The Walpolean

Minutes for the Regular Meeting of the

Walpole Conservation Commission

December 5, 2016

Present:  Tom Beaudry (Chair); John Peska, Lew Shelley, Kelli Wilson, Alicia Flammia, Duncan Watson; Alternate Member: Gary Speed, Whit Aldrich (Selectboard Representative), Elaine Heleen, alt (acting as secretary)

Not Present:  Myra Mansouri

Call To Order:  Mr. Beaudry, Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM.

Seating of Alternates:  No alternates were needed to achieve quorum.

Review and Approve Minutes: Corrections: The Monadnock Conservancy article was not written by Mr. Shelley; he was featured in it. The next meeting date had skipped a month and should have been December 5^th.  Mr. Shelley moved to accept the Minutes of the November 7, 2016, meeting as corrected.  Mr. Peska seconded the motion.  With all in favor, the minutes were approved.

PUBLIC SESSION:

Report from Chair:

Treasury / Budget:  Mr. Beaudry did not get the November balances of the Conservation Commission Savings Account or the Forestry Account. They will be included in next month’s report. Of the budget of $6,729, the YTD amount spent was $2,392 as of 12/5/16.

Correspondence:

Mr. Beaudry received the following correspondence:

• NH Cooperative Extension will have a meeting 12/14/16 in Salisbury, NH on Forest Laws for Municipal Officers & Volunteers
• NH DES will be doing emergency repairs to a deteriorating footer (location not clear).
• Copies of 3 stumpage checks from the Water Co. lot totaling almost $11,000. The equipment is now gone so they are done harvesting. The consensus is that a good job was done.

OLD BUSINESS:

Town Forester:  The RFP (Request for Proposal) for a new Town Forester went out this morning to 4 foresters and Mr. Robarge. All proposals are asked to be in the Town Hall before 1/9/17 when they will be reviewed.

Maplewood Circle: Mr. Shelley went to look at the property and took photos.  A Red Oak does lean towards her house and a Cherry leans to her neighbor.  Nothing is an imminent hazard. He gave her the name of some people who can assess how much it would cost to remove some of her branches.

NEW BUSINESS:

Monadnock Conservancy has sent out an appeal “Keep Farming Strong in Walpole”.  Mr. Beaudry again brought up the fact that there were only 4 farms lost in the State not 19. Mr. Watson moved to deny the appeal since we have a policy of funding administrative costs when land is put into Easement.  Seconded by Mr. Speed. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OTHER BUSINESS:

The Nerries of Distant Hill Gardens are looking to do an Easement on 37 acres with the Conservancy.  A Conservancy member will be coming to a meeting soon to ask for money to make this happen.

Mason Forest kiosk:  Some citizens are asking for signage for the Fanny Mason Annex as they were unable to find the trails. This will be taken care of in the Spring.

Next Meeting:  Because of the Federal holiday on January 2nd, the next meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 9, 2017 at 7:30 PM.

Alternate Member Peter Palmiotto arrived at 8:11pm but had nothing to add or report.

ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Watson moved to adjourn this meeting.  Mr. Speed seconded.  With all members in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:12 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Elaine Heleen, Acting Recording Secretary

Minutes for the Regular Meeting of the

Walpole Conservation Commission

November 7, 2016

Present:  Tom Beaudry (Chair); John Peska, Lew Shelley, Kelli Wilson, Alicia Flammia, Whit Aldrich (Selectboard Representative), Elaine Heleen, alt (acting as secretary)

Not Present:  Regular Members:  Duncan Watson; Alternate Members:  Peter Palmiotto, Gary Speed, Myra Mansouri

Call To Order:  Mr. Beaudry, Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:32 PM.

Seating of Alternates:  No alternates were needed to achieve quorum.

Review and Approve Minutes: Corrections: Under the section Maplewood Circle, the “main tree is on the” Mill Pond land not the Mason Forest land. Mr. Shelley moved to accept the Minutes of the October 3, 2016, meeting as corrected.  Mr. Peska seconded the motion.  With all in favor, the minutes were approved.

PUBLIC SESSION:

Report from Chair:

Treasury / Budget:  Mr. Beaudry reported that as of October 31, 2016, the balance of the Walpole Conservation Commission Savings Account is $88,458.97 and the Forestry Account is $21,622.97.   This includes $9,264.77 in deposits from Garland lumber.

Correspondence:

Mr. Beaudry received the following correspondence:

• Monadnock Conservancy Newsletter (includes an article by Lew Shelley)
• Connecticut River Watershed Council
  • 2016 Annual Report
  • Request to join CRWC and donate (tabled until next meeting)
• Supply Line- DES newsletter

NEW BUSINESS:

Town Forester:  A draft of the RFP (Request for Proposal) for a new Town Forester was presented. Issues of timeliness of response, attendance at meetings, and single person vs a firm were discussed. As Ms. Flammia has experience with RFPs, she has volunteered to create a draft with assistance from other members. Mr. Peska moved to have Ms. Flammia put together a RFP for the purpose of hiring a new Town Forester.  Seconded by Mr. Shelley. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Current Use Meeting:  November 20, 2016 in the Town Hall.

