Conservation Commission
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Meeting Minutes

The Harrisville Conservation Commission met on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 in the Town Hall Conference Room.  The meeting opened at 3:05 pm.

Members present: Harry Wolhandler, Don Scott, Ralph Zingaro, Tom McGregor, Kathy Scott. Absent: Jordan Long, John Sandri
Attendees: Doug Viles, Winston Sims
Recording Secretary: Mary Ann Noyer

Minutes of November meeting – Tom McGregor moved to approve the minutes. Kathy Scott seconded. All voted in favor.

Hydro Power Project over Minnewawa Brook in Marlborough – Kathy Scott and Tom McGregor described the proposed repair work on an existing hydro power station over the Minnewawa Brook in Marlborough. They explained the questions and concerns raised by the Friends of Russell Reservoir about potential upstream impacts from the repair work, including impact on water levels in upstream water bodies in Harrisville.  The Select Board has submitted questions and comments to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as part of the “Comment Period.”  HCC members raised no concerns as the project involves repairs to systems and parts already in place.

Saving Hemlocks – The HCC continued discussion of the beetle project to thwart hemlock tree disease caused by wooly adelgid. To date, 2800+ Japanese beetles have been released in hemlock-dense locations in Harrisville. Members continue to identify new release spots for spring 2026 and appreciate the private donations coming to the Conservation Fund to support the project. To date, donations total $16,600.

Invoice approvals – Harry Wolhandler moved to approve the invoice from Symbiont Biological Pest Management for $8,250 for 1100 beetles, and further to reimburse Harry Wolhandler for beetle shipping costs in the amount of $588.64 with payment to come from the remaining funds in the 2025 Conservation Commission budget, with the balance of the expenses to come from the Conservation Fund. Kathy Scott seconded. All voted in favor.

2026 Conservation Commission Budget – The HCC proposed to keep the budget flat at $6150 for the coming year.  All voted in favor.

Other business
-Conservation Easements – Doug Viles noted he has 3 stands of black gum trees, identified as old-growth trees or Heritage Forest by the Monadnock Conservancy years ago. He is working toward putting this acreage into conservation. HCC discussed the idea of collaborating as needed and able.

The meeting adjourned at 4:30 pm.