Conservation Commission
August 11, 2009
Approved September 8, 2009
Members Present: Katheryn Holmes, Chair; Eric Unger, Vice-Chair; Bill Annable; Chuck Crickman; Suzanne Levine; Frank Perrotta
Ms. Holmes called the meeting to order at 4:45 p.m. The Commission decided to review the minutes of July 14, 2009 at the next meeting, scheduled for September 8, 2009.
WORKSHOP MAILING
The Commission members assembled and mailed information to Newbury property owners who own at least 10 acres inviting them to attend the Conservation Workshop scheduled for September 12, 2009. Ms. Holmes reviewed the promotional efforts in place for the Workshop, with additional publicity planned through posters placed in the Town Office lobby, the Post Office, and the library.
INTENTS TO CUT
Mr. Unger reported that there was an intent submitted on Gillingham Drive (Map 49, Lot 416/95) for a cut on 60 out of 123 acres, for about 135,000 manufactured board feet (MBF), of mostly hemlock. Looking at the tax map, Mr. Unger indicated that there are no wetlands involved.
Ms. Holmes asked if the Board of Selectmen have approved this intent and Mr. Unger stated that he thought the Board had approved it.
Additionally, Mr. Unger stated that he had received on August 10, 2009 an “Approval to Cut in the Buffer Zone” at 130 Bowles Road, submitted by Arnold and Anne Wood. Mr. Unger suggested that the Commission take a look at the proposed cut. The applicants are requesting permission to cut down four-to-five trees, which are not diseased. Ms. Holmes said tree removal at that location is determined by the Shoreline Protection Act. Ms. Holmes and Mr. Unger will visit the site on August 12, 2009.
COMMUNICATIONS
Ms. Holmes read a letter received from N.H. Department of Fish and Game sent in
response to a letter from the Newbury Planning Board concerning violations of town regulations in connection with the installation of the new boat ramp by N.H. Department of Fish and Game. The letter from the N.H. Department of Fish and Game contained an intention of working with the concerned parties within the town of Newbury as the proposed boat ramp moves towards installation. Commission members were invited to review the letter.
Mr. Perotta reported that applications are available to join Greenway and individual applications are available in the town office lobby, the library, or by contacting him directly.
The Commission members acknowledged receipt of a letter promoting the Merrimack County Fall Bulb Sale, a nomination form for the 22nd Annual Municipal Volunteer Awards, and the summer newsletter from the Department of Environmental Services (DES).
Mr. Crickman reported that he visited the State Beach and that it looked good.
PROPOSED DISABLED SKIERS’ FACILITY AT MOUNT SUNAPEE RESORT
Mr. Annable reported that he reviewed the Zoning Board of Adjustments files in December 2008 that covered the project’s impact on the steep slopes involved and on the wetlands. The initial designs by Bruno Engineering minimized the impact on the steep slopes and wetlands and the final design was approved by the Zoning Board of Adjustments and met the requirements laid down by the DES.
Ms. Holmes stated that Bruno Engineering has not been back to the Planning Board again and, while she was not able to attend the referenced Zoning Board meeting, she considered challenging them because the proposed design did not include the impact on Beck Brook. Ms. Holmes felt that a lot of vital information had been left out of the proposal.
In a subsequent conversation with Mr. Tom Vannatta, Planning Board chair, Ms. Holmes was reassured that she needn’t challenge the project because the project had numerous stages to go through.
Ms. Holmes stated that the proposed project calls for a year-round facility and that was one of the aspects that was a problem because nothing at Mount Sunapee Resort is year-round at this time. However, the resort owner’s five year plan indicates the desire for more year-round usage of the resort.
Ms. Holmes stated that the problem she had with this plan was the parking lot,
which would be located on the side of the mountain, above Beck Brook, which flows directly into Lake Sunapee. There are a lot of wetlands in the area and Ms. Holmes questioned if the location is the most suitable place for the facility. It had been suggested that Mr. Johnson visit the ski resorts at Waterville Valley and Windam, N.Y., whose disabled skier facilities are located in a more centralized setting. There is concern that the proposed facility at Mount Sunapee will increase an already congested area at the resort, especially if additional plans for kayaking and summer programs are implemented. Ms. Holmes stated that the state is certain to look over this proposal very carefully.
Mr. Annable stated that there are several ponds involved in the proposed project and that pitch basins are in the plans to contain run-off.
Ms. Holmes said it was unfortunate that the proposed area was viewed by DES in the winter when the land was covered by snow and it wasn’t possible to clearly see what the impact might be. She considers the project a mini ski area within an existing ski area.
Ms. Holmes said that the state wants to have a facility for the handicapped and they have outgrown the one that is located near the ski school. Also, there is a strong financial commitment to the project.
Mr. Annable said that proposed project looked okay to him.
Ms. Holmes made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:40 p.m.. It was seconded by Mr. Unger and was carried unanimously.
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