Members Present: Andy Powell, Jim Taylor, Cathy Provencher, Lynne Wenz, Nelson Disco, Connie Kreider, Shannon Barnes, Charles Buker, Mike Ruggiero, Debra Huffman, Harold Watson, Newton Coryell, John Buckley, Tim Tenhave, David Rutzke, Chris Christensen, Janet Cormier, Roger Blais, Peter Kahn, Susan Siena, Karen Mattor

Also Present: Jay Minkarah, Community Development Director

Call to Order: Debra Huffman called the meeting to order at 7:10 PM.

Announcements: Debra Huffman stated that she had heard some questions from the public about calling the property a 'nature preserve.' She clarified that the name confers no restriction on future development. Different areas of the property can be developed and renamed where appropriate.

Presentation: Brian Wilson, Supervisor of the Merrimack Village District, presented information about Merrimack's water system.

Merrimack is unique in that it obtains its town water from relatively shallow (approximately 100 foot) groundwater wells. Wells 1, 2, and 3, the wells nearest the Greens Pond property, are in the Naticook Brook aquifer, which was formed by meltwater from the last glacier.

From 1995 to 2000, the MVD conducted a study to develop a groundwater model to determine the zone of influence for these wells. Test wells were drilled and monitored and the aquifer recharge area was defined. The southern section of the Greens Pond property falls within this recharge area, but the majority of the property does not. White Pine Swamp through its overflow basin (at the intersection of Greens Pond Road and Naticook Road) is part of the Naticook Brook recharge area.

It was asked if the MVD might consider placing a well on the property. Brian stated that it would have to be a bedrock well, and they are expensive to operate. It would not be cost effective at this time. If a large producing well is ever placed on the property, the MVD would monitor its impact on town wells, but would not expect a direct effect because the town draws its water from the groundwater aquifer, which is not directly affected by the water in the bedrock.

When asked about restrictions the MVD might recommend, Brian stated that the MVD does not generally place restrictions on their property. He believes that if people in the wellhead protection area are educated, most spills can be avoided. Rather than use restrictions, he finds it better to work with people to allow all recreational use, including motorized recreation. They have not yet had a problem with recreational users.

In response to a question about the MVD's forested property, Brian stated that the MVD manages the area's largest tree farm. Undeveloped areas are best in a recharge area, but the forest should be managed to open up the canopy to allow rain to soak through.

When asked about the impact of potential blasting on the Greens Pond property, Brian stated that as a precaution the MVD would set up seismographic computers to monitor whether the blasting affected the bedrock under their aquifer, but blasting the bedrock would not likely impact the MVD water table. The Home Depot blasting, for example, did not impact town wells, although private wells were affected.

In response to a question about trails on MVD land, Brian stated that the High School and fourth graders use their trails for educational programs. The MVD would like to connect their trails to Wasserman Park. Grants are available to assist with trail building, which is difficult and must be done correctly to be successful.

When asked about fencing, Brian stated that their fencing is not to protect water quality or prevent access, rather to remind people that they are entering a wellhead protection area. Pennichuck Corporation is more restrictive with their land.

When asked, Brian stated that the Souhegan River flow does not affect MVD wells.

The MVD services approximately 80% of Merrimack residents. They assess their distribution system every year and budget for distribution expansion. There are water lines down Naticook and Amherst Roads that could service the Greens Pond property, but not down Palmeri Drive.

The MVD does not see a need for any future wells, especially with well #6 coming back on line within five years. Even during July and August there is ample water for drinking but not for lawn irrigation. They may need additional storage tanks, but not within ten years. If they ever do need a storage tank, he expects that it would not be located on the Greens Pond property.

When asked about MTBE in our town water, Brian stated that they have occasionally seen spikes of it in test wells, but not above the standard. It moves quickly through groundwater and is usually caused by an isolated incident.

The committee thanked Brian for a very informative presentation.

Reports from Subcommittees:

• Natural Resource Inventory subcommittee - Debra Huffman presented the soil types report. Included were maps showing the 18 soil types found on the property and the topography. The impact of soil quality on various uses was described. In response to a question, the fact that the property consists of more than 30 tax map parcels was discussed. It was decided that there was no immediate advantage to combining the parcels, which would be an expense to the town.
  
