Bradford Conservation Commission Secretary’s Draft Report
June 15, 2021, 7pm at Brown Memorial Library
Present: George Beaton, J Ann Eldridge, Meg Fearnley, Patty Furness, Scott MacLean, Brooks McCandlish and Doug Southard.
Secretary’s Draft Minutes: The draft report of 5/18/21 was reviewed, Brooks made a motion to accept the draft minutes as read, seconded by Scott, and unanimously approved by members.
Treasurer’s Report: Meg stated there was no activity.
GRANIT Update: Brooks will notify the GRANIT database manager of the addition of the Langley lots to conservation.
Mount Sunapee Advisory Committee Meeting: Doug, Barb and Ann attended the 6/08 meeting of Vail Resort’s proposed 2021-2022 annual operating plan. There was no mention of any plan for expansion to the East or West Bowl at this time, and the 484 acres of old growth forest will remain undisturbed for the next year. The Friends of Mount Sunapee were in attendance, along with an additional new group that has been organized to advocate for the preservation of this invaluable old growth habitat.
Battles Trail: George investigated the report of trash on the trail, but found no evidence.
Salt Report: Doug spoke with Steve Hall and reported a calcium chloride application to Class VI dirt roads was done in May for dust control.
Selectboard: Ann attended the 6/14 meeting and presented the cost of community services and class VI road subdivision/building permits to the Selectboard. Undeveloped land is less expensive for communities to maintain than developed areas, requiring a lower level of town services. SB members verbalized an understanding of this economic benefit of conserved land.
Dodge Property: Ausbon Sargent and Ann have been in touch with an individual expressing interest in buying this property and putting part of it in conservation.
Aiken and Pearl Town Forests: Brooks will look into a forestry plan, starting with an inventory. Ann has stated that some towns have designated no-cut town forests, and we could consider leaving Aiken trees for eventual older growth. Regardless, proceeds from any logging done on town forest goes into the BCC Forest Maintenance Fund, and not into the town’s general fund.
White Cedar Regeneration/Bog: Brooks stated that in areas of Atlantic white cedar, it has been found that clear cutting (ten acres or less) is the most successful way to encourage regeneration in this disturbance species. Areas of the bog with higher percentage of red maple growth may benefit from this method. Whatever the approach to managing this special area will require long range planning. The Nature Conservancy would like to be involved in this.
Thanks George!: Your tireless efforts at the Bog, mowing the Springs Site, and checking on trails is greatly appreciated!
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:20pm. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at Brown Memorial Library.
Respectfully submitted,
Patty Furness, Secretary
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