Bradford Conservation Commission Secretary’s Draft Report
February 18, 2020, 7pm at Brown Memorial Library
Present: George Beaton, J Ann Eldridge, Meg Fearnley, Patty Furness, Scott MacLean, Brooks McCandlish, Doug Southard.
Scott MacLean was seated for absent Nathanial Bruss.
Secretary’s Draft Report: The draft minutes of 1/21/20 were reviewed. A motion was presented by Meg to accept the draft report, seconded by George, and unanimously approved.
Treasurer’s Report: There will be a warrant article presented at March town meeting to add $1000 to the Land Protection Fund. These funds are used for conservation projects which have a public benefit, such as Battles Farm.
Correspondence: We have received a copy of the DES permit for restoration of a retaining wall on Lake Todd, and also a copy of the shoreland permit for construction of a home on Lake Massasecum.
2020 Cottrell-Baldwin Environmental Lecture Series: Topics will include trout stream restoration, New England Cottontail restoration efforts, edible wild plants of NH, and freshwater protection. This series will take place on Tuesdays, 3/17-4/07, 7pm at Fox State Forest in Hillsborough.
Trails for People and Wildlife: This program will be presented at Tracy Memorial Library in New London on Wednesday March 25 at 6:30pm. Preregistration is requested at Ausbon Sargent LPT.
HB1571: This bill is an attempt to make the NH Fish and Game Commission represent a greater diversity of wildlife interests, not just hunters, fishermen, and trappers. Other relevant NH organizations will be able to nominate commissioners, not just sporting clubs. Ann will draft comments in support of this bill to encourage the inclusion of other qualified individuals to the commission.
Non-permitted Junkyards: There is a need for increased followup and documentation in proceeding with these complaints and attempts at enforcement. A request for a paper trail will be made to the Select Board.
Langley Lots:A list of appraisers has been given to the owner of this property, and a deed will be drawn up.
Land Use Change Tax:Ann spoke to Karen regarding adding LUCT to building permits to increase compliance.
Class VI Roads: Doug emailed Steve Hall to discuss guidelines for mud season and emergency lane designation. Brooks reiterated the importance of all class VI roads be considered emergency lanes. Doug will draft a policy on these issues for the Select Board to be discussed at our next meeting.
Bradford Sunoco Station Pipe Installation: Scott reported that the Warner River Local Advisory Board has no objection to the DES issuing a permit for pipe replacement, granted that best management practices be followed in the process.
Bog Platform Stairs: The new oak stairs are ready to be installed, with a huge thanks to the generous donation of material and construction by Colonial Woodworking of Bradford and George. Brooks made a motion to reimburse George for hardware expense, seconded by Doug and unanimously approved.
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:55pm. The next meeting is Tuesday March 17, 2020, 7pm at Brown Memorial Library.
Respectfully submitted,
Patty Furness, Secretary