June 6, 2018 | Town Admin TOWN OF SUTTON Pillsbury Memorial Town Hall 93 Main Street Sutton Mills, NH Sutton Mills, NH 03221 Sutton Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, June 6, 2018 Present: Dan Sundquist, Chair; Don Davis; Jane Williamson; Barbara Hoffman; Henry Howell; Debbie Lang and Bonnie Hill, secretary. Absent: Chuck Bolduc, Chris Ashton. Members of the Public Present: Tom Schamberg. Call to order: Dan Sundquist called the meeting to order at 6:37 p.m. Previous Meeting’s Minutes: Since the discussion regarding the KLNA got left out of the minutes, a motion was made by Henry and seconded by Deb to table the minutes of May 9th, 2018, and it was approved unanimously. Dan and Jane will get a write-up of that discussion to Bonnie so she can amend the May minutes. Financial Report: The town budget report as of May 31 shows about 77% of the money left in the town account. Correspondence: Invitation to ASLPT’s annual progressive dinner on Thursday, July 26th at 5:30PM. Letter from the BOS regarding the formation of a recycling committee (see below). Review of Wetland Applications and Issues: Informational notice: copy of letter to G. and E. Manning from DES compliance specialist asking for a response to a complaint of possible wetlands violations. File #2018-01292, Nelson Hill Rd. Review of Intents to Cut and Logging Issues: M. and E. Thomas, T/L# 9-657,288, Shaker Rd, 10.8 of 10.8 acres. Nicholas Rowe, logger. M. and E. Thomas, T/L# 9-648,398, Shaker Rd, 14.7 of 14.7 acres. Nicholas Rowe, logger. W. Merullo, T/L# 5-562,176 and 5-504,304, North Rd, 4 of 6.3 acres. Ryan Benoit, logger. M. McManus, T/L# 3-887,357, Eaton Grange Rd, 75 of 80 acres. Chuck Rose, logger. D. Lang, T/L# 2-200,659, Camp Kemah Rd, 0.5 of 4.6 acres. Roy Messer, logger. T. Raynor, T/L# 6-414,042, Route 114, 3 of 6.96 acres. Stephen O’Neill, logger. A Complete Forestry Notification was received, File # 2018-01304, for Thomas Family Trust, T/L# 9-648,398. Henry asked if there were any foresters associated with these cuts and the answer was no according to the intent to cut forms. He asked if the state reviews any of these for possible wetlands impact, and the answer was again no. Deb pointed out that we had talked about this before, and she asked about using the town maps to check for wetlands areas in the areas being cut. Dan said the problem is, once the BOS signs the notice and we get it, it’s already happened. Deb asked what Anita Blakeman’s role is. She is the town’s consulting forester, and the town mainly uses her services to verify that the correct amount of tax is paid for the timber taken. Deb asked whether the SCC could use its own money to pay Anita to look for possible wetlands impact. Dan said we could add a line item to our budget in December to cover consulting forestry services. He explained that it is illegal and potentially dangerous to enter private property to check for wetlands during a timber harvest without landowner permission. Don said DES doesn’t have the manpower to enforce regulations, and although violations do sometimes lead to fines, the loggers simply consider them a cost of doing business. Deb said there is a lead time of several days between when the Intents to Cut need to be received before the selectmen’s meeting. Since it is easy to see where the wetlands are on the town’s property map system, this should give enough time to check. Could Elly or Lorri possible check this and give the BOS a heads up before they sign the Intents? Barb asked if the town ever denies an Intent to Cut, and the answer was no. For the town, it is mostly a tax issue. Deb asked if people can be required to get a permit from DES, and the answer was no. Don suggested that someone look at the tax map, see if a wetland is involved, and if so, automatically generate a letter to the landowner saying that there is a possible issue that could lead to penalties being applied. Dan said that he will talk with Elly about this. Old business KLNA management plan: parking and traffic issues – Jane said that at last month’s meeting, Wally Baker expressed concern about how dangerous the Horse Beach area is, and how the town could be liable. He indicated that creating a parking lot on the KLNA land would help solve this problem. Jane said the real problem is congestion. The near misses that people are so concerned about are not due to lack of parking. The land was for sale for a long time. The town or the state could have bought the land if they wanted a parking lot, but SCC bought this land in order to preserve it. If DOT and DES say yes to a parking lot, then that will be in our management plan, and people