JACKSON CONSERVATION COMMISSION
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.
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 visited several of the properties under easement. Some corrections were made and some issues discussed with the landowners.
Wildcat River: 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. Commission members met to cut brush, improve the view, maintain a small flower garden and improve access to the island. The commission also paid to have the island brushed in the Fall. 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 the Apple Orchard and five of the old cellar holes. The front part of the Hall Trail view was stumped and seeded to make maintenance easier in the future. The USFS continues work on the Than Project.
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 2009, 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 received 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. As part of the review process for a town garage, a master plan for the Gray’s Inn property was developed.
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 which was applied in September.
Please address comments and questions to: JCC, P.O. Box 84, Jackson, NH 03846.
Respectfully submitted,
Phil Davies, Chairman
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