Conservation Commission gave an update on Kendall Pond at their most recent meeting. A new plan has been approved by both the Commission and the neighbors of Kendall Pond to create new parking along the road. The new project underway will create pull-in parking spots all along the road heading towards South School according to the Chairman Marge Badois. This lot will only be used for pull-in parking and no spaces will be created for parallel parking. Trees will be cut down in the area for parking to be available. The estimated cost for the tree work is about $1300-$1500 and the gravel cost will be about $1,000. These expenses will come out of the budget for the Conservation Commission. With the project still in its very early stages, it is too early to tell if any revenue will be acquired from cutting down the trees or if the revenue will come back to the Conservation Commission. Some members of the Commission are concerned of the cost; because they believe this is a policing issue and not necessarily a conservation issue. If that is the case, members feel the town should be the ones to pay for the cost of the new parking area. Although the wheels are currently in motion for work to begin on the parking, the Commission still has questions and would like to see the plans for the lot before they agree to pay for the costs.
It was also announced at the meeting that someone had stolen the turtle crossing sign from Hall Road and there is currently a post with no sign it. For $38, the sign can be replaced. The signs were only placed at two locations South Road and Hall Road. The Fish and Game Department reported to the Commission that they had found four female Blanding’s turtles smashed in the roadway of Wiley Hill Road. As of today, there is no turtle crossing sign at this location. This is also considered prime-time for nesting seasons for the turtles. The current signs are eighteen inches square and can be difficult to read from the road. The motion was made and passed by the Commission to spend up to $200 on turtle signs.
They also discussed how they are overdue for a public walk/paddle that they normally host around this time of year. Members of the Conservation Commission welcome any and every member of the community to Scobie Pond to do some kayaking during this event. The pond is the largest body of water in town and has a ramp for water access. People are encouraged to bring their own kayaks, but some will be provided by the Commission. Anyone can join the public paddle even if you have never paddled a kayak before. The paddle is made to be a fun community event for everyone to get out and enjoy the summer sunshine and scenic views that Londonderry has to offer. Date and time for the event will be established at a later date.