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Conservation commission approves $4,800 invasive-species treatment at Pinnacle Park
Summary
Hooksett Conservation Commission voted to approve option 2 of a contractor proposal to continue invasive-species treatment at Pinnacle Park, authorizing a $4,800 budget. Commissioners discussed volunteer roles, equipment access and the ongoing nature of invasive management.
The Hooksett Conservation Commission voted to proceed with option 2 of a contractor27s proposal for invasive-species treatment at Pinnacle Park, authorizing a $4,800 budget.
Commissioners and staff said the work will be part of continuing maintenance rather than a one-time clearing and that the contractor27s small tractor is intended to create access so crews can treat bittersweet, poison ivy and other regrowth.
Commissioners said the contractor, identified in meeting materials as Paul Eaton, had provided photos and an estimate showing a small tractor and targeted treatment areas. Some commissioners said option 127s narrower scope looked adequate; others favored option 2 as a modest incremental investment that would allow the contractor to treat additional areas while on site. One commissioner said the additional spend of about $900 made sense to expand coverage; another opposed just the extra expense.
Commission members also discussed whether volunteers could replace paid labor. Commissioners noted volunteers had helped in past seasons but that large brush, poison ivy and the need to use a tractor limit what unpaid volunteers can safely do. The commission said volunteers could still be recruited for follow-up work such as pulling seedlings and raking cleared picnic areas once the contractor has opened access.
The motion to proceed with option 2 and a $4,800 budget was moved and seconded during the meeting and carried; meeting audio recorded two affirmative voice votes and one explicit negative response before the chair closed voting. The commission noted invasive management is recurring and likely to require repeat treatments every three to five years.
Commission staff said the contractor will coordinate with town staff about equipment access and any permissions required to bring machinery onto conserved land, and that conservation easements or property conditions may create additional notification requirements.
The commission did not specify a firm schedule in the public discussion; members said work would proceed once scheduling and contractor logistics were confirmed and any needed town permissions were obtained.
