Bradford Conservation Commission Secretary’s Draft Report
January 17, 2023, 7pm at Brown Memorial Library
Present: George Beaton, Nathanial Bruss, Ann Eldridge, Meg Fearnley, Patty Furness, Brooks McCandlish, Doug Southard. Also present Becca Herman, attending as possible Alternate to the BCC.
Secretary’s Draft Report: The draft minutes of 12/20/22 were reviewed. George made a motion to accept the report as read. Brooks seconded, followed by unanimous approval.
Treasurer’s Report: After much discussion and consultation with Barbara Richter, NH Association of Conservation Commissions (NHACC) Executive Director, it was decided to rollover the unexpended 2022 budget balance of $415 into the Land Protection Fund (LPF). This will be done by the town treasurer. A warrant article proposal for an additional $1000 as needed seed money in the LPF for future potential land protection projects will be presented at the 2023 Bradford annual town meeting. This warrant article will be drawn up by the Bradford Town Administrator Karen.
BCC Alternate Nomination: Brooks moved to appoint Becca as an alternate to the BCC. Meg seconded,
followed by unanimous approval.
Bradford Bog Native Bees Research Project: Alaina Bandanza has expressed a willingness to give a public presentation this spring on the native bee species found at the Bradford Bog while performing research there this past spring/summer, as well as the ecology of bees in our region. Alaina remarked the Bog was one of the most active sites for native bees in all of her research sites!
Bog Cedar Regeneration Project: Heidi Asbjornsen from UNH emailed Ann regarding future plans. Two new grad students have joined the research project team. Heidi suggested organizing a monthly meeting to discuss research details and plan for summer field work at the Bog.
Warner Groundwater Protection Ordinance: The Warner Groundwater Protection Committee was formed with a grant from NH Department of Environmental Protection to protect the town’s drinking water resources from future harmful land uses which may contaminate or compromise the aquifer and wellhead protection areas. Ann asked if this may be something for Bradford to consider. Further discussion is planned in a future meeting.
NH Coverts Project 2023: Nomination and applications for new volunteers interested in taking part in the 2023 program is now open. Doug expressed interest in applying, and Becca will check her schedule for possible availability.
Memorandum of Understanding:The draft proposal for the MOU for the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation and the town of Bradford regarding the use of the Bradford Bog and Springs conservation area was presented. It is simplified and rewritten, and well stated.
Saving Special Places 2023: This annual land conservation conference will be take place on Saturday April 15, 8:45am-2:45pm in Alton,NH. Workshop information will be announced in late February.
NH Wetlands Training Program: The first of the series will be presented via zoom on Tuesday, January 24, 12-1:30pm. Wetland laws and classification will be discussed.
BCC Annual Report 2022: Ann presented the draft for review. Brooks made a motion to accept, Meg seconded followed by unanimous approval.
New Easement: The Bravo easement has been finalized! Bravo!!
Wildlife Corridor Overlay: Brooks mentioned GRANIT has an overlay, which would be a good place to start.
Bio Solids: The question presented was what can Bradford do to protect our town from a Casella-type of
operation? Much discussion ensued. It was mentioned that the Table of Uses describes action allowed. More to follow.
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:40pm. The next meeting will be held February 21, 2023, 7pm at Brown Memorial Library.
Respectfully submitted,
Patty Furness, Secretary
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