Kensington Conservation Commission              

Minutes of February 10, 2009

Members in attendance: Joan Skewes, Heather Douglas, Sydnee Goddard

1. Call to order 7:40.

2. Minutes approved.

3. Sandy Chaisson and Mary Jane Solomon from the Recreation Committee spoke to the group about obtaining help with the spring roadside clean up on April 18th.  Specifically, the group needs help with picking up the filled trash bags with a pick up truck.   They would also like our help recruiting people to “own” the road they live on and get their neighbors to help with cleanup.  Sections of Routes 107 and 150 are difficult to get clean because they are dangerous.  Mary Jane to discuss the possibility of police help with these dangerous sections.  Conservation Commission agreed to help wherever possible.

4. Group read the draft response letter to Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests (SPNHF) re: Charles Hodges conservation letter.  Sydnee to make one more change to the letter and then Joan will send it.

5. Group read and discussed response letter to Chris Ryder.  Sydnee to revise and send to group to discuss.

6. Article for the next Community News is currently on hold.

7. Group wrote letter of thanks to Harry Bodwell for his service on the Conservation Commission.

8. Wetlands violation updates:

a. 2 Hoosac Road – DES required a wetlands restoration plan which must be done by May 1, 2009.

b. Stumpfield Road – DES had a site visit and is requiring the fill on the wetlands be removed by July 1, 2009.

c. North Road – DES sent an after-the-fact wetlands application but it has not been filled in and returned.

d. Lewis property – DES approved an after-the-fact dredge and fill application.

e. Town of Seabrook sent the Conservation Commission a copy of a DES wetlands bureau application for dredge and fill, and referenced that we have the opportunity to comment.  However, group never received a copy of the application.  Sydnee to call DES.

9. New Hampshire Fish and Game reported an increase in the population of wild brook trout in Winkley Brook, which is indicative of good groundwater.  Sydnee pointed out that that area is closest to our highest aquifer.  Group discussed looking into applying for grants to conserve the surrounding land.

10. Adjourned 9:35 p.m.