Lamprey Rivers Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes Nov. 29, 2012
Nottingham Town Hall 7:00 p.m.
DRAFT
members present: Emily Schmalzer (Brentwood), Jenn Rowden (Epping), Todd Piskovitz (Exeter), Jere Beckman, Sharon Meeker (Lee), Alison Watts (Newfields), Michelle Daley (Newmarket), Mike Russo (Nottingham)
quorum: at least one rep from at least seven towns: Yes
guests present: Caroline Matthews, Suzanne Petersen
absent: Richard Snow, Harriet Cady (excused), Bill Hall, Anne Lightbody, Dick Lord (excused), Rachel Stevens, Joe Foley, Fred Lindahl, Kitty Miller (excused), Preston Samuel, Peter Wellenberger (excused), Bonnie Winona-Mackinnon, Kathleen Hoelzel (excused), Ted Janusz (excused)
Meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m..
NH Wildlife Action Plan Presentation by Amanda Stone
Beginning in 2005, US Fish and Game required all states to have a wildlife plan that is intended to prevent species from being listed as “rare”, “threatened”, or “endangered” and to keep common species common. Federal listing is a sign of failure to protect wildlife and habitat and it carries a huge expense. New Hampshire’s plan is one of the best in the US, making use of expertise from a wide variety of environmental viewpoints.
NH identified 103 species that were in greatest need of conservation. They were divided into one of three categories:
· rare, threatened, or endangered (ex. peregrine falcon, eastern cottontail)
· not officially listed but on the edge of being listed (ex. wood turtle)
· exact status unsure due to limited data (ex. some bats)
Each of the 103 species has a map showing its known distribution.
In addition, 27 habitats in greatest need of conservation were identified and mapped. Of the critical habitats, shrubland and vernal pools are not well mapped due to their small size and/or tendency to blend into a larger landscape.
Towns and conservation people are encouraged to use the plan to guide development and make the best use of limited funds to do the most good. Planners are encouraged both to see the big picture in which large blocks of critical lands are or might be protected across town lines and to see the details that protect small but critical sites. All maps and species guides are available at www.wildliffeactionplan.org. Viewers can also learn how to use the information and request critical habitat brochures for targeted educational projects. Amanda made special note of one project in which towns identified landowners of critical lands and encouraged them to create management plans or create easements that protected the habitats or species of concern.
town updates:
Lee: Sharon Meeker reported that townspeople had voted that day on whether or not they wanted to install artificial turf at Little River Park. (Post note: the final vote was Yes 171 for artificial turf, No 709 against.) Town selectmen have not taken an official position on the Spruce Hole well. Concerns about the rare American brook lampreys that use the Chesley Brook, adjacent to the well have been aired. There is also some concern about the water level in private wells in the area.
Newmarket: Michelle Daley reported that the waste water treatment facility has received the permit for nitrogen discharge of 3 mg/L. Newmarket initially was part of the coalition of municipalities that was fighting EPA, but the town is no longer involved in the lawsuit.
Nottingham: Mike Russo made his LRAC presentation to the selectmen. The only concern noted pertained to the potential changes to draw-down at Pawtuckaway Lake.
Raymond: Caroline Matthews reported that a public hearing would be held soon to discuss a plan to restore 1 of 4 acres of previously impacted flood plain near Exit 4. This is part of the Granite Meadows development.
Brentwood: Emily Schmalzer reported that several properties along the Exeter River have been protected and stormwater clean-ups along the Exeter have taken place.
Epping, Exeter, and Newfields had nothing to report.
Project Review Sub-committee:
Todd Piskovitz reported that a letter of comment on a proposed project in downtown Newmarket had been sent to DES. No projects are on the docket, so the December sub-committee meeting will be canceled.
Southeast Watershed Alliance Update:
Alison Watts reported that stormwater model ordinances would be finalized soon. She will forward them when they are available. She also announced that grant money would be available for a variety of projects that help to build green stormwater infrastructure. Invitations seeking advisory committee members will be issued.
Election of Officers:
Sharon Meeker nominated Mike Russo as the new chair. Michelle Daley seconded. The nomination was approved with 7 yes votes and 1 abstention.
No nominations for vice chair or treasurer were suggested.
Approval of Minutes from Oct. 25, 2012:
After quick discussion of the section on artificial turf, Mike Russo made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Sharon Meeker seconded. Minutes were approved with 7 yes votes and 1 abstention.
Management Plan Draft:
New plan should incorporate goals of PREP, SWA, Strafford and Rockingham county planning, previous Lamprey River management plans, and the LR nomination packet. Recent surveys of riverfront landowners should be revisited. Mike Russo will try to get the list of riparian landowners from Nottingham. Towns should be encouraged to post management plan on town websites. LRAC website should post town ordinances and other town data.
Draft team: Mike Russo, Suzanne Petersen, Michelle Daley, Emily Schmalzer, Sharon Meeker. Sharon will find a place to meet on Dec. 13 to begin the process.
Misc. Announcements:
Mike Russo reported that he has a letter urging action on artificial turf ready to be sent to DES and other LACs.
Adjournment:
Sharon Meeker made a motion to adjourn. Todd Piskovitz seconded. Meeting was adjourned at 8:59.
Minutes prepared by S. Petersen
Lamprey Rivers Advisory Committee Mtg. Minutes Nov. 29, 2012 Page 3 of 3