Warner Conservation Commission

Minutes of Meeting

June 3, 2009

Attending:  Nancy Martin, Brian Hotz, John Dabuliewicz, Russ St. Pierre, Doug Allen, Mimi Wiggin, Peg Bastien, and Jim McLaughlin (recording).

Approval of Minutes of the May 6, 2009 Meeting:

The minutes of the meeting of May 6, 2009 were approved as submitted.

Conservation Plan

Jim reported on the progress of questionnaire returns. Approximately 70 have been submitted thus far. Pick ups will continue through the June 22 end date.

Land Protection

Bound Tree Parcel - Brian reported that the survey on this property is now complete. A boundary segment on the east side is still a problem and is in the process of being resolved to the mutual consent of the abutting landowners. The final acreage of the property turned out to be 399 acres, with 374 acres to be placed under easement. The whole neck of land abutting East Joppa Road is to be out of the easement. Brian said the Stones are fine tuning the draft easement agreement to spell out certain reserved rights, such as trail building, that they wish to retain.

Easement Monitoring - Discussion on the need to monitor easements that the Town holds directly. Russ offered to coordinate monitoring program.

Wetlands Issues

Discussed several wetlands issues in Warner, including Ladd’s culvert dredge and fill application, Harte’s restoration order, and Warner Aggregates alteration of terrain application. Russ is following DES actions. Discussed the role of the Commission in dealing with wetlands related activity. It was suggested that the Commission develop a set of criteria to guide its response to activities that impact wetlands, consistent with State laws and regulations. 

Planning Board

Jim gave an update on Planning Board activity in approving a two lot subdivision on Main Street as well as another four lot subdivision proposed for the Nichols property, also on Main Street.

Other Business

Discussed holding a walk for the public on Bound Tree property in the fall. Brian offered to put information about the major parcels in Town where easements have been secured, including maps, on the Town’s web site. This would give residents information needed to access these lands for walking and other permitted recreation activity.

The next issue of the Town’s newsletter should contain a summary of the conservation questionnaire results.

Jim advised that he would miss the July meeting. John will take notes.

The next meeting is July 1, 2009.  

Meeting adjourned at 7:55 P.M.