[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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],{"_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",6279022,"mediaKeyId","2627201-8b35a09ab51323d3a9036415e5d62907","parentId",2627201,"title","Commission raises questions about planned irrigation, drainage and fertilization at town recreation fields","audioSeconds",312,"startMs",3098000,"endMs",3410000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2627201-8b35a09ab51323d3a9036415e5d62907&start=3098&end=3410","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2627201-8b35a09ab51323d3a9036415e5d62907/thumbnail_3098000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6279022/New-Hampshire/Commission-raises-questions-about-planned-irrigation-drainage-and-fertilization-at-town-recreation-fields","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6279022-34e220bd707e23bb40877822838cd813/orig.mp4?Expires=1776009321&Signature=dcNWiOjXRy9qMG8UxZ6KNiRbl9hJ45LcB4TtfVrrM9XGGueN2kRg2hiz4HKHxBixIPtxQlL8AM-dUxapoaenPmS8l-pZti~okEWT2Ss8vFK7u3GM904YeuYAOx2fzmEfczWsjmjZhZtZLyGBIfoIhHoyyM4i9olRpp363TUkQBlbVfV2ZkaosTqC4rWKvhIK5DsGyuLrLiSYXEM~HWp1uhvbr95uGwSQ3d44Ld2ZgLZG6xHAaPp-JdhRTaTYCZkHaMINIlpPYhBGvkN3cGwqiYy3YX2s1X~vEjTV34S2DIDDJ4zNZO4f9ilqw6mcB6X69AMxwjF-2mMdA5ixBiXGQw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town Council of Brentwood NH","date","2025-03-14T13:42:46.693Z","article","The Redwood Conservation Commission reviewed proposals submitted by Hillside Landscaping for irrigation, field drainage and fertilization of town recreation fields and raised questions about potential impacts to vernal pools and adjacent wetlands.

Commission members said they had received copies of a hillside landscaping proposal dated March 10, 2025, and a fertilization proposal dated February 24, 2025. The Recreation Department reported the project cost estimates as roughly $4,000 for irrigation/drainage work and $11,970 for the first year of fertilization.

Why it matters: commissioners said the recreation property contains mapped vernal pools and other wetland features and that any landscaping or chemical applications near those features warrant careful review. Commissioners suggested practical, proportionate steps before escalating to engineering studies: schedule a site walk with the Recreation director and the contractor; mark and flag vernal pools and other sensitive areas; request the contractor explain materials and application procedures; and, if necessary, ask the Select Board to review the contract and any permitting decisions.

Questions from commissioners included whether the landscaper holds required certification to apply pesticides/herbicides and what specific products would be used. One commissioner observed that hiring an engineer would raise costs and suggested the commission first ask Hillside Landscaping to present details in person. Another proposed a flagged site visit to compare the contractor plan with the commission's wetland mapping and management plan.

Next steps: commissioners asked Recreation Director Andrew Gray to invite Hillside Landscaping and the contractor to a future commission meeting or to a site walk so members can assess proximity to vernal pools and identify buffer areas. The commission will collect evidence of potential negative impacts before deciding whether to elevate concerns to the Select Board or request further technical study.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Meeting 03/12/2025 Brentwood, NH","oneSentenceSummary","Conservation commissioners reviewed proposals for irrigation, drainage and fertilization at town recreation fields and asked the Recreation Department to arrange a site walk and a contractor presentation to assess potential impacts to mapped vernal pools and wetlands.","taxTitle","Brentwood Town, Rockingham County, New Hampshire","taxId",74075,"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},6279025,"Redwood Conservation Commission approves minutes, designates alternate and votes to enter nonpublic session",4896,23000,4919000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2627201-8b35a09ab51323d3a9036415e5d62907&start=23&end=4919","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2627201-8b35a09ab51323d3a9036415e5d62907/thumbnail_23000.jpg","/articles/6279025/New-Hampshire/Redwood-Conservation-Commission-approves-minutes-designates-alternate-and-votes-to-enter-nonpublic-session","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6279025-8a2cf7bfde7da9b923084baaaaaaa441/orig.mp4?Expires=1776009321&Signature=Ren~PRR1OVuTgmbq24BXCMYoXFlbus9IZmA9CIf9s04Zr37uamKobbmK~0pJ1miEhBmHtpocBGlJJZh1ABoDN4HbPW3nvuw2t7ccONIz7mo2YWxVqwwqitwws041FOOCT5-h2hK7fLtuwPUb7Bzno5FxHpdv-ig~7~kLtDkwU~78f5tjp-LyfY23MfA79jmrpEffbS~pMvEF5M3-ORlo9ucRzTJWd8RwzVOkc2H2Ih~KUL5tP9FGIp~seqwXQ4DcHnfOo5qy3wFFFn3tk8b73lzKhFogw~1nnUxkht8pfFGyJp9znX3arwlizqm3lMX9mnSD-AGKbYhk1D9Se~HFjg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the start of the March meeting the Redwood Conservation Commission handled routine business and recorded three formal actions.

