Milford Conservation Plan (2005): Chap.4

Conservation Plan
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CHAPTER 4
Priorities for Natural Resource Management

A. GENERAL PRINCIPLES

Conservation strategies must be designed to provide the maximum benefit possible with the limited human and financial resources available for conservation. Several principles underlying an effective conservation strategy are discussed below.

Conservation Method Appropriate to Need Conservation techniques should be carefully selected to provide adequate protection of natural resources at the least cost. Chapter 3 identified a plethora of conservation techniques and their advantages and disadvantages. Fee simple acquisition provides the maximum degree of protection but is costly and requires continuing maintenance and administration of properties. Given the high cost of land and limited municipal budgets, it would be impossible and undesirable to acquire all of a town's significant natural areas. In many instances, less costly techniques, such as conservation districts, or conservation easements better serve resource protection purposes. Wetlands preservation is a good example of such a case. Because they are large in total area, are often scattered over many properties, and do not require public access to provide benefits as wildlife habitat and flood control, wetlands are not necessarily best protected by fee simple acquisition; often they can be adequately protected by a well designed wetlands ordinance. Purchase of property should be reserved for instances where public access is important or where adequate regulation would raise "taking" issues.
Consideration of Multiple Benefits When purchase of full or less-than-full property rights is considered, lands that provide multiple benefits are preferable to lands that provide only one type of benefit. For example, a parcel of land located in a floodplain, containing prime agricultural soils, providing active and passive recreation, and underlying an historic mill building should be a higher priority for conservation than a parcel having only one of these features.
Importance of Water Resources High priority should be given to protecting the town's water resources because these resources provide multiple benefits, are unique and irreplaceable, and contribute tremendously to the quality of life. Especially important in Milford are the Souhegan River and surrounding lands. The large floodplains are the location of rich soils, and public access points and riverside greenbelts provide recreation and open space in the heart of the town. Access to this and other water resources are substantially responsible for Milford's appeal to residents and patrons of local businesses.
Preservation of Unique Natural or Historic Areas Resources that are unique to the town and which can not be replaced or recreated should be given high priority. In Milford, the town center, or "Oval", contributes significantly to the visual character of the town as well as the vitality of its business and civic functions. Other unique aspects of Milford include the Souhegan River and surrounding lands.
Location of Natural Resources As development pressures mount, it becomes more and more important to place priority on strategically located properties. Large properties or properties abutting other natural areas, many of which are in outlying areas of town, often, but not always, provide the most benefit to Milford residents. Parcels providing visual relief from development in "urbanized" areas of town as well as parcels that are significant in terms of natural resources and face the most immediate development pressure should be targeted for conservation.
The Milford Conservation Commission Policy and Procedure Manual contains a suggested land evaluation system developed by the Conservation Commission for judging the relative conservation value of land parcels. This system can be used to prioritize potential land protection opportunities. More important, however, is the system's value as a guide for action. It sharpens the focus of the Conservation Commission's work plan and can be used to initiate discussions with owners of properties considered valuable for conservation purposes.

B. RECOMMENDATIONS

Milford is fortunate to have a Conservation Commission with considerable experience, expertise, and devotion to the responsibility of protecting the town's resources, encouraging public use, and helping prevent poorly planned development. The actions recommended below represent ways of ensuring that the town maintains a strong natural and historic resource base in a time of rapid development. Because many of the recommendations contribute to the conservation of more than one type of resource, the recommendations are grouped by type of activity rather than by the goals they further. Some of these recommendations are already a part of the Conservation Commission's regular work program. It will be important to involve other local organizations and town residents to make the volume of work manageable and encourage broad awareness, support, and involvement. Conservation goals can be accomplished through close collaboration with other regional conservation boards, individuals and landowners as well as local, state and federal government agencies.

