Warner Conservation Commission

Minutes of Meeting

July 1, 2009

 

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

Also Margaret Watkins.

 

Absent:  Brian Hotz and Jim McLaughlin

 

Approval of Minutes of the June 3, 2009 Meeting

Deferred until August meeting.

 

Conservation Plan Survey

Margaret reported that the response rate on the survey, as of the ending date of June 22, was 8% (111 responses).  (By contrast the Master Plan survey done last year had a 16% response rate.)

 

Margaret has consulted with experts at the UNH survey center, who advised her that they seek a response rate of 20% before they are entirely comfortable generalizing about survey results. However, they also advise that the first flush of responses typically comes from those who feel most strongly one way or the other on the topic being surveyed.  So our results to date would give a picture of the views of those in the community with the strongest feelings about the conservation plan survey topics.

 

After considerable discussion, it was decided to extend the closing date for survey responses through August in hopes of increasing the number of respondents.  It was also decided that affirmative actions should be taken to increase the response rate.  Nancy volunteered to hand out surveys at the Legion’s 4^th of July Pancake Breakfast, and other members will  hand out surveys at both the Warner Farmer’s Market and the transfer station over the next month or so.  Margaret said she would check with the town’s webmaster about placing a direct link to the survey on the town’s website (ideally on the opening page), so an individual can just click on it and be connected to the survey.  As it stood previously, one had to type in an http// address into their browser, and the result of that technique was not user friendly.

 

Land Protection

Bound Tree Parcel –  Nancy  read the following from Brian’s e-mail on this topic (Brian was absent due to family illness):

 

“I don't have much progress to report on the Bound Tree Project.  The easement is nearly finalized and still being reviewed by the attorneys.  Work continues on the boundary line agreement.  I hope to get a final draft to the Commission and the Selectmen for their review in the next week.”

 

Wetlands Issues

Russ reported that Fish and Game has asked Peter Ladd to consult with them about the fisheries impact of his proposal to rebuild a low head hydro dam on the  Warner   River .  There has also been communication to Peter from the Wetlands Bureau which seeks more information, including any photos he may have of the former dam which he is seeking to rebuild.  They also asked him to consult with the Watershed Bureau, to which Peter has replied that he has already done so.  It appears that the Wetlands Bureau is continuing to seek information on the project.

 

Russ also reported that Warner Aggregates has submitted an Alteration of Terrain permit application which proposes the construction of 30’ wide road, running from the right of way located next to the Exit 7 on ramp for I-89 North (there is presently a gate at that spot next to the building supply store) to the existing pit.  This project involves at least two wetlands crossings.  It is a considerably larger project than discussed when Warner Aggregates consulted with the Commission about using that right of way to access a field on one of their lots to hold heavy equipment auctions.  Many questions were raised about this project and Russ agreed to draft a letter to DES outlining some of them.

 

Peg reported that the Harte property on Morse Loop has not been restored as requested by DES in an earlier Letter of Deficiency.  DES is considering further action on this mater.

 

Old Business

 

It was agreed that an article concerning the survey or perhaps one addressing land conservation in town should be prepared for the next town newsletter.

 

The next meeting is August 5, 2009.  

 

Meeting adjourned at 8:26 P.M.