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Commission weighs lower-cost trail signage, plans Chaffee path work and milfoil monitoring
Summary
Members discussed using New Hampshire Correctional Industries for less-expensive trail signs, coordinated volunteer planning for Chaffee path rehabilitation, reported a scheduled May 15 milfoil dive at Trout Pond with potential DASH boat support, and flagged a lack of contractor response for a Ledge Trail clearing.
At the May 4 meeting, Lyme Conservation Commission members reviewed multiple trail and land-management matters, including lower-cost signage options, volunteer coordination for path maintenance, an update on invasive milfoil monitoring at Trout Pond, and a stalled clearing project for the Ledge Trail View.
Lin Brown proposed exploring New Hampshire Correctional Industries (NHCI) as a lower-cost source for signage after consultant Jim Mason’s suggestions proved potentially expensive; she volunteered to follow up on styles and pricing for signs for Chaffee Wildlife Sanctuary, Big Rock, Trout Pond and the Town Forest. Matt Stevens said there had been no recent update from Jim Mason and that he was open to switching to NHCI if costs are favorable.
On maintenance, Matt Stevens said the commission lacks precise estimates for volunteer hours and equipment needed to rehabilitate the Chaffee Path and suggested asking volunteers to bring appropriate tools and report back on realistic methods. Lin Brown said she would seek a volunteer dash team from CommunityCare of Lyme (CCL), and Jill Niles urged the group to plan and coordinate work in detail.
Jill Niles reported no recent communication from contractor Eric Bragg on the approved Ledge Trail clearing and said she would try to reach him again, noting a possible shoulder injury that could affect his availability. Separately, Sue MacKenzie said no milfoil has yet been reported at Trout Pond and that a Diver Assisted Suction Harvesting (DASH) dive is planned for May 15; she has contacted the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services to place a DASH boat on the list if needed, and noted slow milfoil growth due to a cold spring.
Commissioners asked staff and volunteers to follow up on NHCI pricing and sign styles, to develop a detailed maintenance plan for Chaffee Path that specifies equipment and volunteer tasks, and to re-contact the Ledge Trail contractor.
