[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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",[32,75,87,99],{"_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":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6427446,"mediaKeyId","5897164-db9c353475a161f3c9d7bbc416d587f5","parentId",5897164,"title","Hooksett conservation commission bars horseback riding on Riverwalk, Heads Pond and Pinnacle Park trails","audioSeconds",1059,"startMs",3096000,"endMs",4155000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5897164-db9c353475a161f3c9d7bbc416d587f5&start=3096&end=4155","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5897164-db9c353475a161f3c9d7bbc416d587f5/thumbnail_3096000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6427446/Hooksett/Merrimack-County/New-Hampshire/Hooksett-conservation-commission-bars-horseback-riding-on-Riverwalk-Heads-Pond-and-Pinnacle-Park-trails","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6427446-c3f78a21c9cdceeb1db5f613869ea491/orig.mp4?Expires=1770446373&Signature=Jb8sGcjVCXcovtCOMPt~KK1ZTCDrBpyoQJUZIxyT1k7ipqKtomYbSSjOlGzTB72Jn5KR9EEdjde1bjLDzq2w2zUoLLbAnQFSha-ls~WaxwoySgpO2sg9t9eBq0MfRC5VI-c0Q9a19LsJ40XUIbkAIMTFyTR~XPXUrknZvIQreQWSE2sP8M1WE1mhgu12I9oXnt8AdERelLT70hVbmqd3by46BwoVgrnTYEQAd-zqoeYndyyU1LuPQBlC~4IGepjW-rzPhnUfbNVZUDciiRafRAGPq9083275PgyqaacEeIIzMkc--mC0AlayW6I68~01WbD3S9e6jKJ33Iap9vs0qg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Hooksett","date","2025-10-06T00:00:00Z","article","The Hooksett Conservation Commission voted Oct. 6 to add horseback riding to its list of prohibited uses on Riverwalk, Heads Pond Trail and Pinnacle Park.

A resident had asked whether horseback riding would be allowed on those trails. Commissioners reviewed the easement language, current trail design, safety and maintenance concerns, and comments from members who cited trail degradation, conflicts between users and cleanup burdens as reasons to restrict equestrian use. Several members noted the trails are primarily designed and maintained for pedestrian traffic, with narrow surfaces, wooden boardwalks and sections where hoof impacts would cause erosion.

Commissioner Phil Fitanidis and others described potential safety conflicts involving horses, leashed dogs, runners and children, and noted the maintenance burden and hygiene concerns created by horse manure. The commission discussed options including seasonal restrictions and separate horse-only trails but concluded the town currently lacks the funding and space to build dedicated equestrian routes.

After discussion the commission voted to add horseback riding to the list of prohibited uses for the three locations. Commissioners said the prohibition is not necessarily permanent: they invited the requester to submit a written proposal that would include details about parking for trailers, manure cleanup plans, liability measures, and how user conflicts would be managed. The commission will revisit the subject if a formal request and supporting plans are submitted.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Conservation Commission and Planning Board","oneSentenceSummary","The commission voted to add horseback riding to the list of prohibited uses on three popular conservation trails while asking the requester to submit a formal written proposal for future reconsideration.","taxTitle","Hooksett, Merrimack County , New Hampshire","taxId",68560,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6427451,"Hooksett conservation commission cuts 2026 warrant-article request to $20,000 for required stewardship plans",1102,466000,1568000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5897164-db9c353475a161f3c9d7bbc416d587f5&start=466&end=1568","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5897164-db9c353475a161f3c9d7bbc416d587f5/thumbnail_466000.jpg","/articles/6427451/Hooksett/Merrimack-County/New-Hampshire/Hooksett-conservation-commission-cuts-2026-warrant-article-request-to-20000-for-required-stewardship-plans","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6427451-90af495f88f6fcb29858c8fa7a3be637/orig.mp4?Expires=1770446373&Signature=eaO-3FBXR9gDbnJTXr83YzunU5RNKIJ5d3hEnz3iYo~G2VOFteRWFWxNE~Zpk1ZbvhUYJoBt~RKSYtWU0MrzKVq~T93AizqFVWUG9EIKJyoicxLWo-jwMqlSx86ZFiUoIylaXQxqzvgyE~~r5sVI~xxulxRmes1cQXVeZ623JZDwQ75hIN9kcC-tilVvDr5EwUITwfKmrQQsIHypkGWXV9vS0MCTXOUYMYZ70RX5FTWaFmgRP2EGr6anJVRbbwBTcKtaj8FbJTxMtsU0cKdo5zOmBz1Pg~n4cd0VE6xGLJDEbnnelSBE4NN1Dh3csN0dilBCQaeoQuu7m3J1guqO3A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hooksett Conservation Commission voted on Oct. 6 to resubmit a warrant article requesting $20,000 from town voters to fund mandatory stewardship plans for properties the commission manages.

