LYME CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Minutes - January 6, 2004
PRESENT: Lee Larson, Dick Jones, Laura McDaniel, Paul Klee, Adair Mulligan
1. Housekeeping: Welcomed new member Paul Klee. Approved minutes of December meeting, amended by Dick to correct reference to NRCS, on a motion by Laura seconded by Paul.
2. Post Pond: Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program application has been drafted by Ben.
3. Wetlands applications: Reviewed report and permit amendment request for Stam project. Applicant proposes to empty the newly excavated pond into Hewes Brook in late winter and to dredge the pond further, depositing spoils in the garden near the brook, on the hillside, and spread out on newly vegetated slopes. Members agreed that the project has been problematic from the beginning, and were reluctant to see further changes made at the site. CC agreed that the application should be approved by DES only if all dredge spoils are deposited off site, and there is silt control on the pumped water. The garden area is a wetland, and the hillside is only marginally stabilized now. Any further disturbance could easily result in instability.
4. Long Range Planning: Lee referred to the enabling legislation for conservation commissions and asked what the Lyme CC should pursue. Adair pointed out that under Lee, the CC had been very pro-active and accomplished a wide range of goals for the town.
a. Consultant to the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment - agreed to continue this essential role, conduct site visits, and ensure that CC is heard by the other boards. Adair said that the ZBA is closely attentive to CC comments. The number of site visits is becoming burdensome; agreed to continue to invite all members but to expect a smaller group.
b. Natural resource inventory -agreed this would be a worthy project, albeit a large one. Will ask Vickie Davis to collect information already available, including Hanover’s biodiversity study for resources that may be shared with Lyme, new Mascoma Watershed natural resources inventory, which recommends a conservation focus area that includes a small area of Lyme; and natural heritage inventory information. CC members strongly supported Vickie’s interest in becoming certified as a wetlands scientist.
c. Town conservation easements - agreed to continue to monitor the 30 easements. Lee coordinates this effort.
d. Management of town conservation properties -agreed they should be evaluated for their combination of use, educational potential, and recreation potential. Town forest can sustain more use, but heavy use should not be encouraged at Chaffee sanctuary. There are habitat improvement opportunities at Big Rock and lower Grant Brook area.. Should watch trail condition carefully at Big Rock for wear.
e. Land conservation - discussed options for priority protection projects and potential funding sources. Lee will follow up on a recommendation in the Lyme Center area with the unanimous endorsement of the members.
f. Trail maintenance - agreed to continue annual trail work day to encourage a group of local maintainers.
g. Shoreland conservation - agreed to communicate early this spring with all shoreland owners at Reservoir Pond, Post Pond, and the Connecticut River about the NH Shoreland Protection Act, and to provide a packet of information, including the state brochure and riparian buffer information. Will ask Vickie to assemble a list of landowners.
h. Snowshoe walk - Lee will lead a walk on Feb. 8 to Trout Pond’s wetland. Will publicize in next church news.
i. Potluck event - Lee has organized a potluck supper for CC members and conservation easement monitors for Sunday, Jan. 25 at the vestry in Lyme Center. More info will follow.
Respectfully submitted, Adair Mulligan, Secretary pro-tem
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