Harrisville Conservation Commission

Wednesday, December 4, 2024
Meeting Minutes

Members present: Harry Wolhandler, John Sandri, Andrew Maneval, Don Scott, Jessica Zander. Absent: Ralph Zingaro

Attendees:  Jordan Long, Shane Pardue

The meeting opened at 7:00 pm.

 

Agenda, Minutes of November meeting – Members voted in favor to approve the minutes.

Project updates, Beetle Releases – To date, there have been 7 releases of Laricobius beetles, 3 since last month.  In addition, new release sites have been identified off Route 135 and along Rosemary Trail, and will continue to be identified.  Ideal locations contain dense groves of Hemlocks.

The Chair noted the likelihood that the next shipments of beetles won’t come until the spring, unless there is a thaw for 4-5 consecutive days, and that evaluations of the impact of beetle releases will wait until that time as well.

Expense review and approvals – The HCC voted unanimously in favor to approve the following invoices related to the Beetle Project: $2302.50 to Symbiont Biological Pest Management for the third beetle release; $2,415 to Symbiont for the fourth beetle release; and $795 to Symbiont for the fifth beetle release for a total of $5,512.50. 

Members also voted unanimously in favor to approve Mr. Wolhandler’s request for reimbursement for FedEx shipping expenses. The receipts are forthcoming.

Restoring Native Roadside Vegetation / Vegetation Management, Vendor Availability and Costs – Jess Zander and Don Scott reported on their research. Ms. Zander spoke to Integrated Vegetation Services and she’s looking for two more bids for treatment of between 25 and 50 sites for a June cutback and an August/September spray. She hopes to have quotes at the January meeting. Ms. Zander also noted, on certain grant opportunities, it may be possible to receive funds retroactively.

Harry Wolhandler noted that his contact at the DOT suggested he call the state Dept of Agriculture about cutting knotweed along state roads.  John Sandri will reach out to NRCS about the usefulness of a sickle bar as a removal option.  The HCC will consider how locations are prioritized, as well as the budget implications, for removal efforts.

Road Treatment / Salt & Sand – Members discussed what they learned about neighboring towns’ practices as compared to Harrisville’s.  John Sandri noted most towns use straight salt on asphalt and sand (with a low percentage of salt) for dirt roads. Dublin uses sand only on all of its roads. They typically sand when a storm has ended rather than intermittently throughout the precipitation. Their sand does contain a small percentage (3-6%) of salt. Dublin has noticed less corrosion on its equipment and drivers’ vehicles. Hancock, on the other hand, uses straight salt. Jaffrey, Peterborough and Harrisville use salt on paved roads and a mix on dirt roads. Marlborough tries to use little salt around its lakes, but uses more around school zones for safety. Westmoreland mixes salt and sand and uses 500-600 lbs/mile. They use just sand on steep hills and curves.

Sand requires more cleanup in the spring. Salt can contaminate wells.  Asking what it would take to get the state to use less salt on state roads around lakes, members spoke to the need for buy-in from emergency services and safety personnel.  As for the decision on the town’s side, ultimately it rests with the Select Board but with input from Highway, Emergency Services and the Conservation Commission.

Following discussion and suggestions for a meeting with the Road Agent and safety officials, Mr. Maneval suggested during the January Department Heads meeting. The Chair will also reach out to the Road Agent.

2025-2026 Budget Preview – After reviewing 2024 expenditures to date and what budget may be needed for 2025, particularly for invasive species management line, Andrew Maneval moved to approve the same budget for the HCC for 2025. All voted in favor.

Concern about lily pads in Russell Reservoir – Shane Pardue, whose family owns a camp on Russell Reservoir, attended to express concerns about the significant increase in lily pads. Members noted this was likely due to the lower water levels recently and increased sunlight which promotes their growth, but also the natural lifecycle of different species. They noted that lily pads are not invasive. They are allowed to be removed by hand or non-mechanical means.  The HCC shared contact information for the head of the Friends of Russell Reservoir with Mr. Pardue.

Town Property Value Shares – What proportion is in current use, what proportion is lakeside – Mr. Wolhandler will share information on this at the next meeting.

New Con Com member – The HCC welcomed Jordan Long as a prospective new member. He is interested in joining given his interest in conservation issues and in particular tackling invasive species.  Following discussion, the Chair moved to name Jordan Long as a member of the HCC.  All voted in favor.

Reports on actions of other town committees and environmental groups

  • Select Board – Andrew reported that the Ordinance Review Committee and the PB are holding a public hearing next Wed 12/11 at 7 pm to present proposed zoning changes. One relates to wetlands and the other to short term rentals in the lakeside district.
  • Town property underutilization meeting – A committee is studying how to use differently and more creatively town buildings that currently are underused. Initial focus is on the old Fire Station on Harrisville Pond and the old highway garage behind the police station. The committee will make recommendations to the Select Board.
  • Community Power – the Community Power Coalition of NH is starting a program to accept Renewable Energy Credits (RECs), which could help with net metering problems in town. Eversource has not worked to manage excess that’s put back into grid and the REC program may be a way to capture some of that.
  • Planning Board – The PB is updating the Master Plan synopsis and will post a tri-fold version for reader friendliness.
  • Trails – Town Trail improvements continue with cleanup and building of stone steps on the River Trail planned.
  • Historic Harrisville – A new committee for the Community Center/St Denis Church is being formed.

The meeting adjourned at 8:41 pm.