CONSERVATION COMMISSION MEETING
DATE:
MEMBERS PRESENT: Larry Cook, Brett St. Clair, Darlene Jarvis, Mel Gendron, George Holt, Rick Kiah, Matt Lavey, Stan Sowle, Mark Wamser, Margaret Watkins
MEMBERS ABSENT: Ron Jarvis
MINUTES: Minutes from April’s meeting were accepted
PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING UPGRADES TO THE
This second hearing is the direct result of the Selectmen’s
decision to have the Chan’s widen the section of
Jacques Belanger discussed the probable impacts a wider travel way will have. He stated that a few more trees will be lost and more may be adversely affected. About 400 feet of stonewall will be disturbed and the road will “snake” between trees and poles near the Brennan’s property.
Kathy MacKinnon commented on the number of “blind spots” in the road and said she thought the whole road should be one width. She asked why there were no set parameters as to width of scenic roads in town. Joanne Antonia lamented the loss of large trees as they take years to attain their size and said she feels scenic roads do not need to be wider than 18 feet.
Brett St. Clair moved that the Conservation Commission vote to approve the upgrades to the scenic road (Gile Hill) to an 18 foot travel way with 2 foot shoulders with the understanding that the Chan’s will do a good job, removing as few trees as necessary in order to maintain the character of the road. The motion was seconded and passed.
OLD BUSINESS:
Gating of
Present for this discussion were Rick and Joanne Antonia, Mark Antonia, Jonathan Dionne, Ernie Gagnon and Tim Mihoy. Larry Cook explained that the Commission is considering installing gates to control inappropriate uses of the conservation area such as dumping, partying, camping, etc. No one disputed that illegal dumping is an ongoing problem.
Limiting access by gating the northern end of Legache
prompted some discussion regarding recreational uses. Tim Mihoy and
Jonathan Dionne were concerned that they might lose ATV access to the
area. Brett St. Clair clarified what
uses are allowed and stated that ATV riders must have written landowner
permission. He also explained that the snowmobile
corridor trail is permitted by written agreement and will remain open for use
by snowmobiles only. The discussion
ended with Rick and Joanne Antonia expressing support for gates at both ends of
Brett St. Clair moved that the Commission recommend to the
Selectmen that we gate
NEW BUSINESS:
Local projects/Wetland Bureau updates
Tucker Hill erosion problem – large amount of sediment has eroded into the wetland across the street. Letter needs to be drafted so DES is aware of situation.
Whittier, Damien (Route 77) – Property is for sale. Upland manmade pond has been dredged and no vegetation remains, a cover letter has been drafted by Larry Cook
CORRESPONDENCE:
From Fitzwilliam Conservation Commission – letter to alert all Conservation Commissions to legislation which could override and nullify local ordinances meant to protect wetlands, etc. from unregulated ATV use
From Scott Warriner, tenant in former Nassikas homestead – quarterly report confirming excellent condition of premises
NEXT MEETING:
AGENDA:
Nick Holmes/possible KPCA geocache
Local project/Wetlands Bureau updates
Other business
RESPECTFULLLY SUBMITTED: Darlene M. Jarvis