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Jackson Conservation Commission approves dues, flags erosion and stewardship needs at Prospect Farm and Jackson Falls
Summary
At its Feb. 3 meeting the Town of Jackson Conservation Commission approved minutes and a $270 membership payment, discussed tree-pruning needs at Prospect Farm, possible erosion impacts at Jackson Falls tied to the Valley Cross Bridge design that may require additional permitting and funds, and reviewed a community garden septic plan and wetlands zoning changes.
The Town of Jackson Conservation Commission met Feb. 3, 2025, and approved its January minutes and payment of annual association dues while discussing several conservation priorities that may require additional study and funding.
Ken Kimball moved to approve the January 2025 meeting minutes; Brian Byrne seconded and the motion passed unanimously, recorded at the meeting as “All in favor.” The commission then turned to on-the-ground projects.
Brian Byrne said he has spoken with John LaManna about scheduling an assessment and plan for Prospect Farm. He told the commission that spring work is preferred because snow currently limits access, and that volunteers or JSTF support might be needed to transport tools. Byrne said about five of more than 30 trees at the site have been pruned so far and that additional pruning is required before the site can be maintained by volunteers.
The commission discussed erosion at Jackson Falls in the context of the design process for the new Valley Cross Bridge. Members noted that, regardless of the bridge’s impacts, existing erosion at Jackson Falls will need remediation that likely requires additional permitting and costs beyond the annual funds available from the Wentworth Wildcat Trust. Ben Halcyon said he will contact Headwater Hydrology for an update to the plan they prepared in 2018 to better estimate costs and permitting needs.
There was no new report on Gray’s Inn.
Pam Smillie said she had spoken with Jay Henry about siting a proposed septic leach field for the community garden; Henry recommended expanding the garden toward the ditch so the leach field would not interfere with the proposed system. Jen Hayes is preparing an application to the Pequawket Foundation to secure funding for the garden project.
The commission agreed to continue monitoring Whitney’s Inn and Black Mountain Pond on the Wildcat River and noted a concern about a house along the Ellis River Trail; no formal action was taken on those items at the meeting.
Members also reported that the Planning Board has submitted a warrant article to amend the zoning ordinance regulating site disturbance (Section 4.1.6). The commission directed members to the town website for the full proposed amendment and supporting materials.
Under new business Ben Halcyon moved to pay the annual dues for the New Hampshire Association of Conservation Commissions and to purchase a new handbook, totaling $270. Pam Smillie and Brian Byrne seconded; the motion was approved unanimously (“All in favor”).
There were no public comments. The commission scheduled its next meeting for March 3, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. Ken Kimball moved to adjourn; Pam Smillie seconded and the motion passed. The meeting minutes were respectfully submitted by Ben Halcyon.
