By GLYNIS HART
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CLAREMONT – The Conservation Com-mission enjoyed its annual task of awarding a 4-H camp scholarship to a local youngster this week, although the commissioners had questions as to whether this was a proper use of conservation funds.
At a previous meeting, a boy who had been awarded the 2018 scholarship to go to Barry Conservation 4-H Camp in the White Mountains visited the commission to thank them. Justin DeMars said he enjoyed target practice with a bow and arrow, swimming in the pond, going on a canoe trip, hiking, and camping overnight.
“One thing we did was build shelters in the woods,” said DeMars. “We learned how to build a fire and restart it after we put it out.”
When the campers were hiking up Mount Washington they saw a raccoon, DeMars said.
The commission held a special meeting Jan. 3 to discuss whether to continue the scholarship.
Chair Gary Dickerman said the New Hampshire Municipal Association “said it’s a real gray area whether it’s the proper use of our funds or not. We need to make up our minds.”
Eileen Skonrowski said the benefit is that “a seed is planted” by introducing a young person to nature. “Out there in the future there’s a kid who wants to become a scientist or a conservationist, it may be 10 years or more away.”
“We know the child benefits — Justin was a perfect example,” said Dickerman. “But how does it benefit our town?”
Skonrowski said, “I think it’s a wonderful investment in a person. I was impressed that the last two years the kids came here in person to thank us. I realize we don’t have a lot of income, but I can’t think of anything that would affect individuals in this town more.”
Steve Wood said the commission has limited funds. “Given our situation with the unpredictability of our annual income … that necessitates a pretty careful look at what we are trying to accomplish. I think the commission is in a unique position to educate and motivate landowners and possibly help the city to acquire certain parcels that could be of benefit to the community.
“My opinion is that we take a closer look at what our financial situation is and try to do some prioritizing,” said Wood.
The commission receives its operating income from a fee for changes in land use within Claremont.
In the end the commission voted to award one $500 campership for 2019 and look for fundraising opportunities that might support a dedicated campership fund.
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