Conservation Commission
February 10, 2009
Members Present: Katheryn Holmes, Chair; Eric Unger, Vice-Chair; Chuck Crickman; Deane Geddes
Ms. Holmes called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. Present from the UNH Cooperative Extension to discuss the Wildlife Action Plan as Amanda Stone, Frank Mitchell, Andy Degan and Tim Fleury.
Ms. Stone gave Conservation Commission a cd with the Wildlife Habitat maps for future reference.
Mr. Geddes asked Ms. Stone to explain why it costs the State millions of dollars when a species is designated as endangered.
Ms. Stone explained that if a species is identified as endangered on a Federal level, the State is then required to perform recovery efforts. Additionally, there is a cost associated with listing and managing the Endangered Species List. The goal is to keep species off the endangered list.
The Board reviewed the maps and handouts and discussed the next phase of the WAP. Top priorities are to identify areas for protection and to plan education and outreach programs.
The Board identified the areas of Bald Sunapee/Mountain Road, Gillingham Pond, and the Chalk Pond as priorities for protection based upon the wildlife habitat, ecological conditions and parcel sizes.
Mr. Crickman added that attention should be given to the Fishersfield Park area since it is surrounded by large parcels and could be subject to development in the future.
The next WAP meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, March 3, 2009 at 4:30 p.m.
MINUTES
The Board reviewed the minutes of December 9, 2009.
Mr. Geddes made a motion to approve the minutes of December 9, 2009 as written. Mr. Unger seconded the motion. All in favor.
The Board reviewed the minutes of January 13, 2009 and made corrections.
Mr. Geddes made a motion to approve the minutes of January 13, 2009 as corrected. Mr. Unger seconded the motion. All in favor.
INTENTS TO CUT
None to report.
WETLAND BOARD APPLICATIONS
None to report.
COMMUNICATIONS
Ms. Holmes informed the Board that she has sent a letter to DES expressing the Board’s concerns regarding Fish & Game’s application at the Wild Good property. Also, she got a phone call from a distressed property owner, Ann Hourigan, regarding clear cutting near the Lake off Bowles Road. The cut was authorized through a shoreland permit issued by DES, although no Town review was required or asked for prior to approval. The shoreland permit process needs to be clarified. Nobody seems clear on who gets copies of which types of applications or reviews sites prior to approval.
Mr. Geddes made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Unger seconded the motion. All in favor. Meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Plunkett
Recording Secretary
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