Poland Conservation Commission
Minutes of May 12, 2010
The meeting was called to order at 1900 hr. Rich Haslip taking the minutes for Sue Ellis who is not present for cause. Also absent was Dana Lee. Attendees were Don Stover, chairperson, Fred Huntress, Rich Haslip, John Lasky, John Crouch and Larry Moreau, Tom Coffin, and John Quinn.
Old Business, the board agreed we will attend Heritage Days on May 29th and have a booth. Don will put material together and Rich and Tom will help in the booth.
New Business, Don brought up that an article, discussing our warrant question, will be submitted to the newspaper Country Connection.
The Deed on the Whitter land has been resolved. The deed represented a major question about its viability to become a town owned land. Also the Omega land is now owned by NE Forestry Foundation (NEFF).
A letter to the editor idea was supported to be written by John C. and Fred H. to be submitted to the Sun Journal voicing support for the referendum vote in June.
Range Pond Environmental Association has requested a donation from the Cons. Comm.
Larry M. spoke of their shortage of funds for lake monitoring. Membership and funding for lake monitoring is a chronic problem, but never the less must be done. Don S. mentioned that beginning next year, funding requests from Lake Associations will be done directly with the town and not through the CC. The CC totally supports the Lake associations as they are supporters and practioners of conservation and preservation. It is a conflict to put the CC in a position to fund these associations.
The decision on funding request was tabled pending a more information to include a purpose for the request.
Don spoke of our short agenda but wanted to discuss some ideas for future activates.
An example, we should have a direct communication with the planning Board on future sub division requests. In particular the open space plans of the developers. John C presented the idea of meeting with them to discuss our purpose. All agreed.
Also, the idea for more involvement for associate members. All agreed.
Fred H. suggested we have a list of owners of Land in tree growth for direct talks about managing their property, recreation usage and possible recreation easements, forestry practice, etc. Rich will also research foundations and the state for forest land owner management. Fred C. also mentioned a publication for the state forest service about these topics. A discussion about these good topics would be key ingredients for a fall forum. Fred h. will look into a speaker from NEFF.
Farm Land preservation was also discussed. Fred also mentioned a Landowner Open Space Program in which 10 ac or more qualified for a possible tax break if their land holds an open space easement.
Fred talked about easements in general and in regards to Page property. John C. also thought some aspects of an easement may be legally changed.
New business: Fred H. wanted to discuss possibilities of revenues from timber harvesting on town land be dedicated in part to the CC> this will be brought up again in July.
A sign will made for "NO ATV" use on Braggdon Hill trails. Pictures were shown to illustrate the damaged caused to the Blue trail.
Next meeting will be June.
Meeting adjourned at 2000 hr.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Richard Haslip
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