Members present: Mary Anne Broshek, Larry Chase, Tina Cotton, Jerry Hersey, Nan Kaplan, and guest Sandra Graves

Correspondence: Notice of a new book on hiking to help hikers see New Hampshire’s record giant trees. Conservation Commission (ACC) members voted unanimously to approve the use of ACC funds to reimburse the libraries to add the book to their collection.

ASLPT Update: Nan reported that Ausbon Sargent Land Protection Trust (ASLPT) was re-accredited by the Land Trust Alliance for another five years after an intensive documentation process.

Andover zoning changes: Paul Currier read ACC comments into the record at the January public hearing for possible zoning changes to be voted on in March 2015. Mary Anne will work with the Planning Board to incorporate suggested changes.

ACC budget: The Town Report does not reflect corrections to the Conservation Fund and operating expenses. An amount of $12,062.05, representing 50% of the Current Use penalty tax for 2012, 2013, and 2014, will be transferred to the Conservation Fund.

Conserved lands on GRANIT: All properties in Andover that have a conservation easement should be in the GRANIT system. Derek identified three properties that are missing but were there in 2003. Tina will supply electronic data, and Mary Anne will work with Laura Alexander to have them added to GRANIT.

Camp Barry: The ACC is sponsoring an Andover child to attend Camp Barry for one week. The selection was made by the Andover Fish and Game Club on February 24. ACC will invite the recipient to do a presentation on the camp experience.

Town Meeting Day: Information on wildlife, conservation easements, and co-occurrence maps will be displayed at an unmanned table.

Planning for 2015

Brainstorming ideas for possible events and workshops included:

Hike on a conserved piece of land, possibly coordinated with ASLPT

Rain garden workshop: Nan will check with ASLPT. Mary Anne will see if we can get free or reduced-rate rain garden plants. Larry will check into possibly hosting the event on Bradley Lake.

ACC banner: Larry will get pricing for a six-foot weather-proof banner.

Plant sale: It will be similar to 2014. Mary Anne will check with Stacy Luke.

Wildlife package: A 55-item wildlife package is available from the Merrimack County Conservation District. Mary Anne will look into placement, working with Proctor, and the list of shrubs/plants.

Plantings that are favorable for pollinators and monarch butterflies. Peter Zak and Richard Brewster will be contacted to determine their interest.

Worm composting: Mary Anne will check with the Merrimack County Conservation District and update the Andover Web site.

The new Andover Web site at Andover.NH.us has a section for the ACC. Tina will provide the updated Natural Resources Inventory appendix from the Master Plan.