Bartlett New Hampshire conservation commission

My hope is to have the minutes of the periodic meetings of the Conservation Commission here...if they will go along with the idea.

BARTLETT CONSERVATION COMMISSION 2007 Report

The Conservation Commission sought to continue its primary role in wetlands protection in 2007. This process involves, in part, the review of the New Hampshire Department of Environmental services Standard Dredge and Fill applications submitted by individuals/entities which seek to develop or alter land within or abutting wetlands in the town.

The Commission strives to make a site visit and meet with the landowners or their assigns to ascertain potential adverse impact to wetland areas. On a few occasions, the Commission offered alternative suggestions to minimize any adverse sequelae as a consequence of these activities. The Commission also responded to abutter concerns regarding some proposed developments.

The year 2007 also marked the designation of the “Flat Rocks Conservation Area” along the East Branch of the Saco River. It was also involved in the establishment of a Conservation Easement in a development in Stillings’ Grant. Currently the Commission is attempting to catalog wetlands and conservation land owned by the town. Since we can all agree that water is essential to life, it is with great pride that the Conservation Commission carries out its duties to ensure that wetlands are identified and appropriate measures to protect then are implemented. To this end, the Commission continues to be involved in the NHDES River Water Testing Project along with the Town of Jackson.

Respectfully submitted,

ROBERT L. STONE, Chair

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission continues its advisory role of wetlands protection. The Commission reviewed each of the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services “Standard Dredge and Fill Applications” that were submitted. For most of these applications the Commission visited the site and met with the owners or their representatives to assure the reasonableness of plans and to determine if the impact that would disturb wetlands was being realistically minimized.

In a few cases, the Commission suggested the exploration of alternative approaches to the parties involved: owners/representatives, NH DES and/or Selectmen. Based on requests from the public, the Commission also approached several property owners who were planning to carrying out projects that lacked proper permits.

During 2006, the Commission continued its involvement in the NH DES river water-testing program. Technically appropriate scientific testing equipment is provided by the DES and shared by Jackson and Bartlett. Three new testing locations in Bartlett were selected following the approval of the landowners involved. To make this testing as meaningful as possible, the Commission selected new sites on the Saco River that indicate the water’s quality where it enters Bartlett, at a mid-point and as it leaves the town’s boundary. This protocol would allow the Commission to better pin-point any problems should they arise.

2006 marks the end of tenure for a valued member of the commission. Arthur Heigl is now only on a consulting basis to the commission if needed. The Conservation Commission would like to thank him for his invaluable public service over the past two years. Nancy Oleson, Diane Giroux and Robert Stone continue into 2007 on the Commission and are joined by newly appointed member Daryl Mazzaglia. The Commission is actively looking for one more member to join its ranks. Anyone interested in participating in this important endeavor should contact the Selectmen’s office at Bartlett Town Hall.

The role our endangered wetlands play in the ongoing availability of clean water for use by all forms of plant and animal life is scientifically defined as “absolutely essential”. Therefore it is clearly in the general public’s best interest to protect these same wetlands against any and all abuses, whether they are by ignorance or design. The Conservation Commission knows it is joined by all the citizens of Bartlett in its dedication to protecting the wetland environments of the area.