WASHINGTON CONSERVATION COMMISSION

 

 

Minutes- June 15, 2005

 

 

1.0 Assembly: Time 7:00 p.m.

Present: Rich Cook, Sandy Robinson, Carol Andrews, Mike Andrews, Jed Schwartz, Nan Schwartz.

 

2.0 Approval of Minutes: approved as printed.

 

3.0 Old Business:

3.1 Dredge and Fill Committee- Mike reports that a culvert permit submitted by the Road Agent was quickly signed and returned.

We have been notified of a foundation on Highland Lake (1903 Valley Road, Map 25 Lot 92) being poured 48 feet from the water. They will need a waiver from the Shoreland Protection Act from the state. There is nothing that we need to do with this now, we are simply being notified.

3.2 Sandy moved that we elect Nan Schwartz as Secretary. Second by Mike. Motion carried by unanimous vote.

3.3 Planning Board update- Don Damm has presented information on Watershed Overlay Districts to the Planning Board and the Conservation Commission. The Planning Board would like to meet with the Conservation Commission to discuss this topic. July 5^th is the next Planning Board meeting. Deering has adopted such an ordinance for Deering Lake. The group felt that this would be a good thing to research and discuss further. We support the basic premise behind this ordinance. Perhaps the Master Plan should state the intent to pass this on all lakes. Concerns were raised by the group, such as the possibility of adversely affecting agriculture and forestry in town (though it is not our intent to encourage large factory farms). If the ordinance were to stipulate that Best Management Practices be used in the overlay district, would this be difficult for our local farms to meet? Carol mentioned that we should be researching “Right to Farm” legislation for this town, the intent being to protect farms from claims that they shouldn’t be producing noxious odors or similar complaints. Sandy and Jed will do some research on Watershed Overlay Districts.

3.4 Highland Lake Lot: The Forestry Committee has suggested that this 14 acre town-owned lot with significant water frontage be placed in the hands of the Conservation Commission. Lionel Chute will look at the land to see whether it should be used for forestry. Abutters to this lot have been trying to get driving and utility access to their shorefront properties from the town (utility poles have already been placed without the permission of the Selectmen).

3.5 West Meadow Lot: Should this be retained by the Conservation Commission? This lot is located just off of route 31, and could possibly be used (as could other conservation lands owned by the town) as a match for a project in town. For example, if we had a land conservation project in town that we wanted to fund through a grant, we could place an easement on this land and use the easement value as a match toward the project.

3.6 We need to reiterate our request for a moratorium on the sale of town-owned land. Carol will write a letter to the Selectmen.

3.7 Mike stated that he is willing to do a Williams hike on the 12^th of July. Meet at the Town Hall at 9:00 a.m.

3.8 Easement Gathering: should be happening in July or August. The Cooks have agreed to host. Carol will contact Brian Hotz, Land Protection Specialist at the Forest Society.

 

3. What’s happening in nature?

 

4.0 Natural Resource Inventory:

4.1   Carol will contact Rick Van de Poll about an NRI proposal.

 

5.0 New Business: none

 

6.0 Correspondence: Association of Conservation Commissions Newsletter

                        Letter from Planning Board requesting assistance on Watershed District Overlay

                        Letter from surveyor informing us of Highland Lake property (see 3.1)

                       

7.0   Adjournment: 8:35 p.m.                   

 

7.1 Next Meeting Date: July 20^th at 7:00 at the Town Hall.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Carol K. Andrews

Secretary