Atkinson Commission advances Map 9 land protections, updates culvert and invasive-plant work

Chair Bill Steele and Selectman Paul Wainwright told the Atkinson Conservation Commission on April 22 that the warrant-article effort to add conservation protections to Town-owned Map 9 Lot 34-10 is nearing completion and should be recorded in the deed within about two weeks.

The commission heard that the Selectmen need only sign and notarize the deed amendment to implement what voters approved. Selectman Paul Wainwright said the deed language follows the voter authorization and that staff expect the paperwork to be finished in roughly two weeks. Member Charlie Pitts suggested a site walk to inspect markers and to note a few grandfathered encroachments and cut-in trail signs that need removal.

On infrastructure, Wainwright reported the wildlife-friendly culvert design is nearly finished. He said survey work revealed a partial encroachment onto private property and that affected neighbors have been approached and are willing to grant easements. Wainwright said the town will monitor mitigation effects for five years and that an NHDES Dredge and Fill permit is required but has not yet been applied for. He told the Commission that the town will defer a construction RFP until winter so work could be bid for completion in 2027.

The Commission also confirmed that the invasive-plant mitigation contract with the appointed vendor has been signed and that permitting is underway; dates for treatment will be scheduled once permits are granted. Chair Steele said the Commission will publish the work dates after permits are obtained.

Why it matters: adding deeded conservation protections changes the legal status of the parcel and sets conditions for future use; the culvert project requires state permitting and property easements, and invasive-plant control affects habitat and nearby trails.

The Commission raised routine implementation questions — Pitts pressed whether the parcel should be surveyed (Wainwright said it was not necessary), and members agreed to follow up with a site walk and signage cleanup. The Commission did not vote on the Map 9 deed change at this meeting; Wainwright described the remaining action as administrative (signing and notarization) and not a new policy decision.

Next steps: Selectmen will sign and notarize the deed amendment; the Commission will schedule a site walk to review markers and remaining encroachments; staff will apply for the NHDES permit for the culvert and return with timeline estimates once permitting and easement documentation are in place.