Town of Auburn

Conservation Committee

May 4, 2010

 

The monthly meeting of the Conservation Committee of the Town of Auburn was held in the Town Hall at 7:06 p.m.

Present:  Chuck Joy, President; Anne Gagnon; Stephanie Hanson; Jill Morrison; Jeff Porter; and Alan Villeneuve.

Absent: Paul Raiche and Jacqueline Cote (alternate).

 

Minutes

The minutes of the last meeting were approved.

 

Old Business

Chuck Joy asked if everything was all set for Trash Day on 05/08. Alan reiterated that everything was set for Saturday, 05/08 to start from the Fire Department.  The routes, maps and bags are ready.   The Fire Department will pick up the bags.  Around 11 a.m., they will begin cooking lunch.  People can pick up trash in any area that they choose.

Chuck stated the Conservation Committee paid dues to the State Conservation Association including last year’s dues.

Chuck asked how the Tread Lightly festival went. Anne, Stephanie, and Jill stated it went well.  There were 50+ children in attendance.  The weather was not conducive to outside activities; however, everyone seemed to enjoy the planned activities.  Also, they met people who were interested and had information concerning conservation issues, i.e. Julia Steedmossen from UNH Cooperative Extension, Kelly Dwyer and Janice Hood from Audubon Society provided networking information. She mentioned that she is willing to put something together to put a meeting together.  First, we have to focus on exactly what we want to accomplish, then she will help us do that.  Stephanie asked what is our top priority.  Anne asked if we should educate the public more.  Alan is wondering if we had prioritized open spaces or forests. 

 

Chuck received, “The New Hampshire Municipal Conservation Fund Guidebook” and felt this should be reviewed by all members of the committee.  It is published by the Society for the Protection of NH Forests and summarizes the focus of conservation commissions, the basics, and where to go for further help.  It is an excellent source of information and facts for the committee.

Jill stated that the Audubon staff was very helpful also.  The auditorium can be used at any time.  She felt it is a good partnership to have with the committee.

Stephanie felt it would be good to have any input from other sources.  Historical preservation organizations to protect farms or conserve land can also be an avenue.

 

New Business

Alan stated that in the future the committee should focus on areas of land for conservation easements.  Money in the conservative fund is non-lapsing and can provide opportunity to budget for anticipated expenditures.  That topic is also discussed in the guidebook.   

Chuck attended a meeting with Stoney Worster and the Southern NH Planning Commission, Amy Kizak, GIS analyst to discuss the open space plan.  Maps were changed, properties were re-colored that are owned by Manchester Water Works, which is the major issue as it cannot act as conservation land if it not an easement  of perpetuity. So, basically, the land owned by Water Works’ has been taken out of the conservation area.  In this way, we will know what parcels of land are protected.  The calculations stand, however, it was not accurately identified on the map.   Once that is done, the Town will decide what is the next step as part of the Town’s Master Plan.  Again, issues like these are discussed in the guidebook.

Jeff Porter stated our plan is to work with the open space numbers. He had concern about how to identify the high value parcels.  Stephanie felt that by re-coloring the map, it will help convince people that there is not really as much open space as it once appeared.  This issue is also covered in the guidebook.  Again, Stephanie stated this is a good reason why we should list our top 5 priorities.

Jeff Porter attended a meeting in Concord for a Wetlands Preservation Plans meeting.  It is a program by the USDA NRCS. They also do farms and ranch lands.  They discussed the avenues used in wetland preservation.  They talked about Federal funds that can be used to purchase land and easements. Programs run periodically and grants are given.  They do not announce these dates on a regular basis but when they do, the applications have to be ready and in place. Any funds received can be used to purchase open space.  Jeff has the information packet, if anyone is interested.

Alan Villeneuve made a motion to adjourn. Jeff Porter seconded the motion.  The meeting adjourned at 8:38 p.m.