Dublin Conservation Commission
Minutes
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
The meeting began at 7:05PM. Commission members attending: Jack Lewis (chair), Karen Bunch, Rusty Bastedo, Susan Macy.
1. Minutes of September 10, 2009 were approved as amended.
2. Report on Dublin Lake activities (Karen Bunch, secretary): a) The Dublin Lake preservation Committee is being reorganized, and an organizational meeting should be scheduled shortly.
b) The Volunteer Lake Assessment Program monitors water quality conditions in Dublin Lake, taking water samples to Concord’s Department of Environmental Services for testing throughout the year. Cost for 2009, $2700. Costs have until now been underwritten by the Garden Club of Dublin and the Conservation Commission; we have now been informed that the Beech Hill-Dublin Watershed Association will now help with costs, reducing demands on the Town of Dublin operating budget by $450 (2009 figure). The DCC welcomes the additional support.
Testing conducted September 10, 2009 has raised concerns over conductivity, turbidity and phosphorous levels at several points around the Lake. Samples drawn from these sites are being tested now at DES in Concord and the DCC expects results before their next (November) meeting.
c) The lake Host program has concluded successfully this year, and no new traces of milfoil or other invasive species have been found on boats using the Public Landing during 2009. The DCC is writing a grant application for 2010 funding of the Lake Host program. It is felt this program is of essential importance to the Town of Dublin and its inhabitants. Bill Goodwin, who did a fine job of running the program this year, has agreed to return next year as the program’s coordinator for Dublin.
d) During the summer NH Fish & Game transferred some smallmouth bass from Dublin Lake to another body of water in Middleton, NH. The latter had been drained to repair a dam; the NH Fish &Game boat used for the transfer had been commented upon by several Dublin residents.
e) No milfoil or other ‘invasives’ have been seen at Dublin Lake during 2009, thanks to continued careful monitoring.
3. The DCC examined a site on Upper Jaffrey Road for a dredge and fill permit and approved same. The dredge and fill application must also be approved by the Dublin Planning Board, and by the Department of Environmental Services and the applicants have been so advised
4. The DCC is planning for November 2009 examinations/inspections of properties owned by the Town of Dublin, LCIP and the NH Forests, dates to be determined.
5. A first meeting of the DCC with the Town of Dublin Budget Committee has been held concerning the 2010 town budget. The meeting went well.
6. Considerable clearing of trails at Howe reservoir has been undertaken by volunteers from the DCC, Dublin Rotary and Dublin School. The first such efforts were made Saturday, September 19; additional clearing will be scheduled during 2009/2010.
7. During summer 2009 the DCC experimented with methods recommended for eradicating Japanese Knotweed, an ‘invasive’ that is present in large quantities throughout the Monadnock Region, as well as throughout the state. During 2010 efforts will be made to work with the Town of Harrisville on eradication of this pest.
Other Business
8. A meeting of the Cheshire County Agricultural Forum is set for Tuesday November 10, 6:30 PM at Heberton Hall on Winter Street, Keene.
9. Howe Reservoir water levels have dropped approximately one foot over the past few days, as DES prepares Howe Reservoir for winter by draining.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 PM.
Respectfully submitted, Russell Bastedo, (acting) secretary
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