Eaton Conservation Commission

March 9, 2009

1.Meeting called to order my Rick Young at 7:10 PM. Present were Paul Savchick, Rick Young, Dick Brisbois, Judy Fowler and Marnie Cobbs. Present as guests were Dick Fortin, Edith McKenzie and Ken McKenzie.

2.Minutes of the 2/9/09 minutes were accepted unanimously.

3.TREASURER’S REPORT Dick Brisbois reported:

Eaton Conservation Fund $ 7,797.62

Forest Management Fund 13,459.65

$21,257.27

4.CRYSTAL LAKE

A. Loon Nests - There was discussion re: obtaining an artificial loon nest to encourage loon pairs to again nest on Crystal Lake. Ken McKenzie has called the (Audubon) Loon Center in Moultonborough and was told that a state permit is required. It was unanimously voted for Dick Brisbois to call the Loon Center for the ECC to ascertain what is needed to obtain a nest.

B. Marnie Cobbs proposed asking the regular Crystal lake swimmers to be on the lookout for milfoil.

5.EDITH MCKENZIE LAND Mrs. Mckenzie’s 99 acres on Foss Mt. adjoining the Town land/blueberry fields are for sale and there was discussion about possible purchase by the Town to preserve this as an area of importance to the Town. There was discussion re: land trust involvement and various types of appraisals that would have to be done for such involvement. ECC had voted to pay for an appraisal. It was decided that Marnie Cobbs would talk to Tom Henderson, president of the Upper Saco Valley Land Trust about appraisals and perhaps have him and/or an appraiser speak to the ECC at the April meeting.

6.BURRI PROPERTY There was discussion of the Burri property across from the Eaton Village Store, specifically whether the ECC would support warrant article #2 to be presented at the 3/10/09 Town meeting, for the Town to purchase this property, and whether the ECC would recommend use of money in the Land Acquisition Fund towards this purchase. Concerns were raised about the Crystal Lake water quality and storm water runoff from impervious surfaces. The ECC members voted unanimously on the following recommendation: To support the purchase of the Burri property, that it would be beneficial for the Town to own it. Support would include releasing $50,000 from the Land Acquisition Fund with the following conditions: the conflicting septic design information be clarified; the ECC have oversight of the design for the use and development of the property to ensure the protection of the water quality of Crystal Lake.

The ECC expressed concern that an independent appraisal was not completed as promised and highly recommends such an appraisal be completed by and independent licensed fee appraiser rather than a realtor, before any Town money be spent.

Ken McKenzie spoke about RSA41.14 that provides a different system for: Town land purchases.

7.MEMBERSHIP Kristy Foster has resigned and the ECC needs new members Tom Head has agreed to serve and will be at the April meeting.

Next meeting will be April 13, 2009 at 7:00 PM.

Meeting adjourned at 9:40 PM.

Respectfully submitted by Judy Fowler, secretary.