Conservation Commission
Minutes

September 24, 1997

Chesterfield, New Hampshire

Meeting began at 7:40 P.M.

Members Present: McKim Mitchell, Tom Duston, Kathy Davidson Fred Szmit, Selectmen's Rep. Tim Butterworth

• Richter walk will be held on Saturday October 11, 1997 at 10 a.m. meeting at their home on Atherton Hill Road. Rain date will be on Sunday October 12, 1997. All members are encouraged to attend.

• Ben Pfissner met with the commission and made a presentation about a proposed Eagle project that he would like to do on the Friedsam property. Ben proposed to reconstruct an existing trail that was originally constructed 21 years ago by Rick Cooper as part of his Eagle Scout project. Ben proposed reconstructing one or two bridges, new trail markers, and perhaps a brochure about the trail. Work could also include trash pick up, trimming the poison ivy growth, etc. This trail is a loop trail and the commission determined that if the town decides to log the Friedsam Town Forest, it would not impact this proposed project. Tom suggested that the commission member(s) walk the area with Ben and actually see the proposed trail area, bridges, etc. Kathy made a motion 2nd by Fred to allow Ben Pfissner to go forward with this proposed plan, that the commission supported this plan with guidance from them. All in favor. Ben was asked to submit to the Chesterfield Conservation Commission a copy of his written proposal when he submits it to Boy Scouts. It was also noted that the main focus of an Eagle Scout project is for the scout to plan and organize others would be doing a lot of the actual work. Ben anticipates that the project would start sometime this fall and be completed by next fall.

• Budget: McKim will be meeting with the Selectmen on 9/25/97. The proposed budget amount would be $1,325.00. This amount would include a line item for a board secretary not to exceed the amount of $400.00

• Folta Property #96-01419. Tom called the state about the Folta property. Eric Fontaine told Tom in February of 1997 that someone would inspect the property, but that has not occurred. The state informed Tom that we should FAX our request to the state so that it would be expedited more quickly.

• Wetlands Violations on Spofford Lake. Fred has done research about alleged violations on the lake. Brief discussion. It was determined that the board would send a form letter to the property owners of the alleged violations. The Conservation Commission would also send a completed complaint form to the DES Wetlands Bureau and start a file for these forms. It was also suggested by Tim that a copy of the letter and/or complaint form also be filed in the property owner's file. A copy of this letter is attached for your information.

• Fire ponds: Bart Bevis and Bruce Gideos attended and spoke at this meeting in reference to the clearnng of fire ponds. The Wayne Winn fire pond in West Chesterfield (not requiring a permit) has been drained. One foot of water was released each of three times. The project should be completed in about two weeks. A plastic hydrant will be installed. A copy of the inventory summary sheet for water supplies for fire suppression and map were submitted to the commission for their information. Mr. Bevis emphasized that the intent of the fire department was to recoup a couple of water supplies in town. In 1998 he wants to look at a pond at Merrifield and Gulf Rd. This pond should be exempt from the permit process. The board expressed their appreciation for the work that Mr. Bevis and the fire department are doing to keep our fire ponds operating safely and efficiently.

• Motion made by Fred and 2nd by Kathy to approved the minutes of our August 27, 1997 meeting. All in favor.

• Motion to adjourn made by Tom and 2nd by Kathy at 9:45 p.m.

• Next meeting is Wednesday, October 29, 1997 at 7:30 p.m. at the Town Offices.

Submitted: Kathy Davidson

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