Conservation Commission
Minutes

April 24, 2002

1). Robert Krider was present to discuss his Eagle Scout Project. He would like to replace one of the bridges in Friedsam Forest. Robert works for Perkins Lumber in Chesterfield. His boss will donate all materials necessary for the bridge project. S. Fisher requested that the bridge be 4 feet wide and 25 feet long. Robert will use the existing telephone pole beams. He is estimating that it will take him 3 weekends. He will enlist some friends to help carry materials in to the bridge site. L. Borofsky requested that Robert hike to the other bridges to observe how the Commission would like support on the railing to be and to observe the other bridge that has fallen into the gorge. K. Thatcher requested that Robert post a sign at the top of the trail when the bridge is out to let hikers know that the bridge is out. Robert needs to get final approval from a Chairperson of the Boy Scouts. He will call T. Duston when he is ready to begin construction.

2). K. Thatcher discussed Wetlands permits. A) Harold Cotton - S. Fisher went to initial visit and W. Porter and T. Duston went to the revisit. He is actually not dredging a wetland. It is in the hands of DES. A bridge would be least impacting crossing on the lot, but could be cost prohibitive. K. Thatcher will find out what the Town's procedure is for processing a wetlands permit so that the Commission can help the applicant sooner in the process. Applicants can call Kathy Thatcher prior to submitting an application because she is the Commissioner of Permits. K. Thatcher will be away April 27 through May 4 for family reasons. B) Kalich - still in process, they have been requested to provide a plan to DES. In this instance the man made pond was created so long ago that it is now considered a vegetated wetlands. Wetlands bill would consider this area an abandoned structure, DES can not grant a permit to dredge this area of the wetlands. The Southern section of the pond was approved for a maintenance dredge in 1996, DES can grant a maintenance dredge on that section of the pond however it would be conditional upon the restoration of the northern section. The Commission is still investigating the dock. C) Expedited Seasonal Dock for Lacroix has been approved. D) Winn Johnson's dock has been approved with conditions. E) Minimum Impact Expedited Application from Curt Nowill has just arrived to install a Dry hydrant, a piece of cast iron pipe running into the water that looks like a fire hydrant on the surface except that it carries less water pressure, for the fire department.. The Commission will need more information from Curt about installation before they will sign the application. T. Duston proposed to meet with him on Friday April 26 at 1 PM before Kathy leaves.

3). J. Newcomer moved to approve the minutes as amended for the March 27, 2002 meeting. The motion was seconded by S. Fisher and passed unanimously by the Commission. The house discussed in the minutes sold for $101,000.00 prior to auction.

4). The Friends of Pisgah has a closing scheduled for May 10, to buy land in Hinsdale. LCHIP check will not arrive by May 10 because an appraisal has not yet been done on the property. There is about $90,000 in the Conservation Fund. The Commission could give this money to Friends of Pisgah if necessary. The Conservation Commission will loan $11,500 to Friends of Pisgah for this date, but The Commission will need an agreement of repayment. J. Newcomer motioned for the Chesterfield Conservation Commission to make a "grant bridge" to the Friends of Pisgah, Inc. in the amount of $11,500. This money to be taken from the Conservation Fund. This $11,500 will be released to the Friends of Pisgah upon receipt of appropriate written reassurance for the monies repayment to the Chesterfield Conservation Fund. We authorize Tom Duston to negotiate this written reassurance. The motion was seconded by Bill Tyler and approved unanimously by the Commission.

5). T. Duston has approval from Dig-Safe to post protected stream signs. He will buy posts and fancy hardware to make removal more difficult. He will bring all supplies to Bart for installation. Installation can not occur until after 4:15 P.M. on April 26, 2002. W. Porter suggested that the threads be damaged after signs are posted so that the nuts can't be unscrewed.

6). Steve Fisher, Warren Porter, Bill Tyler, Lynne Borofsky, and Amy and Don LaFontaine finished spring clearing on Friedsam Trail. Friedsam Trail will be finished when the bridge is replaced by Robert Krider. Steve Fisher, Jeff Newcomer and Tom Duston began clearing Anne Stokes Loop. It will need more work. The Commission will meet on April 27th at 9:30 P.M. at the Duston house to do more work on Anne Stokes Loop. It is muddy, come prepared to work hard.

7). The Commission will meet at the upper lot on Sunday May 5th at 10 A.M. to install signs labelling the upper and lower Friedsam lots and mailbox at the lower lot. The new brochure must be ready for the next meeting on May 22, 2002.

8). The Rountree proposal work is not within 125 feet of the brook. Public is most concerned about light pollution and traffic.

9). The meeting with the Planning Board has been postponed until May 20 @ 7:30 P.M. to discuss scenic roads and a hillside protection ordinance.

10). Other - W. Porter has observed a pond that just appeared on a property without permits. L. Borofsky will speak to Jane Allen about a house for sale $25,000 that is falling in a gulley. The land should be protected as a wetland or bird sanctuary. L. Borofsky and T. Duston were sworn in as Commission members until 2005. S. Fisher received a booklet about Timber Harvesting Laws in New Hampshire. We will get more from UNH cooperative extension service.

11). The next meeting will be May 22, 2002 at 7:30 PM. The meeting adjourned at 9:40 P.M.

Respectfully Submitted,

Amy LaFontaine Secretary