2017 Budget: For last several years the WCC has held to a level budget.  Without the budget reports, no changes are expected for the next year.  Mr. Shelley moved to keep the budget for 2017 the same as the 2016 budget.  Seconded by Ms. Flammia.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

TransCanada Dam Relicensing:  There is a sale pending for all 13 dams, with tributary dams being looked at for sale purposes.

DES Inspection of Reservoir Dam:  This has already happened without notification of any Walpole residents including Mark Houghton or the Conservation Commission.

WCC Meeting –November 7, 2016- Page 2

Mason Forest kiosk:  Per Mr. Shelley, this will be at the top of the list for next spring as it will not be possible before then. Trail work will also be done at that time.

Cheshire County Conservation Annual Meeting: Attended by Alicia Flammia, Kelli Wilson, Elaine Heleen, Gary Speed, and Tom Beaudry.  The presentation on Coyotes was well done although Mr. Speed did add quiet editorial comments which were well liked by his tablemates. Eloise Clark and Rebecca Whippie were awarded Educators of the Year and did a marvelous job with their acceptance speeches. Ms. Flammia was impressed at the wide range of services and projects offered by the Cheshire County Conservation District.

Maplewood Circle: Mr. Speed is not available to report on the tree situation, but members agree that WCC cannot be responsible for limbs/branches hanging over private property. Mr. Shelley will look at the property if Mr. Speed has not done so.

OTHER BUSINESS:

Boat launch: Ms. Flammia noticed that the boat launch off Rt. 12 has a gate. It was explained that there had been damage to the property and inappropriate behavior. The gate only closes off vehicular traffic; foot traffic is still allowed.

Boy Scouts:  Adam Terrill had leftover funds of $13.00 that had been raised for his Eagle Project.  He has elected to donate it to the Conservation Commission. Mr. Peska moved to accept the $13.00 from Adam Terrill and then donate it to the Boy Scouts.  Seconded by Ms. Flammia.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Tools: Mr. Shelley purchased the tools as discussed in previous meetings. Mr. Peska moved to refund Mr. Shelley the $357.81 for purchase of tools for WCC.  Seconded by Ms. Flammia.  With all in favor, the motion was approved. They are currently being stored in Mr. Shelley’s garage until a locked box can be found for storage at the Town Garage.

Dairies: There was confusion from an article in the Keene Sentinel regarding the number of dairies in the state and the effects of the drought.  The Commissioner of Agriculture says that the question was asked two different ways and the wrong number was applied to the overall number of dairies in New Hampshire.  Walpole has 8 dairies which is the largest number for any town. “We do not have the largest number of cows but we do have the most dairy farms” per Mr. Beaudry.

Naming of the Falls: Per USGS, the proposed geographic name is “Great Falls”.  The WCC can approve the name, reject it or take action.  Mr. Peska moved to approve the name of the falls as “Great Falls” .  Seconded by Mr. Shelley.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Next Meeting:  Because of the Federal holiday on January 2nd, the next meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 9, 2017 at 7:30 PM.

ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Peska moved to adjourn this meeting.  Ms. Flammia seconded.  With all members in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:40 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Elaine Heleen, Acting Recording Secretary

(Note:  These are unapproved Minutes.  Any corrections will be found in the December 5, 2016, Conservation Commission meeting.)

Minutes for the Regular Meeting of the

Walpole Conservation Commission

June 6, 2016

Present:  Tom Beaudry (Chair); John Peska, Lew Shelley, Joseph Aldrich (Selectboard Representative)

Alternates:  Elaine Heleen, Myra Mansouri

Not Present:  Regular Members:  Duncan Watson, Kelli Wilson, Alicia Flammia

Alternate Members:  Peter Palmiotto, Gary Speed

Call To Order:  Mr. Beaudry, Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM.

Seating of Alternates:  Mr. Beaudry requested that alternate members Elaine Heleen and Myra Mansouri sit on the Board for this meeting.

Review and Approve Minutes:  Mr. Shelley moved to accept the Minutes of the May 2, 2016, meeting as presented.  Mrs. Heleen seconded the motion.  With all in favor, the minutes were approved.

Mr. Peter Rhoades – Water Company Timber Harvest and Town Forests:  Mr. Rhoades did not attend this meeting.  Hopefully he will be able to attend the July meeting.

PUBLIC SESSION:

Report From Chair:

Treasury / Budget:  Mr. Beaudry reported that as of May 31, 2016, the balance of the Walpole Conservation Commission Savings Account is $88,421.90 and the Forestry Conservation Account is $12,354.07.

Correspondence:

Mr. Beaudry received the following correspondence:

• Monitor – Conservation Easement Stewardship Newsletter – Spring 2016;
• NH Town and City – May/June 2016;
• Society for the Protection of NH Forests publication.

NEW BUSINESS:

NH DES Route 12 Repairs:  A letter was received from the NH Department of Environmental Services (DES) advising that there will be a Public Hearing on the re-design of the Route 12 Project on Wednesday, June 8^th at the Elementary School in North Walpole.  Doors will open at 6:30 PM for folks to look at the revised design and the Public Hearing is at 7:00 PM.  Now the State is not moving the railroad tracks.  Mr. Peska plans to attend and will report next month.

