Conservation Commission
Minutes

The Conservation Commission met in the Town Office Building on January 3,2001 at 7:40 PM.
The following agenda items were discussed:

1. Visitors - Scott Malansky, Antioch Graduate School, Keene - See item #4

2. Minutes of November 29, 2000 Meeting

After review of the above meeting minutes and an editorial change made, a motion was made by
T. Duston, seconded by S. Fisher to approve the meeting minutes of November 29, 2000. The motion carried by unanimous vote.

3. Permits, complaints, etc.

T. Duston advised that Rick Carrier will be placing Intent to Cut applications in the Conservation
Commission's folder so the commission can follow the logging operations.

Annual report - Discussion on what was to be included in the annual report for the Town Meeting
T. Butterworth suggested that they include how permits have been resolved: approved, denied, or continued and how many permits have been applied for. S. Fisher stated that Friedsam would
Be a good example.

4. California Brook

Scott reported that Phase I, the deed work, has been completed. This included approximately
30 deeds. This information will help anyone working through easements.

CBNA working group meeting to be held February 13 in Keene. Location TBA.
The tentative plan of the group is to work out strategy in obtaining easements. T. Duston suggested that they contact the 2 largest land owners in the California Brook area to inform them of interest in obtaining easements and then raise the money needed. There is a possible donation of easement from Yankee Arrowhead.

Joe Brine - Joe Brine is looking for financial help with easement costs (survey, appraisal, legal fees). T. Duston requests authorization from Commission to approach J. Brine and show interest in helping out with costs. T. Butterworth made a motion to authorize T Duston to negotiate with
J. Brine to assist in legal fees to take to the Public Hearing. S. Plunske seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Friedsam Forest - Approximately 30 55 gallon drums were found. Soil sample should be taken.
Health officer, Kris Grimes, to be contacted.

Strategy for 2001 - Discussion on obtaining local matching money.

5. Wantastiquet-Monadnock Greenway

Frances Wright easement signed!!! Contract to Selectmen's meeting January 11, 2001.
T. Butterworth advised that the Selectmen would obtain 1. Form for Real Estate Transfer Tax and
2. Property tax assessment information.

T. Duston advised that he should have the signed easement deed from John Daly by next meeting.

6. Upcoming workshops, conferences, etc.

Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund - Meeting 1/16/01 at the Keene Rec, 6 PM
Workshop covering how to apply for state funds.

LCHIP - Meeting 1/27/01, all day conference in Concord

S W Regional Planning Conference, Land Protection Comm - Meeting 3/3/01, 9-12 in Dublin.
K. Thatcher and S. Fisher to attend. Discussion on creating a Natural Resource Inventory.

7. Kathy on "open space committee"

Kathy advised the name of the group was discussed and Land Protection Study Group was a better
description of the group's intent. Kathy would like to see the group as a resource and library to help direct people interested in land preservation.

8. Sue on Connecticut River

Sue advised that she received a letter from Granite State Electric regarding their use of herbicides to clear for the power lines. Jeff Carney will be sending her a packet of information. They sprayed in 1999 and won't be spraying again until another 3-4 years.

9. Plowing at Friedsam and at M. Sheri's

T. Duston and K. Thatcher would like the Highway Dept. to be aware of the need to plow the parking areas of both parks. Also discussed if Highway could remove the dropped log blocking the trail.

T. Butterworth suggested that a letter of thanks be sent to Bart and the Highway Crew for placing the signs for the commission.

10. Winter Event

It was decided that a date and meeting place would be chosen at the January 24th meeting. Suggestions of x-country skiing or snow shoeing were made. Ann Stokes considered a potential ski trail. The tentative date of the winter event is February 10.

11. Next meeting

The next meeting of the CCC will be January 24, 2001.

12. Adjournment.

Meeting adjourned at 9:30 PM Approved:

Respectfully submitted,
Co-Chairman

Carol Ross
Secretary