DUNBARTON CONSERVATION
COMMISSION - 2003
In
April the Conservation Commission held a public meeting to collect input for
the long-term management plan. Another
public meeting will be held this year to review a first draft. In June the Conservation Commission held an
informal “Cleanup Day”. Trash was picked
up along Rangeway Road (formerly Legache
Hill Road), Kimball Pond Road, and at the boat launch. The dam was inspected and a report filed with
the state as required. Possible future
parking sites along Kimball Pond Road were identified. In September, a majority of the property
boundary was blazed. The remaining
property boundary will be blazed this winter and spring.
The
Conservation Commission has been steadily working with the NH Department of
Revenue Administration to resolve tax issues related to the purchase of the
N.J. Nassikas Corporation and to its
dissolution. The tenant in the house
acquired as part of the Nassikas land purchase has
been keeping the property insured and in good repair, and he reports regularly
to the Conservation Commission.
In
October, three Gorham Pond residents met with the Conservation Commission and
asked for help with their fight to control this invasive species. The Selectmen, with whom the residents had
also met, have asked the Conservation Commission to come up with a monitoring
and protection plan for all water bodies in Dunbarton. Information is being collected from the state
and other sources so a plan can be put together.
In
the 1970s, by a vote at Town Meeting, eight roads in Dunbarton were designated
as Scenic Roads. These roads are Black
Brook Road, County Road, Gile Road, Guinea Road, Rangeway Road (formerly Legache
Hill Road), Line Hill Road, Stone Road, and Tenney Hill
Road.
The
Conservation Commission, the Board of Selectmen, the Planning Board, and the
Board of Zoning Adjustment held a joint meeting to discuss upgrade requirements
of Gile Road as it related to a subdivision
application and the Scenic Road designation.
Residents
concerned about tree cutting on Tenney Hill Road met
with the Conservation Commission. A
result of this meeting is that the Conservation Commission is considering
signage for our Scenic Roads in order to increase public awareness of which roads
are designated as Scenic Roads.
The
Dunbarton Master Plan is currently being updated. A member of the Conservation Commission
serves on the Master Plan Steering Committee.
The Master Plan provides guidance on how the Town grows and develops. Everyone is encouraged to participate, or at
least keep informed, by attending hearings, providing feedback and volunteering
on sub-committees. The Conservation
Commission is not only responsible for ensuring wetland applications and
impacts are reviewed, but is also concerned about over-development in Town,
loss of open space and wildlife habitat, and the impact on quality of life and
town character.
Conservation
Commission members conducted the annual monitoring of conservation easements
for which the Town serves as grantee.
Members reviewed five applications for wetland crossings, four for
subdivision roads, and one for a fire pond.
There was one wetland complaint in which the Conservation Commission was
involved.
All
residents are reminded that any activity involving wetlands, including stream
crossings, requires a permit from the NH Wetlands Bureau in the Department of
Environmental Services. Please contact a Conservation Commission member, or
attend our monthly meeting, if you have any questions about wetlands laws or
have a project that might affect wetlands.
One resident did just that, and after having a soil scientist come out
to identify the edge of the wetlands, he was able to adjust his plans to avoid
the wetlands.
The
Conservation Commission meets the second Wednesday of the month at 7:30 pm in
the Town Offices. The public is welcome
to attend. The minutes of the
Conservation Commission meetings are available on the Town website.
Respectfully submitted,
Lawrence Cook, Chair
Brett St. Clair, Vice Chair
Darlene Jarvis, Secretary
George Holt
Ronald Jarvis
Mathew Lavey
Margaret Watkins
Jacques Belanger, Alternate