TOWN OF FARMINGTON
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Members Present: Chairman Kristie Marquis, Randy Orvis, Mickey Fisher, Jim Horgan, David Connolly, and Mark Seaver
Members Excused: Selectman's Rep. Joel Chagnon
Public Present: Tracy Tarr of NHSC, Carl Peaslee
Chairman Kristie Marquis opened the meeting at 6:12pm.
1. Review of Minutes:
Randy Orvis motioned to approve the minutes of 4-18-07 as written, David Connolly seconded. Motion passed with all in favor.
2. French Property Management Plan
Tracy Tarr of NHSC presented the final Manangement Plan for the French Property. This property is 61 acres located between Hornetown Road and River Road and has a section of the Mad River running through it. When the land was purchased a conservation easement was granted to NH Fish and Game with the understanding that a Management Plan would be created. This plan needs to be reviewed every 10 years with 2007 being the first year in action.
The goals of this plan are to maintain and protect; the critical fish and wildlife habitats, the scenic and recreational values, the unique wetlands, the rare and endagered amphibian species and plants and to maintain the soils. The significant features of this property include; a deer wintering feed area in the Hemlock area, the Mad River, the "Old Yard", a large wetland, a vernal pool and a snowmobile trail.
Ms. Tarr stated that ideally this plan calls for cutting of the foliage in Management Area A in three stages, in which each stage being cut consecutively in five year increments. She reported that the cost would be approximately $1000 to rent cutting equipment but some of the funds could come from a Fish and Game Small Habitat Grant. This grant offers $2000 per year and up to $6000 in a 10 year period. Ms. Tarr offered to get the commission the appropriate paperwork at their request. One note mentioned that Fish and Game must be notified before beginning any management and that the easement clearly states the trees being cut need to be marked by a licensed forester.
Jim Horgan questioned if Fish and Game does any enforcement in the area and Ms. Tarr responded no. Fish and Game would investigate any claims to deer pouching, etc. that are filed but that would be all. Jim also noted that on page 13 of this plan the Recommended Schedule of Implementation date needs to be changed to the winter of 2008.
Ms. Tarr stated that once she is given final approval (from this commission) to send the final Management Plan for the French Property to Fish and Game, they will then give a final written approval of the plan. From there it is the town of Farmington's responsibility to create an annual written report of what is being done to meet the requirements of the easement and have the boundaries surveyed or blazened. Jim Horgan motioned to put the acceptance of the French Property Management Plan on the June 20, 2007 agenda, Randy Orvis seconded. Discussion followed that this should be advertised on the public channel 26. Motion passed with all in favor.
3. Other:
1. Carl Peaslee suggested this commission look into purchasing the land-locked property that abutts the French property.
2. Randy Orvis would like this commission to be in the "loop" when River Road is repaired and stated that it would be nice to have the bridge changed to a covered wooden bridge.
Mark Seaver motioned to adjourn, Mickey Fisher seconded. Motion passed with all in favor.
Chairman Kristie Marquis adjourned the meeting at 7:50pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Brandy Sanger
Recording Secretary
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