Knowles Pond Conservation Area Stewardship/Management Plan

KNOWLES POND CONSERVATION AREA STEWARDSHIP / MANAGEMENT PLAN
 
Purpose: The purpose of the Knowles Pond Conservation Area is to preserve wildlife habitat and clean water resources, to establish low-impact recreational use for the public and to protect the rural character and area surrounding the pond in perpetuity.
 
Scope:  The Knowles Pond Conservation Area consists of 85 acres abutting and pond.  No subdivision, building of any kind, road construction (other than a footpath), utility or sewerage line, fertilizing, introduction of non-native species, billboards, illumination, excavation, earthmoving, beach construction or other improvements, disturbances or changes in natural conditions, as documented by a baseline study, shall be permitted.  Meadow frontage on the pond may be mowed outside of loon nesting periods and hazardous tree growth may be removed if necessary.  The area may be enlarged by fee simple gift or purchase or by easement.  In a declared emergency, the Town will have the right to draw on the water supply for residential use of for emergency fire use.
 
Dam:  The existing Knowles Pond Dam is the legal responsibility of the Town of Northfield which will have access to maintain the dam in accordance with an easement granted to the Town.  A dam maintenance and operation plan will be prepared for the NH Department of Environmental Services Dam Safety Bureau.  Regular inspections and monitoring will be incorporated into the plan.
 
Access:  Parking is allowed on the south side of Knowles Pond Road except where no parking signs are posted and in the main parking lot on Rand Road.  Parking is prohibited on the north side of Knowles Pond Rd. 
 
Permitted uses:   The Knowles Pond Conservation Area is open for low impact public recreation and nature observation from dawn until dusk. Fishing (no lead sinkers) and hunting will be permitted during times and seasons as determined by the NH Department of Fish & Game.  These activities are permitted: hiking, horseback riding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, boating (electric motors only), canoeing, kayaking, rowing, sailing.  Snowmobile use is limited to one designated trail.

Non-Permitted Uses:  Use of petroleum based motors on the pond is strictly prohibited.  Use of motorized wheeled vehicles are prohibited, except at boat launch area.  No littering, fires, camping, erection of structures of any kind will be permitted. No tree cutting or removal of vegetation without prior approval of the Stewardship Committee and the Board of Selectmen.  No transportation of bob houses over Town property, except at boat launch area. No beach area will be constructed.  The area may be gated if necessary.
 
Stewardship:  A Stewardship/Management Committee, appointed by the Board of Selectmen has responsibility for the oversight of construction and annual maintenance of trail, monitoring of usage and response to misuse of the area, liaison with education, conservation and outdoor recreation groups, monitoring water quality and documentation of bird and wildlife populations over the years.  The group will also encourage abutting landowners to expand the area within the boundaries of the Knowles Pond Road, Rand Road, Reservoir Road and Bean Hill Road.
 
History:  The Northfield Historical Society will be asked to provide research into the historical usage of the Chestnut Pond/Knowles Pond Area.  Existing stone walls, mill foundations, and other artifacts will remain undisturbed to the extent possible upon the recommendation of the Stewardship/Management Committee and approval of the Board of Selectmen.
 
Education:  The area will be open to educators for supervised wildlife study, observation, research and other educational purposes with the prior review of the Stewardship/Management Committee and the approval of the Board of Selectmen.
 
Endowment:  An Endowment Fund has been established in the amount of $50,000 and is held in the custody of the Town of Northfield Trustee of Trust Funds.  Only the interest earnings may be expended to support and protect the Knowles Pond Conservation Area.
 
This stewardship/management plan shall be reviewed annually.