Conservation Commission
Minutes

PUBLIC HEARING ON FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF BRINE EASEMENT
7:30 - 8:30 (see attached)

The Conservation Commission met in the Town Offices on April 4,2001 at 7:30 PM.
The following agenda items were discussed:

1. Visitors: Scott Maslansky and Mary Durland

2. Minutes of January 24, 2001 Meeting

After review of the above meeting minutes, K. Thatcher made a motion to accept the meeting minutes, J. Newcomer seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

3. Fred Szmit replacement:

The Board discussed replacement possibilities for Fred and his duties. Fred's duties consist of checking Wet Land permit applications, monitoring permits, corresponding with DES, logging permits, etc. Bill Tyler was mentioned as a possible addition to the commission. Tom Duston advised he would like to have Kathy Thatcher take over Fred's duties. The position would need someone who was flexible and willing to stay on top of the projects.

Tim Butterworth asked if the secretary or code enforcement officer could possibly take over some of the duties. Tom Duston stated that he believed that it should be someone on the Commission as it is the Commission's responsibility to follow through. Kathy advised that she would be willing to take the responsibility.

Fred gave an overview of the Cersosimo project regarding the water storage tank vs. the fire pond on the edge of the wetlands.

F. Szmit and T. Butterworth will contact Bill Tyler regarding appointment to the Commission.

4. Status of Easements:

Joseph Brine - Public Hearing for the disbursement of funds from the Chesterfield Conservation Fund. Funds to be used in connection with a conservation easement on the Property owned by Joseph Brine of Old Swanzey Rd., Spofford, NH.

Tom Duston advised that the funds requested would assist Mr. Brine with the easement costs. This would include legal expenses, survey and appraisal costs. The easement deed would specify that half the easement expenses up to $4,000 be requested. $2,000 of this is for Monadnock Conservancy. They would have the responsibility of monitoring the easement.

Tom advised that the easement covers 100 acres. The Board reviewed the easement deed. The deed states that Mr. Brine would 1) maintain logging rights, 2) take out 5 acres, along the road, for building lot, 3) be allowed to have agricultural crops, i.e. Animal husbandry, horticultural, pick your own fruit.

The deed should reflect Best Management Practices, guidelines of the State of New Hampshire Extension. The Board notes the two main issues were logging and livestock. It was noted that Joe Brine was mostly interested in logging. The Board decided that they wanted to take out posting rights and animal husbandry. The Board should look more closely at these easement deeds.

· John Daly's easement will be done soon. David Mann has been hired to mark
trees.

5. Mary Durland

Mary was present reviewing the Open Space Committee's role. She believes there is confusion with their committee's role. How do they relate to the CCC? Are they a separate committee from the Commission? She stated that the purpose of the committee was "preserving the rural character through agriculture". They attended a workshop on doing Natural Resource Inventories. They do not have funds to help with their operating.

Tom advised that the CCC would be receptive to cover the copying cost of their committee. He suggested that the way to proceed with projects, for example, easements, first approach the landowners, and then go raise the money. There is money available through Monadnock Conservancy, LCHIP fund, CCC Land Fund, benefactors. Most easements are donated.

Mary and Kathy showed interest in having a Natural Resource Inventory done of Chesterfield. Tom recommended that they put this into a proposal and present it to the Town.

Mary shared her concerns about the committee and it's continuing. They are reconstituting the committee. They consider themselves a resource committee. Tom suggested that they have a specific objective and take it one step at a time. Their objective is to do a natural resource inventory of the Town. Scott Maslansky said he would help them write up a proposal and grant request.

Fred Szmit advised the Commission of the Agricultural Exemptions in the Land Development regulations. The Agricultural Committee will be presenting a proposal before the Planning Board on 4/16/01. Mary advised that she is to meet with Bob DelSesto.

Tom advised that the committee is a sub-committee of the Conservation Commission. The name will be changed from Open Space to the Natural Resource Advisory Committee.

6. Short term projects

Logging at Friedsam. Wayne Young will go in tomorrow to check on the project and the logging is expected to be done Friday, 4/6/01. The Highway Dept. is concerned with heavy equipment on the roads. Fred advised that he noticed logs placed as a stream crossing. He wasn't sure if they needed a permit for this. Tom advised that logging wouldn't need the permit. The logs will be removed when the logging is done. Tom said he would like them to go out to the site. Apple and butternut trees should have been marked so they wouldn't be cut. He would like to identify the trees, do some clearing and open the trees up for their health.

Fred advised that they said they would be grooming the site before they leave.

7. Signs

• Replace Ann Stokes sign
• Wright Forest sign.
• Plaque for Frances Wright as appreciation
• Signs for the easements - set back from the entrance signifying trails. The Board will continue to discuss this.

8. Other business

• Tom advised the Board that Ben Menke would be leaving Monadnock Conservancy. He is going back to school.
• Board appointments- Sue Plunske's term ends this year. She will be asked to continue with the Board. Fred will contact Bill Tyler to be an alternate on the commission.

9. Next Meeting

The next meeting of the CCC is set for Wednesday, April 25, 2001.

Adjournment

Steve made a motion to adjourn, Kathy seconded and it carried unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 9:40 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol Ross
Secretary