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Conservation commission urges stronger deed restrictions, warns of endangered turtles at Magazine Street wetlands
Summary
The Bedford Conservation Commission told the Planning Board the Riddle Brook wetland complex on the Potter Properties site supports state‑listed turtles and recommended non‑disturbance easements or larger deed restrictions and that DES and Fish & Game recommendations be incorporated before approval.
The Bedford Conservation Commission told the Planning Board on July 13 that wetlands on and adjacent to the Potter Properties site are ecologically significant and used by state‑listed species, and urged stronger legal protections if the subdivision proceeds.
Commission members cited a 2005 town wetlands study showing high habitat value and noted the presence of spotted turtles and Blanding’s turtles in the Magazine Street area. “Proposed Lot 5 is substantially larger than the other lots and contains a significant portion of the site's highest value wetland and potential turtle habitat,” commission vice chair Joanne Smith said, recommending non‑disturbance deed restrictions or a conservation easement on Lot 5 and additional deed restrictions on Lots 3 and 4. The commission also urged the Planning Board to require the applicant to incorporate New Hampshire Fish & Game consultation recommendations into site design and to install visible boundary markers for non‑disturbance zones prior to transfer of ownership.
