Draft Minutes
New Durham Conservation Commission
January 26, 2010
Chairperson Cathy Allyn called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
Roll Call: Cathy Allyn (Chairman), Terry Jarvis (Selectmen’s Representative), Bill Malay, Bob Craycraft (Alternate), Paddy McHale Excused: Charles Berube (Vice-Chair)
Others Present: Mike Speltz (SPNHF)
Red Oak Ridge: Mike Speltz discussed the status of the effort to conserve and protect the properties proposed for development by Red Oak Ridge, LLC. He noted the town had just received a grant of $200,000 from the state’s LCHIP program, a large grant considering how little money was available in this round of grants. He believes that receipt of the grant helps show the owners the viability of conserving the property, and has encouraged those in town who have pledged funds for the conservation effort.
The Commission discussed the project at some length.
They discussed next steps focused on getting approval at Town Meeting for two warrant articles in support of the project. Mike and Paddy will draft a promotional brochure and will work with the Birch Ridge volunteer group to get it mailed out. Cathy will do an article for the Baysider.
The financial pledges people have already made technically expired on 12/31/2009. After Town Meeting there will be an initiative to get people to recommit their pledges.
McKenzie Property: This property was acquired by the town because of unpaid taxes. The Commission would like to establish a conservation easement on the property but agreed that doing so should wait. Bill Malay will speak with Strafford Rivers Conservancy to enlist their interest and participation.
Strafford Rivers Conservancy: Paddy McHale moved to join the Strafford Rivers Conservancy and pay the dues of $150. Terry Jarvis seconded. Approved unanimously with no abstentions.
2010 Work Plan: The Commission discussed the draft work plan prepared by staff. They changed the wording of the first bullet related to the Shirley Forest to read “Work with Board of Selectmen to determine how the Conservation Commission will be involved in responsibility for Shirley Forest.” They also added an item to lay the groundwork for designation of Prime Wetlands at the 2011 Town Meeting. The Commission agreed to invite the Recreation Commission to partner in developing a long range Parks, Recreation, and Conservation Plan for the Town.
Trail Maps: Cathy Allyn noted that Kelle Chase, the new Recreation Director, would like to generate a map of the publicly accessible trails in town. Bill Malay agreed to work with her on the project by getting GPS points for the trails.
Off Road Vehicles: Continued discussion about the damage caused by off road vehicles. David Allen will send out a note on Plan Link to find out what efforts other towns have tried, and what has worked. Terry Jarvis will check in with Police Chief Shawn Bernier.
Minutes of January 5, 2010: Commission members made the following corrections:
Page 1, Line 1: correct spelling of Cathy’s last name to ‘Allyn’.
Page 2: Insert the following paragraph following the section on the MacKenzie property:
“Reimbursement of Meeting House Funds: Charlie Berube asked if there was going to be a warrant article at Town Meeting that would reimburse the Conservation Fund for the $25,000 it had paid for the purchase of the Eldridge property that will be added to the Meetinghouse property. Terry Jarvis said the Board of Selectmen was preparing a warrant article that would move the $25,000 from the 1772 Meetinghouse Restoration fund and the Municipal Land Acquisition Fund back into the Conservation Fund.”
Page 2: Insert the following two sentences at the end of the paragraph regarding the Holm easement:
“The Strafford Rivers Conservancy is the Executory Interest holder on the Holm property. The Town of New Durham is the primary Conservation Easement holder.”
Terry Jarvis moved to accept the minutes as amended. Paddy McHale seconded. Approved unanimously with no abstentions.
Adjourn. Paddy McHale moved to adjourn at 9:23 PM. Terry Jarvis seconded. Approved unanimously with no abstentions.
Respectfully submitted,
David Allen
Land Use Administrative Assistant
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