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Conservation Commission
April 21, 2009
Members Present: Katheryn Holmes, Chair; Eric Unger, Vice-Chair; Bill Annable, Chuck Crickman, Deane Geddes, Suzanne Levine, Frank Perrotta
Ms. Holmes called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m.
Wild Goose has been granted an Alteration of Terrain permit; therefore, all that is left for State permits is the Wetlands Board permit. LSPA has hired an attorney to help them challenge both decisions. Hopefully their efforts will be effective.
Mr. Perrotta stated that there should be an environmental review if there is going to be activity which disturbs the bottom of the lake.
Ms. Holmes pointed out that if the project is going to require dredging, they why not dredge the existing boat launch at Chandler Brook. She informed the Board that Milfoil has been discovered at the State Beach.
Wildlife Action Plan – maintaining a contiguous corridor of undeveloped land for wildlife
The Board reviewed a plan created and presented by Mr. Crickman to protect the land surrounding Fishersfield Park. There are several large parcels of land surrounding the Park, which creates an ideal corridor for wildlife as outlined in the Wildlife Action Plan Guidelines.
Ms. Holmes advised the Board that Saturday, June 20, 2009 from 9am – 12 pm is the day scheduled to have a public information meeting at which time Amanda Stone will be available to present and explain to the public in attendance what an easement is and the benefits of placing land in conservation easements. Conservation easements vs. current use will be explained. Also, the meeting should try to get across to younger land owners the long-term benefits of easements and the importance of land preservation. Flyers, posters and newspaper advertisements need to be prepared ahead of time. Also, a continental breakfast will be served
The Board reviewed a list presented by Mr. Geddes of all landowners in Newbury with 10 acres or more of land. He suggested that an “A List” be created of landowners of 50+ acres so that those people would get a personal invitation to the June 20 meeting. The property owners of large tracts of land surrounding Fishersfield Park would also be included.
Mr. Perrotta suggested that the meeting should be structured as an ongoing series. Having more than one meeting will give those that can’t make it on the 20th the opportunity to participate at a later date.
Mr. Geddes suggested that contact information for Board members should be sent incase a landowner is unable to make the meeting on the 20th but would like more information.
Ms. Holmes suggested that after a general meeting on the 20th, perhaps additional meetings could be held that focus on a particular neighborhood, and those landowners could be contacted by invitation and have a better connection to the WAP and easement benefits.
The Board agreed that the letters of invitation to the June 20th meeting should be mailed on or about June 1, 2009.
The next meeting will be May 12, 2009 at 4:30 p.m. to organize and compile the materials for the flyers and mailings.
Mr. Geddes made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Unger seconded the motion. All in favor. Meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Plunkett
Recording Secretary
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