Resident urges conservation focus for Lily Pond parcel; cites access, right‑of‑way and motorboat concerns

Arthur Rosbury‑Yoder, a resident of 21 Shore Road on Lily Pond, addressed the Somersworth Conservation Commission during public comment to express interest in the commission's forthcoming wildlife management plan for a city‑owned Lily Pond parcel.

Rosbury‑Yoder said he has about 550 feet of frontage on the pond and has followed subdivision and conservation activity in the area. "I'm here because I'm interested in hearing what you're gonna be talking about regarding the Lily Pond parcel," he said.

Why it matters: the parcel borders private properties, includes deeded rights‑of‑way used by some neighbors, and sits partly within a wellhead protection area. Changes to public access or increased recreational use could affect water quality and neighboring residents.

Points raised by the resident - Access and rights‑of‑way: Rosbury‑Yoder noted a track around the north end of Lily Pond that some neighbors have deeded right‑of‑way to use; he said a recent dumping of fill near the end of Blue Heron Road has made passage difficult for walkers and neighbors. - Public access: he said the only public access is a sliver of land near the golf course and that access there is sometimes blocked; the commission confirmed parkland access from the golf course will likely remain the primary public entry point. - Boat traffic and wellhead protection: "I'm a little concerned that, if more people use the pond, that large motorboat traffic would be a bit disruptive on it's it's about a 30 30 acre pond," Rosbury‑Yoder said, and noted portions of the parcel and neighboring properties fall within the wellhead protection area. - Wildlife and beavers: he reported seasonal beaver activity affects water levels and that neighbors sometimes manage beaver dams; he suggested the commission consider the beaver population when drafting the management plan. - Local conservation efforts: Rosbury‑Yoder said he and neighbors have registered their private parcel with a wildlife preservation group and placed non‑official signs indicating a wildlife protection area; he expressed interest in participating in the commission's planning.

Commission response and next steps Commissioners said a wildlife management plan is in early stages; staff noted the commission is on the hook with New Hampshire DES for certain procedures and that the commission intends to work with partners including the county forester and possibly the National Wildlife Federation program. Staff invited Rosbury‑Yoder to provide contact information and to participate in plan development.

Ending Commissioners said they will begin drafting the wildlife management plan and that interested residents will be contacted as the plan moves from formative stages toward consultation with DES and other partners.