[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6374986,"mediaKeyId","2142663-3809fa10a4c266fe4de99af7896e4c66","parentId",2142663,"title","Commission authorizes $200 additional from Fund 53 for annual seedling giveaway","audioSeconds",304,"startMs",4986965,"endMs",5291070,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2142663-3809fa10a4c266fe4de99af7896e4c66&start=4986&end=5291","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2142663-3809fa10a4c266fe4de99af7896e4c66/thumbnail_4986965.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6374986/New-Hampshire/Commission-authorizes-200-additional-from-Fund-53-for-annual-seedling-giveaway","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6374986-86aedc20113c3904276154b8d224d947/orig.mp4?Expires=1775216317&Signature=k5SHu1DP1UGd3jq1NyNlnU~WrJ72yc8OxuIYx4DuGxYOgUH3x4u9diIMjJDk71JGkKFJoclMUsXOCGKnx~lrlOBcIGUYnSnWvH6k46FmyHCweuXhiatqYxKN9k8OVVf5PQ2ds~T7gKrjo-5fiPSS3sQiN8-wJ3quvFJN9R9eDtpxUAmKT0~flUAgnx5RF-7irSFZGMLW8Dv9I7JMjc4p1IZbV47Zttv59CSl~KFdxsO07fhQMbYwr7SI4H9OMeJgCd5vfinAvR0Ue6pzfkHC5xphIAWqOITK3HHjBgYPNLDEmA~2MAODOGdOYiv8VS~1y0eys256PcfqWOydwe2HRQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town Council of Merrimack NH","date","2025-01-23T16:01:53Z","article","The Merrimack Conservation Commission authorized an additional $200 from Fund 53 to increase the number of seedlings available for the commission’s annual giveaway.

Commissioner Perry reported that nursery supply shortages and higher prices this year reduced the number of seedlings available under the commission’s initial purchase. The commission previously budgeted $600 and had spent roughly $478; commissioners discussed vendor options including Hillsborough County Extension and the Arbor Day Foundation.

A commissioner moved to authorize an additional $200 from Fund 53 for seedling purchases; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously, recorded as 7-0-0 in the meeting transcript. Commissioners discussed limiting the per-household allotment on the giveaway flyer as a communications choice but took no formal vote on that detail during this meeting.

Staff will proceed to identify available stock from suppliers and complete purchases within the approved allocation.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Conservation Commission: January 13, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Conservation Commission approved an additional $200 from Fund 53 to supplement the annual seedling purchase after nursery supply and price changes reduced available stock; the motion passed unanimously (7-0-0).","taxTitle","Merrimack Conservation Commission, Merrimack, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire","taxId",70560,"location","New Hampshire","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6374988,"Commission discusses 5–10 year plan and Fields Farm access; staff to contact town engineer on parking and access options",1253,1708365,2961505,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2142663-3809fa10a4c266fe4de99af7896e4c66&start=1708&end=2961","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2142663-3809fa10a4c266fe4de99af7896e4c66/thumbnail_1708365.jpg","/articles/6374988/New-Hampshire/Commission-discusses-510-year-plan-and-Fields-Farm-access-staff-to-contact-town-engineer-on-parking-and-access-options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6374988-7de0beed6db80657d32c04118ad7850a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775216317&Signature=P3kb1eIxobV5fZEQ4pvwBuH5iwp6lMPtRaLc9b2gAoLCLSLVwLhA8i10EO3KLbo~S~QettKX5y6261oYYHXx8CYsHbCW4TRfSULsxujAcFmAhCdhVTN5AXkLo0N4CDtzGKFUGwy4wv-gLccQeH98E9B01OGp54pdrm6vibcNHVAfjXRXftJ5~hOtkBT3qGa-UtASMFPtubsEQOBwPG6oj4xrW8OfVu16YEFpl64geP5QT7j7dXFP7K1iFtx85oQOhcPOEBjL-dIjwmpMcOxwbaib9glaEmnpznTv-k3y-CC2AD35WYgh7AUok5oAoNRboekAaZAcoz-7jP8wEiLosQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its regular meeting the Merrimack Conservation Commission worked through proposed long-range goals — from a forester contract and infrastructure inventory to land acquisition and fragmentation reduction — and focused detailed attention on Fields Farm, a large conservation parcel the commission said requires formal access and management planning.

Commissioners agreed several near-term tasks: update or reissue a request for proposals for a forester, produce an inventory of built structures (bridges, kiosks, observation decks) and create management schedules, and gather subcommittee reports on current management activities. Commission members emphasized the need for a formal forester retainer or contract to guide timber- and habitat-management work across parcels.

On Fields Farm, commissioners reported the property is heavily used and lacks an obvious, legal parking or curb-cut access from Amherst Road. The commission said users frequently park at the Horse Hill lot and cross private property to reach Fields Farm trails. Commissioners agreed the first practical step is to consult a surveyor or the town engineer to determine whether direct access or a curb cut can be safely and legally created; the meeting named DPW head Dawn Tuomala (spelled in the transcript) as a staff contact and identified topography and wetlands as constraints. One commissioner estimated Fields Farm “close to 100 acres,” and members said creating an access plan will include surveying, assessing parking needs and considering whether a dedicated subcommittee for Fields Farm is warranted.