will know, and people may insist that we make the parking lot. And the parking lot is so small that there isn’t much gain. Jane calculated the number of possible parking spaces, along the side of the road from Vernondale’s down past the fork at Wadleigh Rd, to be around 194. She said it is less than half a mile up to the split of Wadleigh Rd and Penacook. She counted out the number of spaces in each section. There is an old road coming out from the Wadleigh parking lot that is blocked off now, and she is wondering whether Sutton residents with dogs could be allowed to park at Wadleigh and walk out that way. This would have to be discussed with the park people. She said what we really need to do is calm the traffic. Some possible ways are using speed bumps, orange cones, or a police presence. For handicapped parking, we could coordinate with NSIS about using the boat trailer parking lot. We need to have seasonal signage. Some ideas she got from the Internet: “Drive Slowly – People in Road”, “Drive Slowly – Be prepared to Stop”, “Children, Bikes, Dogs in Road”, “Children Playing”. A sign to the left of the boat launch could say “Swim in this direction”. Small signs all along the road could say “Parking above Dam”. Cathy Baker had an idea to have “Carry In – Carry Out” signs all along the area, which could help with litter. We could use flashers, on a temporary basis. We need a KLNA sign, and new railroad ties along the road. We also need a way to delineate the edges of the actual road (paint?) since in the Horse Beach area it is hard for walkers to see where the edges of the road are. Don said he agrees with Jane up to a point. There is a congestion problem, and we should not try to make the area attractive (though we shouldn’t neglect it.) There should be parking on only one side of the road, and if that isn’t enough, then too bad. And it needs to be enforced. The police should come around now and then and ticket. People don’t read signs. We have to have the rules posted (at the kiosk?), but too many signs is dangerous. Deb said, how about “No Parking” signs on both sides of the road, and several people liked this idea. We would have to petition the state for it. Barb said she agrees with the beginning of Jane’s proposal, and knows that safety is important, but why is this SCC’s issue, and not the town’s (or the state’s)? Dan said we have a complicated situation because NSIS already allows parking. He realized while Jane was talking that if DOT says yes to the parking lot at KLNA, the town will be liable for accidents resulting from people backing out into traffic from pull-in spaces along the road. He said it’s up to the SCC to do what we think is best for the land. He wanted to get feedback from the DOT. He said we have to have answers for the public on various parking and congestion issues. Jane made a motion that we not go to DOT and DES to consider expanded parking at the KLNA, and Barb seconded. Don asked what would happen if someone asked us to talk to DOT about parking, and Dan said we would have to have a joint discussion with KLPA and NSIS. Henry asked if people parallel park along the road, doesn’t this affect DOT? Don suggested we invite DOT to come and say how many spaces there are. Dan said we could use GIS for this. Dan said if we withdraw from discussing parking in our management plan, the parking issue is still a problem, and we need to get together with NSIS and KLPA and turn this issue over to the town. Henry said we may still need to go to DOT someday about widening the road shoulders or putting in a crosswalk. A vote was taken on the motion and it passed unanimously. New business Discussion regarding formation of a town recycling committee—Dan said years ago the town had a solid waste committee, and it was focused on replacing the old incinerator. He asked if any of the members were interested in joining the committee. Jane has already joined, and believes Elly is working on forming an alliance with Warner and Bradford. Bonnie said she was interested but might not be able to fully commit to it. Chris Ashton’s resignation from the SCC—Chris gave notice this week that he has to resign, as his job obligations, etc. do not leave him time to devote to SCC. Bonnie was interested in joining the board as an alternate, and said she would be willing to continue as secretary. The board agreed that she should henceforth be paid only for time writing the minutes and not for time spent attending meetings. Deb, the senior alternate member, will now take Chris’s position as a member in full standing. SCC Properties Vernal Pool Bridge Celebration Report – Henry reported that this