Bradford Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes
October 15, 2013, 7:00 pm at Brown Memorial Library
Present: George Beaton, Seth Benowitz, Nathanial Bruss, J Ann Eldridge, Meg Fearnley, Patty Furness, Scott MacLean, Brooks McCandlish.
Secretary’s Report: The minutes of 9/17/13 were accepted as written.
Treasurer’s Report: The September bank statement has not been received. Meg is preparing the 2014 budget to present to the Selectmen and Budget Committee. After reviewing expenditures for 2013, Brooks proposed submitting the same amount ($800) for next year. All members were in favor.
Ausbon Sargent Workshop: The topic of this workshop will be on field creation, with a focus on farming. It is scheduled for Saturday, October 19, 8:30 am-1:00 pm at Kearsarge Mountain Indian Museum.
Bradford Bog Boardwalk Repair Day: This event is Sunday, October 20, 9 am-12 pm. Seth reported he has received 5 or 6 email responses to advertising from potential volunteers, and there is no snow in the forecast. Promises of a great day! Ann stated that overgrowth has compromised the viability of the pitcher plants in the bog. There was discussion on reducing the overgrowth vegetation versus allowing it to spread. The final decision will be made on Sunday after further evaluation.
Ausbon Sargent Annual Meeting: The meeting for ASLPT members is Sunday, October 20, 3 pm at the New London Historical Society.
Stewardship Network Workshop: The workshop will take place Tuesday, October 29, 9:30 am-12 pm at the Harris Center in Hancock.
NHA Conservation Commission Annual Meeting/Workshop: This informative and educational event will be held Saturday, November 2, 8 am-3:30 pm, at Rundlett Middle School in Concord. Scott and George are planning to attend. Registration fees will be paid by the BCC.
NRI Chapter: The next NRI chapter synopsis will cover surface water. Ann and Seth will concur, and submit an article to the Bridge by the November 15th deadline.
Big Trees: There are four tree species that have no entries on the Big Tree list for Merrimack County. George has discovered some potential contenders, and reported the following species, circumference, and location:
*Red Pine: 91” (Forest Street)
*White Birch: 65” (Howlett Road area)
*Poplar: 64” (Howlett Road area)
*Red Spruce: 78” (Knights Hill)
George issued a challenge to any adventurous souls to find competition for these large trees in the Bradford area.
Potential Easement Property: Seth has been involved in a discussion between a landowner interested in an easement opportunity on property abutting conservation land, and Ausbon Sargent. He reported the progress so far, and stated further deliberations will be continued next year.
Bradford Center Historical Commission: Meg is a member of this committee, and reported a current concern is the removal of poison ivy at the Bradford Center Meeting House. This issue will be presented as a warrant article at the next town meeting. The cost is expected to be approximately $3500.
Hoyt Brook Wood Chip Concerns: George spoke with Doug Jackson and inspected the wetland area adjacent to Doug’s property along Hoyt Brook on Center Road. There is heavy vegetation, but no evidence of wood chip debris in this area.
Rail Trail: Tim Blagdon of Warner, representing the rail trail project, approached the Rural Heritage Connection with a grant proposal for the creation of rail trails in NH. An anonymous donor has given money in support of this project, and Ann reported that the RHC signed on for a portion of the grant.
Town Cleanup: Seth has been in contact with Lois regarding an organized town-wide cleanup day. There was discussion regarding when to schedule the event, and it was decided that Earth Day would be an appropriate date, and give time for organizing and planning. Seth will write an article for the Bridge and submit as the date approaches. Ann will inform the RHC of the plan.
Conservation Interest: The 60 acre property connecting the Pearl Town Forest and the Dodge Lot on West Road is for sale. This land was heavily logged a few years ago, and it has no road frontage. There is Rural Heritage Connection interest in potential conservation.
The next Meeting will take place Tuesday, November 19, 2013, 7pm at Brown Memorial Library.
The meeting adjourned at 8:25.
Respectfully submitted,
Patty Furness, Secretary
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