Monday, March 16, 2026

Conservation Commission bylaws review and amendments

Motion to amend the bylaws for the alternate member section, Select Board liaison and appointments passed. All in favor.

Members discussed draft bylaws that were shared on the Commission's shared drive. A member said some topics seem to be missing, such as outside review, use of facts and data, and professional conduct. Another member said the bylaws should cover how the group runs, with separate policy documents on the side. One member suggested asking the town's lawyer what belongs in bylaws, since they carry different legal weight than policies. Another said the state conservation commission association says formal bylaws are not required and the papers can be called operating or procedure documents. Members also talked about the wording on seating and unseating alternate members when a member is late or absent. A member to rework that wording. The chair said new wording cannot be voted on that night, because the current bylaws require new language to be presented in writing at least one meeting before a vote. The chair moved to amend the bylaws to include the alternate member section, the Select Board liaison, and appointments finalized at the January 19 meeting. The chair will send the approved bylaws to the Select Board for review.

Salt marsh restoration support request

The Commission agreed to support the effort (no vote count given). T. Rettburg to attend the April 16 meeting and marsh trips.

On March 11, a staff member of Great Bay NERR (a research reserve) in Greenland asked for advice and support for two salt marsh restoration projects: Chapman's Landing Marsh in Stratham and Lubberland Creek Preserve Marsh in Newmarket. The marshes show signs of damage, erosion and more standing water. The group is planning a marsh visit day and a general planning meeting on April 16. The Commission agreed to support the effort. One member will attend the April 16 meeting and marsh trips. Members suggested a marsh subcommittee, postcards to residents for education, inviting the staff member to speak at a future meeting, and a link with high school students.

Resource Waste Services plans for Epping site

Members said more information has come out about Resource Waste's plans for its Epping site, including two news articles. The Lamprey River Advisory Committee sent a letter to the Epping Planning Board suggesting the issue be handled as a regional one. Great Bay Steward Org learned from the company's environmental engineer that there may be another public meeting and that the April 12 decision deadline may be pushed back. Brentwood, a neighboring town, sent a letter to the state Department of Environmental Services (DES) asking for a delay. A member said a possible public meeting would likely be with DES. A member said next steps are to work out what the public would like to see and what Newfields wants from the project. No vote was taken.

Rain barrel program with Garden Club

The Garden Club's president reported that the Great American Rain Barrel program was too costly. She instead bought 12 food-grade barrels from a local vendor at $20 each. Garden Club members will help set them up, and a prototype stand has been made that could be sold with the barrels. She asked for the Garden Club, the Conservation Commission and the Water Department to work together on education. The barrels are meant to be pre-sold. A member offered to staff a table during the plant sale. The information will be posted on the Garden Club's Facebook page. No vote was taken.

CSX-owned parcels letter

In November 2025 the Commission voted to support a joint letter with the Select Board showing interest in CSX-owned parcels for conservation and access. A letter was sent and CSX answered no without further information. The town's contact keeps trying to reach someone at CSX. A member asked whether Eversource might give money to offset environmental impacts, as it sometimes does. Another member will reach out to contacts at Eversource.