Dublin Conservation Commission
Minutes
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Attending: Jack Lewis (chair), Susan Macy, Sue Yarger, Karen Bunch, Rusty Bastedo, Ed Germain, Jerry Branch
Minutes: The following amendments were suggested for the August 19, 2009 minutes on page 1 under Howe Reservoir Driveway: It appears that no paving will be required, and the drainage inspection looked fine. The minutes were accepted as amended.
Columbus Day Fund Raiser: A fundraiser for the DCC was discussed and it was decided to defer this for a later date because of limited time for preparation.
Open Space Committee: Diane Schott brought the Commission up to date on the activities of the Open Space Committee. Their next step is to rate individual parcels on their conservation value, in part by making use of data available from a number of sources, including the recent town property assessment. Suzie Macy moved that the Conservation Commission approve using up to $900 of funds from the Open Space Committee budget line and the Conservation Fund to fund the Open Space Committee’s hiring of an Antioch intern to help with the computer related side of parcel evaluation. The motion passed unanimously.
Dublin Lake: A letter was sent to water front property owners to point out how we can best preserve our water bodies.
The remaining members of the Dublin Lake Preservation Committee are meeting soon with the Selectmen to define their ongoing role and to encourage the Selectmen to nominate additional Committee members.
The year’s final set of water testing has taken place and results are expected soon.
The Lake Host program has been completed for the year, with a funding shortfall provided by the Beech Hill/Dublin Lake Watershed Association. The New Hampshire Lakes Association has $56 left from Dublin which can be used next year. Bill Goodwin once again did a wonderful job of managing this program for the town. There were no weeds found on boats inspected by the Lake Hosts.
Japanese Knotweed: A test program to bring Japanese knotweed under control using sap-sucking psyllid (Aphalara itadori) was discussed. The Conservation Commission feels that we should apply to be part of a test program to be done in NH using the sap Sucker, which has been effective in Britain. Commissioners approved a motion to try the procedure when it becomes available.
Commissioners feel that effort should be made to collaborate with Harrisville on the knotweed problem.
We plan to remove the plastic from the knotweed test site in Dublin because the test is completed when the knotweed is ‘cooked’. It was decided to try the Round-up again.
Clifford Beauty Parlor and Art Studio: The Dublin Conservation Commission passed the following resolution unanimously: “The Conservation Commission sees no undesirable effects to the environment from the Clifford’s proposal to have a beauty parlor and an art studio in their building.” The resolution was delivered to the selectmen meeting which was in progress.
Fall Land Monitoring: Procedures for monitoring land was discussed. Formal guidelines will be followed which include viewing full perimeter, completion of questions on the form and photos and GPS information.
CSA Farm: After discussion of a CSA farm on town land, the DCC noted that it was an interesting idea and that we should research it.
DCC Budget: The draft 2010 budget was discussed. A report on proposed budget modifications will be handled in a separate report. The 2009 budget will probably be over budget.
Galerucella Beetles: The final group of 2009 beetles was distributed on August 28 on the northeastern shore of Mud Pond, the wetlands along Monument Road and the land on the north side of 10 near Webber’s Nursery. Distributors saw more evidence of previous beetle activity. The Commission expects that several more years of beetle distribution will be needed to really impact the Purple Loosestrife in town.
Howe Reservoir Park Project: The Monadnock Rotary Club will continue a project this Saturday, September 19, to clear the existing trails and the new canoe launch site. Everyone who would like to help is invited. The Conservation Group in Walpole will advise the Rotary Club on planting wildflowers. There are plans to connect trails with the ones on the Burnham and Vogel properties to the north and tying them to the Sunapee trail. The hope is to have them ready for cross country skiing and snow shoeing this winter. The Rotary Club is preparing a grant for funds to buy picnic tables and benches for the park.
The Conservation Commissioners approved the mowing of the Howe Reservoir meadow and the town land at Life Safety on Hwy 137.
Blackberry Lane: Jack and Rusty cleared Blackberry Lane from the main road to the trees.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 PM. The next meeting will be at 7:00 PM, October 14. It will be followed with meetings on November 18 and December 9.
Respectfully submitted, Jerry Branch, acting secretary.
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