Harrisville Conservation Commission
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Meeting Minutes

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

Members of the public: Winston Sims

The meeting opened at 3:00 pm.

Agenda Review / Approve Minutes of January Meeting – Members voted to approve the agenda and the January minutes.

Harrisville Roadside Salt & Sand Practices – Regarding the potential additional opportunity to use sand versus salt in the village on Canal and Island Streets, and also on Piper Lane, the Road Agent responded that the required spring cleanup from using sand makes doing so more time-consuming and more costly.

Saving Hemlocks – HCC members discussed potential new locations for beetle releases on Rosemary Trail and off Route 137. Shipments of beetles are coming late February/early March. Jordan Long offered to photograph potential optimal locations on Rosemary Trail/backside of Aldworth Manor. The HCC also will look again at the Number Four Hill area.

Restoring Native Roadside Vegetation / Knotweed Removal – Mr. Wolhandler shared input from Jess Zander, who has been speaking with 2 vegetation management companies in Massachusetts.  Ms. Zander will explain to the HCC in March why the companies recommend one application of herbicide in late summer/fall vs. doing a June cutting followed by application in the fall.  Ralph Zingaro will also research whether protocols have changed since UNH’s best practices was published. Bidders are likely to be able to submit quotes in early May. The HCC will consider what will grow back in treated areas before making a decision on moving ahead.

Assessing Forest Fire Risk in Harrisville – The HCC continued its follow-up on Winston Sims’s request that the HCC, Select Board and Fire Department consider forest fire risks in Harrisville and consider how to encourage homeowners to take steps to manage/prevent risk – e.g., fireproof homes and properties, and how the town might support such initiatives. Mr. Sims expressed concerns about the amount of dead wood and recent droughts.  Jordan Long and Andrew Maneval will raise the matter at the next Fire Company meeting. The HCC Chair shared recommendations used in other states.  Education is likely to be the HCC’s role, in conjunction, hopefully, with the Fire Department.  It was noted that forest fires / wildfires are not addressed in the town’s hazard mitigation plan. John Sandri will check with the state fire service on any recommendations they may have.

Reports on actions of other town committees and environmental groups
-Select Board – The board is working on the 2025 budget and warrant, with the first budget hearing scheduled for Thursday, February 6, at 7 pm.
-Planning Board – The PB will hold 2 conceptual consultations for a radio tower for the county on cobb hill, and the St. Denis rehabilitation project.
-ZBA – The ZBA has a scheduled hearing on a matter remanded to it by the Housing Appeals Board. The matter concerns a special exception granted in 2023 to replace a cottage on Skatutakee Road.

The meeting adjourned at 4:10 pm.