Conservation Commission
January 13, 2009
Members Present: Katheryn Holmes, Chair; Eric Unger, Vice-Chair; Bill Annable; Chuck Crickman; Deane Geddes; Suzanne Levine
Ms. Holmes called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
The Board reviewed plans for the proposed building at Mount Sunapee for NEHSA and the Wild Goose Boat Launch application made to the Wetlands Bureau by Fish & Game.
NEHSA proposed new access and building at Mount Sunapee.
Ms. Holmes informed the Board that the NEHSA project may or may not happen because there are many things that need to get accomplished and there is speculation that all requirements will be able to be satisfied. She informed the Board that LSPA has submitted comments to the Wetlands Board regarding Beck Brook and Lake Sunapee’s subwatershed. The State of NH, Wetlands Bureau would like the Newbury Conservation Commission to weigh in on NEHSA’s application.
Fish & Game proposed boat launch at the Wild Goose Property on Birch Grove Road
Ms. Holmes informed the Board that Fish & Game has received an approval for a shoreland permit with 14 conditions. The permit was submitted to the DES on December 18, 2008. The Dredge and Fill Application that was also submitted on December 18, 2008 to the Wetlands Board has yet to be decided upon by the Wetlands Board. The Conservation Commission should submit their comments to the Wetlands Board as soon as possible.
The Board discussed the Fish & Game application.
Ms. Holmes commented that Fish and Game should not be permitted to overturn State and Local shoreland protection regulations. They should be role models, not violators.
Mr. Annable commented that the plans do not address how the proposed boat launch will be operated or when the “improvements” on Route 103 will take place.
Mr. Geddes commented that he has objections regarding the egress onto Route 103 and the highway safety; will the impervious surface allow water flow and runoff from Route 103 to get into the Lake; one of the ramps does not need to be extended into the water because the water is very shallow in that area (this is known from personal experience by taking water samples for the LSPA in that very area); the “large rock” the plans refers to is actually two pier pilings from the steamship landing, which creates a major underwater obstacle for boats; and this area is still an ideal stop for car-top boaters only. Trailer parking is not necessary.
Mr. Unger commented that the cutting of the stand of pines would not be in the best interest of the Lake and the surrounding area. There is an appreciation for Dark Sky Preservation that should be observed, and light pollution should not be increased. The increase of aquatic dangers to the Lake will increase if the boat traffic increases.
The Board also recognized the increase in demand that would be inevitable on Newbury Safety Services. Additionally, the Wild Goose area is identified as Highest Ranked Habitat by Condition in NH per NH Fish and Game and directly across from the supporting landscape of Mt. Sunapee, which is another reason for its protection and preservation.
NH Wildlife Action Program
Amanda Stone from the UNH Co-operative Extension Outreach Team and Frank Mitchell were present to discuss helping Newbury to prepare a Wildlife Action Plan. Also present were Andy Degan from Ausbon Sargent and Tim Fleury, Forester.
Ms. Stone informed the Board that she was contracted by NH Fish & Game to help communities to create and use a Wildlife Action Plan to enhance their Conservation Plans. The Outreach Team chose adjacent communities to work with in order to take advantage of larger tracts of land through collaboration between towns.
Mr. Mitchell explained that a Wildlife Action Plan is a document that would help identify and preserve biodiversity in NH, which involves thousands of species of plants and animals and their habitats. There are 127 Species of Concern that are either threatened and endangered or declining in population. Also, there are Critical Habitats that are the habitats for those species of concern.
Ms. Stone commented that the WAP Program contains a wealth of information that was drawn from federal, state, and local resources involving large-scale State efforts and expertise. The best scientific personnel and resources are available and funded through the National Fish and Wildlife Services. NH is being used as a model for other States. The WAP can also be used as a tool to receive federal and state grants.
Ms. Stone presented and explained habitat maps to the Board. The maps can be used for reference and research of different species and their habitats. She stated that the Outreach Team can also help the Conservation Commission start implementation of the Conservation Plan if desired. She asked the Board members to familiarize themselves with the information in the packets that were provided and the websites indicated in the packets of information.
The next meeting scheduled for the Outreach Team to meet with the Conservation Commission is Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at 4:30 – 5:30. There will be no meeting with the Outreach Team in March due to Town Meeting and other conflicts.
INTENTS TO CUT
Mr. Unger reported that there was one intent to cut submitted that he did not have time to review prior to Selectmen’s approval. The intent paperwork did not indicate a significant cut, nor was it in a sensitive area. He will provide the details at the next meeting.
COMMUNICATIONS
Ms. Holmes commented that she will send copies to the Board members of Mr. Annable’s letter to DES regarding the Fish & Game Boat Launch Project and June Fichter’s letter to DES regarding the NEHSA project.
WETLANDS BOARD
Mr. Geddes reported that there were no Wetlands Board Applications received other than the application from Fish & Game for the boat launch, which the Board has already reviewed and discussed.
NEW BUSINESS
Ms. Holmes informed the Board that every year Ausbon Sargent will be submitting an inspection report on conservation properties for which they are acting stewards.
Mr. Annable commented that the Commission should get clarification from DES as to how a shoreland permit can be approved without local Conservation Commission input as in the case of the proposed boat launch at Wild Goose.
Ms. Holmes pointed out that Fish & Game still needs to obtain a permit for Alteration of Terrain. Perhaps the Commission can weigh in on that application.
Mr. Geddes made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Crickman seconded the motion. All in favor. Meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Plunkett
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