Conservation presenter wins conditional approval to study Parker Dam; town requires contract and insurance

The Woodstock Select Board granted conditional permission for a conservation organization to complete a reconnaissance study at Parker Dam, provided the consultant is identified and the town receives required insurance certificates and completes legal review.

Chair introduced Charles de Curtis from the conservation conservancy of New Hampshire to summarize a proposed recon study under a Free Rivers Accelerator-style program. Charles described a desktop reconnaissance that would evaluate the dam structure and fish-passage options and produce an opinion of probable cost to help seek funders. “Again, it would be no cost to you in any way,” Charles said, describing the study as primarily a desktop profile of upstream and downstream conditions with a probable-cost estimate.

Board members asked clarifying questions about prior state actions on the dam, archaeology, permitting and nearby examples of removals; Charles said the study typically includes historical and archaeological screening and that any significant finds would be handled under state historic‑preservation procedures. He estimated the recon study could be completed by June or July and said the consultants would produce the documentation needed to approach funders.

A committee member moved to authorize the study provided the consultant is identified, insurance is in place, and the town’s legal and insurance staff review the contract; the Chair seconded and the board voted in favor. The board’s approval allows staff to receive the consultant contract and insurance materials and to complete the required reviews before any field access takes place.

Next steps: the conservation group will provide a consultant name, scope and insurance documents; the town will route the draft contract to legal and insurance for review and return to the board before the consultants go on site.