Warner Conservation Commission

Minutes of Public Hearing and Meeting

September 1, 2010


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

Minutes of the Meeting of August 4, 2010
The minutes of the Meeting of August 4, 2010 were amended to add “(Children’s Brook)” after Willow Brook under Wetlands Issues on the first page. With this amendment, the minutes were  approved.

Conservation Lands- Gore Farm Conservation Easement
Brian gave an update on this project. The survey of the perimeter of the property has been completed, with a final acreage being determined to be 425 acres. This is less than the 471 acres as stated on the deeds. The easement will be on 410 acres, with the balance to be designated an exclusion area which still needs to be surveyed. Also title work is under way. Brian advised that the entire staff of LCHIP has turned over since this project was approved for LCHIP funding and will have to be briefed on this project. He expects completion by early October.
Brian reported an inquiry from an individual interested in purchasing a 6 acre parcel abutting Ashendon State Forest that consists of a beaver pond with a little upland area and no road access. The person is looking for help in acquiring the property and thought the Town might be interested in a conservation easement on it. SPNHF is not interested in this parcel. The Commission agreed that there is no interest on the Town’s part, since the parcel has no real development potential as it stands. Brian will advise the person of this decision.
Brian announced a major land purchase by the Forest Society of 1,025 acres on the southwest slopes of Mt. Kearsarge, to be called Black Mountain Forest. While most of this land is in Sutton, 205 acres are in Warner. The total price is $1.1 million, of which SPNHF has half and plans to launch a major fund raising effort this fall for the balance. Discussed possible donors.

Conservation Plan-Goals and Objectives
John Dabuliewicz led a discussion on the content of the Natural Resources section of the new Master Plan. There was agreement to include three objectives from the 1999 Master Plan - # 6, - protection of streams, ponds, wetlands and floodplains; #7 - protection of hill tops and ridgelines; and 
#9 - protection of important aquifers. John will work with Jim to draft the section send it around by email for review and comment by the Commission. Brian suggested making sure that Central NH Regional Planning Commission has the most up to date protected lands layer for their work on the Master Plan. Jim said he would advise them.

Wetlands Issues
Russ reviewed a few forestry permits issued recently for landowners in town. Also discussed sending a letter of information to a landowner on Willow Brook on pertinent Town ordinances and State laws and DES regulations that govern activities in and around the waters of the State.

Planning Board Report
No report; the Board meets on September 13.

Old Business
Bound Tree ATV Club - Nancy advised that the Selectmen have signed an agreement permitting the ATV Club permission to use 3 miles of class 6 roads in the Minks until 12/1/11. There was talk of forming a long range committee to monitor this activity.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:10 P.M.

The next regular meeting is October 6, 2010.