Town of Auburn

Conservation Committee

February 2, 2010

The monthly meeting of the Conservation Committee of the Town of Auburn was held In the Town Hall at 7:00 p.m.  Chuck Joy presided. 

Present:  Chuck Joy; Anne Gagnon;  Jill Morrison; Jeff Porter; Paul

Raiche; and Alan Villeneuve.  

Absent: Alternates: Jacqueline  Cote, Stephanie Hanson, and Duffy Smiley.

MINUTES

The minutes of the last meeting were approved.

OLD BUSINESS

 Topics on the agenda are    Audubon L-CHIP update;  DES notice; and proposed reduction in mosquito population

Mosquitos:   Paul Raiche began by handing out information regarding Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). It is a larvacide used in controlling mosquito populations.  The Board of Selectmen feels this is a health issue and is considering  one of two companies, who perform this service.  The companies would inform and educate the public regarding their participation in eliminating standing pools; the companies would inspect different areas of the Town of Auburn and trap mosquitos to determine where the mosquitos that carry the virus are and where to place the larvacide. There are 40 species of mosquitos in New Hampshire but only five species are of concern.  In May, the larvas of mosquitos are treated.  The larvacide is placed in drains, ditches, manholes, etc.  The larvacide is very short lived in the environment, up to 2 weeks, typically.  It only affects specific insects, i.e. mosquitos, black fly, and fungus gnat.  The cost would be approximately $35,000 per year.  Alan Villeneuve asked how is the effectiveness of this program measured.   Can the Town of Auburn afford to spend this money?  Conservation Committee cannot form an opinion on this matter at this time.

L-CHIP:  Manchester Water Works has committed $400,000 toward the goal of preserving 120-acres of land for the Audubon Society of NH and the Auburn Conservation Committee and the Board of Selectmen has committed $100,000. The Audubon Society was given $200,000 as part of a matching grant toward their quest toward $1,000,000. There is another grant that has not been heard from yet and other grants may be investigated.  The Conservation Committee supports this action.

NEW BUSINESS

Road Salt: Jill Morrison stated that a resident brought up that Hooksett Road has heavy salt use.  They wondered if the Town of Auburn could be made a “low salt use” as this would be a perfect town to have this because of Lake Massabesic.   The State of NH salts an area of Hooksett road and the Town of Auburn salts from Exit 2 to the Hooksett town line. The Town of Auburn uses a 50% sand/salt mix.   Jill Morrison will get some facts regarding this issue.  The Bureau of the Environment has done a lot of testing, sampling and has information.   The Conservation Committee will review the pros and cons of “low salt use.” 

Driveway sealers:  This will be on next’s month agenda as there will be a speaker concerning this matter.

NRAC:  The Natural Resource Advisory Committee if looking for the Conservation Committee to appoint a representative and an alternate to attend their Advisory Board 5 times a year.  They meet the 2/16; 4/20; 6/5; 9/21; and 11/16, between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m.  Their address is 438 Dubuque Street, Manchester, NH   03l02.  If anyone is interested, please contact Chuck Joy.

Wetland setback:  We are continuing to work on open spaces and wetland setbacks.  Jeff Porter read that the Conservation Committee will review any structures placed within the 75 feet and under of a level 1 setback. 

Open spaces:  Will be on next month’s agenda.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m.