Kensington Conservation Commission

Minute of Sept 13, 2005

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

1. Call to order 7:34 pm

2. Minute of July 12 approved

3. Met with 5 members of Cole family (George, Nancy, Jim, Marianne, Alex), Phil Auger, and Mary Currier to discuss the possibility of proceeding with a grant proposal to Farm and Ranchland Protection to conserve the Cole property, protecting it from development. Mary expects it would be a very strong proposal given that 92% of the acreage is prime farmland. Conservation District is willing to hold the easement. The property includes approximately 24 farmed acres, 16 of forest, 3 of marsh and 4 that would be reserved with house. The 24' x 1800' landing strip would remain. First step is to get an appraisal. Would start with a restricted appraisal and then would get a yellow book standard (highest level) appraisal if grant approved. The federal government will fund up to 50% and the town covers 50%. Owner can donate 25%. George Cole spoke of his interest in keeping his land open for wildlife, and not obstructing their movements.

Following motion made: KCC will pay for limited appraisal. If Farm and Ranchland Protection turns down the grant, Coles owe nothing. If grant is approved and Coles turn it down, then KCC expects to be reimbursed the cost of the appraisal. Motion seconded and approved unanimously.

4. Phil Auger shared survey of Boudreau property, showing monumented exclusionary area around Boudreau home. Also shared aerial view of property with location of possible leach field for KES outlined. Are still waiting for final easement language. May need to discuss any questions about the language before Sept 26 town hearing.

5. Phil shared that Paul Kimball expressed interest in conserving their entire property. Phil will meet with the Kimballs in the next couple weeks to discuss this.

6. Discussed walk of Hodges Land and ongoing work there.

Joan shared that Mark West suggested we should show DES photos of the types of wetland crossings we wish to construct on the trails to and get a permit indicating we don't need a permit.

Joan will contact David Buxton regarding gravel parking area off Stumpfield Road. Will need to hire someone to do this soon.

7. Adjourn 9:15pm