HOLDERNESS CONSERVATION COMMISSION
PO BOX 203
HOLDERNESS, NH 03245
April 13, 2010
Members Present: Chris Buckley, Shelagh Connelly – Selectman Liaison, Jacqulyn Jewell, Anne Packard, Larry Spencer, and Betsy Whitmore
Members not Present: Janet Cocchiaro
Others Present: Roger Larochelle (4:30 P.M.)
Regular Meeting - Call to Order
Mr. Spencer called the meeting to order at 4:00 P.M. Ms. Connelly nominated Mr. Spencer as Chairman with a second by Mrs. Whitmore. Ms. Jewell nominated Mrs. Whitmore as Vice Chair, with a second by Ms. Packard. Mr. Spencer and Mrs. Whitmore accepted the nominations. The nominations were approved unanimously. Mr. Buckley was raised to voting status.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes of 03/09/10 were approved as presented.
Permits & Other Correspondence: The packet mailed to members contained copies of recent correspondence, except for the following:
Letter of Notification - Standard Dredge & Fill: Zahr, Tax Map 241 Lot 11
Lakes Region Planning Commission: notification of the annual meeting
Litter Free NH: Information and application. The program encourages organization of a community clean-up, with incentives offered to qualifying towns. The Commission was in favor of the program, possibly in coordination with other groups, and authorized Mr. Spencer to talk with Selectmen.
Responses to and review of correspondence included:
Conkling Expedited Application: The application to repair a non-conforming dock was reviewed and signed by Mrs. Cocchiaro. The Commission had no further questions or concerns on the application.
PSU/North River Street Property: Steve Taksar, PSU, responded with interest to the possibility of purchasing the property. There was general discussion upon Mr. Spencer’s inquiry of the possibility of town monies being used to encourage the purchase. The property is not adjacent to an existing town conservation land. The suggestion was made that any purchase include a condition to keep the property as green space. The Commission agreed that if PSU were to purchase the property and place an easement on it, the Commission might be able to contribute to the cost. Mr. Spencer will invite Mr. Taksar to attend the April 26 Selectmen’s meeting to discuss the property.
Roger Larochelle, Squam Lakes Conservation Society (SLCS)
Mr. Larochelle provided a map for the town’s use of the Squam Watershed which includes parcel data, easements, and trails. The map is accurate as of the previous summer and any new data will be gratefully accepted and incorporated. Mr. Larochelle gave a brief overview of the recent Dane Forest Parcel, which is an excellent example of private organizations and a municipality working together to purchase land for preservation. He explained the efforts to protect the Squam Range, a high priority for land conservation, habitat, and view shed. The SLCS is also exploring the possibility of an easement on land adjacent to the town property on White Oak Pond.
Mr. Larochelle reminded the Commission of the Bioblitz for the Rattlesnake area occurring on May 22 at Rockywold Deephaven. Mrs. Whitmore noted that the SLCS has a 50th anniversary on 8/25/10. There was brief discussion of the recent closing of the trails in the Rattlesnake area.
Old Business
Policies and Procedures Review, and review of web sites was deferred to the next meeting.
New Business
The Gate between the Irving and Exxon stations has been closed. A clean-up of the area may needed; Mr. Buckley will make the arrangements.
Crawford: A letter form Len Stern has verified that the timber harvest was completed in an appropriate manner. Several vernal pools were noted on the property. The letter will be placed in the files. This review can be considered as a monitoring report and Mr. Spencer will fill out and file the LCHIP report.
Town Forest Monitoring Report: The Commission agreed that the report filed by Mr. Spencer and Mr. Buckley should be entered in the approved format. There was discussion of the correct acreage of the property; the deed will be reviewed.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 5:31 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Wendy J. Huff
Secretary
Minutes Approved: May 11, 2010
Corrections:
Page 2, 3rd line: change 8/25/10 to 8/21/10
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