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Selectboard signs letter supporting State purchase of timber and mineral rights for White River WMA
Summary
The Selectboard voted unanimously July 20 to sign a letter supporting the State’s intention to acquire timber and mineral rights to the White River Wildlife Management Area. The board requested a contractor proposal on trail protections and road impacts before finalizing work plans.
ANR State Lands Forester Aaron Hurst told the Selectboard the State has been negotiating to acquire timber rights for the White River Wildlife Management Area and that the State needs the Town’s acceptance to acquire timber rights in the same manner as acquiring land.
Stephen Webster, representing the Webster Group (which currently holds the timber rights), said “the State could be the best next steward of the forest” and added the proposal would not affect land in current use or Town tax revenue. Contractor Derek Aldrighetti said logging access would require upgrading the Honey Brook Road — a legal trail — to a service road for harvest equipment; resident Reuben Sotak urged removal of any temporary stream crossing after harvest and restoration of the trail. The board requested a contractor proposal specifying protections for the trail and materials, and the Selectboard approved a motion to sign a letter of support for the State’s intention to acquire timber and mineral rights (motion approved unanimously).