Fanny Mason Forest:  Mr. Beaudry received a letter from Mr. Palmiotto.  There is a graduate student at Antioch College who is working on her Environmental Studies Master’s Degree.  Her thesis will focus on the effects of road salts on terrestrial and stream salamanders.  In order to conduct her study, she will be searching for salamanders under cover objects, such as logs and rocks, in forested areas near roads.  She asked if the Conservation Commission would allow her to use a portion of the Fanny Mason Forest to conduct a portion of her research.  Mr. Beaudry had given her verbal permission to do so.

Mr. Peska moved to allow the Antioch College student to use a portion of the Fanny Mason Forest for her study.  Seconded by Mrs. Mansouri.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.  

Garland Lumber Company:  Mr. Beaudry advised that they now have an extended Timber Sale Agreement between the Town of Walpole and Garland Lumber Company.  The Selectboard made and approved a motion to sign the extended agreement for twelve (12) months; it will expire on March 31, 2017.

Mr. Peska moved to recommend to the Selectboard that the Garland Lumber Company extend the Timber Agreement for twelve months.  Seconded by Mrs. Mansouri.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Terms of Office:  Mr. Beaudry reported that they now have a full Board as Mrs. Jackie Kensen of Drewsville has expressed an interest in being a WCC member.  A lot of her interest is in agriculture.  She was on the Hooper Commission for many years but this was another opportunity to serve the Town.

Mr. Duncan Watson was also re-appointed by the Selectboard as a regular WCC member.

Current Use Change Payment:  There was no new information on this.  Mr. Aldrich will check into it.

TransCanada Dam Relicensing:  Mr. Beaudry attended a meeting with the head of the re-licensing for TransCanada.  The meeting was at Wilder Dam. Mr. Beaudry’s concern is erosion along the river bank.  TransCanada is looking at environmental issues.  They are required to have a minimum flow in the river at all times.  Everything is set in parameters.  The meeting was very interesting.  TransCanada is trying to balance the flow all the way through.  They did the dredge project in the North Walpole harbor last summer.  One study was done on the erosion and a second one is due in July.  They are complicated and costly. This is a 40-year re-licensing by FERC. There is a lot of information on the TransCanada web-site.

Mr. Shelley reported that there are camp sites all along the River.  Now there is a new camp site in Westminster a little below Allen Bros.  TransCanada has something to do with it.

Mason Forest – Clean-Up: Mr. Shelley proposed two dates for the Mason Forest clean-up; June 18^th or June 25^th.  He would like to work toward June 18^th.  They could meet at 10:00 AM; it will probably take about two hours.  Mr. Beaudry suggested getting the Boy Scouts involved.

OTHER BUSINESS:

Boy Scouts:  Mr. Shelley advised that two Boy Scouts will be doing projects in Town.  Adam Terrell is asking for a letter of support from the WCC to allow him to ask for donations of material for his work at Mill Pond.   Mr. Beaudry asked Mr. Shelley to follow-up on this by writing the letter and then emailing it to him.  Benjamin Haefner will also be doing work in Mill Pond but on a different project than Adam Terrell.

Mr. Peska moved to approve and sign the letter of support for Adam Terrell.  Seconded by Mrs. Heleen.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Gary Speed came into the meeting.

Sludge:  Mr. Beaudry acknowledged receipt of a letter from the DES to Charlie Hansen, Resource Management.  The DES did an inspection and found that the property owner did comply with the concern of sludge in Langdon and Walpole.  Mr. Speed noted that nothing was going into the Cold River. The DES also did an inspection on the bio-solids for the odor.  

Vilas Bridge:  Mrs. Mansouri heard on the news that Bellows Falls was bringing a court case against the State over the Vilas Bridge.  Mr. Beaudry pointed out that the bridge was supposed to be done about ten years ago but the State kept moving it down their Ten-Year Plan and now it is off that list.  Mr. Aldrich reported that the Selectboard members attending a recent joint meeting with the Town of Rockingham and Village of Bellows Falls on the Wastewater Agreement and the issue of the Vilas Bridge was brought up.  It is a State issue between New Hampshire and Vermont.

ATVs:  Mr. Shelley advised that the Governor signed the bill that private land owners can now file claims for damages caused by ATVs.  Mr. Beaudry noted that 4-wheelers also cause property damage.  This might make people think twice because now they are financially responsible for property damage.

Private Driveway Culvert: At the last meeting the question came up about a driveway culvert.  Mr. Shelley called Mrs. Marsha Galloway about that and she said all the work that was done by the Snowmobile Club was run through the Monadnock Conservancy.  He also asked her if they pursued any Grant money.  They felt the State should take care of it.  Mr. Shelley offered to write a letter to the State and bring it back to the next WCC meeting when they can vote on it.

