LYME CONSERVATION COMMISSION
July 7, 2003 MINUTES
PRESENT: Lee Larson, Dick Jones, Joan Goldburgh, Ben Hudson, Aaron Rich, Laura McDaniel, Adair Mulligan, CC members; Tom Morrissey, member of the public
1. Beavers in Clay Brook and Post Pond water level control: Tom Morrissey explained that Paul Barker removed the beaver dam on or about June 16, as he has in past years, to lower the water level at his property at Loch Lyme Lodge. The selectmen have met with Paul. Tom provided a copy of a letter outlining his concerns about a unilateral decision to alter the level of a public body of water which resulted in a very sudden and dramatic release of water into Clay Brook. Adair pointed out that the inflow of Trout Brook to the pond is physically very close to the pond’s outflow into Clay Brook. She observed that the Town and all other shoreland owners have a direct interest in ensuring that the pond continues to be flushed and that Trout Brook does not cut a new channel to Clay
Brook, thus bypassing the pond. Lee said that there are loons on the pond, and that if they are nesting, such a sudden drop in water level would likely result in nest failure. He and others are concerned that the beavers may have been killed in the Chaffee wildlife sanctuary, since they have not rebuilt the dam there. He has had a call from the Recreation Committee, which set up the beach area on 6/14 only to find two days later that their installation had to be redone because the water had dropped. Joan said that in past years, DES has suggested another area for the Lodge’s beach and recommended a floating dock. Members consulted state law, which says that beaver may be destroyed only with the permission of the landowner to protect public highways and other infrastructure. Adair suggested asking a hydrologist or engineer to establish the elevations at which Trout Brook might join Clay Brook, and use that as a guide to establish a target water level range for Post Pond. Dick
said that the selectmen are addressing it as an enforcement issue, and that after that is resolved, engineering could be done. Lee will keep the CC informed of the selectmen’s actions. Tom suggested that the CC could have a consensus-building role and could look into various alternatives to assist the Lodge.
2. Minutes: approved on a motion by Joan, seconded by Ben.
3. Trail Day projects included removal of blowdowns by Dick, trail work and removal of the platform at Trout Pond, trail work at Chaffee, and mowing of landing and culvert repair at Town Forest.
4. Wetlands Permits: CC has performed a large number of site visits in the last two months. Lee called Doug Holler on May 19 after the skiway pond was drained to caution him that a permit is required if any dredging is to take place. Aaron said they had had an emergency because of a failure around the pipe. Adair said that someone had reported a number of dead juvenile spotted salamanders in the immediate area just afterwards. The Wetlands Bureau has been asked to visit the Stam, Wray, and Whittington properties. Lee noted that the CC has reviewed 19 projects so far this year, and has advised all but one of them should go ahead. In some cases, suggestions were made on how to improve the projects. Discussion ensued about why the ZBA did not accept the CC’s recommendation on
the Wray project and was asking DES to investigate. Adair said that she had attempted to describe the CC’s concerns about the project, and that the aspect about which the CC had little concern had been given approval with conditions that reflected the CC’s advice. Voted unanimously to ask Lee to call ZBA Chair Walter Swift regarding the stature of the CC’s comments, on a motion by Joan seconded by Aaron. It was agreed that if the CC’s opinion is not legally sufficient for a ZBA decision, and the ZBA feels that it needs to go to DES, then it is not worth the volunteer CC members’ time to perform site visits for the ZBA, and the CC would decline to do site visits in the future. The Zoning Ordinance would have to be changed to reflect this.
5. Grant Brook Trail: Gates have been left open by recreationists and Wilmots’ cattle have been roaming E. Thetford Rd. Will put notice in Church News and in trail guide asking trail users to be sure to close the gates.
6. Camping at Town Forest and Trout Pond Forest: Town permitted Boy Scouts to establish a designated site at the Town Forest with the provision that the public could use it. Dick provided a colorful description of possible point versus non-point pollution scenarios there. Will check the Trout Pond management plan and easement, and consult the Trout Pond Management Committee before suggesting a policy to the selectmen.
7. Maintenance: Sign ordered for Big Rock area at Rt. 10 to be placed by end of year. Boardwalk needs include 60' at Big Rock and 60' at Chaffee. Will use rough cut hemlock rather than pressure treated lumber. Will install near Labor Day for dry conditions. Ben will mow trail at Chaffee. Will weed whack at Big Rock and Grant Brook.
8. Fencing in Clay Brook: Ben reported that someone installed fencing in Clay Brook across from Whipple Hill Rd. Members will look at it and consider writing regarding best management practices for watering livestock.
9. Meeting schedule: no August meeting. Next meeting will be September 8, to avoid Labor Day.
Meeting adjourned 8:57 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Adair Mulligan, Secretary pro-tem
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