Annual Report from the Environmental Committee

Moody Point Community Association

September 9, 2006

A primary focus of the Environmental Committee (EC) is to continue to maintain the natural, pristine beauty of Moody Point, with particular concern for the health of Great Bay.

One small step the EC took this year was to label the three trailheads by the road, as follows: Trailhead #1 at the cul-de-sac at the end of Lubberland Drive, Trailhead #2 by the mailboxes near the fire pond, and Trailhead #3 beside Anna-Lisa Gotschlich’s house (133 Cushing). We mention this first because it will facilitate understanding of some of the points to follow.

Early in November, 2005, the EC scheduled and coordinated a shoreline clean-up. A number of volunteers removed quite a bit of debris, as well as greenhead boxes that had fallen into disrepair.

In April, 2006, the EC conducted another shoreline clean-up and planted a number of low-growing shrubs and bushes (e.g., blueberries, bayberries, Virginia rose, and American hazelnut) between the trail and homeowners’ properties a short distance from Trailhead #3. In addition, several beach plums and Virginia roses were planted near the transformer for the pumping station, which had been left barren from an earlier removal of autumn olives.

In May, with the permission of the MPCA Board the EC purchased six greenhead boxes. Two of these were assembled (thanks to Dimitri Chernyshov) and placed in fly-ways near the Lubberland marsh to test their effectiveness. Dimitri has reported that he found a large number of greenheads in the two assembled boxes, so apparently the boxes can be quite effective. The other four boxes were stored because the greenhead season was close to an end. The Committee will consider three choices: (1) to build our own boxes during the winter; (2) to purchase boxes; (3) to rent boxes if rentals are available and feasible.

Also in the spring and summer, Earle Chase continued his removal of invasive plant species on Lot 4. The effect of his work can be seen in the thriving of native plants and shrubs along the east side of the trail a short distance from Trailhead #3. In addition, Earle removed several dead red pine trees near the screenhouse. He also continued his maintenance of the view cutting on Lot 4. It should be noted that after the initial view cutting, according to NHDES regulations (Shoreline Protection guidelines—1994) view cutting can only be maintained, not enhanced, until a 20-year period has passed.

This summer, Moody Point’s dock became a temporary “nursery” for oyster spats, in cooperation with the Great Bay marine docents’ efforts to replenish the bay’s oyster population. The committee wishes to thank Lynn and John Badger, who were largely responsible for making this happen.

Early this fall, the MPCA Board will have someone brush-hog the meadow in accordance with our standard practice.

The EC, along with the MPCA Board, will consider how best to address the bridge along the trail—in particular, whether to replace the soft and spongy boards or have a new bridge built.

Finally, the EC will hold another shoreline clean up mid- or late October or early November. Volunteers are needed; we’ll let the community know once we have pinned down a date and rain date.

Respectfully submitted,

David Thomas (chair), Andra Crawford, Peg Goddard, Debby Grubbs, Jeanne Ormrod (MPCA Board liaison), Lesley Steventon (secretary)