The Hooksett Conservation Commission convened on September 8, 2025, to discuss various topics related to local conservation efforts and community engagement. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the upcoming trail count for the Riverwalk Trail, which is conducted by the Southern New Hampshire Planning Commission every two years. The Commission approved the trail count, noting that a counter has already been installed at the kiosk. Previous counts indicated an average of 80 users per day in 2019, with a notable increase to 162 users per day last year, reflecting a growth rate of approximately 10% annually.

The discussion then shifted to concerns raised by the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests regarding the Riverwalk property and the management of dog waste along the trail. Commission members expressed worries about the potential health risks associated with dog excrement left on the trail, particularly as the number of users increases. While the Commission does not currently track the number of dogs on the trail, they acknowledged the issue of pet waste management and the importance of encouraging responsible pet ownership.

Members discussed the existing signage that reminds trail users to keep dogs leashed and to clean up after them. However, they recognized the limitations of enforcement, noting that without trash cans along the trail, users often leave waste bags in the bushes, contributing to environmental concerns. The Commission debated the feasibility of reintroducing trash cans at the Riverwalk Trail kiosk, especially given the high traffic from both dog walkers and the nearby rowing club.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for ongoing community education about responsible pet ownership and the potential for further discussions with town departments regarding waste management solutions. The Commission aims to address these challenges while maintaining the integrity of conservation areas in Hooksett.