Alyson’s Orchard:  At the last meeting there was a question about Alyson’s Orchard and a subdivision.  Mrs. Mansouri feels that was a Boundary Line Adjustment.  She will check with Marilou Blaine the Planning Board Secretary.

Gravel:  At the last meeting Mr. Shelley mentioned there was a pile of gravel in Christian Hollow.  He discovered that it was for re-doing the roads.

Next Meeting:  Because of the Monday, July 4^th holiday, the next meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 11, 2016, at 7:30 PM.

ADJOURNMENT: Mrs. Mansouri moved to adjourn this meeting.  Mr. Peska seconded.  With all members in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:16 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

(Note:  These are unapproved Minutes.  Any corrections will be found in the July 11, 2016, Conservation Commission meeting.)

Minutes for the Regular Meeting of the

Walpole Conservation Commission

July 11, 2016

Present:  Tom Beaudry (Chair); John Peska, Lew Shelley, Kelli Wilson, Alicia Flammia, Jackie Kensen,

Joseph Aldrich (Selectboard Representative)

Alternates:     Elaine Heleen, Myra Mansouri, Gary Speed

Call To Order:  Mr. Beaudry, Chair, called this meeting to order at 7:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

Seating of Alternates:  Since a full Board was present there was no need to seat alternate members.

Review and Approve Minutes:  Mr. Peska moved to accept the Minutes of the June 6, 2016, meeting with the following correction:  Mr. Palmiotto had requested that on page 1, under Fanny Mason Forest, “Antioch College” be changed to “Antioch University New England”.  Seconded by Mrs. Flammia.  With all in favor, the motion and amendment were approved.

1. PETER RHOADES – Water Company Timber Harvest and Town Forests: Mr. Rhoades was unable to attend this meeting.

PUBLIC SESSION – Report From Chair:

Treasury / Budget:  Mr. Beaudry did not have the bank statements for the end of June.

Correspondence:

Mr. Beaudry received the following correspondence:

• Town and City magazine – July/August issue.

NEW BUSINESS:

NH Route 12 Repairs:  Mr. Peska attended this NH Department of Transportation meeting and reported that the time line is they are looking at soliciting bids in October and awarding a contract this November.  The start date will be in the spring of 2018.  There was lots of discussion relative to the revised plan.  They went with the low option as it is about half what the cost would be for the plan to move the railroad.  They opted for an armored retaining wall and steel enforced embankment with natural vegetation.  The Hydrologic Study has not been done so they do not know what the impact will be further downstream.  They looked at how the flow of the River will be impacted.  Almost 7,000 vehicles travel in both directions on that road daily.  The last major flooding was in 1996.  Some folks who live along the River clearly had concerns about the quality of their wells and erosion along those banks.  Mrs. Lucy Weber, State Representative, was there.  The DOT will have another Public Hearing prior to awarding the contract.  At that time Mr. Peska hopes they will have an opportunity to look at the Hydrologic Study.

Fanny Mason Forest:  There was nothing new on the Fanny Mason Forest.

Garland Lumber Company:  Mr. Beaudry reported that the contract has been signed with Garland Lumber Company and the Town of Walpole.  He asked Mr. Aldrich if one of the signed contracts was returned to Garland.  He will check on it.  Mr. Beaudry has a signed copy.  Mr. Shelley had a question from the Monadnock Conservancy on where the Management Plan was; it is needed for the Easement.  Mr. Beaudry said Mr. Rhoades did a Management Plan.  Mr. Shelley told the Conservancy that nothing is happening now.  They would like to have a copy when the cut begins.

OLD BUSINESS:

Current Use Change Payment:  Mr. Aldrich did not have an answer but he contacted the Department of Revenue Administration to verify if the transaction was done in the right manner.  As soon as he has a response from the DRA he will report to the Conservation Commission.

Up-date – TransCanada Dam Relicensing: Mr. Peska noted that on the sign-in roster at the DOT meeting on the Route 12 project that two TransCanada representatives were there.  He asked how far down the Hydrologic Study would go but they did not have an answer.  They did admit to doing the dredging in North Walpole last year.  Mr. Beaudry mentioned that TransCanada is coming out with their second survey on erosion on Friday.  TransCanada has a re-licensing web-site where they release information; it is involved.

Mason Forest – Clean-Up: Mr. Shelley suggested Saturday, July 30^th.  They will meet at 10:00 AM and do the clean-up until about Noon.  He will send out two reminders to the members.  (Mr. Watson came into the meeting but he has not yet taken the Oath of Office). 

OTHER BUSINESS:

NH Association of Conservation Commissions:  Mr. Beaudry received a booklet from the NH Association of Conservation Commissions that he passed around.  There is an article on invasive plant species.  It looks at projects done in all sections of the State.  We do pay dues to them.

Antioch University New England:  Mr. Beaudry has not heard from the student who did the study in the Fanny Mason Forest.

