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Chesterfield Conservation Commission reviews permit filings, discusses warrant articles and local conservation updates
Summary
At its Feb. 23 meeting the Town of Chesterfield Conservation Commission approved remote participation for a member, reviewed multiple wetlands and shoreland permit filings, noted a completed 486-acre conservation easement and a local Brownfield site, and heard a Selectboard report on petition warrant articles.
The Town of Chesterfield Conservation Commission met on Feb. 23, 2026, and took procedural and informational actions on local conservation matters. Susan Donahue, member, moved to allow Pam Walton, member, to attend the meeting via speakerphone; the motion was seconded by Kathy Thatcher, member, and carried with Yes votes from Donahue, Bruce Jacobs (Facilitator), Thatcher, Ken Holvik (Alternate) and Lynne Borofsky (member).
The Commission listed several permit and complaint items for follow-up. The Bernbach Revocable Trust filed a wetlands prior notification (PBN) for 168 North Shore Road to replace an existing retaining wall. A PBN from Tim Shanahan for 68 South Shore Road (file no. 2025-03087) was recorded and the Commission requested more information. The Eden Foundation matter for Farr Road was recorded as closed with no violations. The Commission also noted a Shoreland Permit (SVE) application from Finkenstadt for 95 Old Ferry Road to construct a single-family residence.
Planning and administrative items included a scheduled conceptual consultation with David Gale on March 2 and a budget update: the Commission noted the municipal budget will be finalized at Town Meeting on March 14 and that the Budget Committee removed a proposed $56 increase to the secretary’s salary. Member Lynne Borofsky said she will repair broken links on the Commission website.
Judy Idelkope, the Selectboard representative, reported on two petition warrant articles under consideration: one would reduce the number of selectmen from five to three; another would change the town’s chief administrative role from Town Administrator to Town Manager, which would alter the Selectboard’s responsibilities. Commissioners discussed, without taking formal action at this meeting, a willingness to contribute fees and costs associated with an easement if the town proceeds with a land purchase from the State of New Hampshire above elevation 63 (as referred to in the minutes).
Members reported local conservation developments. Borofsky said a Brownfield site has been identified at the former Khyber’s General Store property in Chesterfield, and that the property is for sale. The Commission also recorded that a conservation easement held by the Monadnock Conservancy now protects the Bailey Brook parcel in Swanzey, a tract that protects 486 acres downstream from the California Brook Natural Area. The Commission corrected a local reporting error: a newspaper article incorrectly said Partridge Brook flows into Spofford Lake; members clarified that Partridge Brook flows out of Spofford Lake.
Susan Donahue reported she walked on the ice at Spofford Lake and identified one area of concern associated with a water bubbler that may affect ice safety. The Commission confirmed upcoming meeting dates (March 23; April 27; June 1; June 29; August 24). Donahue moved to adjourn at 8:48 p.m.; the motion, seconded by Thatcher, passed unanimously with Yes votes from Donahue, Thatcher, Jacobs, Borofsky and Walton.
The minutes were signed and submitted by Amy LaFontaine, Secretary.
