(Due to rain the planned boat ride from Greenfield/Hancock Fish and Game Boat launch onto Powder Mill pond section of the river was cancelled).
Present: Ed Cobbett, Richard Bell, Bob Henderson, Beth Cote, Byron Carr, Ted Hillson, Michelle Hamm, Ed Cobbett, David Rossiter, Ron Rogstad, Marian Baker, Loranne Carey Block, Rod Cyr
Regrets; Rod Zwirner, Shirley Carney
1. News from towns:
Jaffrey- Ron Rogstad reported that wells are being drilled in Sharon with the possibility of sending it to Jaffrey or bottling the water commercially. It so far has been defeated at town meeting.
Bennington- Michelle Hamm reported that the Paper Mill is repairing their dams. They have just finished repairs on the Pierce Station and have started repairs on the Monadnock Station.
Rindge- Bob Henderson reported that the conservation Commission is looking into two clear cutting violations on the river.Hopkinton-Byron Carr reported the town is trying to preserve open space in their town.
Peterborough Beth Cote reported they are still working on their master plan. She asked what to do about a neighbor on Grove St. in Peterborough who is pulling stumps within 25ft of river. She was advised to contact her Conservation Commission or to fill out a shoreland protection act complaint form.
Concord- Rod Cyr reported that Concord disposes of sewage sludge and takes in septage from 60 other towns waste. They hire and outside firm from Laconia, to remove sludge. They accept sludge from all towns which do not have an anti sludge ordinance.Ted Hillson shared with us a picture taken at the actual time of dam removal in Henniker.
Hancock- Dick Bell reported he had taken a survey of powder mill pond by kayak during low water-found lots of mussel shells,and some purple loosestrife, but less milfoil that expected. Michelle explained that the mills does mechanical removal of milfoil around all the dams and around the covered bridge. He also found a large mass of jelly that was likely to be frog eggs.
Deering- Ed Cobbett reported that a hearing on the proposed condominium hangers for private airplanes to be built in the West Deering floodplain, will be held on Aug 25th. The plan is an expansion of a nonconforming use. The town is still working on master plan and is considering eliminating all cul de sac roads.
Hillsboro - Marian Baker reported that she and Ed Cobbett had written a letter about the Walmart wetlands dredge and fill application on behalf of the committee. Ed Cobbett reported that Ford Carpenter has make their 50 foot buffer into a lawn cutting all the brush again. We decided to take more pictues and send in a follow up complaint.
2. Previous minutes- Approved as received-
3. Upcoming Events-
4. Treasurer's report- No change from previous meeting.
5. Buffers- Ed Cobbett shared with us of two publication that might be helpful to us. U of Mass has published one on Wildlife use of wetland buffer zones which gives species specific and group specific information about the size of buffers needed. Eighy percent of species are protected by 50 foot buffer. But some require a 250 foot buffer. NH DES published a Definition of buffers and an explanation of our state protection act in 2001.
6. Dam Removal video- We watched some video footage of dam removal in Henniker on 16th June, taken by Michelle Hamm- Other upstream dam owners held back water to causeless strife to life below. The dam is almost completely removed now.
7. Next Meeting on 20th September) - We will try the canoeing for next month at 5:00PM leaving from the Greenfield Boat Launch area. It is likely to be a time when ospreys and other birds will be migrating along the river. We will then meet at Antrim Town hall for our business meeting. Agenda should include reports on what each town does on sewage.
8. Annual Rivers conference- We will make preparations for the annual rivers conference to be held on 13th November. We should take a display of our river. Michelle and Bob Henderson are willing to take it.
9. Study of water quality of Contoocook. Michelle reported that she had received a copy of the complete study of Contoocook River recently done by DES. She will make a copy for us. With a list of the highlights of it by next meeting.
10. Display at Paper Mill. Michelle had a display on the wall of the conference room where we met- pictures of both of the recent floods as well as the beauty of the river.The mill owns 4 dams- 3 for hydro power- Monad, Pierce, and inside millPowder mill dam is used for flood control and to maintain the pond level for water use by the mill, as well as maintain recreational use above the dam. Their septage goes to town to resource management. Their short paper fiber and sludge is mixed with sand to make top soil for landfill toppings.
Next meeting on 20th Sept.Respectfully submitted,
Marian Baker, Secretary