Lyme Conservation Commission
Minutes of the 7 November 2005 Meeting
LCC Members Attending – Paul Klee, Dick Jones, Lee Larson, Vicki May, Laura McDaniel, Adair Mulligan, Matt Stevens.
Members of the Public in Attendance –Judy Barker, Dwayne Compton, Ross McIntyre, Phyllis Orem, Nick Orem, Patricia Reynolds.
The Meeting was called to order at 7:32 PM by Lee Larson.
1. Approval of Minutes from the October 3, 2005 Meeting
The minutes of the October 3, 2005 meeting of the LCC were moved and unanimously approved.
2. Old Business
a) Update on Post Pond water level issues
Much discussion was held regarding the current water level of Post Pond (approx. 2’8” on the gauge stick) and the heavy inflow of water from the heavy October rains. Three manipulations of the dam have taken place – one by the State (related to determining the geographic limits of the pond) and two by Ross. The beavers have rebuilt the dam quickly after each.
The members of the public in attendance expressed concern for the consequences of having the water level “high” going into ice-in and the possible damage caused by ice-out and the spring runoff. Ross asked about the possibility of having a draw-down of the Pond level prior to freezing. The Orems expressed concern about the flooding now occurring on their property. Given that the recourse is to the State as the Normal Mean High Water and therefore flood level (and related statues) are their pervue, several in attendance were concerned about the response time from the State should they request a review of the level and/or recompense for damages.
Dick moved and Laura seconded and the Commission unanimously approved that a sub-committee of the Commission go to Concord to meet with Jim Gallagher (head of the DES Dam Bureau) and representatives of the NH Fish and Game Division to see if the State could offer further guidance on the situation.
b) Update on Tree City project
Laura reported that Mary Reynolds who runs the Tree City USA project for the State of New Hampshire had come to town on Wednesday evening, November 2 to review the program and application process. She confirmed that the town is not required to put up signs. Laura, Lee, Paul, Dick and Bob Thebodo attended.
Lee commented that although it is only a recognition program, with no related funding opportunities, he was pleased by the possible education components and recommended we proceed.
Laura will work up the application details and work with Dick to get the necessary components and approvals from the Selectmen.
c) Update on Natural Resources Inventory
Lee reported on the second meeting held in conjunction with the Planning Board to hear from a representative of NH Audubon. David Houghton was to attend, but sent Sarah Barnum in his stead. Subsequent to the meeting Lee had an email from Sarah that, due to present reorganization issues, NH Audubon is not presently equipped to take on a natural resources inventory project.
Dick commented that the Planning & Zoning budget as presently submitted to the Selectmen requests $10,000 for an aquifer study and $5,000 for a natural resources inventory. Lee said he and Jeannie McIntyre had a conversation about how to develop the mapping component of the inventory using local resources. Matt suggested that we develop an RFP, which even if not distributed would provide us with a framework to understand what we want to accomplish by conducting an inventory.
d) Trails
Matt and Lee reported that a trail work day is scheduled for Saturday November 12, 9am – Noon. Work will be done to harden the new trail created in the Town Forest, as well as cleanup of recent storm related damage above 1,200 feet.
Also, reprinted trail guides are now available for the Trout Pond Forest and Chaffee Sanctuary. Thank you, Adair!
3. Wetlands and Easements
(a) Site visit – Holzer residence (intersection of High Bridge and Pinnacle Roads)
Two members of the Commission went to this site at the request of the ZBA. The proposed project and its impact are more complicated than presented. A responding letter has been sent to the ZBA.
(b) Dartmouth Skiway
Lee reported that the parking lot erosion plan for the Skiway is underway.
4. New Business
Lee suggested that the Commission members attend the Grafton County Conservation Commissions meeting which is scheduled for our next regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, December 5. All were in favor; Lee is to make reservations.
5. Other Business
There was no other business this month.
6. Publicity
Laura reported that she had contacted Carolyn Bardos (publisher of the school’s paper, “Lyme Beat”) about possibly including the monthly “Conservation Corner” article in the paper. The paper is not currently being published, but may commence after January 1, 2006. If so, they’d be happy to include a piece.
Matt volunteered to draft up a piece for this month about invasive species which are easily identifiable in the fall (Burning Bush and Barberry).
The meeting was adjourned at 8:53 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Laura McDaniel
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