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Commission weighs gate, cameras for Greater Woods access; town permission and emergency access remain unresolved
Summary
Commission members discussed installing a vehicle gate and later security cameras at a Greater Woods access point; they agreed to seek town counsel on permission and logistics and to check on emergency-access keys and Fish and Game requirements.
Members of the Merrimack Conservation Commission discussed options for a vehicle gate and possible security cameras at a Greater Woods access near the underpass and the Natakuk Brook crossing, but they did not approve hardware or funding at Monday’s meeting.
Tom, who submitted the item, said he has been gathering information on gate location, size, and durability and prefers addressing a gate before installing cameras. He described a proposed 16-foot vehicle gate (two 8‑foot swing panels) located on the road just before the bridge over Natakuk Brook and said the gate should block vehicular access while allowing bikes and pedestrians. Commissioners and Tom discussed construction materials and durability: inexpensive livestock-style gates cost under $200 but are thin metal; heavy-duty metal gates suitable for repeated misuse begin around $2,000.
Commissioners agreed the commission could not install a gate on town-owned roadways or property without permission. Jennifer said she would contact town counsel about required permissions and procedures and noted the town council was considering budget matters that could affect funding. The commission also discussed use of a keyed lock box (with a combination known to emergency services) to grant emergency responders access and the need to inform DPW and the police and fire departments before installation.
The group reviewed past contacts with New Hampshire Fish and Game and the police about access and road maintenance near boat ramps and emergency access points. They noted a missing key for an existing emergency-access gate off BB Lane and agreed to try to locate it. Commissioners agreed to revisit cameras after resolving the gate’s legal and logistical questions and to ask Fish and Game about seasonal access and rights when appropriate.
The commission tasked staff to research whether a gate may legally be installed at the proposed location, to clarify who would pay for installation and maintenance, and to follow up with Fish and Game and DPW.
