Warner Conservation Commission

Minutes of Meeting 

November 4, 2009


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

Approval of Minutes of the October 7, 2009 Meeting
The minutes of the meeting of October 7, 2009 were approved as submitted. Also approved were the minutes of the meeting on June 3, 2009 which, through an oversight, had not been previously approved.

Conservation Plan
Margaret Watkins, consultant, distributed copies of a proposal for target acreages in the six natural resource areas in town. There was general agreement to include this table in the plan. Various comments on her draft were discussed. Additional comments can still be submitted, but soon.
Nancy asked for more explanation on the importance of restricting impervious surfaces in relation to water quality protection. Margaret suggested that the Commission prepare a set of fact sheets for general public distribution that explained this and other important topics.
The Commission discussed the current status of easement monitoring. Margaret stressed the importance of regular and well documented monitoring of the Town’s easements. The Plan will contain a recommendation to develop and refine the stewardship program.
On the recommendation for timber tax revenues to be dedicated to the conservation fund, there wasn’t much enthusiasm. Margaret said she would give this some further thought.
Discussed the guidelines for open space development, John cautioned against recommending a role for which the Commission has no statutory authority. Margaret agreed to revise this section.
Generally agreed that there will be no map of properties to be targeted  for protection in the plan.
Margaret plans to have the final report available for the December meeting.
Margaret offered to prepare a brief summary of the plan (2-3 pages). The Commission can expand that, as necessary, to fit the needs of the master plan.

Land Protection
Bower Property
Brian reported that he has successfully submitted the application for LCHIP funding. LCHIP staff will do a site visit on November 20th. Brian said that 13 natural resource applications were received by LCHIP. Still no idea of total dollars to be distributed in the January round. However, there will be another round in July and LCHIP may elect to consider those projects not funded in January for July.

Wetlands Issues
Russ reviewed DES wetlands permits in process. Nothing of substance to report.

Planning Board
Jim reported the Planning Board approved a two lot subdivision on Old Denny Hill Road. The Board also approved a two lot subdivision on Route 103 in Davisville, one of which will allow Warner Aggregates to construct an access road to their gravel operations.

Other Business
Nancy discussed a meeting she attended at Ausbon Sargent LPT of area towns’ conservation commissions about land conservation. 
Brian submitted an article on the  Bound Tree conservation easement for the Town’s October newsletter.
Brian announced the date for a winter snowshoe tour of Bound Tree as February 13, 2010.

The next meeting is December 2, 2009.

Meeting adjourned at 8:45 P.M.