Epping Conservation Commission appoints new member, approves small bridge spending and signage plans

At its June 17 meeting the Epping Conservation Commission recommended the Select Board appoint Alesha Burnham as a full‑time member and Mary Ahern as an alternate; the motion carried 4–0. Members said Burnham will assume the treasurer role and that the position is better suited to a full‑time commissioner.

The Commission approved spending of up to $300 from its operating budget for materials to build a small walking bridge at New Lane after commissioners reported the crossing ran about 4 feet under water recently; the motion carried 4–0 and members will propose dates to construct the bridge.

On signage, Administrator Roger recommended including the location of ordinance information on new Groundwater Protection District signs regarding de‑icing procedures. The Commission decided to place the Town Hall address rather than a website URL on the signs and discussed offering the signage to prior projects voluntarily. Members also reported routine property updates: the Tilton Conservation Area kiosk has been installed and resecured, a blue barrel left at the site was removed, graffiti on a boat‑launch sign needs cleaning, and the Commission provided DES fertilizer fact sheets to the Epping Youth Athletic Association regarding Mary Blair Park (in the Lamprey River shoreland protection area).

Vice Chair Dan McCombs presented budget figures through May (Conservation LUCT: $618,766.69; Expendable Trust Fund: $7,408.44; Operating Budget: $3,900.00; Escrow: $16,371.94). The Commission tabled position reorganization until its July 15 meeting, updated photo contest rules to require recusal for members whose family submit entries, and closed the meeting with a unanimous adjournment at 8:26 p.m.