Unapproved minutes

Minutes

Westmoreland Conservation Commission

Meeting April 1, 2010

Present: Marshall Patmos, Ken Wright, John Lukin, Bill Fosher, Salena Gallen

Meeting called to order at 7:10 PM

Unapproved minutes of February meeting were accepted as sent but not formally adopted.

There was no meeting held in March.

Old Business:

Conservation Plan: The “semi-final” draft of the Conservation plan revised by the Monadnock Conservancy following our suggestions was reviewed. There are still a few minor changes needed. Since it seems not all of the Conservation Commission members received a copy, final review and Commission approval has been put on hold until the next meeting. From there, presentation and review to the Planning Board and public review.

Roadside Cleanup: After some discussion of logistics, conditions of the roads and member participation it was decided to cancel the formal roadside cleanup for this year and perhaps plan for one next Spring. In the meantime, should any group (Lions, Scouts, school, 4-H ) or just individuals decide to clean a section of road there are disposal bags available at the Town Hall for use.

New Business:

Shoreland Protection permit, issued by the State for Tree Huggers to concrete a section of its land on Rte 12 was reviewed and filed.

Cheshire County Farm: There is apparently some interest on the part of the County to pursue the sale of a conservation easement on the property in Westmoreland. While particulars aren’t immediately available and in the planning stages, is seems there has been an appraisal of the value of the development rights of the property which is in the vicinity of $1 million. The development rights to the 600+ acres would be held by a qualifying organization such as the Monadnock Conservancy. The easement would control/prohibit development of the land, but allow continued farm and forest management. Fundraising and grants from various organizations would be the source of funds (unless there is a generous benefactor that might want to donate the $$). The money would be held and used for the management activities that might occur on the farm and forestland. There are apparently a number of different scenarios for agricultural production, perhaps value-added and educational activities and changes in the way the “farm“ does business. A number of diverse groups would be involved in decision making , production and budgeting. Hopefully more particulars will be available at the next meeting.

After mention of the April 10 “Special Places meeting and possible LCHIP project grants,

the meeting was adjourned at 8:27 PM.

Next meeting will be Thursday May 6 at 7:00 PM at the Town Hall

Respectfully submitted,

Marshall Patmos, Chairman