LYME CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Minutes – June 4, 2007
The regular April meeting of the Conservation Commission convened at 7:30 pm in the Lyme Center Academy Building’s meeting room. The following attended all or parts of the meeting:
a. Commission members: James Graham, Dick Jones, Lee Larson, Adair Mulligan, Matt Stevens and Mimi Weinstein; and
b. Public: Karen Keane.
1. The minutes of the May 7th and May 23rd meetings were approved as submitted.
2. Karen Keane provided an update on the Keane’s plan to amend their existing easement to extinguish one of the excluded building sites and to add a no-build zone. Dick explained that the process involved making a gift to the Town that the Selectmen could accept after seeking a recommendation from the Conservation Commission. He also explained which parts of the plan required approval by the Planning Board. Adair mentioned the tax benefit of completing the changes this year. Lee expressed confidence that the plan was acceptable and moved that the Commission recommend to the Selectmen to accept the changes. The Commission voted
to recommend with R. Jones abstaining.
3. Matt reported that 15 people attended trails day. Lee reported that his crew cleared the Western Forest trail of blow downs for about half of its length. More work is required and he’ll contact volunteers to continue that work. Lee also said that Stephen Campbell reported the Trout Pond trail was cleared of all blow downs. Dick reported that his crew cleared the Beaver Pond Trail of blow downs and that more work is needed to clear the Ridge Trail. Dick also reported that the Beaver Trail “bridge” over the western branch of Whipple Brook needs replacing. Adair expressed concern about the amount of work ahead
and the health and safety of the volunteers. Dick and Lee made assurances that care would be taken and everyone would work within their abilities.
4. Matt reported that Chase Beach will open on the 16th and that the pond level gauge should be replaced and reset as needed. James offered to investigate the condition of the gauge and make arrangements as needed to get it reset. Dick moved to allow Lee to purchase a new gauge if necessary and the Commission approved.
5. Matt reported that Lee, Dick, Adair, and himself made a site visit to 333 Goose Pond Road to review the planned construction of a detached garage near the Hewes Brook shrub wetland. They determined that the project would not have an adverse impact on that wetland. Matt also reported that Isabelle Farmer’s seasonal dock project on River Road meets the requirements of the State’s DES Wetlands Bureau for a permit by notification and requires no action by the Commission. Matt also reported that he received a letter from the Upper Valley River Subcommittee approving the Barnum/Alverson project on River Road.
6. Lee reported that Lillian Shen of Thetford asked for the Commission’s support in helping to prevent construction of new homes in Thetford’s rich agricultural flood plain along the Connecticut River. Dick cautioned that this was outside of the scope of the Commission. After some discussion it was agreed that since Lyme is an abutter to the property in question that it is reasonable for the Commission to express an opinion on the use of that land. Lee moved that the Commission write a letter to be entered into the record at Thetford’s meeting on the proposed development of that land. The letter should express our concern
about building within a known floodplain and the destruction of highly valuable agricultural land. Dick suggested wording that would encourage the Town of Thetford to pass an appropriate ordinance. Adair agreed to compose a letter for the Commission’s review.
7. For the Commission members that were unable to attend, Matt explained the results of the emergency meeting called to review the Coyle’s site plan for the Nichols Hardware building.
8. Adair reported that the N.H. DOT is undertaking a check of all stone culverts in the state and wants to know if Lyme has any. Dick said there is one undersized culvert under a private driveway on the Dorchester Road along Grant Brook and the “high bridge” along Trout Brook serving Highbridge road may at some time be a problem but he doesn’t know if it is stone. Lee reported a
couple of stone culverts he knew of that were on private property.
9. James reported that Bartlett Tree Service donated a large Prairie Fire Crab Apple tree to the Town for its participation in the Tree City USA program. Dick reported that Bill Labombard has been asked to find an appropriate place to plant the tree. James said he’d call Bill to schedule a planting so that a small Arbor Day celebration can take place. James will also write a report of the event for publication in the Town Newsletter and Listserve.
10. The next Conservation Commission meeting was scheduled for July 9th so as not to conflict with plans for the July 4th holiday.
11. The meeting was adjourned at 8:52pm.
James Graham
Recorder
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