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Residents and experts urge Rye Conservation Commission to reconsider closing Goss Farm barn to nesting swallows
Summary
Dozens of residents and ornithologists urged the Rye Conservation Commission to reverse or pause a decision to bar barn swallows from nesting in the Goss Farm barn, citing species declines and disputed public-health concerns. Commissioners voted to fund experimental off-site shelters but did not reopen the barn.
Dozens of residents and wildlife experts told the Rye Conservation Commission on March 12 that closing the Goss Farm barn to nesting barn swallows risks local population loss and lacks clear scientific justification. Ornithologist Mara Silver told commissioners that the Centers for Disease Control had told her "there is no current evidence to support histoplasmosis being linked to barn swallows and their droppings," and she said barn swallows "have declined in NH by about 80% and they are faithful to nest sites." Silver urged the Commission to weigh conservation harms before permanently barring birds from the structure.
Several residents described volunteer plans to manage droppings and keep the barn clean. Dr. Tom Sherman, a local physician, questioned the town health officer's process and said the officer had not entered the barn before issuing guidance; Sherman offered to coordinate cleaning. Other commenters pushed for a noticed public hearing so the community could revisit the decision. The Commission noted an extended record of discussions and expert review and said the closure decision could be revisited if new conditions or evidence emerged.