GENERAL
Provide copies of the Conservation Plan to town officials and staff of all town departments. Make copies available for public perusal at several locations including the town hall, town library, and local schools.
IDENTIFICATION OF RESOURCES
1. Database: Create and maintain a database of all protected land and resources in the conservation office, which would be included in the GIS software program that is currently being implemented in Milford. The GIS program contains data layers for all resources to be protected, namely water resources, wildlife habitat, protected land, scenic roads, forest cover, soil types, topography, existing roads, trails.
2. Land Files: Maintain land files of all protected property in Milford. Maintain a file of each property in Milford upon which a conservation related event occurred, such as the filing of a Dredge and Fill permit application with the state.
3. Natural Resource Inventory: Natural resource inventories have been conducted by UNH Environmental Studies students on undeveloped or partially developed areas of town. These inventories are kept in the Commission library. Additional inventories should be conducted on remaining areas as deemed appropriate.
4. Current Use: Inventory and map properties under current land use: This information is available in the Assessing Office in the Town Hall.
5. Historical: Inventory historical structures in Milford: This information is available in the Conservation Plan, Chapter 2 F. Historical Resources, and in Tables 9 and 10.
6. Contacts: Inventory Federal and State agencies and public or private organizations including names and phone numbers of key personnel, regarding conservation programs and regulations: This information is available in "Handbook for Municipal Conservation Commissions in New Hampshire" by Marjory Swope, of New Hampshire Association of Conservation Commissions, in Appendix II, Sources of Assistance. This manual is available in the Planning Office and in the Conservation office in the Town Hall. Updated information can be found on the Web: http://www.nhacc.org/nhacc.htm
PUBLIC AWARENESS/EDUCATION
- Maintain the Conservation Commission Website with information about the functions of the Conservation Commission, meeting minutes, agendas, trail maps and a broad range of conservation issues.
- Update the Conservation Commission brochure which describes the activities and responsibilities of the Conservation Commission along with membership and contact information.
- Distribute information about the responsibilities, activities and accomplishments of the Conservation Commission to educate residents about the Commission and encourage the public's participation.
- Prepare and distribute informational brochures about town owned lands. Describe the location, history, salient natural features, and rules for public use for each significant parcel. Update the town properties' trail brochures.
- Support proposed changes to ordinance and regulations intended to conserve natural and historic resources through letters to the local newspaper and direct mailings, when appropriate, to households.
- Display large colored maps of Milford's natural resources in the town hall to promote understanding of the town's resources and local conservation efforts.
- Consider hiring student "conservation interns" during summer and winter school vacations to assist the commission with management of conservation lands, preparation of informational materials, and other projects as well as provide conservation education and experience.
REGULATION
1. Development Review and Approval Process
  - NHDES Wetland Dredge and Fill application review: Review all wetland dredge and fill permit applications that are submitted to the State to ensure adequate evaluation of potential impacts and consideration of alternative development plans. Submit recommendations regarding the proposed impacts in writing to the Wetlands Bureau.
  - Interdepartmental Review: Review plans that are submitted to the Planning Board and the ZBA. Comment on issues within conservation's jurisdiction. Encourage enforcement of the Town's Groundwater, Wetland, Open Space and Floodplain protection district provisions to protect Milford's natural resources. Pay close attention to the maximum impervious surface requirements described in the Groundwater Protection district.
  - Encourage the Planning Board to use the site plan review process to avoid unnecessary adverse impact on views of hilltops, fields, natural areas, and other scenic views.
  - Refer to the Open Space Protection District in Milford's zoning ordinance to ensure that open space of a size and location suitable for recreation purposes within residential areas is provided and that the environmental and aesthetic quality of the land is preserved. Discourage subdivision of agricultural land parcels that are large enough to be economically viable.
