Bradford Conservation Commission
Meeting Minutes
January 17, 2017, 7pm at Brown Memorial Library
Present: George Beaton, Seth Benowitz, Nathanial Bruss, J Ann Eldridge, Meg Fearnley, Patty Furness, Scott MacLean, Brooks McCandlish
Secretary’s Report: The minutes of December 20, 2016 were reviewed and accepted as read.
Treasurer’s Report: Meg stated that the remaining $40.37 of the 2016 budget was transferred into the Land Protection Fund.
Saving Special Places 2017: This annual land conservation conference will take place on Saturday, April 8 in Alton, NH at Prospect Mountain High School. Registration will be open in mid February.
Natural Resources Conservation Service: The NRCS is expanding targeted conservation efforts for wildlife that depend on agricultural land for food and habitat. Grants are available that can be used to offset the expense of restoration projects; possible use on Battle’s Farm was discussed.
Warner River Nominating Committee Update: Information sessions for the five representative towns (Bradford, Warner, Sutton, Webster and Hopkinton) have been held. Scott reported that a frequently voiced concern regarded dams. The committee is now collecting letters of support which will be submitted to the DES in June 2017. Possible local support will be from the Rural Heritage Committee, the Lake Massasecum Improvement Association, and the Bradford Fish and Game Club.
Bradford Master Plan 2016: Ann submitted the Transportation Chapter from the Natural Resources Inventory to the Master Plan committee, with specific reference to Class VI roads, to voice our concerns.
Farm Friendly Towns: There was discussion of this issue as it relates to Bradford, and the possible need to modify general zoning ordinances to reflect a positive statement regarding agriculture in Bradford. Currently, there is one brief mention in the wetlands ordinance, stating “agriculture is permitted in buffer areas.” Seth opined that the purpose of zoning ordinances should be to encourage agriculture.; Brooks mentioned a state statute under consideration that would allow reduced taxes for agricultural buildings. It was suggested that we consult the NH Office of Energy and Planning for wetland buffer advice for towns, and investigate what other NH towns have done to encourage agriculture.
Bradford Historic District Commission: The BCC has a seat on this committee that meets annually in January. Seth volunteered to replace Meg as the BCC representative.
2016 Annual Report: Ann presented a compilation of our conservation efforts to be included in the town annual report. All members approved; Seth will attach photos.
Bill’s Greenland Adventure Public Presentation: Ann will reserve the Community Center room for this event on Thursday, February 9.
Pollinator Workshop: Ann e-mailed Francie Von Mertens regarding a tentative and appropriate date when flowers are in bloom…perhaps May.
Map 9-45 Junkyard , County Road: Brooks reported that the plan has been approved by the ZBA, and will go before the Planning Board.
Sunapee Ragged Kearsarge Greenway: George challenged all to participate in a SRKG hike to Lucia’s Lookout via the Franklin Pierce Lead Mine Trail (approximately 6 miles) on Saturday January 21.
The meeting adjourned at 8:05pm. The next meeting will be held Tuesday, February 21, 20017, at 7pm at Brown Memorial Library.
Respectfully submitted,
Patty Furness, Secretary