Conservation Commission

Minutes

December 1, 2009

Official as of January 5, 2010

Vice-Chairman Steve Hampl calls the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m.

Present: Vice Chairman Steve Hampl, Jim Ryan, Paul Lussier, Loren O’Neil, Wini Young, and Board Secretary Lisa Fellows-Weaver.

Absent: Chairman Steve Roy, and Mike Matson.

MINUTES
December 1, 2009
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Jim Ryan makes a motion, second by Loren O’Neil, to approve the minutes of November 3, 2009, as amended. Motion passes unanimously; 5/0.

CONSIDERATION of APPLICATIONS
Standard Dredge and Fill - Duddy, 10 Association Dr. Map 108; Lot 61.
Ms. O’Neil reads the proposal as provided by Mr. and Mrs. Duddy. She states that the proposal is to remove a pressure treated wood retaining wall and two cement slabs and replace with natural boulders along the water’s edge and natural plants, which was recommended by NHDES who has visited the site. In addition, the work will be completed in the dry season when the lake is at a drawn down level.

The application is reviewed and discussions are held. The commission expresses concern with the use of any kind of motorized vehicles near the waters edge and that all necessary precautions should be utilized to isolate the equipment from the lake and avoid any contamination. Also noted is that special provisions should be used while the removal of the cement is occurring to avoid any migration into the lake, as well as all erosion control measures and best management practices should be followed during the entire process.

Mr. Lussier asks about the stabilization of the boulders and expresses concern with how long these boulders will stabilize the bank from eroding into the lake. He states that the normal water action from waves, boats, and the changes in the weather will affect the erosion over time and the boulders could tip into the lake.  

The commission feels that the scope of work lacks detail in sequence which is important in the protection of the land and the lake. Specifically, the commission would like to see additional information and details provided relative to the boulders that are proposed as well as a list of proposed materials.

Jim Ryan makes a motion, second by Loren O’Neil, to send a letter noting the comments addressed to the property owner and copy NHDES. Motion passes unanimously; 5/0.

SPECIAL REPORTS
GPS Maps Information – Steve Hampl
Mr. Hampl explains that he has reviewed software packages for the G.P.S. He states that he has found some software that he believes would be efficient for the new GPS unit. The cost of this software is $39.90. He states that the software would transfer information for the maps as well as marking conservation lands, adding trails and pathways, egresses to ponds, etc. He adds that this software would also take points along the way, store, and download information to plot courses and corner points. He notes that all of the information would also be able to be uploaded to the town’s website.

Mr. Ryan suggests that a sign out sheet be established for the GPS unit. Mr. Hampl agrees to take the GPS for further review and a trial run.

SVSun Article Ecological Assessment – Steve Roy
Mr. Ryan motions, second by Mr. Lussier, to postpone this item to the next meeting for Mr. Roy to address. Motion passes unanimously; 5/0.

Town Report
A discussion is held regarding accomplishments of the commission this year and items that should be noted in the town report. Items noted by the commission that could be included in the town report might be the Woodman Park Improvement Project at Lucas Pond, Discovery Day at Northwood Meadows State Park, acquisition of the Low property, purchasing a GPS for future mapping projects, activities of NALMC and the completion of the ecological assessment.

NEW BUSINESS
Regional Forest Management Plan
As noted in a previous meeting, Mr. Roy had suggested that there be discussion held in December relative to the town’s forester, the UNH forester, the state forester, and the private entities hiring their own forester and work together to create a regional forest management plan for 4,000 acres.

A discussion is held regarding the purpose of the meeting occurring on January 6, 2010 and the possible agenda items. Ms. O’Neil feels that this may be an administrative meeting only and she is not sure if it would be necessary for the town’s forester to attend at $40. per hour or as one of the contracted annual meetings. She feels it may be better for the group to meet once first before sending the town’s forester. Mr. Lussier agrees. Mr. Ryan feels that this should be one of the annual meetings as it may be a kick off meeting for the project. Mr. Lussier asks what is going to occur at the meeting. Discussion ensues and the commission feels that more information is necessary before the commission makes a decision as to if the town’s forester should attend or not.

Mr. Ryan makes a motion, second by Mr. Lussier, to call for a recess at 8:05 p.m. to contact the chair for further information. Motion passes unanimously; 5/0.

Session resumes at 8:14 p.m.

The chair was not available for additional information and the item is continued. Mr. Hampl suggests to possibly schedule a work session for further information from Mr. Roy.

PENDING FILES
Letter from Mike Coumas, Northwood Lake Homeowners Assoc. The selectmen received this letter and motioned to have a snow fence installed for the winter months.

Sharon Smith Purdy, Route 107 and Blaisdell Drive. This item will be further addressed at the next meeting.

Guptill, First NH Turnpike. Map 222; Lot 30. This item is continued to the next meeting.

Easement Packet – Old Mountain Rd. This item will be further addressed at the next meeting.

Mr. Ryan leaves at 8:24 p.m. 

CORRESPONDENCE
All correspondence is reviewed.

A letter was received from Jim Hadley on behalf of the Lamprey River Nomination Committee looking for a letter from the conservation commission noting support for their efforts in putting the tributaries of the Lamprey River in the state’s RMPP. No decision is made.

Adjournment
Mr. Lussier motions to adjourn. Mr. Hampl seconds and the motion passes at 8:35 p.m. Motion passes unanimously; 4/0.

Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Fellows-Weaver
Board Secretary