Selectmen approve Marmon Utilities access easement and intent-to-cut with conditions; motion passes 4–1

The Milford Board of Selectmen authorized town staff to finalize and execute a temporary access easement and approved an amended Notice of Intent to Cut submitted by Marmon Utilities to allow a short logging operation that will use a haul/access route across town property.

Staff said the proposed route uses a previously disturbed “haul road” created during an earlier water‑utility investigation rather than cutting a new route through a recorded right-of-way. DPW and legal staff drafted a temporary access easement with conditions including indemnification, adherence to New Hampshire logging best management practices, required state permits for any wetland impacts and a restoration requirement to return the town property to pre‑use condition.

Residents and environmental advocates raised concerns about mud‑season logging, potential wetland impacts and the need for a formal wetland delineation. Suzanne Fornia, coordinator of Bronx Environmental Citizens, told the board she believed the town should consult the New Hampshire Fish and Game Non‑Game and Endangered Wildlife Program and that logging during “mud season” conflicts with best management practices. Fornia asked whether the access letter was notarized and urged a bond to ensure restoration.

Representatives for the applicant said access from Old Wilton Road was impractical because culverts and a beaver dam had damaged that route; Kevin Bodie of Marmon Utilities explained the Perry Road/haul-road approach had less impact on waterways. Logger Alex Jordan described standard practices — matting and minimal wetland crossings — and said the current request is for a short, 30‑day logging operation.

After discussion about parcels involved, the location of the haul route, condition checks and possible bonding for restoration, a board motion authorized staff to finalize the access easement and to approve the intent‑to‑cut package; the board recorded a voice vote of 4–1 in favor. The motion authorized the town administrator (or acting town administrator) to sign documents and to work with legal and DPW to finalize conditions. The board did not set a bond amount at the meeting but directed staff to include restoration and indemnity conditions in the easement.

Ending: The board approved the intent to cut and authorized staff to finalize and execute required documents subject to the conditions discussed; residents requested the town require a wetland delineation and consider a restoration bond before work begins.