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Barn swallow colony at Goss Farm prompts conservation appeal and public proposals
Summary
Members and public commenters urged preservation of a barn-swallow colony at Goss Farm, arguing volunteers and alternative structures could keep the birds; other members noted economic constraints and questioned whether swallows present a health hazard. The Commission will further review responses to the RFP in nonpublic and seeks expert input.
A debate over barn swallows nesting in the Goss Farm barn surfaced at the Rye Conservation Commission's Feb. 12 meeting, with members and public commenters urging the Commission to consider alternatives to removing the colony.
Member Karen Oliver read a statement from ornithologist Mara Silver, arguing that removing the birds would extinguish a decades-long colony and that the commonly offered health-hazard justifications have not been demonstrated. Oliver said volunteers have proposed plans to care for the barn and that the property is a conservation parcel dedicated to agriculture and wildlife.
Member Joe Marttila responded that swallows are resilient and likely to relocate if the barn is altered; he said reports that the birds would die are inaccurate. Chair Victor Odryna said the Commission would be supportive of external structures to accommodate swallows but that the panel needs expert guidance (for example from Mara Silver) to decide what, if anything, to build. Public commenters Susan Shepcaro and Sally King described proposals they had submitted, including the idea of fundraising to build an alternate small barn or structure that could both house equipment and provide swallow nesting sites.
Chair Odryna said the Commission will further review submitted proposals in nonpublic session and requested updates from Attorney Eric Maher regarding the Josephs supplemental easement related to other Commission business. The minutes record discussion but no formal decision or vote on the birds at this meeting.
