Warner Conservation Commission

Minutes of Meeting

July 16, 2008

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

Minutes of June 18, 2008

The minutes of the meeting of June 18, 2008 were not available for action.

Land Protection

Brian Hotz reported on two possible conservation easement opportunities.

Bound Tree Land (formerly Nichols property) 446 acres.

Brian has had positive discussion with the couple who intend to close on the purchase of this parcel by the end of July. He is meeting with them next Thursday to discuss a conservation easement on most of the property, hoping for a bargain sale arrangement. Brian said that money currently in the conservation fund may be sufficient to cover the value of an easement. Need to check with Barbara Proper on the fund balance. The Commission was in agreement on pursuing this easement. Russ asked if any of this parcel falls into the Bear Pond watershed, in which case, Contoocook might be interested in participating financially. Brian will check.

Bowers Farm and Forest 500 acres.

Brian said that Bob Bowers is interested in doing a conservation easement within the next three years. Brian feels this project would be ideally suited to LCHIP funding, since it involves two towns, an active farming activity, has good wildlife habitat value, and is adjacent to already protected land. He said that Sutton is excited about this project since it fits in with their protection strategy. Brian suggested a site walk with both commissions being invited. Suggested a walk on the property with other members of the Warner CC.

Natural Resources Inventory (NRI)

Discussed draft NRI report. No recreation section has been included. More tables are needed. The final co-occurrence model process needs a second round. Other comments are to be sent to Russ who will compile them and wordsmith into a Word version of the draft which Brian said he would get from Dan. Jim took Peg and John’s copies with their edits and will send these to Russ, along with his own. Chris indicated she would send her comments in as well.

Wetlands Issues

The Commission voted to approve both Town projects, one on Mason Hill Road and the other at the intersection of Parade Ground Cemetery Road and Joppa Road. Both of these culvert replacement projects are FEMA funded. Nancy will send an email to NHDES re this action.

Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act Workshop - June 26

It was reported that 30-40 landowners and others were in attendance on June 26.

Planning Board

No action on Wagner. Master Plan update report by Jim McLaughlin.

Meeting adjourned at 8:25 P.M.