LYME CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Minutes – October 3, 2005
The meeting convened at 7:30pm. Laura McDaniel presided.
The following members of the commission were in attendance: Dick Jones, Paul Klee, Vicki May, Laura McDaniel, Adair Mulligan, and Matt Stevens. The following member of the public was in attendance: Patricia Reynolds.
1. Approval of Minutes
· The August minutes were approved as amended (Dick/Vicki).
· The September minutes were approved (Paul/Vicki).
2. Old Business
a. Laura talked to Mary Reynolds about the Tree City Project. Renewal applications are due at the end of December. The commission discussed the monetary commitments required for beautification ($2/capita); some things that might qualify include a town forester or retroactive projects. Laura will contact Mary again to suggest a couple of dates in October for a visit.
b. Adair and Dick reported on the meeting with David Houghton from the NH Audubon on September 27 regarding a Natural Resource Inventory for Lyme. David Roby, Lee Larson, and Vickie Davis also attended the meeting. The approach taken by the NH Audubon was reported to be “cutting edge” and considers not only the green infrastructure (lakes, woodlands, etc.) but the social (travel corridors, town centers, etc.) and the built infrastructure as well. In addition to mapping, public meetings will be held, field investigations will be conducted, and recommendations will be made regarding the areas of Lyme best suited to growth. The initial cost estimate for
the project is $25-50K. A significant portion of this cost, however, could come from outside sources, including a 50-50 match from the State Wildlife Initiative (note that part of the Town’s match could come in manpower). The NH Audubon has taken an interest in Lyme since they are trying to focus on three areas: the northern forest, the coastline, and the rivers, lakes and wetlands; Lyme could serve as a model for the rivers, lakes and wetlands type area.
Sense of meeting: all in attendance at the Oct. 3 meeting were positive about the approach and product though a bit cautious about the price tag. Next steps: invite David Houghton to a meeting in the near future and have him give a formal presentation to the Conservation Commission AND the Planning Board.
c. Dick reported on the Post Pond water level issue. Jim Gallagher (and 1-2 others) is scheduled to breach the beaver dam and lower Post Pond by ~1ft. at 9am on Tuesday, Oct. 4 for the purpose of determining the pond/stream boundary. Dick may go along and will monitor the water level of Post Pond if possible.
d. Matt reported on the UVTA trail building workshop. Matt led the third of four trail building workshops, the outcome of which was to extend the Falls Trail in the Town Forest. He recommended that the Conservation Commission set some work dates (possibly a Saturday in November – as long as it doesn’t freeze) to help complete the trail as it is still a dead-end trail.
e. Matt reported that he and Lee had mowed the Big Rock Trail from the Route 10 end and the Lower Grant Brook Trail from the soccer field to the second stone wall. He recommended that the Big Rock Trail be relocated in a couple of areas away from the brook (another item for the work day(s) in November).
f. Adair reported that the trail guides were being reprinted with matching ink and paper. They are a lower priority but will hopefully be completed within the next few weeks.
3. Wetlands and Easements
a. A site visit to the Dartmouth Skiway was conducted by Lee, Laura, Adair, Dick, and Matt. The visit was prompted by a complaint. Adair added that Linda MaGoon from DES had visited the Skiway, Sanborns, the Stam pond, and the Stout property.
b. A site visit has been requested at the house on the corner of High Bridge and Pinnacle to investigate an addition that will extend 2 feet into the shoreline buffer of the Pinnacle Brook. Dick and Vicki (and possibly Matt) are planning to conduct a site visit.
4. New Business
a. Matt discussed the re-fencing of the Lower Grant Brook Trail – fencing will be added along the brook to eliminate cows entering the muddy area next season. The UVLT and the landowners must be consulted.
5. Other Business – none.
6. Publicity – Submit hunting season guidelines in the Church Newsletter but also in the Lyme Beat.
The meeting adjourned at 8:32pm.
Vicki V. May, recorder
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