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Conservation Commission

Conservation and More

              by Bruce B. Beckley


Issue #81, April, 2000
Shoreline Protection

Canoe Trips

Canoe trips on the Souhegan are scheduled for May 6 and 13. Both are being co-sponsored by the Souhegan Watershed Council. For information call 424-1412 for the first trip and 673-3618 for the second. A third trip on June 10 will be led by Rich Hart, an ACC commissioner.

Hearings

Many species are heard in the Spring from peepers to little peeps. In this case however, what is being heard will benefit the ACC. On Monday April24 the selectmen will receive comments prior to acting on acceptance of two grants awarded to the ACC by the NH Trails Bureau. The first grant will provide$2,380 for new signage on all the trails in Joe English Reservation. The ACC has pledged $1,720 in matching funds or the equivalent in volunteer hours.

The second grant will provide $8,210 for trail improvements in Pond Parish Town Forest for non-motorized use and to facilitate educational programs. A matching requirement of $4,575 is required for this program. Volunteer time is credited at $7.17 per hour of effort. We hope all of you who enjoy the ACC-managed properties will respond when the call goes out.

The ACC will be holding a public hearing on May 14 at 7:30 PM to receive public comment regarding the Commission's plan to purchase four parcels of land using money presently available in the land purchase account also known as the conservation fund. These are funds derived from change of use fees that voters have designated be used for land protection.

Shoreland Protection

Out of sight, out of mind is too often true, especially when we talk about protection of a natural resource that is out of sight. In Amherst there are seven great ponds - water bodies over 10 acres. The largest is Baboosic Lake at 222 acres. Two ponds, Damon and Lincoln at 10 acres just qualify for great pond status.

The Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act (RSA 483-B) established the "protected shoreland". This is all the land located within 250 feet of the "reference line" of public waters. In the case of the Amherst ponds, the reference line is the water's edge at mean high water. The protection and encouragement of a woodland buffer around the water body is an important facet of the act. A buffer of natural vegetation goes a long way towards reducing sediments and chemicals from reaching the water. The buffer helps keep the water near the pond's edge cooler and aesthetically enhances the shoreline for residents and users.

The Act addresses several threats that shorelands face:

  • Excessive cutting - Once the trees are gone and the ground cover is disturbed, there is nothing to prevent soil from the shoreland from eroding into the water. The water temperature may rise and promote the growth of aquatic weeds. The Act requires that a healthy stand of trees, shrubs and ground cover be maintained within 150 feet of the water's edge.
  • Erosion - Erosion carries nutrients that were available for the growth of trees and shrubs into the water. This promotes algae and weed growth and leads to a loss of water clarity. Any construction within 250 feet of the water's edge must follow defined steps for erosion and runoff control.
  • Fertilizer - The concentration of nutrients in fertilizer is much greater than that of natural soil. Fertilizer can be even worse than erosion, especially if improperly applied. No fertilizer or pesticide may be used within 25 feet of the water's edge. From 25 to 250 feet from the water's edge only low phosphate, slow-release nitrogen fertilizer may be applied.

For more information on shoreland protection, the requirements of the Act or to express concerns over a possible violation call the Dept. of Environmental Services at 271-3503. Locally, advice on maintaining a low impact lawn may be obtained from the NH Cooperative Extension office in Milford. Anne Krantz is the ACC commissioner who takes the lead in understanding wetlands and related issues. Shoreland information is also available at www.state.nh.us/des.

Wildflowers

On May 17 this writer will try to pass on what I remember about using keys to identify wildflowers. Newcomb's Wildflower Guide will be the focus of this course as it was when I took the course from Larry. Interested? Come to Peabody Mill with a Newcomb's Guide if possible at 7:30 PM Wednesday May 17. A field time will be scheduled for participants. If the course benefits you, a donation will be in order.

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