No binding acquisition actions were proposed; commissioners discussed land-acquisition outreach and the need for a point person to cultivate relationships with prospective donors and landowners. Andrew volunteered to begin learning the acquisition process for a specific parcel discussed in the meeting, and commissioners suggested creating a short list of priority parcels from the town master plan and GZA inventory for follow-up.","The commission reviewed long-term objectives including forest management, inventories, and land acquisition and focused on Fields Farm access — commissioners identified a need for a survey or engineering review and agreed to contact the town engineer (DPW head Dawn Tuomala) about potential access and curb-cut options.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6374992,"Commission outlines education, pollinator and invasive-species outreach; volunteers and schools to be engaged",450,868070,1318200,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2142663-3809fa10a4c266fe4de99af7896e4c66&start=868&end=1318","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2142663-3809fa10a4c266fe4de99af7896e4c66/thumbnail_868070.jpg","/articles/6374992/New-Hampshire/Commission-outlines-education-pollinator-and-invasive-species-outreach-volunteers-and-schools-to-be-engaged","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6374992-156b0e039f74203e024774b7c22409a4/orig.mp4?Expires=1775216317&Signature=F4e9lCqje5vZ3OxRt0gmxzqsX4bNI16ogkXOLBJQIcD9yN3maqZfcZ0Dg4ZyAIPQH3PxATTG5e~Pa6dRfnGGqO-9f0v3gKJjCXbZDY4lhMVMU6FIuJvlLr7lr46qq9lN9vmQ2lid9495uIqsaIes07AhvxLv2nsuNdj5jEhWdAAdwI8EO7de~pp-XpIEqDRBflZXDm4zFEXQZ1-u9xCN1EEJh6Cl~H58O8vRFb~YRhblDwrU8nvVXneVZBZ~q~ununcCAq6V84B6P9NTM3e3kislWF42joYln1jgVv14Y6T43vKiqM7KfbGGUySIMDmEdzCD51QMcozywFkwKufoyQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commissioners discussed several education and community-outreach initiatives, including school visits, a pollinator-garden idea, a Girl Scouts invasive-species project referred by Community Development, and potential volunteer events.

Commissioner Welch reported on a visit to the New Hampshire Audubon Center and suggested the Audubon’s pollinator-garden work could inform a town project. Commissioners noted Greater Woods previously had a small pollinator garden and identified Wildcat and other properties with suitable sites. The commission agreed to follow up with subcommittees to identify appropriate kiosk locations and to circulate printed flyers for events.

Community Development referred a Girl Scouts group seeking conservation support; the commission asked for more details and welcomed the applicant to a future meeting. Commissioners also discussed using EDDS (an invasive-species reporting and mapping tool) to compile an inventory and coordinate volunteer pulls. One commissioner described a local contractor who uses high-pressure steam equipment to treat invasive plants; members discussed whether steam, propane torches or mechanical removal would be appropriate tools for infestations such as garlic mustard and kudzu.

The commission asked subcommittees to consider pollinator projects, volunteer activities such as a BioBlitz, and to develop short proposals for school outreach. The Girl Scouts request was placed on the February agenda for more information, and staff will follow up with partner organizations including New Hampshire Audubon and UNH Extension to seek technical support.","The commission discussed school outreach, pollinator gardens, a Girl Scouts invasive-species project, and volunteer strategies including a possible BioBlitz and steam-based invasive control; staff will follow up with local partners and add items to a February agenda.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6374993,"Commission discusses gates, barriers and surveillance at Sklar property; cameras and kiosk repair flagged for follow-up",1295,388660,1683960,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2142663-3809fa10a4c266fe4de99af7896e4c66&start=388&end=1683","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2142663-3809fa10a4c266fe4de99af7896e4c66/thumbnail_388660.jpg","/articles/6374993/New-Hampshire/Commission-discusses-gates-barriers-and-surveillance-at-Sklar-property-cameras-and-kiosk-repair-flagged-for-follow-up","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6374993-30f98484e53e066ed465079e9dd83b83/orig.mp4?Expires=1775216317&Signature=Oj8vhRFxCwlX-LxIuI5co8VdIrQUwQVWFUYvKqq0ki5JFIn0RZ9~F9SLqYsK4AtpinQlLS92hOYUQt67b~huh9mVdMKAKUFRAu3hRZNgEB2LmTfChQMjogUvDIH4usK3L17fWoKo1~Ndlpu~79Bm4elR2yCTRSolHz0Nqm-yQpj7dI-omKLWm0TuJ8ysOlPRAIGWWjDjLfjM4zOlUh2XGz6udmbiY8194dr11bQ4UuF830XYQgHIOdfe2TRcYxY7yqETxr1N28wyzvcuinR9VjwkloaTqhmagK-bNpwPZ6o6DnCM5ZpPJBdKY6sdPllePsUdXo1Jx9lf3SOhJsNOiw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commissioners discussed several safety and access-control options for the Sklar conservation property, including a possible seasonal gate to limit vehicle access, temporary physical barriers, replacement plexiglass for a kiosk, and surveillance cameras to document illegal activity.

