Kensington Conservation Commission

Minutes of August 8, 2006

Members in attendance: John Skewes, Joan Skewes, Harry Bodwell, Sydnee Goddard

1. Call to order 7:41pm

2. Minutes approved

3.  Mail reviewed. Received announcement that Rockingham Land Trust and Seacoast Land Trust are merging to form Southeast Land Trust

4. Discussed possible wetland filling violation on Stumpfield Road. 

5. Theresa Walker discussed projects she is assisting KCC with.  She will complete grant application asking for $3,000 to pay for 3 mailings and a presentation to educate citizens on potential Kimball Farm conservation agreement.  She will continue working with Jill Robinson on Environmental Impact Regulations and Development Access through other town regulation to present to planning board.

6. Sydnee shared result of meeting with selectmen about potential Bond issue to conserve Kimball Farm.  Selectmen supported going for a bond to cover the costs to conserve the farm.  They made no commitment to serve on the Save Kimball Farm committee, but want to stay informed. 

7.  Sydnee gave update on efforts to conserve property on Powder Mill Road and SPNHF’s potential interest in having a reserve in that area.   Although KCC does not have sufficient funds to conserve this property, members expressed a desire to support the project.   Agreed that need to focus this year’s bond issue on the Kimball Farm.

8.  After receiving 3 bids for the gravel parking area for the Charles Hodges Conservation Area, the KCC agreed to employ Jason Fox for the project.   Joan shared that construction will begin as soon as area is restaked.

9.  Agreed on 2 trail work dates for Charles Hodges Conservation area.  Sept 24^th and Oct. 22.  Sydnee will advertise the project.

10.  Sydnee shared that a farmer is interested in doing a late haying of the field on the town’s Great Brook Conservation Area.  Members agreed to give him permission to hay this field.  It has not been hayed for a few years and needs be hayed to maintain the field habitat.  Sydnee will contact Peter Merrill who will contact the farmer. 

11.  Agreed to request the same $500 budget for KCC for 2007.

12. Sydnee will request more information about the Hudson Height development plans at the next planning board meeting.

13. Sydnee suggested KCC look at how to prioritize conservation lands.  If competing properties come before the commission, they may need to be prioritized.  Joan and John felt much of this work has been done in the past.

14. Adjourn 8:58