WASHINGTON  CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Minutes- March 23, 2004

1.0  Assembly:  Time  7:00 p.m.

Present:  Carol Andrews, Peter France, Jed and Nan Schwartz, Lionel and Aileen Ruggles-Chute.

2.0  Approval of Minutes:  approved as printed.

3.0  Old Business: 

3.1  Dredge and Fill Committee- no activity

3.2  The group decided that it would be a good idea to research ways to control growth in Washington.  Any changes must be done through the Planning Board.  Carol referenced an email reply from Matt Taylor (Town Planner in Hillsborough). Suggested reading:  "Growing Greener” by Randall Arendt. 

3.3  Regional Environmental Protection Priorities:  It’s time to update the REPP data.  Things to include:  the Ashuelot River & Woodward Brook.

3.4  Tom Taylor volunteered to lead a hike along the Ashuelot River.  Lionel volunteered to lead a wildflower/tree identification walk.  The group agreed that it should be a priority to do educational & fun programs.

3.5  Lionel moved that we expend $100 from the Conservation Fund to pay for the “Dollars and Sense of Open Space” presentation in February.  Second by Nan.  Motion carried.

3.6 Land Use Change Tax monies will be deposited in the Conservation Fund.  Thanks to Mike for making a great presentation, and to those who spoke in favor of the article!  The article passed by a wide margin 65 to 24.  We should set some goals and priorities for expenditures.  Lionel brought up a project that has been in the works for several years.  Lionel has been in contact with the owner of a 10-acre lot abutting the Twin Bridges Lot.  There is a remarkable stand of yellow birches over 200 years old on the Town Forest and this abutting lot.

3.7  The group discussed whether we should take a position on the Sunapee lease boundary expansion and other changes happening in surrounding towns.   No decision on this subject.

3.8  What’s happening in nature?  What to do with all this snow?  Build an igloo.

Carol will provide information for posting on the website. Please see our “What’s New in Nature” section.

4.0  Natural Resource Inventory:  no activity.

5.0  New Business:  none

6.0 Correspondence:  CLCA bill, NH Association of Con Coms bill, NH Lakes Association (Lake Host Application), UVLSRPC, Fox Forest newsletter.

7.0           Adjournment:  8:20 p.m.              

7.1  Next Meeting Date:  April 27th at 7:00 at the Town Hall.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol K. Andrews

Secretary