Commissioner Welch raised the gate proposal and said the commission needed to determine whether closing the access road seasonally would be legally permissible. Members agreed staff should confirm the road’s classification and the town’s authority to limit vehicle access. The commission identified staff and departments to consult — the Department of Public Works (DPW), Community Development (ComDev) and the town manager — and deferred a final decision pending that review.

The commission reported that physical barriers have been placed at the Sklar access point; one speaker said they had received photos showing large boulders at the site. Commissioners noted that Jersey-style concrete barriers are not available from DPW and that any construction or earthwork is likely to wait until spring.

On the kiosk at Sklar, commissioners agreed the clear protective plastic covering the display had become fused to the underlying Lexan and needs replacement. Volunteers will obtain measurements and present replacement options at the next meeting.

Commissioners also revisited surveillance-camera options for Sklar. Police told the commission they could deploy cameras temporarily and rotate them through properties, but could not provide consistent surveillance. Commissioners noted management and storage of camera data would require a plan, and that cameras placed on trees or unsecured posts risk theft or vandalism. The commission agreed staff should follow up with police, the town manager and ComDev to explore short-term patrols, temporary camera loans and potential procurement options.

No final policy or purchase decisions were made; commissioners deferred gating and purchasing decisions pending legal and departmental guidance and quotes on kiosks and cameras.","The commission debated installing seasonal gates and vehicle barriers at Sklar and Greater Woods, confirmed temporary rock barriers are in place, and weighed surveillance-camera options; staff were directed to check road classification and consult DPW, Community Development and the town manager before any gating action.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6374994,"Merrimack Conservation Commission appoints volunteers to Greater Woods and Horse Hill subcommittees",303,25654,328815,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2142663-3809fa10a4c266fe4de99af7896e4c66&start=25&end=328","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2142663-3809fa10a4c266fe4de99af7896e4c66/thumbnail_25654.jpg","/articles/6374994/New-Hampshire/Merrimack-Conservation-Commission-appoints-volunteers-to-Greater-Woods-and-Horse-Hill-subcommittees","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6374994-b65d335321823168461f53c3e7fde94e/orig.mp4?Expires=1775216317&Signature=a5znMsjUWRQsB08F7jTF6G4DVg0aEgAhN0kObx5gtUI22B8iWkZChdsrDhme3rn3FKmCzRP7HKdj5q0gOeQpUu1-zQO0w3JTRkUo6YHpeoLKd6Ce6-ReiNlE-IPV5EjDsi5GRYVQ6rMNJLls~nuPgNh099rZGiM5sinxgT0JPcHD9O6juGjb7vZj80dYuY3wDbLEXM7fztyVWBFSzQZ2P5GVHBIv4PgiA5ukmKtQfxDrEZnwaOqt65WMCJ2CSKgkBzHWydyY8mJ9lAC5RUzGxDlNFBo6VXb3XZJTc~HUvgJOkdyw3sfZ18xj8b2L0F-p8Yb0r5Xz7eiiwHjVTc34zA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Merrimack Conservation Commission on an agreed voice vote appointed three residents to subcommittees addressing town conservation properties.

Commissioner Perry moved to appoint Marjorie Kuhn as an alternate to the Greater Woods subcommittee; Councilor Jobin seconded the motion. The commission voted in favor and the motion passed, recorded in the meeting transcript as 7-0-0.

The commission then considered appointments to the Horse Hill subcommittee. Commissioner Duane moved to accept Robert Battiste as a full member for a term expiring June 30, 2025; Commissioner Perkins seconded. The motion carried, recorded as 7-0-0.

A separate motion to appoint Carrie Batiste as an alternate to the Horse Hill Nature Preserve subcommittee for a term expiring June 30, 2026, also passed on a unanimous voice vote. Resident Robert Battiste spoke briefly to the commission, saying he and his wife use Horse Hill frequently and that he hoped to contribute land-management experience: “I do commercial real estate for solar development…easements and land disputes and stuff like that,” he said during his introduction.

The commission recorded each approval during the regular meeting; no amendments or conditions to the appointments were noted in the minutes.

The commission will place the new appointees on the subcommittees’ rosters and notify them of their start dates and any upcoming subcommittee meetings.","The Merrimack Conservation Commission voted to appoint Marjorie Kuhn to the Greater Woods subcommittee and to appoint Robert and Carrie Battiste to Horse Hill subcommittee seats; all three motions passed unanimously, 7-0-0.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission authorizes $200 additional from Fund 53 for annual seedling giveaway

Commission discusses 5–10 year plan and Fields Farm access; staff to contact town engineer on parking and access options

Commission outlines education, pollinator and invasive-species outreach; volunteers and schools to be engaged

Commission discusses gates, barriers and surveillance at Sklar property; cameras and kiosk repair flagged for follow-up

Merrimack Conservation Commission appoints volunteers to Greater Woods and Horse Hill subcommittees