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Tamworth conservation commission nears finalization of easement on former Aspinall lot
Summary
The Select Board received an update that a conservation easement drafted for land formerly owned by Scott Aspinall has been finalized with the landowner and town attorney and awaits the owner's signature; the easement preserves the upper, steep portion of the lot for conservation with public use and agriculture allowed.
The Tamworth Select Board heard an update that a conservation easement on property formerly owned by Scott Aspinall is nearly finalized and awaiting signature by the new owner, Sarah Whitehouse.
A Select Board member reported that the conservation commission, led in part by Nelson O’Brien, drafted the easement and exchanged revisions with Whitehouse and her attorney. The town attorney reviewed and suggested minor edits; the document was sent last week to Whitehouse for final approval and signature.
The draft easement would place most of the upper, steeper part of the lot into conservation, precluding development on that section while permitting public use, agriculture and forestry. The board described the area as part of a larger forest fragment that the conservation commission prioritizes protecting for wildlife habitat and passive recreation; trails used for mountain biking and non‑motorized use exist on the site.
Board members said the parcel is roughly "50‑some" acres, and the conservation commission will hold the easement once executed. The speaker said the land had been in "current use" for tax purposes, and the easement provides a slightly greater tax advantage to the landowner but that the difference is small. The conservation commission will pay survey and registration costs from its conservation fund.
The Select Board asked about timber tax and specific tax implications; speakers said they had not fully quantified those items and recommended consulting town assessor or state guidance for precise figures.
Why it matters: The easement would preserve a large fragment of forestland and formalize public access and long‑term conservation use in the Cleveland Hill Road area.
Next steps: Town staff will notify the board when Whitehouse returns the signed document so the board can execute and record the easement.
