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Select Board adopts Class 6 road permission requirement; continues work on beaver management policy and trail work form
Summary
The Select Board approved a temporary amendment requiring express board permission before construction or excavation on Class 6 roads and directed staff to revise a beaver‑management/trail work request form for broader town use.
The Bow Select Board on Sept. 9 voted to insert a new paragraph into chapter 154 (Streets & Sidewalks) that requires express permission of the board of selectmen before construction, excavation, clearing or installation of underground utilities on Class 6 public rights of way, unless work is performed by the Department of Public Works.
David said the change will be implemented with a formal application process so requests are not handled ad hoc. The board discussed whether the selectmen should consult planning, conservation or zoning bodies as appropriate; members said the board will seek relevant expertise when cases affect wetlands, zoning or master‑plan impacts.
The meeting also included an extended discussion about a beaver‑management policy. A subcommittee member described work to create a policy and suggested adapting an existing trail‑related work request form for all town property, including beaver‑specific considerations: timing to protect wildlife, notification procedures, GIS mapping and thresholds that trigger review. Board members agreed the beaver policy and related form need edits and wider stakeholder review before adoption.
A motion to adopt the new Class 6 language was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. No formal action was taken on the beaver policy; staff were asked to revise the form and coordinate with conservation, open spaces and other stakeholders.
