Conservation Commission Minutes, June 10, 2015

Condensed from approved minutes

Condensed from approved minutes

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

Ausbon Sargent (ASLPT): Board had a presentation by Scott Allenby (Proctor) on community building. New ASLPT newsletter is out, and Andover Conservation Commission (ACC) is now listed as a donor. Strategic planning has begun as well as a new Web site design.

Wilmot Storage Tanks: The ACC was asked to determine if there was the potential for regional concern regarding the installation of the propane and oil storage tanks proposed in Wilmot. Tina prepared a statement highlighting the issues of the Blackwater watershed and river, wildlife habitat, and aquifers shared by both towns.

The statements were documented by two maps showing the environmental connections between the two towns. A motion was made to submit the statement and maps to Wilmot, and members voted unanimously in favor. Tina will send the information with a copy to Duncan Coolidge.

Town Forest: Larry will pursue submitting the Capital Funds form as a placeholder for discussion on a Town forest.

Bradley Lake Sign: Mary Anne submitted the request for the new sign showing the 2014 DES rule changes. A copy of the proposed language was sent to Mike Vercellotti. Lois will handle the ordering.

Pollinator Workshop: Pollinator plants and a crab apple tree from Merrimack County Conservation District were delivered to Dave Pilla and the Proctor students who planted the pollinators with AE/MS students as part of Share Day.

Natural Resource Inventory (NRI): Tina will begin writing a series of articles for the Beacon after she meets with the Planning Board and the most current NRI is added to the Master Plan.

Donation to ASLPT: A 24.7-acre parcel of land has been donated by Connie and Dale McLeod to ASLPT. This parcel is prime wildlife habitat and is adjacent to, and close by, other donated lands. A motion was made to provide ASLPT with $5,000 for the ongoing monitoring and stewardship of this land. Nan was recused. Remaining members voted unanimously to approve.

Other Updates: Larry will research finding a leader for a wildflower identification walk. There is a loon nest on Highland Lake.