Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes
March 2, 2015
Present: Larry Siebert, Pam Smillie, Mike Dufilho, Dave Matesky, Margaret Graciano. Absent: Tom Seidel and Brian Byrne. Hank Benesh filmed the meeting. Visitors were: Bill Terry, Jerry Dougherty, Kathy Dougherty and Martha Benesh.
Martha Benesh gave a thorough report on the former Tin Mine Road that used to run from Dundee Rd. to Black Mountain Rd on town land. This included the “Ladies Path” established in 1942. She presented the commission with detailed maps and coordinates for prominent landscape features to detail the route of the now abandoned road. According to her report, the town of Jackson has a right of way through these parcels of land. There was some discussion about whether or not the commission would like to re-establish a trail on this former road. No decision was made.
January's minutes were unanimously approved as amended.
Jackson Falls Planting
Last year we seeded the banks leading down to the river and are considering additional plantings. We need to plant shrubs and ground cover in order to funnel people onto the newly created paths and staircases at the corner of Valley Cross Rd.
Larry suggested that we have the ability to plant one hundred saplings at best. Sean Sweeney suggested we plant shade tolerant shrubs and ground cover mats to place on exposed roots. Hemlocks and other conifers present a slight challenge to planting ground cover because their acidity makes it difficult for non-acidic plants to grow beneath them. With saplings costing $1-$2, Larry proposed a $100.00 budget. A motion was made and unanimously approved to spend $100.00 on shrubs to plant at the falls. We agreed to purchase the Native Species package, Dogwood package, ten Hazelnut and ten Elderberry shrubs from the NH State Forest Nursery.
A discussion arose regarding planting at the Falls. Margaret feels parking should be limited. People can walk. Mike agreed that limited parking spots would be okay. More discussion with the Selectmen is needed.
Signage at Prospect Farm
Larry plans to speak with Dexter Harding about work he's previously done regarding the location of cellar holes and other landscape features. Our goal is to install interpretive signs at Prospect Farm similar to the ones at Gray's Inn.
A motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 6:30pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Margaret Graciano
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