Members present including Brian Byrne, Mike Dufilho, David Matesky, Larry Siebert and Pam Smillie. Dick Bennett and Hank Dresch absent.
November, 2011 Minutes were approved.
Gray’s Inn.
Larry Siebert reviewed the report of Greg Howard, the environmental biologist, who prepared the DES wetlands report and permit in 2006, to report to the commission members that all tasks, with the exception of the removal of the granite ledge and installation of signs marking wetlands areas, had been completed. Approximately 10 small signs are needed that state “wetlands revegetation” or similar language. Mike will get signs done, make a motion at a future meeting and request reimbursement for purchase of the signs.
Seeding and planting in the revegetation areas will be done in the Spring by the Commission with seed and plants recommended by Greg Howard. The Department of Environmental Services will inspect the plantings after it is completed sometime in May or June. Greg Howard intends to return to the property in the Spring to measure the bank erosion along the stream.
Larry Siebert spoke with Thom Perkins today to advise him that the soils scientist was unhappy with the bridge installed by Jackson Ski Touring Foundation at the Gray’s Inn property due to the stream bank erosion it is causing. Larry plans to invite Thom Perkins to the next Commission meeting or Larry and Dick Bennett will meet with Thom. Thom Perkins expressed his concern about logging at Prospect Farm and would like to talk to the Commission about that.
Expenses:
Larry Siebert reported that there are four bills to review:
- Rick Davis was paid to mow at Prospect Farm to clearcut the apple orchards and trim at 24 hours labor for a total of $1,630.
- Ammonoosuc Survey was paid the final payment for completion of its survey at Prospect Farm.
- New Hampshire Conservation Commission was paid the 2012 annual dues for membership in the amount of $210.
- Burr Phillips bill for $247.50 was paid by the Selectmen for site review made on August 17, 2011 and wetlands application questions. The town has asked the Commission to pay or reimburse the Town for that bill.
A Motion was made to ask the Selectmen to pay Burr Phillips bill from the conservation funds. Motion passed.
It was also discussed to request $2,000 for the 2012 Commission’s operating budget to cover costs.
A Motion was made to request $2,000 from the town for the 2012 Jackson Conservation Commission operating budget. Motion passed.
Jackson Falls.
Burr Phillips recommended that the commission meet with Sean Sweeney regarding preparation of a plan for the Falls. Larry Siebert planned to meet with Sean. Due to snow the meeting was cancelled but Larry spoke with Sean on the phone. Another tentative meeting is scheduled for Friday to walk the Falls, talk about the Falls and write up a bit of a plan. The first visit is free. Further work by Sean would be at the rate of $70 to $80 per hour. A request for payment of the cost of a plan is not planned for this year’s warrant articles. There are some things we can do ourselves at no cost such as eliminating minor trails from the road, asking the Town to stop cutting which would save the Town money and putting information on the town’s website, JacksonVillage.net.
Larry found the Alice Pepper 1983 landscape design plan of the Falls in the Town office meeting room. It is a very helpful plan.
Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests annual monitoring.
We need to get the conservation easement monitoring done. Dave and Pam will do the Tilney easement.
Miscellaneous:
Mike Dufilho offered to make the revegetation signs for the Gray’s Inn property. Larry will call Greg Howard to budget the amount that will be needed for the seeding and planting to be done in the Spring.
Meeting adjourned 6:30.
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