Natural Resources Advisory Committee:  Mrs. Flammia attended the most recent meeting as she took over Mr. Palmiotto’s seat.  There was a presentation from a member of the US Fish and Game out of Amherst, Mass.  They have a program called “Connect the Connecticut”; she passed around the booklet entitled “Connect The Connecticut – A Roadmap for Conserving the Connecticut River Watershed for Future Generations”.  This is a landscape co-op group with a shared vision.  Twenty organizations are a part of this group.  They want to restore aquatic productivity and look at areas that are right for conservation and stewardship. Their first report came out in June; “connecttheconnecticut.org” has all the documents and information. Mr. Beaudry expressed his concern with the Wildlife Refuge; the land will no longer be used for agriculture as they take out that use.

NEW BUSINESS:

Reservoir Dam:  Mr. Peska and Mr. Mark Houghton have not heard from the Department of Environmental Services (DES).  Mr. Peska will be happy to attend the inspection with Mr. Houghton when they receive notification of the date from the DES.

Merriam Farm Property:  Mr. Shelley had a visit with the new owner of the Merriam Farm property.  They discussed putting an Easement on some of the property.

Hooper Golf Course:  Mr. Speed discussed the CC pond by the Hooper Golf Course as it appears the golf course side of the pond is not going down as fast as the CC part.  In the past members of the golf course asked for permission to use some of that CC pond water but recently they have not done so.  Mr. Peska does not want the Fire Department to run low as they use the CC pond to pump water.  The Community Garden is no longer taking water from the pond.  Mr. Beaudry explained that Cranberry Meadow is on the other side of the CC pond.  The new folks running the golf course might just be turning on the water and not realize where it is coming from.  The lower water level will have an impact on the pond vegetation.  Mr. Beaudry will talk to Mr. Joe Goodhue about this.

Next Meeting:  The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 1^st, 2016, at 7:30 PM.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Peska moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Flammia.  With all in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:16 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

(Note:  These are unapproved Minutes.  Any corrections will be found in the Minutes of the August 01, 2016, Conservation Commission meeting.)

AGENDA

WALPOLE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

MEETING

MONDAY, MAY 2, 2016

7:30 P.M.

Location:  Walpole Town Hall, Downstairs Office

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. ELECTION OF OFFICERS 2016-2017

3. SEATING OF ALTERNATES

4. PUBLIC SESSION:

Report from Chair

1. Treasury / Budget
2. Correspondence

5. NEW BUSINESS:
6. Current Use Change Payment
7. TransCanada Dam Relicensing

6. OLD BUSINESS:
7. Water Co. Timber Harvest
8. Terms of Office
9. Mason Forest – Clean-Up

7. OTHER BUSINESS:
8. Connecticut River Clean-Up – May 7^th

Minutes for the regular meeting of the

Walpole Conservation Commission

Monday, March 7, 2016

Present:  Gary Speed, Sharyn Tullar (alt.), Lewis Shelley, Tom Beaudry, Myra Mansouri (alt.), Alicia Flammia, and Whit Aldrich (SelectBoard representative)

Not Present:  Kelli Wilson, John Peska, Duncan Watson, and Peter Palmiotto (alt.)

Mr. Beaudry, chair, called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM.

Non-Public session: 

Ms. Mansouri and Ms. Tullar were seated to achieve quorum.

Minutes

Corrections to the minutes:  Roy Holman is correctly spelled Homan.  Ms. Wilson was present at the last meeting. Mr. Speed moved to accept the minutes for the February 1, 2016 meeting as corrected. Mr. Shelley seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.

Treasury/Budget Report

As of February 29, 2016, the balance in the Conservation account is: $53,197.22 and in the Forestry account: $12,350.96. The Change of Use money has not yet been received.

Correspondence

1. Annual Report of the Monadnock Conservancy
2. Report of the NH Charitable Foundation. This includes the yearly check from the Robert P. Hubbard Trust of $9,128.91 which will be deposited to the Conservation account.

New Business

1. Only 2 of the 4 members whose terms expire this year are present. Flammia would like to be recommended for another term as a full member. She will write a letter to the Selectboard expressing her interest.  Mr. Speed would like to step down as a full member and be considered for an alternate spot instead. Although Ms. Tullar’s membership is not expiring, she notified the Commission that she will be moving to the other side of the state.  This will open up a 1 year alternate spot.

Old Business

1. There was evidence that Garland Lumber had begun work in the Water Co forest. The road was widened in a couple of spots and a landing spot was created.  However, the excavator that had been in evidence has been removed.  There are 3 piles of logs but they appear to be “pallet” grade per Mr. Speed. As the contract expires on 4/1/16, discussions will be held as to the next step if the harvest cannot be completed.
2. Rhoades has been notified to begin marking the Hooper Forest but there is no evidence that it has yet to be done. Mr. Beaudry will continue to try to contact him.
3. Shelley and Ms. Tullar toured the Academy Ravine to access how much it would take to make it viable again. Mr. Shelley stated that it would be best to bring back the old trail but that it would require much work and money. One idea would be to build a bridge to the monument and recreate the picnic area.  There is much debris in the stream that should be cleared out to avoid problems with future flooding.

