Rye Conservation Commission votes 4-1-1 to bar swallows from Goss Farm Barn

RYE, N.H. — The Rye Conservation Commission voted 4-1-1 on Jan. 22, 2026 to prohibit wildlife — specifically including barn swallows — from nesting in the town-owned Goss Farm Barn, saying the barn’s recurring seasonal closure conflicts with public use and raises safety and health concerns.

"If the swallows are back in the barn, especially in the quantities that they are today, the barn cannot be cohabited with people," Chair Victor Odryna told the commission as he reviewed background on the colony and the barn’s closure during nesting season. The commission record indicates nesting typically runs from late March or early April through late August or early September.

The motion, introduced by Member Shawn Joyce and seconded by Secretary/Clerk Hugh Lee, directs that "all windows and doors will be kept closed, so wildlife cannot enter, especially during the nesting and breeding season," and calls on the commission to pursue alternative housing for swallows, including birdhouses. Joyce moved the ban “in the best interest of public health, safety and use.”

Secretary/Clerk Hugh Lee cited press reports of about thirty Histoplasmosis cases in Tennessee and said New Hampshire does not require reporting of Histoplasmosis, so local case counts are not tracked. Member Joe Marttila described how bird guano and nest material can aerosolize fungal spores and noted other possible pathogens, underscoring the health concerns raised during discussion.

Several residents urged more time or different approaches during the public-comment period. Ritchie White urged commissioners to review the RSA enabling statute to confirm whether conservation commissions typically manage and invest in structures; Rob Wright questioned the long-term economics of hosting the colony and warned against imposing recurring cleanup costs on taxpayers; and Driftwood Garden Club President Judy Terhune asked for assurance the Garden Club could continue holding its plant sale on the property while noting the Club’s proceeds have funded more than $12,000 in scholarships and local grants.

Commissioners discussed alternatives that have been considered. The RCC previously researched building swallow shelters and bringing in builders for a partition plan; external expert Mara Silver of Swallow Conservation.Org advised against sectioning the barn, saying the birds would likely not accept reduced space. Building a separate, purpose-built structure was discussed; a rough estimate mentioned during the meeting placed that cost near $350,000. Commissioners also noted a current RFP for leasing the farm (responses due at the end of the month), and counsel advised lease language could be drafted to shift liability to a lessee who chose to allow people and birds to cohabitate.

Public commenters and several commissioners proposed lower-cost mitigation, such as tarping and volunteer cleanup, or allowing a lessee to manage the bird colony under lease terms. Tom King said he had filed a right-to-know request and found no record that the RCC had sought outside medical expertise prior to the barn closure; he recommended more study rather than a rushed decision.

Vice-Chair Mike Garvan and others asked to table a vote until RFP responses arrived; the commission declined. The final tally on Joyce’s motion was 4 yes, 1 no (Garvan), and 1 abstention (Chair Odryna). Member Shawn Joyce’s motion therefore carried.

The commission noted the RFP responses and lease options remain a procedural next step; the vote does not preclude leasing arrangements that might permit a different use of the barn under private management. The meeting adjourned at 11:15 a.m.