Commission co-chair Joe Carroll said the commission initially prepared a $30,000 request but pulled it after the town supervisor asked the commission to consider the number of warrant articles on the ballot. Carroll and other commissioners reviewed the commission’s near-term obligations before deciding to ask for the smaller amount.

The commission explained the $20,000 request is intended to cover mandatory stewardship planning work that will be needed next year, including remaining work on Quimby Mountain and a planned stewardship-plan update for Clay Pond. Commissioners also listed several near-term invoices and projects: the Quimby Mountain stewardship work already invoiced or committed, a Heads Pond survey (about $6,500), a Riverwalk survey (about $4,400), invasive-species work (~$2,400 already paid), and an expected Clay Pond stewardship plan (roughly $14,000–$15,000). The commission reported $71,000 in its capital reserve account and about $524,000 in a special reserve account, but members said much of that capital-reserve money is already committed to projects this year.

Commissioners debated whether to skip asking voters this year because of the town’s concerns about multiple warrant articles. Town council member Alex Walsik and the commission’s outside advisors urged preparing a concise explanation for voters and recommended keeping a draft warrant article available in case circumstances change. After discussion, the commission voted 3–1 to resubmit a reduced warrant article for $20,000.

The commission asked staff to notify the town supervisor and to resubmit the reduced figure for the 2026 warrant schedule. Members said they will continue to track invoices and bring forward follow‑up requests in future years as needed.","After reviewing upcoming stewardship obligations and existing balances, the Hooksett Conservation Commission voted to resubmit a reduced 2026 warrant article asking voters for $20,000 to fund mandatory stewardship plans and related costs.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6427434,"Planning board approves adjusted SNHU landscaping record, removes 11-tree requirement pending site review",1785,6661000,8446000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5897164-db9c353475a161f3c9d7bbc416d587f5&start=6661&end=8446","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5897164-db9c353475a161f3c9d7bbc416d587f5/thumbnail_6661000.jpg","/articles/6427434/Hooksett/Merrimack-County/New-Hampshire/Planning-board-approves-adjusted-SNHU-landscaping-record-removes-11-tree-requirement-pending-site-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6427434-256fd73a5b7247d2b0921e02cb132767/orig.mp4?Expires=1770446373&Signature=TAlfpX1UGW7wIa30KNqWN7OL-onGV-t8yEQw7rrdlOxpvb3gWAtgNKa4hhq5vYvWANO7MKPAEF19-87gRCyEAQWc9hm85szyidrvJyKmhpSlw2E-O~ZXwzHC33hx9Z4zOY6SNSD3ahAbpsqvdGuXH5aRhvPttt7Quu5iJRvII2MbagOhFU84hIj0NuQy6jGJfUfevU2vn8jTHiMgSArv2egIC1fE0IOetGaVvl-xLrSwckrcf0QlerI5IeE6qtwwF44Wl-5Re6oiM0ovRrDmQHxLQC-w8tHBglmcw-SFnfAgn3L3I4b4x3gFna6AqazVzH3Bo4~x2ZHNTyPBzwF7Bg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hooksett Planning Board on Oct. 6 voted to approve an amended landscape plan for Southern New Hampshire University’s athletic complex and authorized the town to move forward with bond-release steps after a narrowed set of conditions.

