WASHINGTON CONSERVATION COMMISSION

 Minutes- October 17, 2006  

1.0 Assembly: Time 7:00 p.m.

Present: Carol Andrews, Richard Cook, and Nan Schwartz                  

2.0 Approval of Minutes: Motion to approve minutes from September meeting made by Rich, seconded by Carol, unanimous vote to approve. 

3.0 Old Business:

3.1 Dredge and Fill Committee - Standard Dredge and Fill application from Bruce Brereton for an existing driveway crossing on Taylor Circle in Ashuelot. We will let it go to the state for their approval. Also, Carol went out and looked at the locations for a Minimum Impact Expedited Application filled by Ed Thayer for the town of Washington culverts on Lovell Mtn. and Halfmoon Pond Roads. Rich and Jed went out to look at the Ashuelot Pond Dam site, which we had approved conditionally at our last meeting. They didn't see any problems and the application was sent in to the state. DES sent back notice of administrative completeness of the Minimum Impact Expedited Application for the Ashuelot Pond Dam Village District.

3.2 NRI - We had a successful hike on Sunday October 15th guided by Chris Kane, our NRI consultant, through the McGranahanÕs property. We had a group of about 13 people participate on a beautiful fall day. After meeting at the East Washington Fire Station, we hiked up to the property and Chris showed us remote wetlands, peat bogs, and lots of other natural areas. We also were able to view the David Phillips sculptures on the Burns' property. Chris came across one of the sculptures by chance out in the woods while surveying the area for interesting natural features. It was a wonderful surprise to him and he shared it with the hikers. Several of the hikers knew of more of these sculptures in the vicinity and showed them to the group.

      Carol reported that NH's new Wildlife Action Plan targets Washington as one of the places in the state with important wildlife areas to be protected from Pillsbury down through Ashuelot. This will be useful information to be included in the NRI.

3.4 NHACC Membership - We need to vote on funding our membership in the New Hampshire Association of Conservation Commissions. We decided to wait until we have more members attending a meeting. We have until spring to decide on paying our dues. Carol also reminded us of the annual meeting will take place on November 4th, from 8:00 to 3:30. They are having lots of great workshops this year; many focused on the new Fish and Game Wildlife Action Plan. Members who can attend should contact Carol for more information.

4.0 What's New in Nature - Rich has observed several moose around town and a large moose antler was found on Carol's property. The antler had survived all spring and summer and was found in October. Usually antlers will disappear over the summer months because mice and other rodents will gnaw on them because they are a good source of calcium.

5.0 New Business -

5.1 Rich wanted to talk about the study done by DES on the Center Pond in East Washington. A suggestion made by DES is to post the beach for swimming at the swimmer's risk as this pond is fed by streams that flow through active agricultural areas. They also talked about having a rain gauge installed at the beach and posting it as closed when ever there is a significant rain event. Rich will talk to Ed about a sign for the beach. Jed has volunteered to be the rain gauge monitor if we go that route. We will also talk to farmers in the area about leaving a vegetation buffer zone along waterways to help filter the runoff. Maybe DES has some Best Management Practice for agriculture papers we could pass on to people farming in the watershed. Carol and Nan will look into what they can find for BMPs.  On another note we wondered if DES took sedimentation from runoff into consideration in their report on the pond, as this can be an additional contributing factor in the water quality. Overall the DES report, in its draft form, was very through and comprehensive.

6.0 Correspondence

NHACC Annual Meeting Invitation

DES Wetlands and non-site specific permit 2006-02029, Goodrich

DES Newsletter The Source

DES Notice of Administrative Completeness Minimum Impact Expedited Application Ashuelot Pond Dam Village District

Comprehensive Environmental Inc. additional services

NH Community Forestry Advisory Council Newsletter

Standard Dredge and Fill Application, Brereton Map 14, Lot 51

Minimum Impact Expedited Application, Town of Washington culverts on Lovell Mtn and Halfmoon Pond Roads, signed

7.0 Adjournment: 8:15pm

8.0 Next Meeting Date: November 15th at 7 p.m. at the Town Hall.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 Nan Schwartz

Secretary