Other

1. Elaine Heleen has resigned as Conservation Commission Secretary. Regina Borden, former WCC secretary, has expressed interest in the position.  Mansouri moved to recommend to the Selectboard that Regina Borden be hired as the Secretary for the Walpole Conservation Commission.  Ms. Flammia seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor. Mr. Beaudry will ask to have this put on this week’s agenda for the Selectboard.
2. Speed investigated a complaint in Old Drewsville of a horrendous smell and potential runoff from the biosolids placed on a field near the Cold River. DES had looked into this and found materials in improper places.  Once those materials were moved, it is now in compliance.
3. There will be a conference on 4/9/16 in Alton put on by the Society for the Preservation of NH Forests. Shelley will be doing a presentation and has further information if anyone is interested.
4. Beaudry express thanks for the services of Whit Aldrich, Sharyn Tullar, and Elaine Heleen which was echoed by all present.

Ms. Mansouri moved that the meeting be adjourned at 8:04pm.  Mr. Speed seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.

The next meeting will be Monday, April 4, 2016.

Respectfully submitted,

Elaine Heleen, Recording Secretary

NOTE:  These are unapproved minutes with corrections to be found in the minutes of the next meeting.

Minutes for the regular meeting of the

Walpole Conservation Commission

Monday, February 1, 2016

Present:  John Peska, Gary Speed, Sharyn Tullar (alt.), Lewis Shelley, Tom Beaudry, Myra Mansouri (alt.), Alicia Flammia, Duncan Watson, and Peter Palmiotto (alt.)

Not Present:  Kelli Wilson, Whit Aldrich (SelectBoard representative)

Mr. Beaudry, chair, called the meeting to order at 7:29 PM.

Non-Public session: 

No alternates were needed to achieve quorum.

Minutes

Corrections to the minutes:  #3, Other: the piece of property may be coming up for sale but not definite yet.  #7, Other: Mr. Morgan is considering options for Conservation measures, it is not put under Easement at this time. Mr. Speed moved to accept the minutes for the January 4, 2015 meeting as corrected. Mr. Peska seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.

Treasury/Budget Report

As of December 31, 2016, the balance in the Conservation account is: $53,188.48 and in the Forestry account: $12,348.93.

Correspondence

1. Town & City magazine

New Business

1. Tara Sad suggested a presentation at the Alcott Falls/Academy ravine for the anniversary of Louisa May Alcott’s stay in Walpole. Conservation members agree that since the floods there are unsafe areas and limited views.  Shelley will scout the area to see if a suitable location is possible.

Old Business

1. The Hooper Conservation Easement was signed on January 28, 2016 with the Monadnock Conservancy. The sale of the mansion and golf course are still in process.
2. Rhoades has been notified to begin marking the Hooper Forest and preparing bids for work next winter.
3. Garland Lumber was to be starting work in the Water Co. Forest.
4. After being tabled from last month, discussion continued on the Bobcat Season proposal by NH Fish and Game Commission. Peska moved to take no group action on this issue to avoid politics. Mr. Watson seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.

Other

1. Monadnock Conservancy will hold a NRCS forum on Conservation Easements including funding sources. Stacy Gambrel & Roy Holman are presenting.
2. Marsha Galloway and the Hooper Hoppers are working on the snowmobile trail.

Mr. Watson moved that the meeting be adjourned at 8:14pm.  Mr. Speed seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.

The next meeting will be Monday, March 7, 2016.

Minutes for the regular meeting of the

Walpole Conservation Commission

Monday, January 4, 2016

Present:  Gary Speed, Tom Beaudry, John Peska, Kelli Wilson, Myra Mansouri (alt.), Peter Palmiotto (alt.), Lewis Shelley, and Alicia Flammia

Not Present:  Sharyn Tullar (alt.), Duncan Watson, Whit Aldrich (SelectBoard representative)

Mr. Beaudry, chair, called the meeting to order at 7:31 PM.

Non-Public session: 

No alternates were needed to achieve quorum.

Minutes

Mr. Speed moved to accept the minutes for the December 7, 2015 meeting as presented. Ms. Mansouri seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.  It was noted that Mr. Peska was listed as both Present and Non-Present.  He was indeed Present at the December meeting.

Treasury/Budget Report

As of November 30, 2015, the balance in the Conservation account is: $53,183.96 and in the Forestry account: $12,347.88 which includes a deposit of $2,000.00.

New Business

1. Mr. Palmiotto is stepping down from his position on the SWRPC. Ms. Flammia is interested in the position.  Mr. Speed moved to recommend Ms. Flammia as the representative to the SWRPC. Mr. Peska seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor. Mr. Beaudry will present the recommendation to the Selectboard.
2. Michael Nerrie of Distant Hill Gardens spoke about vernal pools documentation in the Monadnock region. The Ashuelot Valley Environmental Observatory (AVEO) has created a map of currently documented vernal pools: https://www.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=00813910980f4b1a931697e2a27c58d6
3. Mr. Nerrie will be holding a class on 4/29/16 to teach how to recognize the obligatory species (mole salamander, wood frog, fairy shrimp).  Details can be found on his website: http://www.distanthillgardens.org/2016-hours-events/2016-workshops  Additional locations of vernal pools are needed.
4. The Stoddard Conservation Commission is against the opening of a trapping, hounding, and baiting season on bobcats by the NH Fish and Game Commission. The SCC invites the Walpole Conservation Commission to join them in protesting this action. Speed, as a member of the group recommending the season, added information:

