Conservation & Preservation Subcommittee

Minutes

September 18, 2001

Those in attendance; Naomi Caldwell, Ernie Millette, Diane Crawshaw, Linda Frawley, Jeff Marden & Ken Knowlton.  Absent; Sue Roberts, Mark Condodemetraky, & Magnus McLetchie.

We discussed each “interest assignment” and the stage that each is in.

·        Naomi Caldwell has put together an EXCELLENT Reference Summary on “Education and Marketing” the concept of Conservation  and Preservation, and how it fits into the Master Plan process.  This summary presents a concise subject reference guide, a clear explanation on the importance of Open Space Conservation, as well as names and E-mail addresses of experts in the various aspects of this subject.  (I will ask that copies of this summary be made available to the citizens of Belmont, through the Land Use Office.)

·        Jeff Marden has put together a preliminary report on “Wildlife and Habitat”.  This report includes goals to be met, tasks to be done and considerations to be made in order to inventory (and protect) the “animals and plant life and the local habitats that sustain both.”  He has reached a point where it appears that outside help will be needed to realize these goals and perform these tasks.  He has included suggestions of outside help (Project Serve and CEOP) as well as suggestions on how to involve local groups and citizens.  He has also started a working list of questions for the upcoming survey that will be sent to the citizens of Belmont.

·        Linda Frawley has compiled a preliminary report on “Historical Sites” (and more) that I referred to in my 07/09/01 meeting notes.  She has also put together a draft for a photo contest.  This contest would encourage citizens of Belmont to become involved in and familiar with the Master Plan process, something ALL the subcommittees could benefit from.  She will present this idea through the steering committee that she chairs.

·        Diane Crawshaw and Ernie Millette have offered to help Sue Roberts with the “Agriculture” aspect s in Belmont, if she needs it.  (They also want to stay involved with the “Wildlife” inventory as much as possible.)

·        Mark Condodemetraky has not submitted a preliminary report on “Water Resources” to date.

·        Magnus McLetchie has not submitted a preliminary report on “Conservation Lands” to date.

·        Ken Knowlton is still trying to reach Dr. Richard Boisvert, archaeologist for the State of NH Division of Historical Resources, to compile a list of “Archaeological Sites & Sites of Special Importance,” in the Town of Belmont.  (This would be added  to the list that was put together by Linda Frawley and submitted in her “Historical” preliminary report.) (I) will also find out the reason for the name “Drake Site”, the tribe(s) that used it, and contact Mark Condodemetrakey and Magnus McLetchie to obtain progress reports from them.

Other things that will need to be discussed in the near future are;

·        “Cross pollination” with other subcommittees, with common goals and interests. I(e. Land Use and Recreation.)

·        Review the maps currently being developed for Belmont, especially the “unfragmented lands” map, whenever they are completed.

·        Develop questions for the upcoming Master Plan survey.

·        Discuss any projects or ideas that might involve the Conservation Commission in the future, (after the subcommittee has been dissolved.)

The people in attendance on 09/21/01 determined that Tuesday nights were best for future subcommittee meetings.  I will ask that Candy set our next meeting for Tuesday, 10/16/01 at 7:00pm-in the upstairs meeting room of the Corner Meeting House.