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Rye conservation commission approves Eagle Scout benches, discusses trails, Purple Martins and dismissed barn-swallow lawsuit
Summary
The Commission approved two town-forest benches proposed by an Eagle Scout, noted trail closures and bog-bridge repairs, discussed Goss Farm wildlife updates including Purple Martin arrays, and reported a judge dismissed a recent lawsuit challenging Commission actions.
The Rye Conservation Commission on June 2 approved a proposal by Eagle Scout Christopher Currier to install two benches along Town Forest trails, discussed trail closures and bog-bridge repairs, reviewed Goss Farm and wildlife updates, and noted a judge dismissed a lawsuit related to recent conservation actions.
Christopher Currier of 4 Libbey Lane described plans to place two benches (steel frames with thermoplastic coating) on the White and Red trails; installation will use hand-dug holes and small cement pads to secure bench feet. Public commenter and former RCC member Susan Shepcaro thanked Currier and said the benches "will be well used." The Commission voted unanimously to approve the bench concept.
Member Glenn Suchocki reported Seavey Acres and Cedar Run trail updates: two trails have been closed and bog-bridge materials disassembled for storage at Goss Farm; Suchocki said NH DES permits may be required to repair bog bridges and agreed to follow up. Treasurer Gary Terhune said he had paused further trail-closing work pending clarification of RCC authority from the town attorney; Acting Chair Hugh Lee agreed to work with Environmental and Land Use Assistant Kara Campbell to review deed restrictions before additional closures.
On wildlife and farm news, Member Joe Marttila reported North Pole Xmas Trees planted two acres at Goss Farm, the farmstand and community gardens are operating, and barn swallows have started nesting elsewhere. Public commenter Susan Shepcaro described a successful Purple Martin program at Goss Farm, noting NH Audubon funded a second array and urging documentation for monitoring claims. Acting Chair Lee also reported that a lawsuit commenced by Sally King and Scott Marion was determined by a judge to be without merit and dismissed.
In other business the Commission approved bills and reimbursements (including additional reimbursement to Victor Odryna for swallow expenses), approved minutes with minor corrections, and heard public concerns about roadside litter and off-leash dogs on trails. The Commission discussed Rye Day participation but decided this year’s timeline was too short to prepare outreach materials.
Votes at a glance: the Commission approved the bench concept, rescinded the pergola 'no objection' vote (see separate article), recommended reduced wetland impacts for 701 South Road, designated Hugh Lee to communicate Town Forest plan changes, approved listed bills including an added $414.92 to reach $2,414.92 for swallow expenses to Victor Odryna, and approved minutes for April 30, May 13 and May 14, 2026.
