MINUTES

HORSE HILL NATURE PRESERVE (HHNP)

SITE WALK 04/02/06

Members Present:

Robyn Goinsalvos, Horseback Riding, Abutter Helynne Wenz, HHNP Ad Hoc

Ruth Roulx, HHNP Ad Hoc, P&R, Heritage Comm. Roland Roberge, Abutter

Bette Philo and Glen Philo, Abutters Mr. & Mrs. John Lastowka, Abutter

Debra Huffman, HHNP Ad Hoc, Master Plan Harry Watt, Mountain Biking

Connie Kreider, HHNP Ad Hoc, Heritage Janet Comier, HHNP Ad Hoc, Parks

Tom Vaillancourt, Mountain Biking Dick Allen, Abutter

Others Present:

Kerrie Diers, NRPC Assistant Director

Karen Baker, NRPC Administrative Assistant

SUMMARY

The site walk started at 11:10 am from the Amherst Road parking lot. Helynne Wenz passed around maps for members to use as a guide during the walk. Both Helynne and Debra Huffman narrated as everyone hiked through the trails. As the group approached the trail, they were reminded that this has been a very dry March and usually the area is a much wetter. Both Deb and Helynne pointed out and described the area. Listed below are some of the highlights and information obtained from the walk.

Wetlands at beginning of trail to the left (pink ribbons indicate jurisdictional wetlands which carry strict DES regulations).

Noted proximity to stone wall at entrance of trail.

Helynne pointed out the wild roses and grapes on both sides of the trail.

John Lastowka informed the group that due to logging in previous years, the trail was not in its original state and also told the group of the wildlife activity coming through there (owns property across the street from the trail).

To the left of the trail was only known alder grove on site (prime habitat for woodcock, rabbits, and other wildlife).

Residue pipe markers on trails from preliminary 110 house development that never went through.

Year round stream would be where 4 to 5 ft crossing would be. Stone wall to right demarks prime wet section. Once past stream, land is dryer.

Orange marker off trail in about 100 feet on left was a 4ft hand dug well dug by John Lastowka’s family years back to get water when property wells went dry. This well would always stay wet and provided water for animals owned by family. Trench went from well to Lester Road and pipe is still there (snakes in well). Also a spring on Blodgett Hill which drained to the well and then to the House.

Kerrie to bring maps to Monday meeting identifying other spots for fields based on data provided by the group.

Further up the hill to the right was the beaver dam showing trees freshly taken down by beavers and a huge beaver hut.

Helynne showed the group how close the fields would be to the abutting property owners.

Janet pointed out that this complex would only be three fields as opposed to the 9 that Reeds Ferry has.

Bones, hair, partial piece of deer jaw with teeth, and a beaver pelvis were found during the site walk.

Janet explained to the group where the money comes from for fields. There is a capital reserve fund for ball fields which there is currently around $100,000 +/-. It was drained significantly due to the fields at Turkey Hill. Money could be used to purchase property for fields (4 acres per field only). There is not enough in the capital reserve fund to build even 1 field. If and when the okay was given to proceed with the building of ball fields, MYA would acquire money from donations, grants, and volunteers and within 5 years be able to start the building process. She gave an example of how MYA comes up with the money. Walmart does a 1 for 1 donation for volunteers with the MYA who work at Walmart. Lastly, she let the group know that MYA tries to group fields to minimize the impact on communities, people, etc.

The site walk ended at 1:00 pm.