  - Encourage land owners and developers to inventory significant historic and archaeological resources on their properties and to develop their properties in a manner that conserves these resources to the greatest extent possible.
2. New and Existing Regulation
  - Review and update the Ordinance Governing Regulation of Conservation Lands. Include in the ordinance the use and regulation of motorized vehicles on town owned land.
  - Work with the Planning Board to update existing stormwater management, and erosion and sediment control regulations to reflect EPA Phase II requirements.
  - Review and update the Open Space conservation ordinance to include provisions, including but not limited to, ridge line conservation, slope restrictions, and requirements for use of Site Specific Soils Mapping Standards.
  - Review the Wetland, Groundwater and Floodplain Protection Districts. Work with the code enforcement officer, town planner and planning board to develop and propose revisions where appropriate.
  - Investigate and propose local timber regulations to supplement existing state requirements to ensure adequate protection of water resources from excessive erosion and sedimentation.
  - Review from time to time roadways within the town for suitability as Scenic Roads. Draft a town scenic road ordinance. Consider appointing a Road Agent for the Town.
LAND AND EASEMENT ACQUISITION
- Use the evaluation criteria contained in the Land Acquisition and Management chapter of the Milford Conservation Commission Policy and Procedure manual, along with the general principles listed above to evaluate and rank undeveloped and minimally developed parcels in order of importance for conservation purposes.
- Maintain a Land Acquisition Fund to purchase land and/or easements targeted as high priority natural areas as well as other important parcels that become available.
- Introduce a warrant article at Town Meeting requesting that the penalty imposed for removing land from current use assessment be placed in the Town's Land Acquisition Fund.
- Introduce a warrant article at Town Meeting requesting that a portion of the timber yield tax be placed in the Town's Land Acquisition Fund.
- Notify farmers and other owners of undeveloped land of the town's interest in land conservation. Provide information about tax advantages of land and easement donation, availability of land acquisition funds, and other means of providing for land conservation prior to or at the point of sale.
- Submit grant applications when appropriate to a public or private land conservation fund to purchase rights to important natural areas in Milford.
LAND MANAGEMENT
- Continue managing the town forests for multiple uses in a manner that will upgrade the health and quality of the forest in the long term as recommended in the Forest Management Plan developed by the County Forester.
- Establish a process for easement monitoring that includes regular visits and documentation.
- Establish a town wide trail system that will connect the downtown to neighborhoods and on to large tracts of undeveloped land, using sidewalks, greenways and protected open space. Map 12 illustrates existing trails and proposed connections. Initially focus on the Souhegan River and the downtown area. Work with the Planning Department, the Recreation Department, and DO-IT to accomplish this goal.
- Identify and prioritize undeveloped and minimally-developed parcels of land important for preservation of scenic views, wildlife corridors and other criteria valuable for conservation purposes, using the suggested land evaluation system in the Milford Conservation Commission Policy and Procedure Manual.
- Identify important wildlife areas in Milford; identify names of species and describe habitat characteristics. This information can be used to produce informational brochures about Town conservation lands, and to help produce funding for rights to significant wildlife areas.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TOWN FOREST MANAGEMENT:
1. Dadoly Town Forest. Map 53 Lot 72. Size: 16.5 Acres.
  - Mark the boundaries and improve public access to the land.
  - Erect a sign identifying the property at the entrance off Federal Hill Road.
  - Reference the Forest management recommendations by J. W. Nute UNH Coop. Ext. Forester in Hillsborough County, Dec. 2004. located in the appropriate land file in the Conservation Commission office.
2. Hitchiner Town Forest. Map 46 Lot 2. Size: 193.8 Acres.
  - Incorporate into any site improvements existing stone walls and building foundations, which provide a link to the land's farm history.
