Bradford Conservation Commission
Secretary’s Minutes
May 15, 2018, 7pm at Brown Memorial Library
Present: George Beaton, Seth Benowitz, J Ann Eldridge, Meg Fearnley, Patty Furness, Scott MacLean, Brooks McCandlish.
Secretary’s Draft Report: There were no minutes scribed at the April meeting.
Treasurer’s Report: It was suggested to invite Michael James to a meeting for financial advice on possible investment for partial CD.
Warner River Protection Program:The Bill before the House was passed, and is now on the Governor’s desk for signing. Chris Connors of Trout Unlimited is writing a grant for the needed upgrade of culverts along the river to allow safe fish passage.
Alder Plains Road: There is report of a ‘no trespassing’ sign posted. George and Seth, sleuths extraordinaire, investigated and reported the presence of the sign in addition to the road blocked by a vehicle. Seth will file a complaint form with the town on behalf of the BCC.
Hazard Mitigation Committee: Ann reports that the process continues, and is nearing completion.
Trail Maps: Typos need to be corrected, and onto printing.
Beaver Deceiver Grant:Seth presented a grant application form to help with funding the project. The devices are needed on Forest St, where the dam height is at road level, and on West Rd, where the culvert is being plugged. Seth will contact the property owner on West Rd to advise of our intent. Selectmen will also be notified. Ann will write an information article for the Bridge, and ask for donations to help with this beneficial project.
Gravel Pits: The Planning Board has requested the attendance of a BCC member for the annual review of the two functioning gravel pits in Bradford on Saturday May 19 at 9am. George generously volunteered to represent.
Sweet Beet Site Plan Review: An existing parking lot drain at Sweet Beet appears to drain into Andrew Brook. Reasonable solutions were discussed, such as sloping run off away from the brook, or creating a rain garden. Ann will speak to owners, and comments will be written to present to the next Planning Board session.
Wetlands Permit: A Lake Massasecum homeowner applied to install a new dock. Comments will be sent in agreement.
Bog Walk: Planned with Andover Conservation Commission Tuesday May 29 at 2pm.
ASLPT Conservation Workshop: Seth attended this meeting for landowners on May 10 in Warner, and reported it was well attended.
Ausbon Sargent Presentation: There will be a new tax law and gift planning workshop on Wednesday May 30, 7-8pm at Tracy Memorial Library in New London.
NH Geological Survey:There will be an updating of the northeast section of Bradford this summer.
ASLPT Easement Monitoring Workshop: This will be held on Wednesday June 6, 2-6pm. Patty plans to attend.
Trailfinder Web Page: Photos would be a great addition, perhaps Knights Hill and Blitzer trails. Brooks suggested adding the Bog boardwalk to the Trailfinder public website; Seth will do.
Masterplan: The objectives of the Natural Resources chapter were discussed and edited. Ann will send the final version of recommendations to the Central NH Regional Planning Commission of this chapter, and include case studies to add interest, such as Battles Farm and the Warner River Protection Program.
Masterplan Visioning Session: Will be everyone’s chance to influence the content and flavor of the document that will guide Bradford for the next ten years. It will be held at the Community Center on Thursday June 7 at 6:30pm.
Swearing In: George, Patty, Ann, and Brooks need to be sworn in with the town clerk.
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:20pm. The next meeting will be Tuesday June 19, 2018 at 7pm at Brown Memorial Library.
Respectfully submitted,
Patty Furness, Secretary