Lyme panel approves up to $16,500 to replace Chaffee Wildlife Sanctuary boardwalk

The Lyme Conservation Commission voted Feb. 9 to authorize up to $16,500 from the town Conservation Fund to support the Upper Valley Trail Alliance’s planned replacement of the boardwalk at the Chaffee Wildlife Sanctuary.

Chair Blake Allison introduced plans that had been shared with commission members by Russell Hirschler, noting the project includes detailed designs and photos for a summer 2026 installation. Commission members discussed funding proportions between the Lyme Conservation Commission and the Lyme Foundation and the possibility of delaying the project if outside funding proved insufficient. Commissioners expressed a preference for shared support but agreed the LCC would provide the full requested amount if necessary to avoid delay.

Lin Brown moved and Meg Sheehan seconded a motion that the LCC use the Conservation Fund to support up to $16,500 for the project; the motion passed on a unanimous roll-call vote. Blake Allison said he would inform Russell Hirschler of the decision.

The commission noted that funding the boardwalk would still leave monies available for other projects, including milfoil removal at Post Pond. The next step is for the Upper Valley Trail Alliance to work with the Lyme Foundation on the remaining funds and to schedule work for summer 2026.

The motion and vote were recorded during the Trails and Land Management agenda item; the LCC’s action authorizes up to $16,500 from the Conservation Fund for the boardwalk replacement.