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Commission hears updates on grants, a fire site and requests to protect 80 acres and clear wildlife passageways
Summary
Staff updated the commission on grant work and trainings, reported on a recent fire site needing early erosion controls, and commissioners discussed pursuing Article 97 protection for an ~80‑acre parcel and clearing two overgrown wildlife passageways near Brookside Drive.
During new and old business the commission received several informational updates and took nonbinding next steps for follow up.
Staff reported steady progress on the Keethro Culver grant and said the commission should be in position to meet the March 20 deadline for the MVP grant submittal; staff also noted recent professional trainings (MACC conference) and upcoming UNH soil workshops relevant to certification. Commissioners asked that staff provide a fuller debrief of the MACC conference at the next meeting.
On a recent fire at a commercial property, staff said the property owner and tenant remain engaged in ongoing investigations and that demolition and rebuilding will likely require Wetlands Protection Act permitting. Staff recommended early placement of erosion and sediment controls to limit ash and debris from reaching resource areas while investigations continue.
In new business a commissioner asked staff to explore placing an approximately 80‑acre parcel near the fishing access under Article 97 protection. Commissioners discussed prior grants and partnership approaches (including use of municipal land as match for grants) and suggested contacting Janet Morrison, the former head of the North County Land Trust, for historical knowledge and assistance.
Commissioners also flagged two wildlife passageways under the roadway near the end of Brookside Drive that have become overgrown. The commission asked staff to map the passages, assess maintenance responsibilities, and evaluate possible funding for clearing or pruning so the crossings remain functional for wildlife.
No formal votes were taken on these informational items; commissioners directed staff to research Article 97 status, prepare GIS layers and property ownership details, and return with options and potential grant/partnership avenues at a future meeting.
