2nd DRAFT 2nd DRAFT CHARTER FOR THE MELVILLE PARK COMMITTEE Mission Statement The Melville Park Committee has been established by the Portsmouth Town Council to supervise the park environment of the 152-acre town property known as the Melville Recreation Area, to the west of West Main Road and south of the King's Grant development.. The area consists of a nine-pond waterway, bordering a seasonal campground and leading to the bay; hardwood and pine forests; substantial marsh areas; and a set of hiking trails. It is this working committee's responsibility to continuously promote, protect and enhance the natural environment and maintain awareness of the ecological beauty of the park. The Committee The Melville Park Committee shall be composed of persons who have applied to the Town for membership and who have been approved by the Town Council. A chairperson and vice-chairperson shall be elected by the members of the Committee. The members of the Committee shall have a common interest in maximizing the Park's benefit to the community and in preserving the Park's character and beauty. Functions/Duties The Melville Park Committee's primary objective is to monitor the land and water assets of the Park, to identify problems with those assets and recommend solutions, and to determine and propose means to enhance the enjoyment of the park. Safety concerns and securing of wild animal habitat are also matters of concern to the committee. The Committee is responsible for performing the following functions within the scope of its authority and financial resources: investigate the health of the waterway, the two major ponds and seven intermediaries (constructed by the WPA as 'silt traps'); call upon appropriate government organizations for advice in restoring and maintaining the waterway inspect the trees and plant life for deleterious and invasive species, evidence of plant disease, need for culling and replanting; request and obtain professional expertise in maintaining and improving the woodland monitor the adequacy and safety of the hiking trail system; working with campground personnel and volunteers from civic groups to maintain clearance through brush and over obstructions and waterways coordinate volunteer projects for park improvements such as conducted by Scout groups, garden club, tree committee, etc. review and submit recommendations to the Town Council regarding proposals for any additional uses of park land survey present and potential users of the park for their ideas concerning fishing, hiking and other uses of park facilities. publicize the features of the park to the people of Portsmouth whose funds led to the establishment of the campground and whose recreational activities are supported in part by campground proceeds create and submit applications for federal and state grants to maintain and/or improve the park environment; this may include pond restoration, erosion control, removal of invasive species and planting with native varieties Prepare an annual budget for the Park and submit it to the Town Council. In conjunction with the Town Finance Department, the budget shall itemize services and materials required. Address all other issues concerning the use, development and safety within the Park. 2nd DRAFT 2nd DRAFT

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