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Lyme commission to ask voters’ OK to pursue Town Forest conservation easement
Summary
The Lyme Conservation Commission agreed Nov. 10 to place a Town Meeting 2026 warrant asking voters for permission to develop a conservation plan and pursue an easement for the Town Forest; survey and easement preparation could cost roughly $30,000, but the warrant will not request funding.
The Lyme Conservation Commission on Nov. 10 agreed to seek voter authorization at Town Meeting 2026 to develop a conservation plan and pursue a permanent easement for the Town Forest.
Chair Blake Allison said the Town Forest does not currently have "forever wild" protections and that a recent change in New Hampshire law allowing construction along Class VI roads such as Mud Turtle Pond Road increases the property’s exposure to potential development. The commission heard that preparing an easement — including surveys and legal work — could cost about $30,000.
Commissioners reached a consensus to place a warrant on the 2026 Town Meeting asking only for authority to develop the plan and easement; the proposed warrant would not request Town funds for the easement at this time. Allison said he will confirm the warrant deadline and seek advice on language to present to voters. Members noted the Select Board has been generally supportive in recent years.
The commission discussed next steps including preparing a draft management plan, clarifying the land’s title history, and determining whether a consolidated survey is required because the Town Forest now comprises multiple parcels. Meg Sheehan offered to draft initial legal language for the plan using an AI-assisted workflow that the commission would review and revise.
If voters authorize the commission to proceed, the LCC said it could host a public meeting or make time at a regular meeting to present details and answer residents’ questions before the final warrant or action is pursued.
What’s next: Blake Allison will confirm the Town Meeting warrant deadline and report recommended warrant language; the commission intends to present the proposal to voters in 2026.