The commission moved and approved acceptance of the February minutes. The chair announced a motion to accept the minutes “as amended”; the record shows the result as \"5 ayes and 2 abstentions.\" The commission then took up an item to temporarily designate an alternate as a voting member. A motion was made \"to have Heather join us as a voting member tonight,\" the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote; the chair called \"All in favor? Aye.\"

Near the end of the public session the commission voted to enter nonpublic session under RSA 91‑A:3, II(d) (which covers property and acquisition discussions). The motion to enter nonpublic was moved and seconded and carried by voice vote; multiple members registered their vote in the affirmative on the record. Meeting minutes show the commission then paused the public recording and moved to nonpublic as permitted by the cited statute.

Why it matters: These procedural votes set the official record for the conservation commission: minutes acceptance establishes the meeting record, designation of an alternate changed voting membership for this meeting, and the nonpublic vote permits discussion of matters allowed by state statute outside the public record.

Votes at a glance:
- Approval of February minutes: \"5 ayes, 2 abstentions.\" (no roll‑call names provided in the public transcript)
- Temporary designation of alternate (Heather) as voting member: carried by voice vote (motion seconded and \"Aye\" recorded).
- Motion to enter nonpublic session under RSA 91‑A:3, II(d): carried by voice vote; meeting recording was stopped and attendees moved to nonpublic session.

The commission did not record additional formal actions during public session; several agenda items were informational and will return for future action if needed.","The commission voted to accept February minutes (five yes, two abstentions), designated Heather as a voting member for the meeting, and voted by voice to enter a nonpublic session under RSA 91‑A:3, II(d).",{"_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},6279030,"Exeter voters approve Pickpocket Dam removal; Redwood commission to monitor permitting",181,2859000,3040000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2627201-8b35a09ab51323d3a9036415e5d62907&start=2859&end=3040","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2627201-8b35a09ab51323d3a9036415e5d62907/thumbnail_2859000.jpg","/articles/6279030/New-Hampshire/Exeter-voters-approve-Pickpocket-Dam-removal-Redwood-commission-to-monitor-permitting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6279030-2695cd90a221c8b963756f8e5b40a2a1/orig.mp4?Expires=1776009321&Signature=Hdx9RC5Xk-npmn4hAnkodqgeXueWJM7o2yHtENIqaUN7WMUR6w5JkzL2NllAxwlzeBQd3zNuLVc4HDgqOj2GK8H6YTCzW6I8ElKhsY2UHCVMzD3FBD7i9AiTpuoPmtJnjlCL23Cag9XAny80e9mJvqYE9q8BLMx8-o1Gbw1j4kY9r2pvgFxNYripA5SJSJmBRci8J-EOkCfqVgPlukT8NFwtnHegi4qMX1CaagjX3vRUDPTu3R-16dLB68p2wZ1Q8Il6nZ9S9QUtbCY1hOhYoUn6t6YZTXXK8441gCAgQKN7VRHGA-UR57-AMl~xmAEPMOzobvqjOsT4Ega1vo77FQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Members of the Redwood Conservation Commission reported that Exeter voters approved removal of Pickpocket Dam and a $2,000,000 expenditure to fund the removal.

A commission member noted the election result and said project proponents and regional river‑restoration groups have offered to stay in touch. \"Andrew Fisk ... is the executive Northeast director of American Rivers and he did a presentation to us in January about the impact of river restoration,\" the member said; Fisk had told the commission he would be willing to coordinate as Exeter moves forward.

Why it matters: dam removals can alter wetland areas, stream morphology, and mitigation needs in nearby towns and watersheds. Commission members stressed that Redwood does not have authority over Exeter’s project but that the commission should be an active participant in the permitting and public‑notice stages to influence mitigation outcomes.

Follow up: commissioners said they will request updates from project contacts, monitor permit notices, and discuss mitigation options at future meetings. One member suggested sending a formal letter of position or comment once permitting materials are available.