In 1989, the number of bobcats had decreased so much that a moratorium was put on trapping them. Five to six years ago, the numbers of calls complaining of bobcats attacking bird feeder & pets had increased so much that Fish & Game was asked to do a survey to determine the actual population. The study was done by Fish & Game, UNH, and NH Trappers Association. Although Walpole was not in the original study which caught 24 cats in Cheshire County, a 37lb adult cat was trapped on Brewery Road.  The cats were tagged, had a tooth removed for aging, and released.  The tags broadcast to UNH every time the cat passed a cell tower.  Fish & Game determined that there were sufficient numbers for a limit of 70-75 cats in a season. Since there is never 100% in a hunt, it is likely that only 50 cats of the more than 1,000 in the state will be killed. Every surrounding state has a bobcat season. The cat from Brewery Road ended up being killed 2 years later in Vermont.

The letter from Stoddard had additional references.  Ms. Flammia moved to table the discussion until the next meeting to investigate all the information.  Mr. Peska seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor (except Mr. Speed who recused himself).

Old Business

1. Academy Ravine behind the Town Garage would not make a good Scout project. It has been worked on in the past and gets flooded out.  The soils are not conducive to good trails due to the shale slopes. Mr. Shelley will discuss this further with Ms. Tullar.
2. No activity yet in the Water Co. Forest. The deadline is April 1^st.
3. The Vose Conservation Easement is moving forward.

Other

1. Monadnock Conservancy letter about the Reservoir Town Forest regarding the Hooper Hoppers snowmobile trail. They want to relocate the trail to avoid some wet areas.
2. Per a Selectboard member, the Jack Franks/Avenru Development Current Use money will be paid and the Conservation Commission will get $25,000 for 2015. The $25,000 for 2014 is in question because it was paid in 2015 but it seems likely that WCC should get some of the 2014 money.
3. Tullar wants to start a process of putting an Easement on property that will be coming up for sale on Prospect Hill. This property would almost connect the Academy Ravine with Hooper.
4. Annual dues for NH Association of Conservation Commissions was previously approved for payment and will be submitted to the Town for payment. Nick Coates has resigned as Executive Director; his interim Director Emily Lord has also moved on.
5. The Hooper Institute has taken down a gate and is offering it to the Conservation Commission. Shelley and Mr. Palmiotto believe that it would be useful at the Fanny Mason Forest. The Trustees will be notified of this opportunity; as well as the building of a kiosk at Fanny Mason.
6. Research on Class 6 roads has revealed that Scoville Road was discontinued from Society Gate to the Surry line in 1928 by Maryanne Tatum. Also the Stage Road was discontinued quite a long time ago.
7. Merriam Farms was sold and closed 12/31/15 to Dan Morgan, abutter, except for two 3 acre lots in Surry. He put it all under Conservation Easement.

Mr. Speed moved that the meeting be adjourned at 8:59pm.  Mr. Peska seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.

The next meeting will be Monday, February 1, 2016.

Respectfully submitted,

Elaine Heleen, Recording Secretary

NOTE:  These are unapproved minutes with corrections to be found in the minutes of the next meeting.

Minutes for the regular meeting of the
Walpole Conservation Commission
Monday, December 7, 2015

Present: Gary Speed, Tom Beaudry, John Peska, Sharyn Tullar (alt.), Kelli Wilson, Myra Mansouri (alt.), and Duncan Watson

Not Present: John Peska, Peter Palmiotto (alt.), Lewis Shelley, Alicia Flammia, Whit Aldrich (SelectBoard representative)

Mr. Beaudry, chair, called the meeting to order at 7:31 PM.

Non-Public session:
As Mr. Watson arrived after the meeting was called to order, Ms. Mansouri was seated to provide quorum.

Minutes
Mr. Speed moved to accept the minutes for the November 2, 2015 meeting as presented. Ms. Wilson seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.

Treasury/Budget Report
As of October 31, 2015, the balance in the Conservation account is: $53,179.59 and in the Forestry account: $10,346.87.

Correspondence
Environmental News
Town and City

New Business
Peter Palmiotto is resigning as Walpole representative for the SW Regional Planning Commission. They have quarterly meetings. This will be brought up again next month.

