
Adopt a Road 2025: Doug announced that six reports have been received so far for Class VI roads. He looks forward to collaborating with Chief Bryan Nowell at the Fire Department this summer to further assess Class VI road conditions potentially impacting fire and rescue operations. Nate asked whether water bars and fire lane designations were being considered to help prevent erosion where erosion was an issue. Interventions might be targeted to stabilization efforts on roads currently in good condition rather than extensive work on those already unpassable. It was noted that the town would have no obligation to continue to stabilize and/or improve these roads in the future. Brooks noted that the Selectmen have been working on a new Class VI road policy. Ann will reach out the Selectmen and let them know that the Commission is interested in making some suggestions. She will also find out if the Commission’s forest maintenance savings can be used for water bars and fire road designation work, if such measures are approved. Nate will work with Doug and Chief Nowell to put together more information regarding water bars and fire lane designations.
ORHVs: Doug attended and provided a presentation at a legislative study group meeting in Bow about Bradford’s OHRV experience and made some new contacts with state agencies. He would like to put up new End of Trail signs on Liberty Hill Road at the Henniker/Bradford town line and noted that the NH Bureau of Trails has agreed to supply the signs.
Warner Housing Project Proposal: The location of the proposed housing project is at the traffic circle in Warner, adjoining both the Dunkin’ Donuts property and Warner River. As Bradford and Warner share the Warner River watershed, several concerns were expressed regarding the project’s impact on the Warner River watershed and natural resources along the river. Ann suggested for the Commission to prepare a letter to submit by the May 28 public comments deadline. Brooks moved, seconded by Doug, to authorize Ann to articulate the Commission’s concerns in a letter to be prepared and sent before the deadline. A vote was taken, and the motion carried.
Pleasant Vally Road: Ann received a complaint about tree cutting and erosion in the new subdivision. She took a look and did not observe any erosion. However, the Commission will keep an eye on it.
ASLPT Chair Round Table Meeting: Ann attended, and shared the following news. A new conservation trust is forming in Warner which will include building and land. The Warner Conservation Commission has made inquiries about Bradford’s new Surface Water Protection Act, and will meet with Ann to discuss them. There is a hemlock project looking for volunteer citizen scientists in the local area to help. If interested, check out the ASLPT website for additional information.
VRAP: George and Becca announced that monitoring will start at the end of the month.
Hoyt Brook and Webb’s Field: Rett and Irene Weber and Becca put together operating procedures for the meters which will be used to measure water quality. Ann and George met with Ben Nugent (N.H. Fish & Game), Josh Megyesy (N.H. Fish and Game), and Greg Swick (Trout Unlimited) to walk Webb field and discuss potential future conservation efforts. Ben and Andy Deegan (ASLPT) are preparing an Aquatic Resource Mitigation grant to help with funding for the Webb field conservation efforts. The goal for the summer is to perform a couple of rounds of water quality monitoring on Hoyt Brook and at least one round on the West Branch in vicinity of Webb’s field.
2025 Hazardous Mitigation Plan for Bradford: Doug reported that the Hazardous Mitigation Plan Committee has reconvened, because the final draft is being prepared. He will provide a full update at next month’s meeting.
At 8:36 pm, the meeting was adjourned.