Bradford Conservation Commission Secretary’s Draft Report
March 19, 2024, 7pm at Brown Memorial Library
Present: George Beaton, Seth Benowitz, Nathanial Bruss, J Ann Eldridge, Meg Fearnley, Patty Furness, Becca Herman, Brooks McCandlish, and Doug Southard. Also in attendance Lois Kilnap, Caitlin Banaszak, and Rett Weber.
Secretary’s Draft Report 3/19/24: The draft minutes were reviewed. Brooks made a motion to accept the report as read, Meg seconded, all followed by unanimous approval.
Treasurer’s Report: The 2024 budget has been approved by Bradford voters.
Culvert Replacement Grant Availability: Caitlin Banaszak, a wetland scientist with Horizons Engineering, reported on her research of available opportunities for grants for Bradford culvert replacement which allow for safe aquatic wildlife passage. Several possibilities were mentioned, and Caitlin noted that ARM Fund will match other grants obtained for this purpose. Rett Weber, an ecologist and current research analyst at Dartmouth University, offered to assist in researching grants. Becca inquired if there are any funds available for equipment to be used in the NH Volunteer River Assessment Program, and our Hoyt Brook study.
Environmental Scholarship: Lois Kilnap was present for further discussion on a potential environmental scholarship for an eligible Bradford student, to be sponsored by the BCC. The plan has evolved into the possibility of sending a younger age student to a summer camp with an environmental emphasis. Patty volunteered to inquire about details of six summer camps in our area that were discussed as possibilities, and report findings at the April meeting.
Saving Special Places 2024: This annual land conservation conference will take place Saturday April 6 at Prospect Mountain High School in Alton. Workshop information is available online.
Cottrell Baldwin Environmental Lecture Series: The documentary film Remember Winter will be presented Tuesday March 26, 7-8:15pm at Fox Forest Environmental Center in Hillsborough. Other programs will include Forest Carbon Primer (4/02) and The Promise of Building Big with Wood (4/09).
Science of Cyanobacteria Blooms: This webinar, presented by NH Department of Environmental Services, is in response to the record-breaking number of cyanobacteria warnings and alerts issued in NH during the summer and fall 2023. It will be presented March 20 at 12pm. A link to the recording of this presentation can be found on the NHDES YouTube channel.
Surface Water Protection: Brooks, Seth, Doug and Ann met with the Central NH Regional Planning Commission and a Planning Board member on February 28. They are attempting to simplify what was proposed last year for surface water protection. The next meeting will take place March 27 at 2pm.
Bradford Selectboard: There is a possible buffer violation on West Road. Driveways have been put in without permit, and soils are being removed within 100 feet of the wetland buffer. This matter needs prompt attention.
Steele Road: It has been reported that wood chips and brush are being put in a wetland beside the road. George has volunteered to speak with the owner of the property.
Road Flooding and Beaver Activity: George and Ann investigated sites with reported beaver issues. More beaver exclusion devices would be beneficial.
Warner River Local Advisory Committee: NH Volunteer River Assessment Program (VRAP) data from 2023 indicates that the Warner River’s water quality is great overall. Low pH issues were attributable to the high volumes of rain during the season. Volunteers are ramping up for the 2024 season.
Box Corner: Voters endorsed that the town retain two lots, each two acres, in the wetland at Box Corner.
Turtle Crossing Signage: Ann proposed erecting temporary signs at frequented turtle crossing areas in Bradford. Cost of such signs will be investigated.
Bog Planks: George requested permission to purchase 40 hemlock planks for the Bog boardwalk repair. Thanks, Geo!
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:25pm. The next meeting will be held Tuesday April 16, 2024, 7pm at Brown Memorial Library.
Respectfully submitted,
Patty Furness, Secretary
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