Warner Conservation Commission

Minutes of Public Hearing and Meeting

July 7, 2010


Attending: Doug Allen, Nancy Martin, Scott Warren, Peg Bastien, and Jim McLaughlin (recording).

Minutes of the Meeting of June 2, 2010
The minutes of the Meeting of June 2, 2010 were approved as submitted.

Conservation Lands- Gore Farm Conservation Easement
Nancy reported that she had spoken to Brian Hotz and was told that work on getting signatures on  the purchase and sales agreement are in the final stages. Brian has advised that with the completion of this project, the Town’s conservation fund will be largely depleted. Brian also reported that he has been contacted by a land owner in the Minks interested in a possible conservation easement on approximately 120-150 acres. This could help make a case for further Town funding. The Commission is being asked to consider how much to request in the next capital improvement program (CIP) edition for 2011-2016. The group discussed an amount of $50,000 that has been requested each year for the past six or seven years. It was decided to take this up at the August meeting for a final decision.

Conservation Plan-Goals and Objectives
It was noted that John Dabuliewicz’s article on this topic appeared in the latest Town Newsletter. Need to wait until John is present to take up this discussion.

Selectmen's’ Hearing, Bound Tree ATV Club
Jim reported that the Selectmen discussed the proposal of the Bound Tree ATV Club for allowing ATV’s to use certain class 6 roads in the Mink Hills at their Tuesday meeting, and concluded that they needed to have a further meeting with the Club to explore alternative scenarios. Nancy reported that Brian has done some research on the Badger property, as well as the landowner, Andy Duncan, and determined that Mr. Duncan owns the road across his property, rather than its being a class 6 road. This would impact the ATV Club’s proposal, insofar as their use of this section of road is concerned.

Wetlands Issues
The only wetlands issues of which members were aware currently are culvert replacements by the Town in several locations. No concerns with these projects were voiced.

Planning Board Report
No report; the Board meets on July 12.

Old Business
Jim reported that the signs advising against camping and open fires on the KIM conservation easement have not yet been delivered to the Town, but that Allan Brown assured they will be installed by his crew when they arrive.
Jim also reported that the Town has cut a check for $20,000, as voted on at 2010 Town Meeting, to be added to the conservation fund.

New Business
Peg advised members of a new monthly on line service being provided by DES called Municipal Ecolink. This  email service contains information about new rules, programs, guidance etc. that DES has issued during the previous month. Peg promised to send an email to members on how to subscribe to the service.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:40 P.M.

The next regular meeting is August 4, 2010.