WASHINGTON CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Minutes- May 1, 2003

1.0 Assembly: Time 7:00 p.m.

Present: Sandy Robinson, Rich Cook, Peter France, Jed Schwartz, Nan Schwartz, Marv Jager, and Ann Delucia

2.0 Approval of Minutes: approved as printed.

3.0 Old Business:

3.1 Dredge and Fill Committee: no activity.

3.2 Planning Board update- nothing new to report.

3.3 Adopt a Highway- we set May 18 at 3 P M for the highway cleanup. We will meet at the Library.

3.4 What’s happening in nature?

· Salamanders are moving to vernal pools, mayflowers (trailing arbutus) are in bloom, listen for woodcock in open fields.

· Black flies are coming! The bad news: Approximately 40 species of black flies are known to occur in New Hampshire. The good news: Of these species, only 4 or 5 are considered to be significant human biters or annoying. More on black flies below.

4.0 Natural Resource Inventory

4.1 We agreed to report on any woodcock singing grounds we located in town. If landowners are willing we can post these locations on the website. As noted, look for open fields of about 2 acres or larger, preferably next to a wetland. Listen for their distinctive “peent” call and watch for their spectacular mating displays at dusk. .

4.2 Sandy has not, but will talk to Jo Ellen about the bats in the library so that we may include bat information from the Shedd Free Library.

4.3 We discussed approaching teachers at school about the opportunities for interesting project work for the children offered on the website.

5.0 New Business:

6.0 Correspondence: there was a flyer on an alternative product to salt for winter roads. None of us knew whether there are any realistic options in addition to salt. We discussed inviting Ed Thayer to a meeting to understand what is required now and what are, if any, additional options there are.

7.0 Adjournment: 7:45 p.m.

7.1 Next Meeting Date: June 5^th at 7:00 at the Town Hall.

Respectfully submitted,

Sandy Robinson

for

Carol K. Andrews

Secretary

cc: Board of Selectmen

Planning Board