Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Invasive Species Management topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Merrimack council forms invasive-species committee to map, educate and treat knotweed and other invaders
Summary
The town council approved a new invasive-species committee to coordinate education, identification and treatment of aggressive nonnative plants on town and conservation properties; membership and next steps were set at the July 10 meeting.
MERRIMACK, N.H. — The Merrimack Town Council on July 10 approved a new committee to address invasive plant species on town-owned and conservation lands, with a primary focus on education, mapping and remediation.
Councilor Jennifer Jelvin said the committee is intended to bring town departments and residents together to tackle aggressive plants such as knotweed and oriental bittersweet that spread along waterways and damage riparian habitat. “Education, education, education,” Jelvin said, describing the group’s early priorities: public identification materials and guidance on correct disposal.
The committee composition approved by the council includes two members of the Merrimack Conservation Commission, one town councilor, the public works director (or designee) and two to three members of the public. The motion carried 7–0.
Conservation members Gage Perry and Carys Welsh were cited by Jelvin as contributors to early outreach; Perry and Welsh had prepared notes for the council describing knotweed’s deep roots, erosion risk on stream banks, and how stem and root fragments can spread downstream and re-root. Councilors and staff also flagged a known knotweed patch near the transfer station compost pile as a priority for rapid removal.
Town staff pointed out an important handling rule: invasive-plant material should not go into the town compost, because fragments can reroot; instead, disposal methods that prevent re-rooting — including incineration or sealed-bag removal — are recommended. The committee will also consult UNH Cooperative Extension and other experts for treatment options and public outreach materials.
Next steps: The council directed staff to run a 30-day public application period for committee volunteers and return with candidate appointments at an August meeting. The committee is expected to prioritize identification of infestation sites, public education on handling and disposal, and coordination with parks and public works for removal and follow-up treatment.
