APPROVED Sutton Conservation Commission
Meeting Minutes
October 8, 2008 @ 7:00 p.m.
Present: Betsy Forsham, Don Davis, Garrett Evans, Walter Baker, Leon Malan, Rick Goddard, Tim Davis, and Jean LaChance. Leslie Ward and Gerry Putnam were absent.
Chair Betsy Forsham called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
There was a continued Board discussion with Dan Sundquist regarding the long range conservation plan. Dan shared a map of natural resources depicting significant ecological features within the matrix forest. It was noted the water resources and forest blocks were separate maps. The next map to be discussed will be on historical features. For the next meeting Dan will mark the SRK trail and highlight the land parcels associated with it on the ecological features map viewed tonight as well as bring a map depicting the cornerstones of Sutton. The long-term goal for January is to go through the Delphi process and determine how the priorities sort out.
Garrett was appointed to sit in for Leslie, and Rick for Gerry.
Review Previous Minutes:
A motion was made by Garrett to accept the minutes of September 10, 2008 as written. Jean seconded the motion. It was unanimously approved.
Financial:
Betsy reported the balance for the Town account as of the end of the month was $1,904.03, which is 62% of the budget, adding there was $205 paid out in dues. A formal written report for the Conservation Fund Account had not been received. The change from last month was receipt of interest accrued plus $240 received for a change in use tax.
The Board reviewed a draft of a proposed budget for 2009. It was agreed to look at reducing the budget by 5%. The discussion will continue at the next meeting.
Correspondence:
Betsy reported she received the fourth and final ASLPT monitoring report for the KHR property. Tim noted it is important to know where the boundary lines are and suggested planting permanent vegetation to designate such.
There were two thank you letters from ASLPT for the receipt of dues and the gift to the stewardship endowment fund for the Russell Pond easement.
An invitation to the ASLPT annual meeting October 26th.
The NH Association of Conservation Commissions annual meeting November 1st. Betsy encouraged attendance, as there are some good workshops being offered.
Betsy read a letter regarding the recent change to NH law, SB 381, authorizing towns to contribute conservation funds to projects sponsored by private conservation groups. There was an agreement by the Board that this was not something they wished to pursue.
Miscellaneous correspondence.
Review of Wetlands Applications and Permits:
E. Meehan, Minimum Impact Expedited Application, T/L #2- 707,401, Watkins Ave. Repair of existing stone retaining wall. Site viewed by Betsy, 9/24, with agent, Dave Cormier. Application signed and submitted. The Administrative Completeness was received on 9/29/08.
Wetlands and Non-Site Specific Permit #2008-01781, dated 9/19/08, received for Hallahan project on Blaisdell Lake.
Review of Intents to Cut & Logging Issues:
Betsy gave an update on W. & N. Whitehead, T/L #9-668,062, Shaker Rd. The cut seems to be completed but one or two members will go out to view the property sometime soon.
Complete Forestry Notification, dated 9/19/08, received for Griffiths timber cut, Cottage Lane, T/L #2-055,155. Garrett has viewed this cut once but will return to check on the wetlands crossings.
SCC Properties and Greenway Reports:
Betsy reported she had spoken with Peter Stanley to let him know the brontosaurus would be at the KHR soon. Peter had added he would get to the mowing sometime this month. Betsy had also received a call from Mike Daley, an abutting landowner at the base of the mountain, asking for permission to mow Mock Turtle, Queen’s Run, and Nichols trails, as well as cut some saplings on the Mad Hatter, for tobogganing. The Board agreed Mike could mow the White Rabbit and Queen’s Run, as well as the Mock Turtle, but the other trails in between (to the Knave of Hearts) are designated to be allowed to grow up for wildlife habitat and it would be a violation of the covenants to do otherwise. It was also pointed out that the KHR is no longer a ski area and that the mowing is more for wildlife habitat than public recreation.
Betsy will so inform Mr. Daley. There was also some concern with liability/ insurance issues. Betsy will discuss this with the Town.
The Board gave a thank you to Tim and Lorraine for their work trimming the Quarry Trail.
The warming hut issue will be discussed at the next month’s meeting.
Betsy reported she had spoken to four different stores regarding old snow fencing and had found only one, LaValleys, that even carried it, and they only had one roll 4”x50” for $39. She added the other stores only have the newer orange plastic fence. Tim will check with Blue Seal, and inquire about possible used fencing at Muster Field Farm.
Rick will stain and install the sign for the Webb/Crowell site this weekend, along with Garrett and Betsy. Tim has the needed bolts.
Tim reported Leon Riel would be in Monday with the brontosaurus, starting with the Carpenter Trail. It was noted it would not be a problem to work while Peter was also mowing. There was confirmation from Mike Lynch at NRCS that the WHIP money was available.
Tim said the planned trail work at the Webb/Crowell site will need to be postponed to next year.
Sutton Conservation Commission 2 October 8, 2008
Garrett reported he met with Chipper Rowe to look at the gate materials. Chipper offered to donate all his materials and time to build the two gates for the entrances to KHR. The only expense to the SCC will be the $100 for two 14’ gates at $50 each. Betsy inquired as to when this would all take place and Garrett said it would be built now.A motion was made by Jean to spend $100 for the two gates at either end of the KHR. Betsy seconded the motion. Unanimously approved.
There was a question regarding the locks to be installed on the gates and it was clarified they would be combination locks and that the Town Fire, Police and Highway departments would all have access.
Garrett answered an inquiry regarding the placement of stones at the entrance to the Webb/Crowell site answering it was not done yet but that he would make a point to talk to Mike McMannus.
Other Business:
Don reported on the Forest Society’s Annual Meeting at Muster Field Farm last month, which he participated in.
Tim asked the Board for permission to sign the Town’s annual beaver-trapping permit for Wadleigh Hill Road. It passed by majority vote.
9:15 p.m. A motion was made by Jean to adjourn the meeting. Garrett seconded the motion. It was unanimously approved.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Swett, Secretary
Sutton Conservation Commission 3 October 8, 2008
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