Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Historic Preservation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Select Board establishes Dustin Island advisory committee to advance Hannah Dustin project
Summary
After a lengthy discussion about state review requirements and local opportunities, the Boscawen Select Board voted May 20 to establish a Dustin Island (Hannah Dustin) advisory committee to pursue interpretive signage, cleanup and grant partnerships while state approvals proceed.
The Boscawen Select Board on May 20 voted to establish a Dustin Island (Hannah Dustin) advisory committee to move forward with local interpretive and cleanup work while the state determines its review process for sign language and historical interpretation.
Board members and staff described a tangled jurisdictional landscape: the state Division of Historic Resources, the Department of Transportation, the Division of Rail and Trails and local interests all have overlapping roles. Town members said Boscawen owns most of the island parcels under discussion, and a local advisory committee could advance interpretive signage, picnic facilities and cleanup in coordination with partners such as the Friends of the Northern Rail Trail while the state defines formal procedures.
A board member framed the proposal as an opportunity to tie a commercial‑street historic tribute to island interpretation and create visitor amenities that support local businesses. Concerns raised included avoiding work on portions of the land managed by the state, clarifying advisory committee membership and ensuring the committee follows open‑meeting requirements (RSA 91‑A) if it is a formal advisory body.
The board moved to establish the task force, the motion was seconded, and the Select Board voted in favor. Members suggested including representatives from the historical society, conservation commission, economic development committee (EDC) and volunteers; staff was asked to draft membership and scope language for a future meeting.
Why it matters: The advisory committee is intended to keep momentum on local cleanup, interpretive work and grant applications rather than leave progress stalled while state processes are established. The work could create recreational and economic opportunities along the rail‑trail corridor.
Next steps: Staff will draft formal committee charter, membership and open‑meeting procedures for Select Board review at a future meeting.
