Bradford Conservation Commission Meeting
Minutes
16 May 2017, 7pm at Brown Memorial Library
Present: George Beaton, Seth Benowitz, Nathanial Bruss, J Ann Eldridge, Meg Fearnley, Brooks McCandlish
Minutes from April 18 meeting reviewed and accepted.
Meg presented the Treasurer’s report. A CD has been rolled over at Lake Sunapee Bank.
Michelle and David Halstead appeared to discuss plans and progress for the Bradford portion of the Concord – Lake Sunapee Rail Trail. A total of 3.21 miles will be in Bradford (out of approximately 32 miles for the total Rail Trail.) Phase 1 will be from the Newbury town line to the Bradford Market on Rt. 103. Routing issues were discussed, such as bridging Lake Todd, avoiding wetlands and avoiding unnecessary tree cutting. Michelle and David discussed the importance of partnerships in these efforts. Partnerships are being established with:
Lake Sunapee Snowmobile Club
Central NH Regional Planning Commission
NH Bike – Walk Alliance
Safe Routes to School
Ann attended a selectmen’s meeting with Chris Conners to discuss the Warner River Watershed Conservation Project. The selectmen will attend 2 meetings in June regarding this project. George and Scott will be participating in the VRAP (Volunteer River Assessment Project) to do water sampling.
There was a discussion of Lake Massasecum water levels and the possible effects of the new Breezy Hill Road bridge.
The commission expressed thanks to Francie Vonmertens and Bill Duffy for the recent presentation on pollinators. Meg will send ‘thank you’ notes.
Brooks will be conducting gravel pit inspections for the conservation commission in the near future.
George, Scott, and Seth recently did trail work on Knights Hill Trail – clearing downed trees.
George has obtained permission to cut a large dead pine in the ‘Tall Pines’ area. The purpose is to get a ‘cookie’ or ‘slice’ to show the age of the tree. George is having discussions with Silver Bear tree service about this.
Respectfully submitted,
Seth Benowitz