Conservation Commission Minutes

Newbury Conservation Commission (NCC)

March 12, 2019

April 9, 2019

Members Present: Katheryn Holmes, Chair; Eric Unger, Vice-chair, Bob Stewart, Steve Russell, Sue Russell, Members.

Ms. Holmes called the meeting to order at 7:18 p.m.

ADMINISTRATIVE

Minutes

The Commissioners reviewed the minutes of January 8, 2019 and made corrections. Mr. Unger made a motion to accept the minutes as corrected. Mr. Stewart seconded the motion. All in favor. 

February 12, 2019 Meeting

Ms. Holmes noted that the NCC meeting in February was cancelled due to inclement weather. She reviewed the agenda items as follows:

Intent to Cut

Scott & Jennifer Young, 64 Forest Brook Road, Newbury, Tax Map/Lot # 045-787-103. Selective cut on a 4.45-acre lot.

Buffer Zone Cut

Ronald & Donna Ferris, 131 Grace Hill Road, Newbury, NH. Ms. Holmes stated that she made a site visit and expressed concern regarding the presence of grass down to the wall and lake. She added that a follow-up will include a meeting with the Code Enforcement Officer to suggest a landscape plan and a review of the point system for tree cutting.

NH Department of Environmental Services

Town of Newbury, Tax Map/Lot # 020-348-343, File # 2018-03543. Discussion followed regarding proposed public dock expansion project at Newbury Harbor.

Communications

Follow-up to meeting/presentation by John Magee, M.S., Certified Fisheries professional and Fish Habitat Biologist with the NH Fish & Game Department. Commissioners discussed the salient points presented by Mr. Magee at the January 8, 2019 NCC meeting.  

NHACC Legislative Update, January 29, 2019.

NHACC January 2019 E-news newsletter.

NH Municipal Association -Your Source for Local Government Information Newslink: https://www.nhmunicipal.org.  

There was general discussion regarding deciduous tree root systems and how same take up water. Mr. Stewart noted that an 18-inch maple tree during the growing season will take up 50 gallons per day in water. He added that large trees give shade during the summer months when it is needed to keep the neighboring water cooler. It was pointed out that property owners may be unaware of the benefits of keeping larger trees near the water’s edge. 

March 12, 2019 Meeting

Ms. Holmes reviewed the March 12, 2019 agenda.

INTENT TO CUT

Ms. Holmes expressed concern regarding the recently state-mandated 15-day turnaround Intent to Cut application process (replacing the previous 30-day turnaround period). She noted the potential for applications to circumvent NCC site visits and review due to the shortened turnaround time. There was discussion about how to best ensure a site visit prior to application sign-off and approval by the Selectboard. It was suggested that Mr. Unger continue to get the Intent to Cut applications first and call upon the CEO as a back up if needed. Commissioners agreed.

Mr. Unger reviewed the following Intent to Cut applications:

Allisen E. Heath, Trustee, Route 103, Tax Map Lot # 08-671-545. Acreage of lot - 19 acres. Acreage to cut – 10acres.

BUFFER ZONE CUT

Ms. Holmes reviewed the following Buffer Zone Cut application:

Peter & Nancy Keenan, 19 Lakewood Manor Place, Newbury.

NH DEPARTMENT of ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES (DES)

Ms. Holmes reviewed the following items from DES:

Town of Newbury, Wetland Permit Application # 2018-03543, Tax Map Lot # 348-343-333 & 334, an appeal letter. Ms. Holmes noted that Dan Wolf voiced his concern at Town Meeting regarding the fact that there was no public meeting held to discuss this proposed project (expansion of the town dock at Newbury Harbor).

The Keenan Real Estate Trust 2003, 19 Lakewood Manor Place, Newbury, Tax Map Lot # 19-706-519, Shoreland Impact Permit 2019-00362.

David and Beth Boucher, Shore Drive, Newbury, Tax Map Lot # 19-200, DES letter re: Land Resources Management File # 2017-01881.

COMMUNICATIONS

Ms. Holmes shared with the NCC the following:

Saving Special Places, April 6, 2019. NCC attendees include Steve & Sue Russell and Meg Whittemore.

NHACC News. Ms. Holmes reviews content and upcoming bills before the state legislature. Mt. Stewart noted that the state may be looking at buffer zones statewide.

Bubbler Update

Ms. Holmes informed Commissioners of a forthcoming state bill pertaining to regulating the use of bubblers. She noted that LSPA was instrumental in shepherding this bill to completion. She added that the Newbury Fire Department is monitoring bubbler violations and following up with notices to property owners.

OLD BUSINESS

Ms. Holmes reviewed the following items:

Mr. Unger gave an update to the Trout Unlimited mitigation opportunities.  

Mr. Russell gave the following update to the Exemplary Forest on Mt. Sunapee and his meeting with Sabrina Stanwood, administrator with the Natural Heritage Bureau (NHB), and Peter Bowman, NHB biologist, on March 8, 2019 to discuss the Forest:

The Exemplary Forest is the only one of its kind in NH in the Northern Hardwood Conifer System and covers 484 acres.

Ms. Stanwood indicated the difficulty in managing public land, especially public parks that are self-funded. She added that NHB is seeking to establish a line of communication with Vail and hoping to achieve a positive outcome.

Mr. Russell discussed the development plans of Vail, particularly the West Bowl development. He noted the impact of same on the existing old forest growth and exemplary forest.

Discussion included review of the existing maps of the area.

Discussion included establishing correct and consistent terminology to use when discussing the exemplary forest in all public outreach communications.

Ms. Holmes suggested that the Selectboard write a letter to Vail corporate representatives at Mt. Sunapee inviting them to meet with the Selectboard, welcome them to the community, and establish a partnership with Vail corporate moving forward.

Ms. Holmes suggested that similar letters be sent to Vail from the Friends of Mt. Sunapee, and the Newbury planning Board.

Mr. Russell noted that a PowerPoint presentation on the Exemplary Forest is scheduled for March 26, 2019 at the Tracey Library in New London.

Chalk Pond Challenge Committee – Commissioners agreed to meet on April 4, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. at town Office.

ADDITIONAL BUSINESS

Ms. Holmes noted that the Selectboard re-instated NCC membership dues to LSPA, SPNHF and ASLPT.

There being no further business to discuss, Ms. Holmes called for a Motion to Adjourn.

Mr. Stewart made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Unger seconded the motion. All in favor.

The meeting adjourned at 9:01 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Meg Whittemore

Recording Secretary