Lyme Conservation Commission
Minutes of the 3 January 2005 Meeting
1. The meeting convened at 7:35 PM with the following members in attendance: Joan Goldburgh, Dick Jones, Paul Klee, Lee Larson, Laura McDaniel, Vicki May and Adair Mulligan. Judy Barker attended part of the meeting.
2. The minutes of the November 1, 2004 meeting were approved.
3. Lee reported that the “Notice of Determination of the Natural Mean High Water Elevation” for Post Pond had been received. In this report the State Department of Environmental Services determined that its level was 3.0 feet on the Town’s gage or an elevation of 428.8 feet NGVD. A discussion of how this report might affect the annual review of the “Post Pond Water Level Policy” followed. It was agreed that any review and possible revision should await the outcome of the current suit scheduled for trial in May.
4. Lee led a discussion of the Budget Committee’s proposed Town Meeting warrant article to reduce the land use change tax going to the conservation fund from 100% to 50%. Joan moved and Adair second a motion for the Conservation Commission to recommend against approving this article. The motion carried with six for and Dick abstaining.
5. Joan discussed her progress on scheduling a vernal pools workshop this spring. It was agreed to invite both the Orford and Thetford Conservation Commissions to participate. Currently it is planned for May 7th.
6. Lee led a short discussion of a possible application for a “Moose Plates” grant again this year. Last year’s Lyme application was turned down even though all the available funds were not awarded. Only requests for educational related grants were approved. It was decided not to apply for a grant this year.
7. The NH Association of Conservation Commissions has published a new conservation commission handbook. Paul moved and Adair seconded a motion to purchase two copies for the Town. The motion carried unanimously.
8. Lee discussed the Planning Board’s proposed changes to the Zoning Ordinance that impact the Commission. It was agreed that the Commission could and would conduct the additional site evaluations that their passage might entail. However, the Commission felt strongly that the Planning Board should have discussed their proposed revisions affecting the Commission with the Commission before taking the proposed amendments to public hearing. Lee agreed to contact the Planning Board’s chair and inform her of the Commission’s feelings on this matter.
9. A bonfire to burn the invasive brush piled in the Chaffee Sanctuary will be scheduled when there is sufficient snow and all members will be advised by e-mail.
10. Lee reported having talks the Upper Valley Trails Alliance about a possible trails workshop in Lyme this spring/summer. During the discussion concern was expressed about an appropriate trails project, specifically a proper easement, before the Commission would jointly sponsor such a project.
11. Adair led a discussion about a possible conservation easement on a parcel of land that may become subject to development and abuts land currently under conservation easement. At this stage the landowner has not been approached and concern was expressed about making any commitment for conservation fund support for acquiring an easement on the parcel. The Commission agreed that the parcel had conservation value and encouraged Adair to request advice from the Zoning Administrator about the degree of development that could occur under existing regulations before proceeding further.
12. It was agreed to schedule the annual snowshoe hike on February 6th (“Super Bowl Sunday”) at an as yet undetermined site.
13. The meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM.
R. G. Jones
Recorder
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