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Conservation Commission
June 12, 2012
Members Present: Katheryn Holmes, Chair; Eric Unger, Vice-Chair; Chuck Crickman, Deane Geddes, Members; Bill Annable, Alternate.
Ms. Holmes called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
ADMINISTRATIVE
Minutes
The Commission reviewed the minutes of May 9, 2012 and made corrections. Mr. Geddes made a motion to accept the minutes as corrected. Mr. Unger seconded the motion. All in favor.
INTENTS TO CUT
Mr. Unger reported that an Intents to Cut application from Deborah Allen on South Road off Morse Lane was approved by the Board of Selectmen (BOS) without any input from the Conservation Commission (CC). Standard procedure for all Intents to Cut includes an opportunity for the CC to review the application, make a site visit, and submit a written review to the BOS prior to granting the approval for the Cut. Discussion followed on why the BOS did not follow the agreed-upon review procedure for Intents to Cut applications. Ms. Holmes said she will follow up with the BOS to find out why the Conservation Commission was not included in this particular application review process.
There was significant discussion about the property classification know as “unproductive land”. Discussion included the three categories listed: (1) the timber is not saleable, or has no market value; (2) the acreage is farmland; or (3) access is hindered by wetlands/steep slopes/etc.
Ms. Holmes noted that on June 18, 2012, the BOS will be considering the recent Intents to Cut from Robert Bell, 161 Keyes Road, Sunapee, NH 03782, Tax/Map Lot # 40-726-204. (See CC Final Minutes, May 9, 2012 for application/case details). She encouraged CC members to attend that BOS meeting. There was discussion about whether Mr. Bell’s acreage had been harvested in the past. Ms. Holmes said it was last harvested 50 years ago.
There was further discussion about finding out what other properties in Newbury are described as “unproductive” and finding out which of the three categories listed above are indicated on the property tax card as the reason the land is deemed “unproductive”. It was noted that none of the three aforementioned reasons appeared on Mr. Bell’s property tax card for the acreage in question.
BUFFER ZONE CUTS
The CC reviewed the following”
- May 15, 2012, from Frank LeMay, 3 Bay Point Landing Road, Newbury, NH, Tax Map/Lot # 007-100-449. The Code Enforcement Officer made a site visit and determined that the tree in question was 105 feet from Lake Sunapee, was not within the 50 foot buffer zone, and recommended the requested tree removal.
Mr. Crickman questioned why the application was even submitted since the tree in question was 105 feet from the lake.
- May 30, 2012, from David Boucher, 32 Shore Drive, Newbury, NH, Tax Map/Lot # 19-194-012. The Code Enforcement Officer made a site visit, determined that the trees in question appeared to be in danger of falling on an adjacent building, and recommended removal of trees.
WETLANDS/SHORELANDS
Ms. Holmes reviewed the following communications from the NH Department of Environmental Services (DES):
Wetlands and Non-Site Specific Permits
- May 4, 2012, to Town of Newbury, for property located at Newbury Heights Road, Newbury, Tax Map/Lot # 20 / 072-043, a Wetlands and Non-Site Specific Permit 2012-00790, to dredge and fill 100 square feet of intermittent stream to replace an existing 36-inch CMP with a 36-inch HDPE.
SIGN-OFF SHEETS
The Commissions discussed the requested sign-off sheet for the Rheta Heller Revocable Trust application for a major subdivision final review application scheduled for Planning Board (PB) review on June 19, 2012. Mr. Geddes said the PB has thoroughly reviewed the history of the Heller minor subdivision applications over the past several years and noted that the applicant has proceeded with the major subdivision application in complete adherence to the PB regulations.
Commissioners agreed to sign off on the Heller major subdivision application.
NEW BUSINESS
Ms. Holmes informed the CC of the upcoming meeting on June 19, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on water sustainability offered by the State of NH Water Sustainability Commission. She encouraged Commissioners to attend.
There was discussion about the upcoming workshop, “How to have a Woodland Garden by the Water’s Edge” that is scheduled for Old Home Day, July 14, 2012, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Town Office.
There was discussion on how best to educate waterfront property owners about cutting trees in the buffer zone and best practices for waterfront gardening/landscaping. Suggested ideas included sending a letter to every waterfront property owner containing material about the above topics.
Ms. Holmes asked the Commissioners if they supported the idea of the Newbury Conservation Commission becoming a member of the Lake Sunapee Protective Association (LSPA) and the Ausbon Sargent Land Preservation Trust. Commissioners agreed that it would be beneficial to have membership in both organizations. Ms. Holmes said she will follow up with the town Administrator concerning membership fee funding.
Mr. Geddes made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Unger seconded the motion. All in favor.
The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Meg Whittemore
Recording Secretary
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