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Rye commission authorizes more swallow shelters, lease negotiations as litigation proceeds
Summary
The Commission approved up to $2,000 for two additional swallow shelters at Goss Farm, authorized negotiators to finalize a lease with North Pole Xmas Trees, and reported litigation by residents seeking a temporary restraining order over the swallow-protection efforts.
Rye — The Rye Conservation Commission on May 14 approved expanding a supplemental swallow shelter project, authorized lease negotiations for Goss Farm activities and reported ongoing litigation related to the swallows.
Vice-Chair Victor Odryna said volunteers’ handmade swallow shelters at Goss Farm are seeing active nesting and recommended building two additional shelters at a cost not to exceed $2,000; the Commission approved the expansion unanimously. Secretary/Clerk Hugh Lee reported that a lease with VICTA Farm, LLC has been executed and that he, Joe Marttila and Vice-Chair Odryna were designated to finalize a lease with North Pole Xmas Trees, subject to unanimous agreement among the three prior to the Chair signing the lease on behalf of the Commission.
Lee also reported that Haley Ward Surveyors provided an updated wetland delineation and that he and Member Marttila would meet with North Pole Xmas Trees to determine planting areas outside delineated wetlands. On the legal front, Lee said litigation was commenced against the Town and the Conservation Commission by Sally King, Scott Marion and two others; those plaintiffs have sought a temporary restraining order to halt the Commission’s efforts related to swallows. A hearing was scheduled for May 22 at Rockingham Superior Court.
The Commission’s motions authorized continued stewardship and lease negotiation while notifying the public that litigation is pending; members asked the public to give volunteers space when nests are active.