was very successful. Those in attendance included the Sutton first grade class, the school superintendent, some of the students who actually built the bridge, and Selectman Bob Wright. Henry will be submitting an article and picture to the InterTown Record. There is a plaque with the names of everyone who made it possible, and a main plaque on the bridge telling about vernal pools. A little ways away is a second vernal pool that stays wet for most of the year. Heidi is doing a whole study unit on vernal pools with the first grade class. Henry asked them to submit documents to us with their findings so we can pass them on to Fish & Game. If the pool contains all of the requisite species (wood frogs, fairy shrimp, spotted salamanders, etc.) it can be designated an official vernal pool by Fish & Game and is then protected. Trail mowing at KHR—Dave Carey has mowed the trails in the past, and he knows which ones are due. One third of the trails are supposed to be mowed each year, but since there was no mowing last year, more will need to be mowed this year. Don said we need to wait till July to contact Dave. Some areas of some trails don’t get mowed because of man-made hazards or excessive steepness (King’s Run, Mad Hatter, for ex.). King Hill Trail Care and Development – Henry handed out a very detailed, 4-page document outlining what he sees the needs here to be. (See attached document.) He said his overall goal is to make the trails more user-friendly, informative and educational. He says King Hill has the potential to be a truly fabulous area. There are switchbacks on the trails that would make for excellent cross-country skiing, as well as trails for back country skiing. He’s put up signs on the trails where they cross the old ski trails, showing the old trail names. There are junction signs, and arrows still need to be put up. Regarding private property crossings, Henry is going to contact the landowners involved. Dan suggested he get the names from the town tax map. Don said there is a wet area on the Hominy Pot trail that would provide access for a tractor if we could dry it up; maybe by digging trenches. Henry would like to have signs pointing out special features on the trails, such a glacial erratics and cellar holes. Sutton Historical Society could help by providing info for the signs about what was there (farm, mill, etc.) and what year. Don pointed out that the original plan was to have trails that go downhill to Hominy Pot marked in red, and trails that go up to King Hill marked in blue. Dan said we budgeted extra money for tools and materials. He suggests we get a metal tool box for shovels, etc., and see if Gerry Putnam would let us keep it in a corner of his barn. Diego at the transfer station has a bunch of cast-off yard tools that he has offered to us. Dan said it’s time to cast a broad net out into the community and get some young volunteers to help with trail work. He suggests we buy a 1/8 page ad in the shopper looking for people who’d like to be Friends of the Sutton Trails, with Henry’s contact number. Don said don’t limit it to Sutton residents – there are people in New London, for example, who use that trail system and would be interested in helping. Henry said it would be great to have a volunteer signup system online with a checklist of tasks. When someone signs up for a task they would receive a confirmation email. The best thing is when someone can adopt a trail. Henry said we need to spend some money for plaques for the 2nd vernal pool and the significant historical sites, etc., and also for the kiosk itself, which needs to have a plaque with a map of the whole trail system and how long it takes to walk each trail. Dan said he’s roughed out a map that can be laminated and used in a kiosk, for now. Spring Cleanup Day at KHR—Henry set this up for Sunday, June 24th at 9:30, with a meet-up at the Hominy Pot entrance. Light raking of debris, lopping of branches, chain-sawing fallen trees, and removing trip hazards are some of the tasks needing to be done. More details can be seen in the attached document. Adjournment: There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:40 PM. