July 10
Condensed from approved minutes
Present: Members Mary Anne Broshek (chair), Larry Chase, Tina Cotton, Jerry Hersey, Nan Kaplan
Ausbon Sargent Land Preservation Trust (ASLPT)
Nan reported that ASLPT had acquired two new easements in Springfield and New London; that the state’s Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP) has been fully funded for 2013-2014; that an ASLPT Woods Forum will be held at Bluewater Farm on August 13; that a float portraying a squirrel (part of ASLPT’s logo) participated in Andover’s Fourth of July parade; that a Dragonfly Appreciation Event, co-sponsored by ASLPT and the Andover Conservation Commission (ACC), will be held in Andover on July 31; and that an ASLPT-sponsored outreach workshop on open fields will take place on Saturday, October 19, at a location to be determined.
The question was raised and discussed as to whether the Town should turn over some of the larger easements it holds to one of the non-profit land trusts in the state, as they are better able to ensure enforcement of the easement terms for perpetuity. More information will be gathered, and discussion will continue.
Updates
Tina had questions regarding the tax map shape files we were going to use to update our co-occurrence map. She will check with Avitar Associates, Andover’s tax assessor, to clear up any problems. We need to decide next meeting if we will pursue the update of the co-occurrence information.
Mary Anne reported that she began the Town-requested review of ACC files held in the Town Hall. She has sorted into three categories: keep, file in new parcel files, discard (irrelevant/outdated information).
Mary Anne reported on baseline documentation of easements held by Town of Andover and shared a sample report.
Larry reported on recent and forthcoming “Taking Action for Wildlife” programs: a June 19 presentation on loons by wildlife photographer Kittie Wilson (over 60 attendees); a July 11 “walk in the woods” led by New Hampshire Forest Society education director Dave Anderson (Tina will video so it is available on Andover Cable TV); a July 31 dragonfly walk; and an August 29 illustrated talk by wildlife photographer Rick “MooseMan” Libbey.
Nan reported on several difficulties in arranging a “Taking Action for Wildlife” program at Bog Pond in August: lack of easy access and adequate trail, scheduling issues, etc. Members suggested several alternatives, which Nan will explore.
Jerry described a forestry workshop, another in the “Taking Action for Wildlife” series, to be held in Andover on Saturday, September 28. Members of the New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association will be invited to join Andover residents at this event.
Jerry suggested that if there are not sufficient dragonflies on the Valley Road (Hiller property) where the Dragonfly Event is scheduled to be held, wetlands on Jerry Hersey’s property along the Rail Trail might be substituted.
Members reviewed the event organization checklist prepared by Larry. This can be used as a guide for anyone who has taken the lead on a project.