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Conservation Commission
September 11, 2012
Approved April 23, 2013
Members Present: Katheryn Holmes, Chair; Eric Unger, Vice-Chair; Chuck Crickman, Members; Bill Annable, Alternate; Dick Wright, Ex-Officio.
Ms. Holmes called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m.
ADMINISTRATIVE
Minutes
The Newbury Conservation Commission (NCC) reviewed the minutes of August 27, 2012 and made no corrections. Mr. Unger made a motion to accept the minutes as presented. Mr. Crickman seconded the motion. All in favor.
BUFFER ZONE CUTS
Mr. Unger reported the following Buffer Zone Cut applications:
- August 14, 2012, from Ben & Liz Shepherd, 24 Lake Avenue, Newbury, NH, Tax Map/Lot # 16A-347-491, 044-096-229, for removal of a 100+ foot tree with a deep crack in it, deemed a “hazard” by a tree specialist. Mr. Unger noted that the tree has structural problems and presents a hazard. He approved the application.
- August 20, 2012, from Charles Nelson, 340 Bowles Road, Newbury, NH, a request to remove three (3) trees that are “unsafe to our home and lawn area of recreation”. Mr. Unger noted that the trees appear to be healthy and there are not enough points on the property to warrant removal. He denied the application.
There was discussion about an ongoing violation of the Intent to Cut regulation concerning property at 38 Emily Lane, Newbury, NH. Mr. Unger said the Code Enforcement Officer determined that it was a violation and the state is now involved.
WETLANDS/SHORELANDS
Ms. Holmes reviewed the following communications from the NH Department of Environmental Services (DES):
- August 24, 2012, to Briott LLC, P.O. Box 487, Northwood, NH 03261, for property located on South Gate Road, Newbury, Tax Map/Lot # 051-694-483, an application returned due to missing information, DES File # 2012:02289, Land Resources Management, Wetlands Program.
- August 28, 2012, to State of NH Fish & Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301, for property located on Birch Grove Road, Newbury, NH, Tax Map/Lot # 019-401-244, a Wetlands and Non-site Specific Permit 2008-02781 to permit the following: excavate 125 square feet of bank and dredge 2,490 square feet of lake bed to construct a dual launch boat ramp with an 8-foot x 30 foot permanent, floating, center pier to provide public access to Lake Sunapee from property located off Birch Road, in Newbury, having an average of 664 feet of lake frontage.
There was further discussion concerning the above permit. Ms. Holmes noted that an Alteration of Terrain (AoT) permit was also needed.
COMMUNICATIONS
Ms. Holmes shared with the NCC the following letters/notifications:
- October 24, 2012, the annual dinner of the Merrimack Conservation News;
September 17, 2012, the annual meeting of the Society for the Protection of NH Forests (SPNHF); and
An upcoming walk at the Bradford Bog, sponsored by Ausbon Sargent Land Preservation Trust (ASLPT).
OLD BUSINESS
Commissioners discussed at length the fundraising request from the Sunapee Hills Association Project regarding purchasing Bob Bell’s property. Ms. Holmes noted that the Bells have signed a Letter of Intent to sell their property at below market value and the Sunapee Hills Association and Ausbon Sargent are actively enlisting pledges. Discussion followed regarding the appropriate procedure for the NCC to follow when considering making a pledge to this project. Ms. Holmes agreed to research the procedures involved and report back to the NCC at its next meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
Ms. Holmes suggested that the NCC consider mounting an educational program to educate lakefront property owners on the tree cutting regulations for buffer zones. Discussion followed. Suggestions were made that included sending out a mailing, put an article in the town newsletter, The Newbury Times, and emphasize the information on the town website.
Mr. Crickman made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Unger seconded the motion. All in favor.
The meeting adjourned at 8:06 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Meg Whittemore
Recording Secretary
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