  - Improve the markings of the existing trail and extension of the trail to form a loop.
  - Mow the fields, once a year and cut small trees near stone walls on a regular basis.
  - Monitor and treat Poison Ivy as needed.
  - Inspect the pavilion and picnic tables annually.
  - Formalize the permission for access to the summit of Burns Hill.
  - Update the forest management plan.
3. Mayflower Hill Town Forest. Map 8 Lot 92. Size: 41.5 Acres.
  - Connect to the Souhegan River Trail.
  - Work with the Amherst Conservation Commission to connect the two town centers with this town forest as a major link.
  - Reference the Forest management recommendations by J. W. Nute UNH Coop. Ext. Forester in Hillsborough County, Dec. 2004. located in the appropriate land file in the Conservation Commission office.
4. Rotch Property Map 52 Lot 18.
  - Mark the bounds of the property and erect signs at entrances.
  - Prohibit the use of motorized vehicles.
  - Hire the forester who has managed this property for the Rotch family to draft a management plan for the property. Reference the Forest management recommendations" by J. W. Nute UNH Coop. Ext. Forester in Hillsborough County, Dec. 2004. located in the appropriate land file in the Conservation Commission office.
5. Tucker Brook Town Forest. Map 40 Lots 11, 14, 15, 61, 62: Map 10 Lots 53, 55, 56, 58, 64: Map 38 Lot 29. Size: 285.72 Acres.
  - Recommend lot consolidation to the Board of Selectmen.
  - Maintain boundary markings and trail blazes.
  - Review the existing trail system annually.
  - Draft a management plan.
  - Reference the Forest management recommendations by J. W. Nute UNH Coop. Ext. Forester in Hillsborough County, Dec. 2004. located in the appropriate land file in the Conservation Commission office
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SELECTED TOWN-OWNED OR PROTECTED LANDS
1. Ames Lot - Map 42, Lot 10. Size 10 acres. Review any proposals from the Forest Society for trail extensions into this property.
2. Brox property - Map 38, Size 273.5 acres. Designate the 'fen' as prime wetland.
3. Buchholz Conservation Land - Map 40 Lot 5. Size: 1.5 acres. Retain in its natural condition as permanent open space.
4. Conrey Easement - Map 10, Lot 2, Size 79 acres. Develop a trail around the boundary.
5. Emerson Park - Map 25, Lot 28, Size 1 acre. Complete ADA compliant access.
6. Ferguson Farm - Map 8, Lot 1, Size 35 acres. Monitor in cooperation with the Milford Heritage Commission. Extend the Souhegan River Trail.
7. Fessenden Lot/Brookline Town Line - Map 56, Lot 69, Size 7 acres. Recommend open space subdivision plans for abutting parcels in order to enlarge and gain access to this conservation land.
8. Frog Pond Open Space - Map 3 Lots 4 & 5, Size 56 acres, half in Wilton. Work with the Wilton CC to create a "Frog Pond Alliance" management plan.
9. Granite Town Rail-Trail - Construct crossings (bridges) over Melendy and Armory Rds.
10. Great Brook Condominium Conservation Land - Map 41 Lot 40-1 and 40-4. Size: 15 acres. Retain in its natural condition as permanent open space.
11. Hartshorn Pond and Land - Map 2 Lot 29. Size: 10.5 acres. Erect a sign to identify this property. Address traffic control, access and landscaping.
12. Hayward Commons Conservation Land - Map 8 Lot 6-1. Size: 1.67 acres. Retain in its natural condition as permanent open space.
13. Holcombe Easement - Map 8, Lot 3, size 10 acres. Build a bridge over Hartshorn Brook, extend the Souhegan River Trail.
14. McLane Dam area - Improve access for seniors, young families and physically challenged persons. Post against ATV use.
15. Meadowbrook - Map 6, Lot 39(part), Map 7 Lot 32,33(part), Map 38 Lot 1(part), size 4.7 acres. Coordinate with the businesses for access from Tucker Brook Town Forest, a bridge design, construction and picnic area.
16. Mile Slip Wilderness Park - Map 50, Lot 9 and Map 55, Lots 1-5, size 452 acres. Write a management plan.
17. Milford Community Athletic Fields - Map 8 Lots 11 & 11-1, Size 17 acres. Extend the Souhegan River Trail.
18. Perry Rd./Wilton Rd. easement - Map 7, Lots 18, 19, 20, size 10 acres. Manage for bob-o-link, a threatened species.
19. Queen Quarry - Map 47 Lot 28. Size: 12 acres. Flag file, no subdivision.
20. Souhegan River Trail - Complete construction from Emerson Park to the Milford Fish Hatchery.
21. Sunview II Conservation Land - Map 7 Lot 13. Size: 5.28 acres. Mark the boundaries, retain in its natural condition as permanent open space.
22. West Hill Conservation Lands - Map 3 Lot 15. Size: 6.87 acres. Retain in its natural condition as permanent open space.

Conservation Plan
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