Bradford Conservation Commission Secretary’s Draft Report
November 21, 2023, 7pm at Brown Memorial Library
Present: George Beaton, Seth Benowitz, J Ann Eldridge, Meg Fearnley, Patty Furness, Becca Herman, and Brooks McCandlish. Also present Steve Chase.
Secretary’s Draft Report: The draft minutes of 10/17/23 were reviewed. Meg made a motion to accept the report as read, Brooks seconded, followed by unanimous approval.
Treasurer’s Report: Meg stated the current balance on the 2023 annual budget allotment is $66.02. This will be used to purchase trail maps.
Lake Massasecum Dock Construction Application, Map 21, Lot 14: Steve Chase came before the BCC to present his application to the NH Department of Environmental Services for the installation of a seasonal floating dock at his property on Oakdale Road. Steve gave an exceptional proposal, with great concern to minimizing impact to the uniqueness of the lake, and much discussion followed. Becca expressed appreciation for the level of detail in the application, and concern evident for the lake ecology. Brooks made a motion to approve the application as presented, Meg seconded, and all were in favor. Ann signed a waiver on any further review by the BCC.
NH Association of Conservation Commissions Annual Meeting: George reported on workshops he attended 11/04/23, including Trails for People and Wildlife, Roadway Adaptation and Climate Planning, and Protecting the Little Big Forest. Patty enjoyed Conserving the NH Mahoosucs, NH Stonewall Mapper and LiDAR, and How East Kingston Passed a Conservation Bond. David Carroll presented the keynote address.
Hazard Mitigation Committee: A Bradford Hazard Mitigation Plan needs to be reworked every five years in order for Bradford to be FEMA compliant and eligible for disaster relief funds. Doug Southard has volunteered to be a representative on the committee, and Becca Herman will also participate if needed.
Deer Valley Road Culvert: NH Fish and Game Ben Nugent, Steve Hall, and Karen Hambleton are working together to apply for a grant through the US Fish and Wildlife Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to replace the Deer Valley Road culvert. The plan is to combine applications for five culvert replacements, including Deer Valley Road, in surrounding towns under one grant.
Shoreland Application: Ann has received the application for Map 19 Lot 38, Oakdale Road for the Fraser property but has not reviewed.
Bradford Bog UNH Cedar Research Study: Brooks reported on the October meeting summarizing the efforts this past summer of the two UNH students. Permanent plot lines were established to document white cedar growth, and cultural history was investigated. Plans for next year for the UNH study will include environmental studies.
Ausbon Sargent: Ann met with Ben Wallace, director of Ausbon Sargent to discuss the general focus of the Bog Headwaters easement and the Abenaki involvement. Ann reported concerns expressed about Abenaki use of the Bog Spring site, and the Memorandum of Understanding in relation to plant gathering and cedar harvesting for Abenaki canoe construction.
Pleasant View Road: Concerns were expressed regarding land cleared on a small lot on Pleasant View Road. This property is near wetlands. It is less than 2 acres, so an Alteration of Terrain Permit was not needed.
Warner River Land Advisory Committee: Becca reported Ken Millander is resigning from the current Chair position, and Daniel Morrissey will be taking over in December.
Volunteer River Assessment Program: Becca and George reported on the summer 2023 local stream studies. Fourteen sites were regularly visited each month to perform water sampling, which are then summarized in water quality assurance data reports by DES at season end. Early detection of water quality changes, and possible correction, is made possible through these invaluable studies.
Surface Water Overlay Protection Public Hearing: The Planning Board will have the first of two public hearings Tuesday November 28, on Bradford’s Surface Water Overlay Protection plan. Doug has submitted comments, and concerns were expressed that streams are not well defined. Doug plans to attend the hearing.
Blaisdell Lake Road, Map 3, Lot 36: A complaint form has been filed with the DES, and DES will be investigating.
Land Conservation Opportunity Ausbon Sargent: This 40 acre property owner does not want to retain ownership, and has approached ASLPT for an easement. Andy Deegan will bring this before the Land Committee in January 2024. This project will require LCHIP funding.
Bradford Bog: George has singlehandedly replaced 34 planks along the boardwalk, and 16 planks at the tower. Three cheers, and resounding applause for George’s dedication and generosity of time and labor!
The meeting adjourned at 9:15 pm. Next meeting is Tuesday, December 19 ,2023, 7pm at Brown Memorial Library.
Patty Furness, Secretary