Bradford Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes
May 15, 2012 @ 7:00p.m @ Brown Memorial Library
Present: George Beaton, Seth Benowitz, J. Ann Eldridge, Meg Fearnley, Patty Furness, Brooks McCandlish. Andy and Sam Rushia also present.
Secretary’s Report: minutes from 4/17/12 meeting accepted as read.
Treasurer’s Report: Land protection CD was closed with the donation to the Battles’ easement. Report accepted.
Invasive Species Workshop: Will take place in the fall with Ausbon Sargent. Seth will inform us on the exact date.
Ausbon Sargent ‘celebrate volunteers’ event: 5/22/12 , 4:30-6:30p.m. Seth and George plan on attending.
DES letter re: Sonny Harris wetlands permit: Permit filed last year. DES is requesting information. Permit has not been accepted.
Warner Trust: looking for volunteers to study trout in the Warner River.
Forest Steward Training: attended by Seth at the NH Forest Society. Appalachian Trail Fieldbook is available to loan from Seth.
Planning Board: Update on Chivers application for variance on proposed Breezy Hill Rd auto recycling business. State law requires 660 ft setback from Rte 103. Bradford attorney stated own ZBA does not have jurisdiction to override State requirement
ZBA: Communication Tower (behind Valley Fire Equipment). The ZBA has not received application for the necessary variance as yet.
Bog Tower: Sam Rushia is present and states the Bog platform is complete. Compass points for orientation have been routered on deck. Suggested allowing platform to settle over winter before making any necessary adjustments using the leftover timbers. Ann acknowledged completion of the project for Sam. An article has been drafted for the Bridge. The horizon profile railing sign will be a Conservation Commission project for a later date. Ann suggested donating the graffiti-carved former railings to the Historical Society. Sam will affix a plaque on the tower that will identify it as his Eagle Scout project. Ann suggested notation on the bog information board recognizing Sam and his accomplishment.
Liberty Elm Tree Dedication: 6/10/12 at 3:00 p.m. Article to be submitted to the Bridge. The Historical Society to decide on placement of the recognition plaque.
Beth McGuinn/Ausbon Sargent: will present their conservation priorities plan draft at the next meeting.
Scion Property Estate: wants to donate cabin + 1.1 acres below Battles to a non-profit. Assessed value $60,500 (land $42,600 bldg $17,900) Taxes? George thinks area not needed for parking area for trailhead. Discussion on donating to town; Ann to ask NHACC if town can accept. Other possibilities would be donate to Ausbon Sargent, apply an easement, and transfer to someone with easement in place. Donate to the abutter Asthalter is another option. However, the building does need to be taken down and removed.
Bobcat Lecture: Ann contacted NH Fish & Game previously; Friday evenings are available. Possibly August 24th? Need to determine where event would be held.
Trail Map: Updates made by Bill. All agreed to remove cemetery locations and add easement descriptions.
Battles Farm Easement Trail Hike: Thursday, August 2nd, 4:00-6:00p.m. The trail has been sited, but need to include Ed and Andy Deegan on the actual trail layout. Will meet with them next week, then can begin construction.
NRI: Forest Resources chapter reviewed and accepted. Brooks will give recommendations for forest soils and resources. List of agriculture operations reviewed and accepted. Will save reviewing wording on maps for future meeting. Andrea will give recommendations on Shoreland Protection Act.
Meeting adjourned at 8:45p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Patty Furness