Conservation Commission
Minutes

Visiter: Scott Maslanski - is a student from Antioch, interested in the California Brook Project.

1. Minutes from meeting of January 26, 2000

A motion was made by J. Newcomer, seconded by S. Fisher to approve the meeting minutes of January 26, 2000. The motion carried by unanimous vote.

2. Permits

None this month. Approval by the State for McCauley permit for the Connecticut riverbank work.

3. Tree cutting request from Leslie Burns

Leslie Burns (first house on Twin Brook Road, across from Friedsam Forest) is requesting that three trees hanging over their property be cut down. The commission agreed that these trees could be cut down but wanted to check on the insurance/liability issue. T. Duston will check on insurance. The Conservation Commission gave conditional aD~oval based on the liability issue.

4. Status Report: California Brook Natural Area (Jensen, NH Rec Trails Program, Forest Legacy - Trust for Public Lands)

Scott Maslanski advised the Commission that Diane Gibbons, a teacher at Antioch, has purchased Jensen's land (all three parcels). She is a little hesitant about a hiking trail. T. Duston will try and contact Ms. Gibbons and explain the California Brook project.

T. Duston advised he had submitted a proposal to be matched on the $10,000; which would give the Conservation Commission $20,000. Tom has sent a list of land owners to Julie Eiffland, Trust for Public Lands regarding California Brook.

5. Status Report: Wantastiquet-Monadnock Greenway (Wright, Wallace, Czarnecki, Franklin)

Mrs. Wright's land - there will be trail marking just west of N. Hinsdale Road (40 acres). T. Duston will send a letter to Ed Wallace; he owns a 100 acres and is very interested in giving an easement. T. Buttenvorth will contact Czarnecki's regarding easements for their property. T. Duston advised the commissioners that there is 60 acres on the east side of Route 63 owned by people by the name of Franklin, residing in Massachusetts. Tom has sent a letter to them informing them of the project.

A motion was made and seconded to close the public hearing regarding land acquisitions. Motion to close public hearing passed.

6. Status Report: Extension of NH Shoreline Protection Act to Connecticut River

T. Duston advised commissioners of the ballot up for vote at Town Meeting. This is an extension of the NH Shoreline Protection Act. The Commission has received a letter of support for this act from Lowell LaPorte of 70 Asgard Road, West Chesterfield.

7. Two items for Town Meeting

Two items on ballots for Town Meeting are:

1. Increase the 50% to 100% of the Land Use Change Penalty going to Conservation Fund. This money will have a cap of $25,000.

2. A request for $20,000 as a jump start to be place in the Conservation Fund for land acquisition.

A Warrant Article carried over from last year's budget is the $5,000 for the Friedsam logging funds.

Selectmen have approved the budget for 2000. Also the Budget Committee has approved the budget and a public hearing has been held.

8. Formation of committee to study open space in town center

The Conservation Commission members held a lengthy discussion regarding the possibility of studying open space and the possible purchase or easements on land in the town center as well as other areas of town.

T. Duston has been approached by a couple of people (Garrith & Huggins) for volunteering to be on a committee to study the open space. Another good person for this committee would be Liz Benjamin, the town's Tax Collector. Commissioners discussed this committee being an ad hoc committee as opposed to a sub committee.

T. Butterworth has talked to Bill Mitchell regarding his land and open space.

Also discussed was putting up a sign at Town Meeting which could read, "Are you interested in open space - center of Town?"

T. Duston advised commissioners that Allison McLean of the Soil and Water Conservation Fund would be a good contact person regarding monies for the saving of farmland in town. He also discussed with commissioners the Land & Community Heritage Fund (State level). There is supposed to be $6,000,000 in this fund, hopefully for next year.

T. Duston will discuss how to handle the committee situation with Selectmen and keep commissioners advised of the outcome. He will also request if the Planning Board can appoint a committee to look into open space under the Master Plan.

9. Activities to prepare for town meeting - is a work session needed?

In preparation for Town meeting, March l4~ T. Duston will set up a display regarding the Shoreline Protection Act on the Connecticut River. He will also provide a handout with the regulations.

A check will be done on the locations of Town meeting time and voting times and locations.

J. Newcomer will take photos of open space in and around town for display.

10. New Business

Scott Maslanski requested projects that the commissioners may need help on. T. Dustin gave Scott a list. Scott is working on a Geo Physical Map (wetlands, slopes, drainage, developable land).

S. Fisher made a motion, seconded by J. Newcomer to adjourn at 8:50 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathy Paquette
Secretary