Conservation Commission approves up to $1,320 for Fields Farm stewardship plan

The Merrimack Conservation Commission authorized an expenditure not to exceed $1,320 from Fund 53 to pay a licensed forester for a comprehensive stewardship plan for Fields Farm.

Commissioner Steve Perkins reported that he had contacted five licensed foresters and walked the Fields Farm parcel with the forester who submitted the most relevant proposal. The forester proposed a complete timber inventory, forest-health assessment, maps identifying unique features and stands, and recommendations for access, parking, and potential recreational uses, at a quoted cost of $1,200. Perkins recommended adding a 10% contingency for minor scope changes and wetlands mapping, bringing the not-to-exceed authorization to $1,320.

Commissioners discussed procurement norms and whether multiple bids were required for work at this dollar level. Perkins said he had approached multiple foresters and that the commission would refer procurement questions to community development if needed for future phases. The commission recorded a 6-0-0 vote in favor of the expenditure.

Perkins said the forester expected to deliver the plan by June or early July if authorized promptly; commissioners discussed following the plan with public hearings and a possible Fields Farm subcommittee to refine designs and work with the town on road access off Amherst Road.

The stewardship plan will inform future decisions about trailheads, timber health work, parking, and potential water access to the Souhegan River. Community Development staff will be provided with the forester's proposal and scope of services.