Monday, June 15, 2026

Conservation Commission bylaw update

No vote taken. The meeting was noted as improper because the notice rules were not met.

A three-member group (the chair, the vice chair and one other member) circulated a final draft of new bylaws about a week before the June 15, 2026 meeting, after getting feedback, including from a Select Board member. The old bylaws were 2.5 pages and the new ones are 12 pages. The group reviewed bylaws from other towns. The meeting was held without proper notice, so no formal votes took place. The bylaws are to be voted on at the next meeting.

Vernon Family Farm resource protection plan

No vote taken. The meeting was noted as improper because the notice rules were not met.

The commission received a resource protection (site) plan for the Vernon Family Farm and discussed it in May. It asked for 9 changes. The plan was updated and sent back, and the chair believes all 9 were addressed. One member recused herself from the discussion. Members disagreed about soil testing. One member said soil health questions were not fully answered and that the plan relies on observation. Members cited NRCS and UNH guidance on testing. She said tests such as soil compaction, infiltration, soil density and organic matter are quick and low-cost. Another member said the commission has asked for soil testing and bale counts and received neither. The chair said the commission has met its duties and the plan needs a vote. A commissioner said the town or state requirements should be followed. The Select Board liaison asked what would happen if testing showed soil damage. The chair said the plan says the soil would be repaired. The member who had recused herself spoke as a member of the public and said she was satisfied with the plan. No vote was taken because the meeting was improper.

Resource Waste Services update

The commission was told that the state Department of Environmental Services (DES) plans to give its decision on June 30. The commission was referred to its February 16 and March 16 minutes for background. Issues raised at the last public hearing included groundwater, traffic, air quality and smell. The minutes say the site will take regular household garbage. This was an update only.

Ice Pond area development on Oaklands Road

The commission noted that a parcel at Oaklands Road, Map 210 Lot 22.12, is being developed into several homes. It was on the Planning Board agenda in early June. The Planning Board approved it, depending on legal review. Part of the land is wetland and cannot be built on, so it will stay as conservation area. The commission will monitor the project and said it has no other role. This was an update only.