Sanbornton commission pauses Metcalf easement pending full parcel survey

At its July 9 meeting the Sanbornton Conservation Commission reviewed a Metcalf Conservation Easement Deed and an accompanying Forest Stewardship Plan and decided to pause further action until a full parcel survey clarifies boundary lines and acreage.

The issue matters because accurate acreage and boundary descriptions affect the scope of the proposed easement, stewardship obligations and the language that will appear in the recorded deed. Chair Dave Perry provided commission members with copies of the deed and stewardship plan and confirmed that the town’s mailing address will be included on the conservation easement deed.

Members told the commission that different sources showed varying borders and acreages for the parcel. Member Brad Crosby proposed surveying the entire parcel to determine the precise boundary location and acreage; the commission discussed potential scenarios that would follow depending on the survey outcome. Commission member Ray Masse urged Chair Perry to communicate the need for a property survey to the Metcalfs promptly. The commission agreed to reserve time to meet with the Metcalf family at the September SCC meeting, allowing time for the property survey to be completed before substantive easement decisions are made.

Next steps: the commission will request a full survey of the Metcalf parcel, Chair Perry will communicate the survey requirement to the landowners, and the commission will revisit the easement once the survey results are available. The commission noted Winnisquam Watershed Network representatives are scheduled to appear at the August meeting to discuss projects, but said the Metcalf survey should be addressed before scheduling a meeting with the Metcalfs.