Warner Conservation Commission

Minutes of Meeting

December 3, 2008

Attending:  Nancy Martin, Brian Hotz, Russ St. Pierre, Chris Connors, John Dabuliewicz, Mimi Wiggin, Doug Allen, and Jim McLaughlin (recording)..

Public Hearing on Courser Family - Phase 3 Conservation Project

Nancy Martin opened the public hearing on the matter of the Conservation Commission’s recommending that the Board of Selectmen approve the expenditure of $75,000 from the Conservation Fund to acquire a conservation easement on two parcels of land totaling 331 acres, owned by the Courser family. It was pointed out that the Town had already contributed $7,500 toward survey expenses on this project, so the actual total amount from the Town’s fund would be $82,500. There being no questions or further discussion regarding this action, the hearing was closed.

A motion was made and seconded that the Commission recommend the Selectmen’s approval of the expenditure of $75,000 from the Conservation Fund for the purchase of a conservation easement on the Courser Family Phase 3 project. This motion was approved by unanimous vote.

Approval of Minutes of the November 5, 2008 Meeting

The minutes of the meeting of November 5, 2008 were approved as submitted.

Natural Resources Inventory (NRI)

Brian distributed copies of the final NRI document. Discussed the next steps. Members were asked to read and send any comments to Jim. Question of missing 11X17 maps was raised, as called for in the contract. Large format maps have not yet been delivered. Two copies of each are required, one of them laminated.

Conservation Plan

Brian discussed his review of consultants who prepare municipal conservation plans and also three town plans available on their web sites. He encouraged members to check these and others out to get a sense of what is contained in a plan. Chris described a potential offer from NH Fish and Game and Cooperative Extension to provide technical support to several communities in utilizing the F&G’s Wildlife Action Plan information in their planning process. After discussion a consensus was reached  that this applied more to a community that was at an earlier stage than Warner and thus we were not interested in applying.

Brian will contact each of the six consultants he had identified and request a proposal of what they would recommend for a conservation plan for Warner and the approximate cost. He will send a copy of the NRI. Each member was asked to look at examples of town conservation plans and identify any they think are appropriate.

Jim discussed the Planning Board’s visioning session that will be held on Monday, December 8 at 7:00. This will include Dan Sundquist’s presentation of the NRI. All were encouraged to attend.

Jim recommended that the Commission have in its time frame completing the conservation plan in 2009 to keep in step with the master plan update. Also the group agreed on scheduling a more complete presentation by Dan Sundquist on the NRI in January or February.

Land Protection

Courser Phase 3 - Brian reported that The Selectmen are scheduled to sign the agreement on December 9 and that it should be completed with all other signatures shortly thereafter.

Bound Tree Parcel - Brian said he has advised the Selectmen of the progress on this property, of having the Town purchase the conservation easement ($120,000) and the Forest Society assuming administrative and monitoring costs ($45,000). He reported that he has met with the owners and convinced them to reduce the price on the easement to $100,000. A tape and compass survey will probably be carried out on the parcel.

Bower - Brian reported that he had talked to Bob Bower and viewed his property. Brian said Bob understood that the Commission didn’t have the resources to begin serious discussion on a conservation easement and could wait until the time was right. Brian suggested a possible phasing of this project by working with the Town of Sutton to protect the 100 acres Bob owns in that town. Brian said he plans to meet again soon to help Bob scope out the project and determine what he wants in an easement.

Bouchard - Brian reported he had tracked down the individual having the right of first refusal on this property to guage any interest in purchasing it with a conservation easement. The Town could pay for expenses in completing an easement, with the value of the easement being donated. Brian said this individual is very conservation minded and was referred to Ausbon Sargent for further guidance, but Brian has heard nothing since.

CIP

The $30,000 request for the Conservation Fund for 2009 was submitted to the Budget Committee.

Warner Aggregates

John reported the ZBA approved David Herrick’s proposal for a special exception to hold vehicle auctions on the Warner Aggregates property with all of the conditions suggested in the WCC’s letter.

Chris said that DES would require an alteration of terrain permit for a change of use on this property, and that the requirements for an AOT application starting in January include mapping by a certified                                                                                          

soil scientist and would be more expensive than one done under current rules. Chris said she would alert Mr. Herrick of this fact.

Wetlands Issues

Chris explained that the Town projects involving major stream crossing repairs are being carried out using box structures with no bottom, as opposed to large pipes. This approach is much better, since it leaves the stream bed in a natural state. Mason Hill Road is one of these projects. The Commission applauded the Town for this approach.

A shoreland protection permit has been issued by DES to Mr. Rislov for a house on property in Davisville on the Warner River. Chris read the conditions attached to the permit. This is the first one to be sent to Warner under the new CSPA rules.

It was reported that work to restore a pond on Couchtown Road may have been carried out by a landowner without a DES permit. Chris will alert DES of this.

Planning Board/Zoning Board

Chris reported on Planning Board work to revise the zoning ordinance and town building code. 

Other Business

Brian offered to write an article in the Town’s newsletter on the Courser Phase 3 project. Jim will find out the next deadline.

John will assist Nancy in writing the WCC’s report for 2008 to be included in the Town Report.

Chris forwarded a request from Susie VonOettingen that the Commission sponsor a public presentation on the disease that is infecting bats, with particular attention to keeping people away from the lead mine in Salisbury. After some discussion, the Commission agreed to host such a presentation. Chris will check with Bookends for possible dates in January.

The next meeting is January 7, 2009.

Meeting adjourned at 9:00 P.M.