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Atkinson conservation commission tables Sawyer Forest invasive-plant control proposal after debate over herbicide use
Summary
The Commission reviewed two Rockingham County Conservation District proposals for Sawyer Forest invasive-plant control—one cut-and-stump option for $3,345 and a larger plan (including foliar herbicide) that would need an additional $1,500—and by consensus tabled the matter after members raised environmental concerns and questions about funding.
The Atkinson Conservation Commission discussed two invasive-plant control proposals for Sawyer Forest on Feb. 25 and agreed by consensus to table a final decision to the next meeting while members seek further information on methods and funding.
Chair Paul Wainwright said $3,345 remained in the appropriation and asked the Rockingham County Conservation District (RCCD) for two estimates: a cut-and-stump-only treatment limited to a portion of the previously treated area, and a more-expansive option that would add a foliar-herbicide application and require an additional $1,500 from the Commission’s operating account. RCCD’s written estimate attached to the record describes a cut-stump/basal-bark treatment covering roughly 5.1 acres and a proposed foliar follow-up targeting about 2 acres; the estimate lists mobilization and a single-treatment flat fee and states that multiple years are often needed for effective control.
Member Charlie Pitts objected to herbicide use, saying it "puts poison into the water" and could harm wildlife. Chair Wainwright responded that he believes iron in the soil binds to the chemicals, and Member Jeff Nenart argued a partial treatment would likely be ineffective and preferred the larger proposal. Secretary Suzie Newman asked what would happen to the appropriation if the Commission declined to spend it; Wainwright said the funds would remain in the forest-management account.
RCCD’s estimate (prepared Jan. 22, 2026) shows a total of $3,415 for the proposed work as itemized in the attachment; the chair had earlier stated $3,345 was available in the appropriation. Commissioners did not approve either option at the meeting and tabled the item for the next monthly meeting to allow for further consideration of scope, environmental safeguards and budget implications.
Next steps: the Commission will revisit the proposals at its March meeting and may request additional information from RCCD on methods, timing and environmental precautions.
