Selectmen back Conservation Commission to pursue easement, survey for town parcels

The Candia Board of Selectmen on Jan. 13 voted to support the Conservation Commission’s effort to pursue a conservation easement and obtain a professional survey for two town-owned parcels near Kinnickham Pond that are currently landlocked.

Commission members said the commission already spent about $1,200 from the conservation fund to obtain an estimate of the easement value and that the resident who owns adjoining property consolidated two parcels to create access that could be formalized by an easement. The board’s vote authorizes the commission to proceed with an RFQ for a survey and to return with formal documents.

Why it matters: The parcels contain wetlands and limited buildable area; a recorded conservation easement and defined access path would protect natural resources while clarifying public access and ownership responsibilities. Commission members emphasized the easement can be written to define where foot access, parking and permitted uses are allowed so that private-property rights and public access are balanced.

Key points from the discussion: Commission representatives confirmed that the easement would define the location and terms of access and that the town can hold the conservation easement itself instead of partnering with an external land trust (Bear-Paw was discussed as an option but not required). The commission asked permission to procure a survey and present a plan for the board to review. The board approved the request.

Next steps: The Conservation Commission will seek survey proposals and return to the board with cost estimates and proposed easement language; any final easement would be recorded and require legal review before execution.