Preservation and proper utilization of the Town Forest
| The Commission is encouraging use of the Forest by students in the Belmont school system. The Belmont High School Cross Country Team is utilizing the trial system within the Forest for both training and competition events. |
| The Commission is evaluating Town property on Rte 106 for use as a parking and access area to the Forest. This may include some trail work to tie the access into the existing trail system. In addition, the Commission is considering the development of information markers for appropriate |
| The Commission is investigating the options available for the reconstruction of the trail crossing within the forest that created a pond supporting wildlife and vegetation. The Commission is working closely with the Natural Resource Conservation Service to obtain the necessary permits, develop and project plan and research funding sources to replace the crossing and pond. |
Preservation and access for the Bean Dam area
| The Commission has taken over the management of Tax Lot 225/18, located off Farrarville Road, known as the Bean Dam. The site consists of the flowage and adjacent areas which originally served the Mills. It currently is a undeveloped area, teeming with wildlife. A large original stone and earthen dam still exists on the site. The Commission is investigating options to allow a nature trail access to the site so that its beauty can be shared with residents while the area remains preserved. |
Liaison to other boards, commissions and organizations
| Because conservation and preservation are important issues is many facets of government as well as private land use, members of the Commission serve as liaisons to other organizations. The Commission currently has Members who serve on the Board of Selectmen, Budget Committee, Master Plan Subcommittees, Recycling Committee and Public Works Advisory Committee. |
| The Commission also reviews and provides comments to the Planning and Zoning Boards on all applications that come before those Boards. |
Inter-community conservation and preservation efforts
| The Commission recently took part in a meeting of the Sanbornton Area Land Trust (SALT) organization for the purpose of creating a forum for neighboring communities to share information on land conservation options and methods. |
| The Commission will be hosting a meeting of SALT and other area communities to further the discussion of intercommunity efforts. |
| The Commission has begun the development of a Natural Resource Inventory
for the community. UNH and Lakes Region Planning Commission are
assisting. The project is scheduled for completion in September.
As part of this project, the following maps will be created:
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