Jackson Conservation Commission
Minutes -- Meeting of November 15, 2005
Present: Phil Davies, Bea Davis, Martha Benesh, Dan Dinsmore, Gino Funicella, Mary Howe, and Steve Piotrow
Meeting began at 7:00pm.
1. Minutes from the August 16, 2005 meeting were read and approved.
2. Jackson Falls. Phil talked with the Historical Society regarding their interest in renovating the Town’s old ‘Snow Roller’ which is now rusted and in bad shape. He also mentioned that the Historical Society is interested in adding a sign/plaque adjacent to the ‘Snow Roller’ picturing the old Jackson Bridge along with some historical text. The area would then need to be mowed regularly. The question arose as to who would pay for the work and there was general agreement among commission members that the Historical Society should fund the project with the Conservation Commission providing volunteer assistance.
3. Possible Upcoming Projects. Bea Davis suggested that a good project for the JCC would be cutting the new growth bordering the Tilney property along Carter Notch Road in an effort to restore the view east across the Wildcat intervale. This has traditionally been a signature view for the town and would help preserve the character of the intervale.
4. Volunteer Work. Gino Funicella suggested making a list for the Town Road Crew for small conservation-related jobs along town roads. This would be preferable, he noted, instead of enlisting volunteer help, as there could be liability concerns.
5. Melloon Road Dump Issues. Gino Funicella mentioned that the old town dump off Melloon Road may no longer need to be tested for possible contaminate leaching. He noted that, should this be the case, the town might want to consider improving the 1 acre lot as possible park space.
6. Dredge and Fill Permits. Phil Davies mentioned that the Mallett company’s permit application for the installation of new culverts on the Wentworth golf course had been rejected by the State because more information was needed. The permit application will be reworked and resubmitted. There were no other applications before the JCC at this time.
7. Orchid Society. The David Moreton Memorial Bench near the top of Jackson Falls was installed on September 24, 2005.
8. VRAP Testing. Phil Davies noted that the VRAP testing assessments for 2005 have been completed. The National Forest Service will now test the Wildcat River using the State Standards. VRAP testing in Jackson may no longer be necessary.
9. Gray’s Inn Property. Phil Davies noted that he recently received a flyer from UNH requesting applications for volunteer Natural Resource Assessments projects to be performed by UNH Seniors working on their theses. He thought we might consider the Gray’s Inn as a possible location for one of these projects. The property consists of 37 acres and such a Natural Resource report/survey would be useful in the WHIP Grant Application. It was agreed that the Commission should request more information about this program before applying.
10. Current Use Issues. Phil Davies noted that much of Jackson town land is in ‘current use’ meaning that it will most likely come back into the market at some point in the not too distant future. There was discussion about the tax savings resulting from the change of status of these lands and whether the possibility exists to put some of those funds toward a Conservation Fund. Phil will research warrant articles pertaining to this subject.
11. Budget Issues. Currently, the JCC has $2000.00 in its Checking Account, $10,000 in the Trust Fund. $1800 in the Land Purchase Acct. was returned to the Town because it was not needed, though it could be put toward a Conservation Fund. At this point, the JCC does not need to ask for more funding for 2006.
12. Town Calendar. Phil Davies mentioned that one way for the Conservation Commission to build awareness of Town conservation needs and to raise funds for future projects would be to promote a Jackson Scenic Calendar. The calendar would consist of historical, scenic, and conservation-related photos and relevant text. The general consensus among members was that this was an excellent idea and worth pursuing.
The next Conservation Commission meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 17, 2006 at 7pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Steve Piotrow
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