Present: Mary Anne Broshek, Larry Chase, Tina Cotton, Jerry Hersey, Nan Kaplan

ASLPT Update

Nan reported that the follow-up field visit on the Emerald Ash Borer was well attended. The site was an infested area near the Audubon Center in Concord. Members suggested that a workshop specifically for loggers would be helpful. The public can report sightings at NHbugs.org or by contacting County Forester Tim Fleury.

Nan will check on the status of the ASLPT invoice for stewardship funds.

Bog Pond and Business District

Members were asked to prepare questions or comments on the recommendations and map from the consultant for the next meeting. A hard copy of the report and related maps is available at the Town Hall for all to read.

The Bog Pond area is extremely rich in natural resources, and the report recommends a much smaller business district. The Conservation Commission will be exploring if landowners around Bog Pond are interested in conservation easements.

Mary Anne will contact Marj Roy about setting up a meeting with the Board of Selectmen, Planning Board, and Conservation Commission to review the report and determine next steps. Earle Chase is available to attend this combined meeting.

A new map was created to show the report recommendations in an easy-to-understand format. A motion was made to reimburse Mary Anne for the $100 she paid to create this map. The vote was unanimously in favor.

Conservation Camp

Members discussed paying for an AE/MS middle school student to attend Camp Barry 4H camp. Larry will find out what is available and if there is interest. Members voted 4 to 1 in favor of expending up to $500 in Conservation Commission funds with the understanding that: 1) the camp week must focus on natural resources/wildlife, and 2) that the student will attend a Conservation Commission meeting to report on the camp experience.

Snow Shoe Walk

Dave Pilla led a snow shoe walk up to Mud Pond on February 13. A dozen hearty folks braved the cold weather to learn about animal tracks, winter activities of wildlife, and forestry issues. Many thanks go to Dave for once again donating his time and expertise.

Spring Walk

Members decided to call off the May nature walk due to a similar walk being led in Andover by Andy Deegan of ASLPT. Larry will let Dave Pilla know and see if he would like to join Andy in the ASLPT walk.

Beaver Deceiver Update

Chris Turgeon from DOT met with Vicky Mishcon, Skip Lisle, John Thompson, Tina Cotton, Larry Chase, Mario Ratzki, and David Karrick to discuss how the installation of Beaver Deceivers can provide permanent solutions to road issues caused by beaver dams and save taxpayer dollars. A photo of the meeting will appear in the Beacon.

Town Meeting Table

Members decided not have a table at this year’s Town Meeting voting.

Trails Meeting

Larry reported on the Trails Meeting co-sponsored by the Conservation Commission and the Andover Community Association. There were four presentations: Proctor Academy trails, Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Greenway trails, the Northern Rail Trail, and Class 6 roads in Andover. The next step is to determine how to provide this information to the general public on maps and hopefully to add these maps to the Town of Andover Web site.

Vegetation on the Rail Trail

Linda Howes contacted Mary Anne regarding the contract to use herbicides on the Rail Trail. A number of studies have come out regarding potential dangers. The portion of the Rail Trail to be treated is a six-mile stretch from Franklin to Boscawen.

Mary Anne will contact Sandy Crystall at NHDES. Tina will provide maps to show that section of the trail in relation to nearby lakes and streams. Members were asked to attend the March 16 Rail Trail Board meeting where Linda will present her findings and possible alternatives to herbicides.

Town Maps Digitized

Tina reviewed the Andover maps that were digitized by the Lakes Region Planning Commission. These maps are now available on a DVD and are more accessible for the town.