JACKSON CONSERVATION COMMISSION- 2007
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 township and providing a focal point for environmental concerns.
JCC Advisory Role: During 2007, the JCC remained active in its primary role of providing advice to the Board of Selectmen and the Planning Board regarding various natural resource related matters of town concern. Members of the JCC worked on steep slope issues and continue to work on riparian buffer issues.
SPNHF Conservation Easements: Each year, the Conservation Commission responds to a questionnaire from the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests regarding the condition and uses of land on which the SPNHF has a conservation easement or an interest in an easement. This year members of the Conservation Commission and the SPNHF visited and walked each of the properties under easement. Some corrections were made and some issues discussed with the landowners.
Wildcat River: JCC carried out plans for improvements 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. Wayside signs were put in place in the Spring, highlighting points of historic interest in the area. A small flower garden was also planted and two memorial benches were installed. In addition, Commission members spent several days cutting brush, improving the view and improving access to the island. The Jackson Historical Society began work on restoring the snow roller.
Prospect Farm: Three views were cut at Prospect Farm - Lookout Rock, Monument Rock, and near the boundary of the property on the Hall Trail. The Apple orchard was mowed and water bars placed on the Wildcat Valley Trail.
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 2007, 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 released. The JCC is exploring the possibility of the removal of the dams on Ice Pond Brook. Work has begun on a NHDES permit that will include removal of debris on the property, in or abutting wetlands.
Profile Rock: The area around Profile Rock was mowed.
Invasive Species: The JCC obtained a permit to treat Japanese Knotweed close to the banks of the Wildcat at the center of town, around the town hall, and on the Gray's Inn Property with a herbicide. The permit was granted too late in the growing season for the spraying to be done. It has been postponed until 2008.
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 (2008)
Martha Benesh, Vice chairman (2008)
Mary Howe, Secretary (2008)
Dan Dinsmore (2008)
Larry Siebert (2010)
Dick Bennett (2009)
Bob Derrah (2010)
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