The Town of Northwood, New Hampshire - Conservation Commission Minutes 10/16/07

APPOINTMENTS:
Meeting with Recreation and NH Fish and Game Department-Lucas Pond
Chris Andrews, Recreation Commission Chairman, is present along with Betsey McNaughten, and Scott Decker from NH Fish and Game Department (NHF&G), and CC member Mike Matson who representing NHF&G at this time, to discuss the Lucas Pond area and proposing a town beach area.

Mr. Roy provides an overview relative to the critical issues at the Lucas Pond area with safety due to erosion of the railroad tie steps and the unsanitary conditions which are not healthy for the pond. Mr. Roy states that these items will continue to be a problem for the area until they are addressed and dealt with. He explains that currently there are no motorized boats allowed on the pond and he would like to know what the original service intent of the existing path was as it appears only wide enough for foot traffic.

Mr. Andrews states that the area was previously used as a town beach and a beach attendant was assigned by the town to Lucas Pond. Pictures of the area are reviewed and a discussion is held explaining the Northwood beach pass.

Mr. Matson states that with NHF&G being involved with stocking the pond, the area cannot be limited to Northwood residences only. He feels that this area is an excellent opportunity for the town as it is a great resource for swimming and fishing. Mr. Matson states that there is a sign noting that the area is a town beach with a beach pass required as well as a sign from NHF&G that the area is a publicly accessed facility.

Mr. Matson mentions that he has researched state files for a written agreement regarding the maintenance currently being done on the grounds by NHF&G, with no avail. He adds that maintenance has been ongoing since the 1940’s.

Further discussion is held regarding an agreement with the town and state relative to the relationship of the area regarding access and maintenance. Ms. McNaughten states that it is not uncommon for verbal agreements to be made between conservation officers and towns. She explains that she is working with other towns regarding lease agreements between the NHF&G and the town. She gives an example of an agreement lease being drafted with the Town of Orford. She also mentions that the lease agreements are only for boat ramps, which is different than the Lucas Pond area.

Discussion ensues regarding creating a memorandum of understanding (MOU), which would not be a contract. Ms. McNaughten states that there may be an agreement already on file relative to the maintenance of the dam.

Conservation commission members discuss adding money to the budget for next year to create a plan with the state as the state needs access for fishing; however, it would not be for the beach, 244 ft. of frontage.

Additional discussion is held regarding the safety factors with the current conditions and the liability factor. After discussion, Mr. Roy states that since there may not be an agreement between the town and NHF&G, the town may be correct with the existing town sign and the need for a town issued beach pass.

Ms. McNaughten notes that there are many departments at the state level that will need to be contacted and may require further involvement in order to continue with the project. She adds that it may be a very lengthy project.

Mr. Decker states that he will review the records at the fisheries and Ms. McNaughten states that she will do the deed research. All parties agree to determine what exists with the town and state, and agree to meet with the selectmen to discuss the benefits to all parties, and the possible need for a MOU. Mr. Roy states that the NCC supports the need for a relationship between the state and town. He states that the state will need an easement for access to continue to stock the pond as the area is a public water way with private access. Discussion continues whether stocking the pond would continue and if the water would still be raised for the smelts.

The committee requests a meeting with the selectmen be scheduled for November 13 around 7:00 p.m. to discuss the continuing of the maintenance, long term access, building implementation, and site recovery. Representatives from NH Fish and Game Department will plan to attend the meeting along with the conservation commission.

Mr. Matson is now representing the NCC.

Forest Management Plan
The Forest Management Plan scope received from Charles Moreno, Town Forester, is reviewed. The commission agrees to add funds in the amount of $4,000 to the budget for this project for 2008.

2008 Proposed Budget
The commission reviews the expense report received October 11. After discussions, the board agrees to propose the following for the NCC 2008 budget:
Account Number/Description Proposed         Budget ‘08 Budget 2007
100-46111-111 Salary Conservation Administrator $0.00 $0
100-46111-112 Salary Conservation Secretary $0.00 $0
100-46111-220 SS Conservation                 $0.00 $0
100-46111-225 Medi Conservation         $0.00 $0
100-46111-320 Legal Conservation          $10 $1,000
100-46111-330 Contracted Services         $10,000 $1
100-46111-490 Forest Land Management Conserv $1 $500
100-46111-491 Town Forest Land MGMT Conserv $4,000 $1,000
100-46111-550 Printing/Education CC         $500 $500
100-46111-560 Dues Conservation         $400 $400
100-46111-620 Supplies Conservation         $300 $300
100-46111-621 Maps Conservation         $500 $500
100-46111-622 Special Day Conservation $40 $40
100-46111-623 Northwood Community Resources $1 $800
100-46111-690 Equipment Conservation   $400 $400
100-46111-820 Training & Conferences Conserv $250 $1,000
100-46111-910 Trans S Rev Fund         $0 $0
                                     Total $16,402 $6,441

A motion is made by Steve Hampl, second by Jim Ryan, to approve $16,402.00 as the 2008 proposed NCC budget. Motion passes unanimously; 4/0.

Cowdrey Easement
Ms. Young and Mr. Roy will meet with the selectmen October 23 at 6:45 to discuss the Cowdrey easement regarding the town being the executor interest holder of the Cowdrey easement. Ms. Young states that she will contact Dan Kern of Bear Paw and request he also attend.

Low Project
Mr. Roy provides an update on the Low project. He states that he has spoken

to Emily Low and town counsel has been forwarded the appropriate documents
for review.

Steve Roy makes a motion, second by Jim Ryan, for the commission to review the Underwood Engineering Minimum Expedited Applications for the Town of Northwood to determine completeness and for Jim Ryan to sign the application if deemed complete. Motion passes unanimously; 4/0.

Steve Roy left at 8:15 p.m.

APPLICATIONS:
Minimum Impact Expedited: Town of Northwood, Old Turnpike Rd. Map 108; Lot 102 & Map 215; Lots 14 & 15. Additional information was received, as requested. After review, the commission deems the application complete and Mr. Ryan signs the application for the Town of Northwood for Old Turnpike Road.

Minimum Impact Expedited: Town of Northwood, Old Canterbury Rd. Map
215; Lots 30 & 35. Additional information was received as requested. After
review, the commission deems the application complete and Mr. Ryan signs the
application for the Town of Northwood for Old Canterbury Road.

Minimum Impact Expedited: Couch, 151 Lower Deerfield Rd. Map 246;
Lot 1. Additional information was received, as requested. After review, the
commission deems the application complete. Mr. Ryan signs the application for
Couch, 151 Lower Deerfield Road.

Correspondence
All other correspondence is reviewed.

ADJOURNMENT:
Motion to adjourn is made by Mike Matson and seconded by Steve Hampl. Motion passes unanimously; 4/0 at 9:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Lisa Fellows-Weaver
Board Secretary

[ Back ]

top of page