JACKSON CONSERVATION COMMISSION - 2010
New Hampshire Conservation Commissions were established for advancing the proper utilization and protection of a town’s natural resources (N.H. RSA 36-A). A Conservation Commission is the only local board specifically charged with protecting the natural resources of a town and providing a focal point for environmental concerns.
Wildcat River: Jackson Conservation Commission (JCC) carried out plans for maintenance in the area where the town holds a conservation easement on the west side of the Wildcat, north of the stone bridge up to Jackson Falls. The commission paid to have a small garden area established and maintained. The town trimmed brush on the island. The area around Profile Rock (or Washington Boulder) was also brushed this year.
Prospect Farm: Three views were cut in 2007 at Prospect Farm – Lookout Rock, Monument Rock, and on the Hall Trail near the boundary of the property. This year, the views were maintained by brushing the area as well as brushing the Apple Orchard and five of the old cellar holes. The town engaged Don Johnson of Forestland Improvement to supervise a timber sale on the property. Work on this sale was completed. The USFS continues work on the Than Project having opened a road to the edge of the property and improving the Wildcat Valley trail from the entrance to the orchard.
N.H. Wetland Dredge and Fill Permit Application Review: The primary intent of the N.H. wetland permitting process is to see that various forms of site work and alteration undertaken occur with the least short and long-term impact to watersheds and associated wetlands. In Jackson, maintenance of watershed quality is of increasing concern especially as development takes to higher and steeper ground. The permitting process relies heavily on voluntary compliance and citizens are urged to plan ahead and seek required permits prior to undertaking a project.
During 2010, the JCC reviewed only a few N.H. Wetland Dredge and Fill permit applications. Considering the amount of building activity in Jackson during the year, the JCC would again like to remind landowners and contractors of the need for permits if site work or construction involves wetlands over which DES has jurisdiction.
Gray's Inn Property: A small apple orchard on the property was brushed. We have a permit from the state that will enable us to deal with the dams as well as remove debris left from the Gray’s Inn fire – a collapsed building and assorted pieces of metal and culverts. Work on that has begun and will continue next year.
Please address comments and questions to: JCC, P.O. Box 84, Jackson, NH 03846.
Respectfully submitted,
Phil Davies, Chairman
Commission members (term expires)
Phil Davies, Chairman (2011)
Dick Bennett, Vice chairman (2012)
Larry Siebert, Secretary (2013)
Hank Dresch (2013)
Brian Byrne (2012)
Dave Matesky (2011)
Pam Smillie (2011)
| 
