Conservation Commission Minutes 4/24/19

Stratham Conservation Commission
Meeting Minutes
Public Session
April 24, 2019

Conservation Commission Members Present: Bill McCarthy, Bob Keating, Ana Egana, Dan McAuliffe, Bill Kenny; Brad Jones; Pat Elwell; Tim Copeland

Meeting Called to order @ 7:08 PM

CC minutes:   Mar 27 Public
Pat Elwell moved to approve as written; Bob Keating second – motion passed unanimously

Apr 10 Public and Non-Public
Pat Elwell moved to approve as written; Bob Keating second – motion passed unanimously

Mailbox:
             Flyer from NH Lakes 2019 - lakes congress May 30-31;

            Flyer – recycling still rules and it is cool in schools, meeting May 20-21

            Letter from NHDOT – resurfacing tier 2 roads, within state right of way, most around College Rd.  Don’t believe that mitigation required but requests list should it be needed

Beavers in SHP:
            Bill Kenny presented information regarding Beavers.  Permission is required for removal of Beavers.  Beavers don’t cut evergreens or move beyond about 100 yards from edge of pond.  Annual harvesting season, and beavers can be trapped off season but doesn’t really happen any longer.  Relocation no longer available.  Can protect trees with hardwire cloth, and for lethal control would need to contact local conservation officer or NH Fish and Game regional office.

            Concern that Beaver damage weakens trees that could fall, so CC recommends for the Park Association to identify areas of affected trees, protect those that need it and cut damaged trees. Will continue to monitor through the summer.

7:29PM
            Ana Egana motioned to enter Non-Public Session, Pat Elwell second; Motion passed unanimously

7:56 PM
            Tim Copeland motioned to exit Non-Public Session and seal the minutes, Brad Jones second; Motion passed unanimously

Eversource:
            Wetland application for replacement of poles. 7400 acres involved in total project. 

Pat Elwell move to approve application and have Bill McCarthy sign as chair, Tim Copeland second; Motion passed unanimously

Town Cleanup Day:
            Tim Copland obtained chocolate from Lindt, Bill McCarthy contacted Seth regarding advertising on SHP sign at entrance to park, Dan McAuliffe obtained the banner, Roll away dumpster and Pavilion reserved.  David Moore stated that someone from town will pick up the bags. Flyers will go out after school vacation and Facebook posting up.

            Cleanup will occur between 10Am and 2PM 18-May, believe that CC has enough bags, and subs will be purchased from Market Basket ad coffee from Dunkin Donuts.

Barker Easement Site walk:
            Bob Keating, Bill McCarthy, Allison Knab, Seth Hickey, Forrest Barker, 2 SELT representatives and Edie Barker attended.  Edie wanted to close selected trails that were being eroded or not used much, as well as a reroute of a trail.  Seth had closed a section of that trail in the past due to wetness.  There was agreement on the plan to close and reroute trails. At the back of the easement there is a wet spot on the Soggy Dollar trail.  Some work will occur when Timberland volunteers come to help.  Signage will be used to close proposed trails. 

Barker Easement:
            ALE easement ready to proceed.  Would  like to close both easements at the same time, and this has a July time frame.

eBikes in SHP trail system:
            Town does not have a definition for “motorized vehicle”.  This is difficult to define.  Proposed the following concepts to help to develop a definition:

Electric power assisted vehicles that assist mechanical use at a lower rate of speed (maximum speed of 20mph when solely powered by the motor), no emissions or very minimal, no special license is required, not fossil fueled generating less than 1 hp.

8:37 PM
Pat Elwell moved to adjourn meeting, Ana Egana second – motion passed unanimously; Meeting adjourned

Next regular meeting scheduled for 7 PM on Wednesday, May 8th at the Municipal Center.

Respectfully Submitted:
Ana Egana
Serving as Secretary