SNHU representative Lawrence Assani and planning staff presented the results of a third‑party landscape audit comparing ‘as‑built’ plantings to the plan originally signed in 2016. The audit found missing and replaced plantings in several parking-island and perimeter beds; the applicant explained some trees had been removed because they were failing in the planting conditions.

Planning staff recommended conditions of approval and a brief hold while staff and the university reconcile a single disputed item: an island that had called for 11 trees in the approved plan but in practice contains fewer surviving trees. After discussion the board voted to approve the amended plan and the staff recommendations but exempted the earlier condition requiring replanting of the 11 trees; instead the board asked SNHU and staff to conduct a site visit together and then finalize the bond release recommendation. The board also asked the university to show snow-storage areas on future plan sheets and to confirm other maintenance items identified in the audit.

The motion to approve included standard subsequent items: recorded plans, final drainage documentation and administrative sign-offs required before releasing a landscape bond. Planning officials said they would place a bond‑release item on the town council agenda once staff and the applicant complete the site check and file any remaining documents.","The Hooksett Planning Board approved an amended SNHU landscape plan and directed staff and the applicant to follow through on remaining conditions; the board removed one requirement for 11 replacement trees and scheduled a site check before final bond release.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6427441,"Hooksett conservation commission to contact adjacent gun club about Quimby Mountain summit and safety",87,1683000,1770000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5897164-db9c353475a161f3c9d7bbc416d587f5&start=1683&end=1770","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5897164-db9c353475a161f3c9d7bbc416d587f5/thumbnail_1683000.jpg","/articles/6427441/Hooksett/Merrimack-County/New-Hampshire/Hooksett-conservation-commission-to-contact-adjacent-gun-club-about-Quimby-Mountain-summit-and-safety","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6427441-8a8ff8cc045efb42b9e147ec5e8b635b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770446373&Signature=Mbui33PH2FMQNUHshSaenk0MONMGB8YX4RouNlhJUEYijGSi9RjDJTmnkAKbOH3oTG-EvmUg~4GwBXRrzelVt38IoSBx3pAeAC2yz3X68MXSvVjOKs9U-LgDzxQ7E1oOmPw9UJhDg1jCrlyCNkpYL5-6tQBZIVbKgHVU9qkxeLio1KxFAYXIm-pjJWD3dRrUYX5JGqlEtu6xmPW~-fZFeykfJ6a7QCh0wC~BSuNhZHAreWhrgtmz3SKvC1XCOfuLFe5II0NDBa7I-dRK0n-T65hDh73mXTbB9rt5AUxprz8~XJou5FAGN~d1jRXREpWQhsjwzT3tBtgGJvvHwDIqPQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hooksett Conservation Commission approved a motion Oct. 6 to contact leadership of an adjacent gun club that shoots near the Quimby Mountain conservation property to discuss safety and land-use plans.

Commission members reported during a recent monitoring walk that the town-owned Quimby Mountain parcel is in generally good condition but noted incursion in places: at least one break in a long-standing stone wall and a deer-hang and clearing that suggest ATV or hunting access. The commission also reported that the town does not own the very top of the summit and that the adjacent gun club operates nearby, with signage warning of an active shooting area.

Commissioners said they want to ensure the gun club’s leadership understands town plans and that any future public use of the summit and access routes is coordinated to avoid safety conflicts. The commission approved a motion directing staff to reach out to the gun club leadership to request a meeting; the motion passed unanimously.

Members said the conversation will be informational and will aim to build positive relations before the commission considers any proposals that might affect the club or the summit area, including possible easements or access agreements.","Commissioners voted to ask staff members to contact leadership of the nearby gun club about concerns raised during a monitoring visit to Quimby Mountain, including use near the summit and boundary incursion.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Hooksett conservation commission bars horseback riding on Riverwalk, Heads Pond and Pinnacle Park trails

Hooksett conservation commission cuts 2026 warrant-article request to $20,000 for required stewardship plans

Planning board approves adjusted SNHU landscaping record, removes 11-tree requirement pending site review

Hooksett conservation commission to contact adjacent gun club about Quimby Mountain summit and safety