  Jim Taylor postponed the water report to be able to include information from Brian Wilson's presentation. Greg Kirby has finished his geology report but was not present at the meeting. The wildlife report will be completed in the spring.
• Wetland Restrictions subcommittee - Karen Mattor presented the wetlands report, which includes information on local, state, and federal wetland regulations, and a map outlining the wetlands on the property. In response to a question, Nelson Disco and Andy Powell clarified the definition of wetlands, and it was decided that the map should be modified to show only actual field-defined wetlands. Janet Cormier noted that wetland designation can change over time, with land becoming a wetland or being removed from wetland status. Jay Minkarah stated that he believed the shaded area shown on the map is the actual wetlands.
  
  It was noted that the Shoreland Protection Act does not apply to the water on this property and that there are no navigable public waters on the property. It was also noted that the information in Jonathan Nute's Forestry Report, which has been reviewed by the committee, was gathered in an afternoon and does not constitute a comprehensive report. His information should be viewed as informational only.
• Access Points subcommittee - Andy Powell presented their report. Sixteen access points were evaluated based on their current use, impact on abutters, accessibility to main roads, and topography. The subcommittee determined that there is an immediate need for one or two parking areas, each providing room for up to 10 cars, and providing access to two or more sides of the parcel. These areas should have a gravel surface and be maintained year round. Additional sites should be delayed for one to two years to determine the actual use level .
  
  The subcommittee recommended creating two parking areas. The first would be at point C1 on the access map, under the PSNH lines on Naticook Road. This area is already mostly cleared and PSNH is willing to negotiate an easement. A committee should be formed to follow up on the negotiations. If buses will access the property, they could be parked at point C2, across Naticook Rd.
  
  A second site should be located at point J off Amherst Road, leaving existing pine trees as a border for the neighbors. This would allow access to two sides of the property.
  
  All other access areas should be clearly marked to avoid trespass on private property. The town should continue to consider other access sites as they become available, such as the Wasserman Heights easement.
  
  It was noted that the PSNH negotiations should occur this spring and include access from Peaslee Road as well as access from point C2 to Gilmore Hill, which will permit a large walking loop to continue through MVD land, to Wasserman Park, across Naticook Rd through Wasserman Heights, and back onto the Horse Hill parcel.
  Andy has spoken with the DPW. They will assess the parking areas this spring and believe they can complete the work during the next building cycle.
  
  In response to questions, it was noted that large horse trailers might not have easy access, but that we should start small and see what is actually needed. It was noted that all subcommittee reports and maps should be available on our web page eventually. There was discussion about publicity of the parking areas, and concerns were raised about encouraging people to visit the parcel until there is adequate parking. Concerns were raised about rocks blocking Old Kings Highway, about the need for a designated bus parking area, and about public education about the wet conditions of the trails.
• Wasserman Heights Easement subcommittee - Debra Huffman reported that the easement is now shown on the developer's plans, but that negotiation continues on relocating the trail to avoid a ravine.
• Trash Clean-up subcommittee - Charles Buker reported that he has spoken with the DPW about removing the car bodies. They will need direction from Town Hall on this. Charles has lined up volunteers to assist with a clean-up day tentatively scheduled for April 26^th, pending approval by the BOS and snow melt. He has spoken with the Fire Chief who can have a paramedic on site in case of emergency. Charles believes the fire and police departments will want to become familiar with the trails before the public begins using them extensively. Charles outlined plans for removal of broken glass, tires, PVC pipe, and other materials. Tim Tenhave volunteered to work with Charles to write up a report to be presented to the BOS.

Approval of Minutes: The February 3rd 2003 minutes were approved with minor corrections.

Comments: Jim Taylor noted that he is working with Tanner Pearson on an Eagle Scout project on the property. He will consider improving the trail from Amherst Road to the beaver pond on the west side of the property and will present his report to the committee in the spring. It was agreed that this would be an excellent area for trail work.

Newton Coryell spoke with the Bureau of Trails about providing a speaker for our April 21^st meeting.

Debra Huffman distributed a suggested schedule for discussion of proposed uses. It was agreed that it was an aggressive schedule and the dates will have to be fluid, but the schedule was accepted as proposed. Shannon Barnes will publicize the meeting dates and topics to attempt to gather more public input.

Harold Watson suggested that a committee party be scheduled, and it was agreed that a party would be in order.

Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:45 p.m.

Send e mail to admin@hhnp.org with questions or comments about this web site.