LYME CONSERVATION COMMISSION
August 13, 2003
MINUTES
PRESENT: Ben Hudson, Dick Jones, Laura McDaniel, Aaron Rich, and Adair Mulligan, Lyme Conservation Commission; Paul & Judy Barker, John & Becky Fulton, Scott Kalter, Sydney Long, guy from Brooklyn (?), members of the public.
The business meeting of the Lyme Conservation Commission commenced immediately following the public hearing, which ended at 8:57 pm.
The Commission voted unanimously, on a motion by Dick seconded by Adair, to give the Barkers immediate permission to adjust the height of the beaver dam under the guidelines provided by Wetlands Rule 303.05, under the supervision of a member of the Conservation Commission. Laura asked Paul Barker whether he would be willing to participate in the dam adjustment. He said he was willing. Ben said he was not sure how much would need to be removed, since the water is already spilling over the dam, and he guessed that the pond level would go down 1-2" during the next day on its own. He reiterated that the release of water at the dam must be gradual to comply with the Wetlands Rule. Adair referred to the FEMA map which shows Trout and Clay Brooks joining at an elevation of 436' and said that the level should be reduced
both to assist the Barkers and to prevent Trout Brook from cutting a new channel. Dick reminded that the selectmen had been told that only the Conservation Commission has the authority to direct a change in the dam.
Adair urged the pond’s shorefront owners to consider reviving the pond association to help them stay in touch with each other and with issues facing them all. She offered literature provided by the NH Lakes Association. Ben added his hope that a committee could be formed which could take responsibility for monitoring of the beaver dams, water quality, and water level, particularly because the CC is very busy with trail responsibilities and other activities. He reminded that a perpetual challenge exists because the location of the beaver dam might move in the future, off CC property. Such a committee could have a representative from the CC and another from the Recreation Committee which manages Chase Beach.
Ben also proposed a long-term study to determine the best water level range for the pond in relation to the beach, and how to manage the beaver dams. Adair said that Wayne Pike had recommended a beaver pipe with an elbow in it. Ben said that beavers need only to keep the floor of their lodge 6" above the water level to allow winter entry. He said he was encouraged because the beach at the Lodge is shallow, and it will not take much reduction in the water level to expose the beach.
Dick pointed out that because FEMA funds are now available for storm damage in NH, it is clearly not a normal water year. Ben said that the water level went up 8" in one day, although the dam was unchanged. Dick observed that if the water is still going over the dam when the crew goes over, there is no point in taking it out yet because the water is already going down. Aaron noted that 1-2" of water could be removed by evaporation if it is dry and sunny the next day. Aaron, Ben, and Dick volunteered to help Paul Barker and his crew, and would meet the next day.
Scott Kalter urged that the CC identify someone to take responsibility for followup. Ben reminded that the CC is involved because it is the owner of the Chaffee Sanctuary property where the dam is located. It was agreed that it would probably take several trips to the dam to achieve the desired result, since the release will have to be gradual.
Adair recalled the discussion at the public hearing and hoped that the Barkers heard the message of support. The gentleman from Brooklyn (name, Laura?) identified himself as a member of the Brooklyn Planning Board and complimented Ben upon the well-run public hearing. It was agreed that the subject would be taken up again at the September meeting.
Adjourned 9:25 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Adair Mulligan, Secretary
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