Old Business
NH Association of Conservation Districts Annual Meeting was attended by Ms. Tullar. The Conservation 101 class was so much in demand that there were 2 sessions offered. The Wildlife Action Plan is now 10 years old and a workshop was presented to bring everyone up to date.
The Conservation Commission Handbook was last purchased in August 2004. Mr. Beaudry will look into ordering some current books.
No activity yet in the Water Co. Forest.
A letter was sent to Terry Knowles. She seems to be in favor of putting on the Conservation Easement prior to the sale of the Hooper.
There was a Public Hearing on December 3, 2015 on Emergency Lanes designation for Derry Hill Road and Eaton Road. The SelectBoard voted to make both of these Emergency Access roads and will be maintained by the Town.
The Class 6 Roads priority list will be finalized and submitted to the SelectBoard.
Cheshire County Conservation District Meeting was attended by Mr. Beaudry and Ms. Tullar. The Keynote Speaker, John Magee was an excellent speaker. One of the things he discussed was a survey of culverts under roads in other parts of the state and then ranked by most prohibitive to least prohibitive. Mr. Beaudry is wondering if anyone might be interested in doing the same for Walpole culverts.
Ms. Tullar was wondering if work should be done to clear Mad Brook in Academy Ravine. Mr. Speed mentioned that this might be good for an Eagle Scout project.
Mr. Speed has taken care of the beaver at the causeway at Mill Pond. The one at East St in North Walpole is still there.

The next meeting will be Monday, January 4, 2016.
Mr. Peska moved that the meeting be adjourned at 8:01pm. Mr. Watson seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Elaine Heleen, Recording Secretary
NOTE: These are unapproved minutes with corrections to be found in the minutes of the next meeting.

Minutes for the regular meeting of the

Walpole Conservation Commission

Monday, November 2, 2015 

Present:  Gary Speed, Tom Beaudry, Sharyn Tullar (alt.), Kelli Wilson, Lewis Shelley, Alicia Flammia, Whit Aldrich (SelectBoard representative)

Not Present:  John Peska, Peter Palmiotto (alt.), Myra Mansouri (alt.), and Duncan Watson

Guests:  Peggy Pschirrer and Steve Dalessio

Mr. Beaudry, chair, called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM.

Non-Public session: 

As Mr. Shelley & Ms. Flammia arrived after the meeting was called to order, Ms. Tullar was seated to provide quorum.

Minutes

Mr. Speed moved to accept the minutes for the October 5, 2015 meeting as presented. Ms. Wilson seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.

Treasury/Budget Report

As of September 30, 2015, the balance in the Conservation account is: $53,175.07 and in the Forestry account: $10,345.99.

Correspondence

1. Cheshire County Conservation District 70^th Annual meeting will be at the Keene Country Club on November 5, 2015. John McGee, Habitat Biologist will be the Keynote Speaker. Tracie’s Community Farm is the 2015 Cooperator of the Year. Susan Meehan is the 2015 Educator of the Year.
2. Forest Laws for Municipal Officials will be Nov. 9th in Auburn and Nov. 10th in Lancaster.

New Business

1. Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio are present as Hooper Trustees to give an update on the sale of the Hooper Golf Course. Bob Kimball went to the Trustees because most of his investors have pulled out.  He has some ideas of trying to get the additional monies needed and has an excellent business plan for the property.  In the meantime, the Hooper Trustees would like to present to Terry Knowles a plan to close on the Conservation Easement before the sale.  Mr. Speed moved to have Mr. Beaudry draft a letter from the Walpole Conservation Commission in support of having the Hooper Trustees complete the Hooper Conservation Easement prior to the sale of the property. Ms. Flammia seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.
2. Marcia Galloway has noticed a beaver dam at the causeway at Mill Pond. Speed has been asked to take care of it.

Old Business

1. Garland Lumber has sent in a deposit. They will be waiting for the ground to freeze.  They will work on the road and landing in the next couple of weeks. When this is finished, then the Hooper Forest will be marked.

Other

1. Per Mr. Shelley, Nancy Sloan on Barnet Hill Road has put 50+ acres into Conservation Easement through Monadnock Conservancy. They will email the file to Mr. Palmiotto so he can update the Conservation Land Map. Also the Perley Lund property is to close very soon.
2. Shelley submitted an invoice for repair to the brush cutter. The chain saw was not worth repairing.  Both are locked up in the Town Shed.
3. Shelley was approached by Emily Haig, Monadnock Conservancy about an illegal camp that was discovered on the Merriam Forest. Although it was quite elaborate, it has been dismantled.
4. There will be a Public Hearing on December 3, 2015 on Emergency Lanes. Although Eaton Lane/Maple Grove Road, Derry Hill Road, and the end of Reservoir Road are acknowledged as Emergency Lanes, there had not been a Public Hearing designating them as such.  This Hearing is merely procedural to finish off the process.
5. The gates are up on both ends of Cold River Road.
6. Speed discovered that there is some Town owned land in North Walpole off of E Street behind Dunning. It is 55 acres.
7. Tullar attended a Pollinator Summit. It was very well attended with 250 participants and very well put together. The focus was on bees although there are other pollinators. A statement was made that New Hampshire has too many trees.  Landowners should be encouraged to plant more shrubs and native plants for the pollinators.
8. On November 14, 2015, the Monadnock Conservancy is having a program at the Hastings House on Farms and Community Connections.
9. DES is having a couple of Hearings on permitting. A session in Keene will be the 2^nd.

The next meeting will be Monday, December 7, 2015.

Mr. Speed moved that the meeting be adjourned at 8:32pm.  Ms. Flammia seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Elaine Heleen, Recording Secretary

NOTE:  These are unapproved minutes with corrections to be found in the minutes of the next meeting.