The Bedford Conservation Commission voted June 24 to recommend that the town expend up to $625,000 from the conservation fund to buy about 70.2 acres owned by Catherine M. Acorn and to purchase a permanent access easement from Rebecca G. Acorn.

Commission Chair Grant Killian opened a public hearing on the proposal under RSA 36-A and asked staff to summarize the recommendation. Kathleen Ports, the commission’s conservation planner, said the purchase covers two mapped parcels on the south side of New Boston Road, near McAllister Road, includes a section of Bowman Brook, and contains second‑growth forest, old quarry sites and primitive mountain‑bike trails. Ports said the seller is asking $525,000 for the land and that the town would purchase a permanent access easement for $50,000; she said additional due‑diligence costs for survey, environmental reports and title work were not expected to exceed $50,000. “So what we are looking for tonight is your approval to expend up to $625,000 from the conservation fund for the purchase of the land, the access easement and the closing costs and due diligence reports,” Ports said.

The commission then heard public comment. Bill (William) Carter of 100 New Boston Road, who identified himself as a nearby property owner and the town council representative, urged the commission to recommend the purchase, saying the parcel is important for wildlife connectivity and watershed protection.

After public comment, a commissioner moved that the Conservation Commission approve the expenditure of up to $575,000 from the conservation fund for the purchase of the Acorn parcels and to purchase the permanent access easement, and to approve the use of up to $50,000 for due diligence and closing costs. The motion was seconded and the commission voted in favor; the chair announced the motion carried. The approval from the conservation commission is a recommendation to the Town Council, which is scheduled to consider the purchase at its meeting on Aug. 13.

Why it matters: the parcels contain Bowman Brook and contiguous open space, and the commission described the property as distinctive for its topography and trail connections. The commission’s recommendation, if accepted by the Town Council, will place the parcels under permanent conservation ownership and would include the town’s commitment to fund surveys and closing costs so the purchase can close.

Details and next steps: Ports said the $575,000 figure includes the $525,000 purchase price and the $50,000 permanent easement. The commission’s motion also authorized using up to $50,000 for closing and due‑diligence expenses, bringing the total authorized expenditure to $625,000. If the council approves the recommendation on Aug. 13, staff will complete surveys, title reviews and deed recordings required for closing.