To the Editor:
Your April 1 issue contained a lively article on the Hanover Conservation Council's annual meeting ["Conservation Council Holds Forum," The Dartmouth]. It nicely captured the spirit of the meeting and covered well the topics of this complex and varied agenda. Although I feel the need to make a few corrections regarding what I said, I sincerely congratulate you on a good article.
The Town government and related private organizations are a complex set of institutions and the way they work is even more complex. Some simplification is desirable, but, just like trying to simplify the income tax code, it probably won't happen.
It is easy to confuse the Conservation Council with the Conservation Commission. The Hanover Conservation Council is a private voluntary organization of some 500-plus members. The Hanover Conservation Commission is a public body appointed by the Town's Selectmen. It is an advisory body on conservation matters, and, as your article said, it has no legislative or enforcement role. The Council, whose meeting was reported on, is independent of any Town bodies and has as purposes land protection and examining procedures and decisions that affect land.
Several people commented on the need for more enforcement of permits granted for construction and land development. This is impossible for a staff with fewer than two full-time people, who have other obligations as well. Our Council put forth five proposals that we feel would significantly reduce violations of construction permits without increasing Town staff. It asked for comments from our members before presenting them to the Town boards for action.
With respect to the 112-acre parcel along Mink Brook, the owners have proposed to protect 70 percent. Their plans are currently being considered by Town boards. Some people have questioned whether the owners' proposal gives adequate protection. The Town has several options, as the article says, including purchasing some or all of the sensitive land. In connection with the owners' plans, the level of protection offered for the protected land will be a topic for careful examination.
