Present: Mary Anne Broshek, Larry Chase, Jerry Hersey, Nan Kaplan
Consultant Update: Time frame for work being done by consultant on lands affected by proposed business district was discussed. The concern is meeting the time frames for the second public hearing on the new zoning district. Mary Anne will discuss with Paul Currier.
2016 Workshop Update: Potential workshops are wildflowers, snowshoe walk, logging practices/land management, and rain gardens. No dates have been set yet.
New Hampshire Association of Conservation Commissions (NHACC) conference: Mary Anne attended the following workshops:
Wildlife Action Plan Update: Amanda Stone and Emma Tutein reviewed the 2015 ten–year update. There are now 169 native species identified as “Species of Greatest Conservation Need.” Of those, 27 are listed as state endangered and 14 are state threatened. The maps have been redone and there are two new brochures detailing individual and community actions that can be taken. Andover is featured in the Community brochure. Both brochures will be posted at Town Hall. Anyone can view this new information at wildlife.state.nh.us/wildlife/wap.html and at TakingActionForWildlife.org.
Members requested a visit from Emma and Amanda and copies of the new maps. Mary Anne will arrange the meeting and invite other Town boards.
Town Forests: Tim Fleury and Phil Auger provided an overview of town forests and how such forests require a warrant article. Proceeds from logging town forests are used solely for the management of the forest. Handouts of state law and questions and answers are available.
Conservation Commission Chairs Meeting on October 22: The issues discussed were Japanese knotweed control , ideas for workshops, and discussion on recruiting younger members. Andy Deegan will send out the collected information.
Camper Update: The camper selected in 2015 will not be doing a presentation to the Andover Conservation Commission (ACC). ACC will need to determine if we wish to sponsor a camper in 2016. Larry will pursue this with Andover Fish and Game Club.
Natural Resources Inventory Discussion with Planning Board: Tina presented the Natural Resources Inventory to the Planning Board on October 27. It was well received.
Bradley Lake Sign: The new sign with the NHDES (less restrictive) rule change is now up. Larry will remove the old sign.
Map Updates: Laura Alexander has offered to update the co-occurrence maps and to put the information on Q-GIS: new technology that is readily accessible to everyone. The ACC will need to review the maps on working farms, working forests, and special places. Mary Anne will request an up-to-date tax map. Laura’s work is at no cost.
Motion: Jerry made a motion to reimburse Mary Anne for the $65 registration fee for the NHACC conference. Members voted in favor.
DOT Route 11 Project and Beaver Deceivers: DOT has not yet agreed to install beaver deceivers. ACC believes that experience has proven that installing beaver deceivers is a cost-effective and permanent solution. Mary Anne will contact Matt Urban at DOT and Vicky Mishcon.