Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes

DRAFT

Newbury Conservation Commission (NCC)

January 14, 2020

Members Present: Katheryn Holmes, Chair; Eric Unger, Vice-chair; Janet Laustsen, Bob Stewart; Sue Russell and Steve Russell, Members; Russell Smith, Ex-officio

John Magee, Fish Habitat Biologist - NH Fish & Gamerepresentative

Ms. Holmes called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.

ADMINISTRATIVE:

Ms. Holmes welcomed new member Janet Laustsen to the Board. 

Minutes

The NCC began to review the minutes of December 12, 2019.Discussion took place and it was decided to table the minutes until Meg Whittemore listens to the tapes again. They will review again in February.

Ms. Holmes explained to the Board members why AusbonSargent is not holding the public hearing this evening.  Ms. Holmes explained that the Avery property needs to get appraisedfirst, then the Avery’s would need to accept the offer proposed by Ausbon Sargent. If it is accepted, then a discussion needs to take place with the Board of Selectmen. Once these steps are taken, then a public hearing can be scheduled. 

Mr. Unger stated that he has seen some activity on the Avery property lately. He said he saw surveying stakes and he called the surveyor because he noticed stakes that he had never seen before. The surveyor said he has not been to that property in more than 10 years. Mr. Unger is wondering if someone moved the stakes, because he had never noticed them before, and they are currently in plain site with red tape around them.

INTENT TO CUT:

There were no Intent to Cut Applications.

BUFFER ZONE CUT:

There were no Buffer Zone Cut Applications.

DES:

NH DES Wetlands Rules – Ms. Holmes distributed packets to everyone and asked that the board members take a look at home. She said that the Conservation Commissions Responsibilities in Wetland Permitting is an important document and highly encouraged the board members to take a look at these packets.

COMMUNICATIONS

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NH Association of Natural Resource Scientists (NHANRS) – Ms. Holmes took a vote to see if the members wanted to renew the membership. 

Mr. Stewart made a motion to pay $25 for the 2020 membership for NHANRS. Mr. Smith seconded the motion. All were in favor.  

OLD BUSINESS

Avery Property Update and Review – Mr. Magee addressed the Board and distributed some maps that showed the conserved properties, as well as fish survey data. Mr. Magee said there have been a lot of fish and stream crossing surveys. Mr. Magee says this information allows conservation groups to prioritize and continue to look for opportunities. Mr. Magee said the map shows the state parks and the other conserved property that is all around the Avery property. Mr. Magee thinks this is a high priority property because it is on the edge of the other conserved property. The Avery property fits perfectly in the already conserved area. He said there is also a lot of wild brook trout in this area. 

Mr. Magee said that there are 11 commissioners and they would decide if they would put any money toward the project. He explained that it takes about three months to allocate the money. 

Ms. Holmes asked if Mr. Magee if he could create another map with a closeup of the conservation map. Mr. Magee will send over an electronic map, as well as some printed copies to distribute at the public hearing. The members all agreed that photos should be shown as well at the public hearing.

Mr. Magee said sometimes these agreements take up to a year, so there would be plenty of time to fundraise, if necessary.

NEW BUSINESS

Proposed NCC letter to waterfront property owners (Bubblers Law) – Ms. Holmes said she thinks the new law should be sent to all of the residents around the lake. Mr. Smith said that he spoke to the town administrator about this and he agrees this would be a great idea. Ms. Holmes will create a letter and they will get together to stuff the envelopes so they can send them out. Ms. Holmes is going to put the law in the annual report as well. She said that if any board members see a violation, they can call marine patrol. 

Open Discussion – 

Ms. Russell was wondering if the Board members would consider writing a letter of support for the Code Enforcement Office. She would like to see his hours increased to 32 hours/week. Ms. Russell thought a letter of support would help. Mr. Smith said he is not sure the CEO wants more hours and the budget is already set for this year. Ms. Holmes thought it would be a nice gesture to write the letter anyway. Ms. Holmes asked Ms. Russell to create a letter of support for Mr. Shepard. Ms. Russell said she will write the letter. 

Mr. Russell informed the Board that there will be a meeting hosted by the Friends of Mount Sunapee on Tuesday, January 21 titled Everlasting Forests, The Mount Sunapee Story. 

Mr. Stewart made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Smithseconded the motion. All in favor.

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Donna Long

Recording Secretary

DRAFT Newbury Conservation Commission