Kensington Conservation Commission Minutes of March 9, 2004

Member in attendance- Harry Bodwell, Rob Garneau, John and Joan Skewes, Sydnee Goddard

Also present- Robin Scott, Steve Smith

1. Call to order 7:39 pm

2. Minutes approved

3. Steve Smith shared 2 estimates received for cost of surveying Smith, Sawyer, and Rezendes land, on Moulton Ridge, on which they plan to put an easement. Estimates were $19,000 from Doucet and $12, 000 from Ladd. Charlie Tucker recommends Ladd- great, 30 years of experience. Charlie Tucker also indicated that if KCC provides money for easement, there needs to be some official town connection to the land. To satisfy this requirement, Rockingham Land Trust would be primary holder of easement and KCC secondary.

Motion "to use services of Richard Ladd to survey Smith, Sawyer, and Rezendes properties with stipulation that back up easement be held by KCC on behalf of Town of Kensington. For further clarification Smith , Sawyer, and Rezendes will hire Richard Ladd for the estimated cost of $12,000 and KCC will pay the bill." Motion seconded and passed unanimously.

4. Discussed "Ball Field" land. Land owned by SAU 16 off Route 108.

Sydnee and Rob shared that Harold Bragg was involved in negotiation with developer on this land. When discovered the KCC trying to purchase the land both developer and Harold backed out.

Regarding whether Exeter Open Space Committee is interested in contributing towards purchase, Sydnee shared that Gwen English (chair, Open Space) is waiting to see how their "purchase" of 4 properties in Exeter pans out first and whether Kensington passes bond.

John suggested letter to editor written by Brian Hart of Rockingham Land Trust presenting argument for selling land at bargain price for conservation. Rob interested in helping draft such a letter. Rob indicated that his understanding was that when land was originally purchased there was a verbal agreement with SAU 16 that if ball fields not made then land would go into conservation easement.

5. Welch property on North Road discussed. Rob estimated that 2000 square feet of wetland has been filled. Sydnee also observed filling and construction of a land bridge and culvert over a wetland. Rob found out that it is okay to walk the land, not trespassing, since following an established non encumbered trail/road. Rob was supposed to meet with Arlene Allen of DES (271-2147). Expect that Sydnee or Rob will meet with Arlene within the week.

6. Hodges Land discussed. Charlie Moreno had received a call from that Hodges Land was getting logged. Joan checked on this and determined that there was no logging. Joan talked to Charlie about getting logging started in the summer. We need to start implementing this management plan ASAP. Charlie indicated that logging can occur if the summer is dry Charlie will give us names of loggers he recommends. Charlie would be the forester in charge. He would mark the trees.

Date set to begin posting No Hunting signs along boundary. KCC members will meet at entrance on Stumpfield Road at 9:30 am Sunday March 13.

7. Surveying of Meeting House Hill property discussed. Rob has tried to get Tom Broullett to do the survey. Tom has walked property, but may be too busy. If Tom is unable to do it Rob will call Richard Ladd. Joan will check with Charlie Moreno about usage signs, since off road vehicles are damaging the trails.

8. Harry shared that Todd Moyer in interested in working with us to log using his horse.

9. Harry shared that property on Trundle Bed Lane is experiencing unexpected wetness in their paddock. Owner wishes to speak with us about it.

10. Examined park plan.

11. Adjourn 9:20 pm