CONSERVATION COMMISSION MEETING
DATE:
MEMBERS PRESENT: Larry Cook, Brett St. Clair, Darlene Jarvis, Ron Jarvis, Matt Lavey, Margaret Watkins
MEMBERS ABSENT: George Holt
OLD BUSINESS:
Milfoil in Gorham Pond
Lou Deberio, who owns a residence on Gorham Pond, met with the commission to talk about control of milfoil at the pond. The state treated the pond in 2002 with a liquid. (The more effective pellets could not be used because the Whitney camp has a pipe which runs to the water from the camp). Unfortunately milfoil reappeared in the spring of 2003. Future treatments are likely to cost between four and six thousand dollars. Grant money is available but must be applied for and will only cover half of this cost.
After a lengthy discussion, members of the commission agreed that the town, not the conservation commission, should appropriate monies needed to pay for treating town water bodies. The commission is willing to help the residents of Gorham Pond secure whatever funding is available and to ask our state representatives to support legislation to help towns deal with this invasive species.
Mr. Deberio explained what steps have been taken to address the problem. He stated that he earlier met with the Selectmen in hopes that the budget would include funding for a treatment this year. He is working with Ken Warren and Amy Smagula of the Department of Environmental Services. The Gorham Lake Association has posted signs at the public boat launch and residents have asked boaters to check their boats as they take them out, often to no avail.
The commission plans to schedule a milfoil presentation by DES at one of our meetings in the near future.
Scenic roads
Members agreed to have George Holt order signs for all the scenic roads in town. Most will need two, one for each end. The signs will be paid for out of the commission’s operating budget.
(See UPCOMING EVENTS for public hearing on scenic road tree cutting)
Gravel pit area on
Margaret Watkins and Ron Jarvis determined that a small culvert will need to be installed in order to provide access for equipment to reach the esker. An application will need to be submitted to the Wetlands Bureau for processing.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Public Service of NH (PSNH) has requested a public hearing on tree cutting and trimming along scenic roads. PSNH will be doing the work in town throughout this coming year.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
May 12, 2004, 7:30 PM – Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing in the town offices for the purpose of discussing PSNH’s plan to trim and and remove trees on scenic roads
NEXT CC MEETING:
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: Darlene M. Jarvis