Chichester Conservation Commission
Minutes of Meeting
November 10, 2008
Commission Members present: Jeff Andrews, Zack Boyajian, Dawn Marshall, and Secretary Jamie Pike.
Board Members present: Richard DeBold, Stephen MacCleery, Sr., and Jeff Jordan
Mr. Andrews called the meeting to order at 7:08pm.
Public Hearing: NH Trail Dawgs - Kevin Gagne
Abutters Present: Ted Bailey, Shelly Dumont, Bruce Dumont, Duane Potter, Ernest Tepper
The NH Trail Dawgs is proposing partial relocation of Corridor 15. This corridor extends from Bear Brook State Park through Chichester and connects to the trails maintained by the Beehole Beavers Snowmobile Club. The current trail goes through the driving range on Route 4 and crosses the Town Hall parking lot. The club has been granted permission to cross through Hillcrest Campground and would like to establish a bridge across the brook just downstream of the beaver dam at the east end of Marsh Pond and continue through the Madeline Sanborn Conservation area, cross Main Street into the Main Street Fields and continue to Pound Road. The proposed trail will be a multi use trail, not only for snowmobiling, but hiking and other passive recreation as well. The Club is covered by a $4M liability
policy and there shall be no liability upon the owners of private lands to be crossed, nor is there any liability upon the Town. Such trail that is to be constructed shall maintain a natural appearance during the summer months.
Mr. Andrews has previously done some research to determine if a snowmobile trail would be an allowed use in the conservation area. A letter from the Office of Energy and Planning was submitted for the permanent record. It was determined to be a permissible use as long as such is not detrimental to the land. There are three main goals to the conservation area: wildlife preservation, timber harvest, and passive recreation. Any trail shall be constructed using the shortest possible route to minimize impact upon the land, and trail use by ATVs will not be allowed.
The Club has maintained a good relationship with the Town in the use of the existing trails across the Spaulding Lot and other areas.
Mr. Paul Sanborn, representing the Beehole Beavers, stated that the proposal meets the goals of the club.
A motion was made by Mr. Boyajian to recommend to the Board of Selectmen to approve the request to cross the MSCA and other Town lands with precedent conditions being: 1. To receive authorization from Fred Shaw and Deborah Ellis-Shaw, 2. To apply for a DOT highway crossing permit, 3. To apply for and receive a NHDES Trail Permit, and 4. To follow the easternmost boundary and maintain the trail at the furthest point away from the pond and interior area as reasonably possible. Motion seconded by Ms. Marshall. Motion passes.
Minutes and Correspondence
The minutes of October 13th were reviewed. A motion was made by Ms. Marshall and seconded by Mr. Boyajian to approve the minutes with minor correction.
Included in other correspondence: 1. An approval for Chucksterís for the proposed stream crossing, 2. An amended approval for MTS Environmental regarding the site closure.
Ferman Conservation Easement
Mrs. Ferman has reported that she is working on revisions to the easement with photos and altered language for the fire pond access.
There was discussion concerning funding availability for the construction of a dam for Marsh Pond. Ideas proposed were a multi-purpose dam that could encompass a crossing for snowmobiles.
The Master Plan survey was reviewed and changes recommended.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Jamie A Pike, Secretary
Jeff Andrews, Vice-Chairman
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