WASHINGTON CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Minutes- October 24, 2002

1.0 Assembly: Time 7:00 p.m.

Present: Mike Andrews, Sandy Robinson, Carol Andrews, John Tweedy, Peter France, Ann Eldredge (Bradford), Geoff Jones (Stoddard), Dick Briere (Stoddard), Sandy Crystall (Presenter from DES).

2.0 This was a special meeting for Sandy Crystall to come out and give us an overview of wetlands permitting procedures. She mentioned a couple of publications that might be of interest: “Field Indicators for Identifying Hydric Soils in New England” and “National List of Plant Species That Occur in Wetlands: Northeast Region (1988).”

Some wetland plant species to watch for: Meadowsweet, Cinnamon Fern, Hemlock, Red Maple, Turtlehead, Joe Pye Weed, Interrupted Fern, Northern Arrowwood, and large ferns (taller than you) are wetland species. Wetland delineations should not be done in the snow (you should not base your decisions on these). Wet meadows can be the hardest to identify.

Removal of beaver dams is not illegal, however, it must be done slowly. There can be no rush of water downstream.

Maintenance dredging can be done on fire ponds approved by the local fire chief for municipal firefighting. Dredged spoils are to be deposited in areas outside wetlands.

It is possible to get wetlands decisions information on the DES website.

Emergency authorization is available; these can be processed the same day. A Standard Dredge and Fill Application must be completed.

Wetlands permits must be posted, and all conditions must be followed.

A Permitting Guidebook is under development; a couple of the sections are available on the DES website.

General questions can be directed to the Inspector of the Day or e-mail: wetmail@des.state.nh.us

Regional Permitting Inspectors can answer a question about a specific file, or you can schedule a pre-application meeting with this person.

The DES website: www.des.state.nh.us/wetlands

3.0 Correspondence: NH Association of Conservation Commissions re: Annual Meeting

Zoning Bulletin

NH Association of Conservation Commissions re: joining annual dues $175

4.0 Adjournment: 9:00 p.m.

4.1 Next Meeting Date: December 5^th at 7:00 at the Town Hall.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol K. Andrews

Secretary

cc: Board of Selectmen

Planning Board