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Bow Select Board tightens rules for work on town rights-of-way; beaver-management and trail-work form to be revised
Summary
The board adopted a new rule requiring Select Board approval before construction, excavation or clearing on town rights-of-way and discussed revising beaver-management and trail-work request forms to create a clearer, streamlined process for work on town property.
The Bow Select Board on Sept. 9 adopted a change to the town’s streets-and-sidewalks regulations that requires express Select Board permission for construction, excavation, clearing, dredging or installation of underground utilities on town rights-of-way (with routine Department of Public Works work excepted). The change was inserted as a new paragraph b in chapter 154-3.
Board members said the change is intended as an interim measure while the town develops a more comprehensive process that will address statutory changes and practical issues tied to Class 6 roads, utility permits and maintenance responsibilities. Town staff said applications and forms will be developed so requests are not handled informally.
Separately, the board heard an extended public discussion about beaver management and work on town trails and open-space lands. Speakers, including members of the conservation commission and Bow Open Spaces volunteers, said the town’s trail-related work request form (used primarily by Bow Open Spaces) should be revised and expanded so all organizations operating on town land provide consistent project descriptions, maps (GIS block/lot), seasonal considerations and wildlife protections before work is done. The board asked staff to work with the conservation commission, Bow Open Spaces and Bow Pioneers to revise the form and clarify approval thresholds so routine, low-impact maintenance remains streamlined while larger projects undergo appropriate review.
Board and staff emphasized that the final decision on work affecting town roads or property rests with the Select Board, but that the board will consult appropriate advisory bodies — conservation commission, planning or other boards — when expertise or statutory review is needed.
Votes and next steps: the board adopted the new paragraph in chapter 154-3 and directed staff to revise the trail/town-property work request form and to coordinate with the conservation commission and open-spaces groups on best practices for beaver management and trail work.
