Epping commission ends negotiations on Hunter Drive property after seller concern about hunters

At a non-public meeting on Feb. 18, 2026, the Epping Conservation Commission voted to stop negotiating a purchase-and-sale agreement for a property on Hunter Drive and instructed its administrator to notify the seller’s representatives that the commission would not pursue further talks.

Administrator Roger told the commission the P&S stalled because the seller "did not want to deal with viewing dead animals," a concern that prompted discussion of possible hunting restrictions. Members said a proposed prohibition on hunting until 2046 was not realistic and declined to adopt additional conditions.

Joe Trombley, a commission member, moved that Administrator Roger respond to the seller’s representatives that "the Commission is not interested in negotiating the Hunter Drive P&S any further as the Commission's terms were stated in the previously submitted P&S." Liz Wilson, chair, seconded the motion. Trombley briefly proposed an amendment to require updated dates if the P&S were to remain intact, but members deemed that additional language unnecessary and the amendment was withdrawn.

The motion to end negotiations passed 5-0 (yes: Liz Wilson; Gabe Porter; Dan McCombs; Joe Trombley; Shannon Morin). Later, Trombley moved to exit the non-public session; that roll-call vote recorded all six members present voting aye (Liz Wilson; Gabe Porter; Dan McCombs; Joe Trombley; Shannon Morin; Ben Soroko). The commission adjourned at 6:02 PM.

The commission did not adopt new restrictions or modify its previously stated terms; members said they had invested sufficient time in the Hunter Drive negotiations and expected other opportunities to use conservation funds in the future. No further directives or follow-up deadlines were specified in the minutes.

The discussion and votes occurred under RSA 91-A:3(1), the state statute covering non-public sessions for legal matters.