Warner Conservation Commission

Minutes of Meeting 

February 3, 2010


Attending:  Nancy Martin, Brian Hotz, Russ St. Pierre, Doug Allen, John Dabuliewicz, Peg Bastien, and Jim McLaughlin (recording). Also Fiona Shea, Lois Shea, and Steve Varnum.

Conservation Fund Donation - Fiona Shea
Fiona Shea read a statement describing her latest pumpkin and pumpkin bread sale in October that raised $286 which she donated to the Town’s conservation fund. This is the sixth year that Fiona has grown pumpkins and made pumpkin bread, both of which she has sold at the Warner Farmers’ Market. So far Fiona has donated $1,142.38 to the fund. Her gift was acknowledged by the Commission and Fiona was praised for her inspiring efforts.

Minutes of January 3, 2010
The minutes of the meeting of January 3, 2010 were approved as submitted.

2010 Warrant Article
The Commission discussed the warrant article requesting $20,000 for the conservation fund. Brian emphasized the importance to the Kearsarge Gore Farm project of this amount of funding, since the it is possible that the survey, when completed, may show more acreage than is currently being used as the basis for the easement. In addition, the required full appraisal of the property may assign a higher per acre value for the property. Either or both of these outcomes would increase the amount that must be raised by the Town as its share of the project. Brian said he had handed out the project budget to the Budget Committee early in their deliberations which mentioned the possibility of a grant from the Quabbin to Cardigan Collaborative. He also said he planned to meet with Bob and Jennifer tomorrow to begin work on an agreement.

Bound Tree Snowshoe/Walk
The walk on the Bound Tree property is set for Saturday, February 13 at 9:30 A.M., with folks to meet at Town Hall. Brian said a post card is being sent to all who donated to this project. Brian will check with George Chase about using his driveway for parking. Folks will be encouraged to car pool.

Wetlands Issues
Russ reported that there are no wetlands applications or other activity before DES. Jim reported receiving a copy of a total maximum daily load study for total phosphorus for Tom Pond. The study includes recommendations on watershed remediation activities to reduce phosphorus inputs.

Planning Board
Jim reported that, at its February 1st meeting the Planning Board had no applications to consider. The meeting concentrated on reviewing the draft Transportation section of the Master Plan, developed by Central NH Regional Planning Commission staff. Jim said he handed out copies of the Conservation Plan to the Board members present.

Other Business
John and Brian are  to contact two individuals about their interest in membership on the Commission.
Peg reported that the hunting stand on the Indian Museum easement has been removed.

The next meeting is March 3, 2010.

Meeting adjourned at 8:00 P.M.