Resident reports repeated wood removal at Whittemore Conservation Area; commission to ask police to investigate

Eric Temple, a Pembroke resident, told the Pembroke Conservation Commission he has repeatedly seen trucks and a trailer enter the Whittemore Conservation Area near the Pentagill cellar hole and remove wood, sometimes green wood, over the last two months. "I witnessed ... trucks that have been out there taking wood," he said, adding he has photos he can share with the commission.

The commission discussed possible enforcement and evidence collection. "I would start with our local police department and let them know this is an issue," Lee Weisiger said, describing the activity as trespass and noting police have off-road capability. Members also recommended contacting Fish and Game for assistance and the use of game cameras to document license plates or vehicle activity, though they cautioned about camera placement and safety if people are armed.

Commissioners agreed to follow up: members offered to share Mr. Temple's photos with the police and to contact nearby neighbors for possible video footage. "So first contact the town police," the meeting chair said, summarizing the group's plan. The commission asked Mr. Temple to keep the commission updated and said staff would reach out to the police and Fish and Game about next steps.

The discussion closed with volunteers agreeing to coordinate outreach and report back at a future meeting.