Context from the meeting: commissioners discussed differing initial press reports about the vote margin; they confirmed the removal measure had passed and agreed to track developments and coordinate with regional partners on mitigation and public engagement.","Commission members reported that Exeter approved removal of Pickpocket Dam and authorized $2 million for the project; Redwood Conservation Commission agreed to stay engaged and follow permitting and mitigation steps as the project advances.",{"_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},6279035,"State ARM Fund outlines 2025 grant round, urges towns to identify local mitigation projects",2431,263000,2694000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2627201-8b35a09ab51323d3a9036415e5d62907&start=263&end=2694","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2627201-8b35a09ab51323d3a9036415e5d62907/thumbnail_263000.jpg","/articles/6279035/New-Hampshire/State-ARM-Fund-outlines-2025-grant-round-urges-towns-to-identify-local-mitigation-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6279035-761aad14504f03c79a6c3367dfdc3bf1/orig.mp4?Expires=1776009321&Signature=Gcmq3TcWp1Ohl4oCzDCi0pQiGL2B7zqbIV3onK7SpeBrnX1MY9Lqi8rMrUUVZRBOKIqqXgXM1dElI3benLSFGBE5VYjDmiuc5AXajeYbfBeRM9jFc2CcLdFdfuoMdAEuyyGOSyUpzITHXwg2rBU1OD7Ge-05ssms9pB0GSxRx3MlkcCwE8JJ7UAAfV4ScA9wFa1ZpQwxMmzjtdMckxpfbQcI-z4FJNaYbleVHXhS1C5XtRw06gI5F1I7GubqsxmvH6FoJn3jBIaLBsTtJWyrsrd88feTOHghrnHAUJHoz9bD1u5aCGZLWt5EVZVWHpTZASyA4NEzcXHNawV9qRuxMA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Emily Nichols, the ARM Fund program manager, and Sarah Betzel, an ARM project manager, presented to the Redwood Conservation Commission on the ARM (Aquatic Resource Mitigation) in‑lieu fee program and the 2025 grant round.

The presenters said the ARM Fund accepts payments from permittees who cannot avoid or fully mitigate impacts to aquatic resources, pools payments by watershed service area, and uses those funds to sponsor larger restoration, enhancement, creation or permanent protection projects. \"We are an in lieu fee program that provides sustainable compensatory mitigation to offset losses and degradation of aquatic resources in New Hampshire that are authorized by state and federal permit decisions,\" Nichols said.

Nichols and Betzel explained why the in‑lieu fee model now has priority under state rules and federal guidance: pooled funds make larger, landscape‑scale projects more feasible than small, permittee‑led efforts that have often failed. The presenters described the nine ARM service areas and said Brentwood is in service area 4 (Salmon Falls/Piscataqua). \"We received over $736,000 in payments within this watershed,\" Nichols said, noting that unspent funds carry over and can accumulate until suitable projects are found.

Why it matters: conservation commissions and planning boards can influence how mitigation funds are used in their towns if they prepare a local list of mitigation priorities and engage early with applicants. Under ARM and state permitting procedures, conservation commission recommendations submitted in writing are incorporated into permit review and the permitting record.

What projects qualify: ARM staff listed eligible project categories—wetland or stream restoration, enhancement (improving function without acreage increase), creation (constructing wetlands where none existed), and preservation (acquisition or conservation easement to remove development threat). Preservation projects must meet a high bar (e.g., minimum 100‑foot buffer, demonstrable long‑term protection, and state third‑party enforcement instrument) and compete with restoration projects for ARM grants.

Money and ratios: Nichols said the ARM calculator—based on statute and adjusted annually—produces the in‑lieu fee by accounting for land value, design and construction costs, monitoring and a 20% administration charge. For example, state mitigation ratios for preservation may require a 1:10 acreage multiplier (impacting 10,000 sq ft could require preserving 100,000 sq ft), though federal ratios differ.

Timeline and next steps: ARM staff said the 2025 grant round materials will be released in early April. ARM will request pre‑proposals, hold an office hour on April 16, and accept pre‑proposals through May 31; full proposals will be due in September. Final recommendations will go to the New Hampshire Wetlands Council and then to Governor and Council for fund allocation. ARM staff offered to screen potential projects early and to meet with towns before pre‑proposal submission.

Local advice from ARM staff: develop a prioritized list of local mitigation projects; coordinate early with planning boards and applicants; identify willing landowners and any town‑owned parcels suitable for easement or restoration; and prepare natural resource inventories and preliminary project materials before the grant cycle opens.

Commission reaction and follow up: Commission members asked for clarification on payment calculations, timeframes for spending awarded funds (ARM staff said funds are typically spent within three years but carry over with some flexibility), and whether dam removal projects could trigger ARM payments—ARM staff said the permitting process, not ARM, determines whether mitigation payments apply and that dam removal outcomes vary (some wetlands may transition rather than be eliminated).

ARM staff said they will circulate slides and announcement materials and encouraged the commission to contact ARM staff for early eligibility screening and to consider possible local projects for the Salmon Falls/Piscataqua service area.","Representatives of New Hampshire’s Aquatic Resource Mitigation (ARM) Fund described how in‑lieu fees are collected and awarded, outlined eligible project types, and announced an early‑April call for pre‑proposals for the Salmon Falls/Piscataqua service area.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission raises questions about planned irrigation, drainage and fertilization at town recreation fields

Redwood Conservation Commission approves minutes, designates alternate and votes to enter nonpublic session

Exeter voters approve Pickpocket Dam removal; Redwood commission to monitor permitting

State ARM Fund outlines 2025 grant round, urges towns to identify local mitigation projects