WASHINGTON CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Minutes- August 16, 2006

1.0 Assembly: Time 7:00 p.m.

Present: Carol Andrews, Don Richard, Richard Cook, Nan Schwartz, Tom Taylor, Sandy Robinson

2.0 Approval of Minutes: Motion to approve minutes from June and July meetings made by Sandy, seconded by Don, unanimous vote to approve.

3.0 Old Business:

3.1 Dredge and Fill Committee – Goodrich standard dredge and fill permit submitted, we won’t comment will send on to the state.

The Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary sisters received the Site Specific Permit from the state for their project with some conditions attached but no oversight specified.

3.2 The Cash Farm subdivision on Ayers Pond Road had a Planning Board site walk last week. The Cash’s are considering some restrictions on the wetlands and Woodward Brook. There is a hearing on September 5^th and people should attend to share their concerns.

3.3 Tom spoke about a number of septic systems that are failing in Ashuelot Estates. Some septic systems are being built on top of all kinds of fill including stumps. They are also being built within 35 feet of the roadside with open ditches, which is supposed to be against a DES regulation. The state is allowing people to break rules, which they have previously set. 3 or 4 systems have failed within the past year and this is a great concern to the people living in Ashuelot.

3.4 NRI – We reviewed the new version of the co-occurrence map. The roads are not showing up well and need to be adjusted, but overall we are pleased with this version. Chris and Pete want to do the site walks soon, so they are coming up with a list of locations they want to explore. We will have to contact the owners to get a verbal or written permission to walk their property. Progress is slow on the overall NRI but Carol is pushing to keep them moving forward.

3.5 Adopt a Highway agreement – We need to resign our agreement with the state for 2 more years. Sandy made a motion to sign the agreement, Richard seconded, the vote was unanimous.

3.6 What’s Happening in Nature? – This is a great summer for berries of all kinds! Blackberries and blueberries are very plentiful right now. Sandy saw a bear cub sitting by the side of the road.

4.0 New Business

4.1 Tom talked to us about a piece of property out on Woodpecker and Nuthatch Way that the town acquired when a development went bust years ago. There are three waterfront lots tucked behind the town lot with no access because there is no road in. Forestry went out to see if the property would be good to use as a town forest. He wanted to know if we were interested in holding it as open space. We agreed that an open space in this location would be a good idea.

4.2 Don mentioned the New Hampshire Carbon Coalition is encouraging towns to put an article on the town warrant about climate change, lowering green house gases, and encouraging energy savings. We will look into it more and consider it.

5.0 Correspondence

Jim Mitchell, DOT Adopt a Highway

Lake Line North American Lake Management Society

Goodrich Dredge and Fill Application

Site Specific Permit for Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

NH Arborists Association Community Beautification Awards Program

Carbon Coalition announcing speakers on global warming

Invitation from Ausbon Sargent Land Preservation Trust Dick Webb’s birthday

DES Watershed Assistance Grants available 

6.0 Adjournment: 8:45pm                    

7.0 Next Meeting Date: September 20th at 7 p.m. at the Town Hall.

Respectfully submitted,

 Nan Schwartz

Secretary