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 11th, 2018, at 6:30 PM. Respectfully submitted, Bonnie Hill, Secretary KING HILL TRAIL CARE & DEVELOPMENT I. Annual Ski Trail Mowing Which ski trails & when (July)? _____________________, __________________, _____________________, __________________, II. Spring Cleaning of Trail Debris a. Twigs & branches from trail floor plus light raki All trails except Putnam, Gene’s Walk & area on Felch near Vernal Pools b. Nip & clip side branches to 4’ trail width All trails except Putnam, Gene’s Walk & area on Felch near Vernal Pools c. NOTE: Felch trail between Nichols & Perrystown Ski Trail requires major trail clearing work & marking of its path d. Tree Cutting with chain saws i. Nichols Trail (3 locations) ii. Felch Trail between Gene’s Walk & Nichols (1 location) iii. Felch trail between Nichols & Perrystown Ski Trail (Many locations) e. Low Vegetation Cutting i. Week whacking 1. Lyon Brook near rocky area Brush Hogging 1. Paths on ski trails 2. White Rabbit 3. Mock Turtle 4. Hominy Pot from Lyon Brook Trail to Nichols Trail 5. Hominy Pot on main lower area in open field area & south toward Lyon Brook Trail Cut trip hazard small stumps 1. Gene’s Walk between Vernal Pool Bridge & Felch Trail Plank Board Installations a. Wet locations i. Lyon Brook Trail at low valley dip ii. Felch Trail between Gene’s Walk & Nichols iii. Hominy Pot in hill between Lyon Brook & Nichols trails IV. Trail Identification a. Many more plastic trail markers (so the “novice” trail hiker has no way of losing the trail!) i. All trails ii. Felch trail between Nichols & Perrystown Ski Trail b. Light green(?) trail markers for the Putnam Trail c. Touch up paint old trail name signs (in red lettering) d. Additional trail name signs i. At unmarked junctions 1. Felch & Perrystown Trails 2. Perrystown & White Rabbit Ski Trail ii. Part way on long trail sections 1. Nichols Trail 2. Nichols Trail Extension in middle of Mock Turtle ski trail 3. Nichols Trail Extension leaving Mock Turtle ski trail into north woods area 4. Hominy Pot Trail iii. “Northside T-Bar” sign iv. “Free Thinker Ski Trail” sign e. Arrow direction signs wherever trails take sharp turns i. Lyon Brook Trail ii. Felch Trail up hill after Gene’s Walk junction iii. Nichols trail south end (before becomes old road) f. “Private Property – Please Stay on Trail” signs i. Mountainside Connector Trail ii. Nichols Trail Extension to King Hill Road g. Private property signs i. Mountainside development ii. King Hill ridge-top development iii. Northern boundary & Nichol’s Trail Extension to King Hill Road iv. House lot at end of Felch Road V. Additional Trail Development a. Remove stones on Lyon Brook Trail b. Vernal Pool Bridge to Vernal Pool II c. Felch Trail extension from Nichols Trail up to Perrystown Trail d. Martha Kezar’s Hall Trail (#9) ?? e. Maple Leaf parking to King Hill Reservation f. Bean Quarry loop trail g. Accessible tail (?) VI. Permissions to traverse private property areas a. Mountainside development residents for Nichol’s Connector to Hominy Pot Road b. Putnam Trail VII. Kiosk Signage a. At #1. Hominy Pot entrance, #2. Maple Leaf Entrance, (#3. Putnam Bridge entrance?) i. Large trail map (plaque) ii. Time to walk each trail & distance of trails iii. Loop trail suggestions iv. Points of interest v. “You Are Here” reference arrow Snowmobile routes & x-country ski trails VIII. Map Making & Trail Descriptions a. Contour maps using GPS accuracy for trail locations b. Mileage markers c. Include existing “A”, “B”, “C”, etc. locator points d. Snowmobile routes e. Trail Brochure i. Description of each trail ii. Snowmobile routes & X-country trails iii. Special points of interest iv. Suggested trail loop walks including distance & time v. Description of flora (& possible fauna) to be found along trail vi. General history of the area IX. Town Recreation Website a. Update to include new trail maps & trail descriptions X. Plaques a. Large map & trail names for kiosk b. Vernal pool description for Vernal Pool II c. Historic locations XI. History Descriptions & Identification These descriptions would be: 1) Made into signs to put up along various trails. 2) Placed the future “King Hill Reservation” brochure that has trail descriptions a. A history of King Hill & How it got its name b. When settled & by whom Their type of livelihood The height of population in 1800’s & their chief economic work How the stone walls were laid out Why some walls converge toward a particular cellar hole Old dam & mill sites in the King Hill area Likely type of mill Other historical items of interest in the King Hill area History of Bean Quarry XII. Ecology Descriptions These descriptions would be made into signs to put up along various trails. Types of forest At different altitudes up mountain At different watershed areas iii. Ash tree I.D.’s & Emerald Ash Borer description Sugar Maple I.D.’s, et al Lyon Brook i.Source & end poin Type & quality of water Type of fish (if any) & other aquatic life in & near stream How it served the area in the past Typical flowers & ferns Typical animals Typical birds & their bird calls