Conservation Commission Minutes 3/14/18
Stratham Conservation Commission
Meeting Minutes
Public Session
March 14, 2018
Conservation Commission Members Present: Bill McCarthy, Allison Knab, Bob Keating, Ana Egana, Pat Elwell, Dan McAuliffe, Tim Copeland
Others: Paul Deschaine, Seth Hickey, Caroline Kaneer, Andrea Benson
Meeting Called to order @ 7:01 PM
Mailbox:
SELT – planning to perform monitoring on Zarnowski easement
RCCD – Annual report
Rockingham Planning Commission:
Teresa Walker described proposed chapter for Master Plan regarding Coastal Hazards and Adaptation. The chapter includes maps illustrating forecasted water rise impacts to conserved lands in Stratham which the Planning Board could use for land use discussions. Teresa needs comments back in about a week.
Tim Copeland expressed his concerns regarding the basis for the predictions for the forecasted water level rise.
4th Grade Bio-blitz:
Caroline Kaneer and Andrea Benson described a bio-blitz that they are organizing for the 4th grade class which will take place on the school campus and Stratham Hill Park.
The bio-blitz is proposed to take place in May and will include a day long inventory of all living things that the students find. One possible outcome will be to create a “field guide” that could be used for public education.
Caroline and Andrea asked if there are any volunteers who could help. Seth Hickey suggested that they contact John Dodge who is a former forest ranger, and Allison Knab suggested that Bob Keating is a great resource of knowledge.
SHP Pump Track:
Seth Hickey came to discuss the proposed construction of a new pump track in Stratham Hill Park at the selectmen’s request. The Seacoast Velokids and Portsmouth Rotary are working together to raise funding and the Seacoast Velokids will maintain the new pump track.
Allison Knab expressed concern that this will result in having a pump track on both sides of the road. Seth also indicated that the original pump track will be preserved, at least for the time being, for extra capacity.
Town Update:
Paul Deschaine stated that the BOS approved Eversource’s request for access to the Scullers property.
Paul also stated that the warrant article to expand the Town Center district was rejected
8:04 PM
Bill McCarthy moved to adjourn meeting, Tim Copeland second – motion passed unanimously; Meeting adjourned
Next regular meeting scheduled for 7 PM on Wednesday, March 25th at the Municipal Center.
Respectfully Submitted:
Bill McCarthy
Serving as temporary Secretary