Bradford Conservation Commission Meeting Notes
Date: December 15, 2009
Time: 7pm
Location: Brown Memorial Library
Present: Meg Fearnley, Carol Meise, J.A. Eldridge, Nathanial Bruss
Secretary’s minutes from November 17 meeting read and accepted.
Treasurer’s report: Bank statements not available yet. Meg to inquire as to when BCC budget is to be reviewed.
A follow up meeting with Selectmen was attended by Nathanial Bruss, JA Eldridge, and Beth McGuinn of the Ausbon Sargent Land Protection Trust. Senate bill 381 was furthered explained and responsibilities of easement holders delineated. Warrant article presented by the state legislature was presented for consideration by the Selectboard.
January 26, BCC to meet with Planning Board, review of draft NRI (Natural Resource Inventory) maps.
Article to Bridge explaining what a conservation easement is. Draft reviewed. An explanation of SB 381 will also be written. For next month: review of existing easements in town and why individuals decided to pursue them.
Natural Resource Inventory: documents from the following towns that have recently created or updated their Inventories will be reviewed: Gilmanton, Henniker, Washington, Newbury. All maps will be minutely reviewed for any changes. Suggested changes to the ‘unfragmented lands’ map = include adjacent Pillsbury/Sunapee Highlands project, correction of lot lines for New Forestry easement.
A strategy for conserving some of the remaining large blocks of land to retain a vibrant forestry/agricultural/recreational industry in town. Plan to prioritize conservation areas in town based on information gathered to date on unfragmented landscape, rare species, water resources, etc. Potential properties will be identified and landowners consulted along with Ausbon Sargent Land Preservation Trust. Suggestions for a mailing were made. To be furthered in subcommittee.
Meeting adjourned just before 9pm. JA Eldridge