Conservation Commission — June 17, 2026
The meeting was characterized by constructive civic engagement and unanimous voting on all presented items.
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What is happening with Hollis's natural resources? During the June 17 Conservation Commission meeting, several issues were raised that impact our local environment and taxpayer funds.
First, the Commission voted unanimously to spend $44,000 for an agricultural conservation easement on a 9.6-acre property at 9 Proctor Hill Road. This move is intended to protect the Depaulis property orchard from future subdivision and protect local groundwater.
However, not all news was about preservation. Concerns were raised regarding potential unauthorized water withdrawal by commercial landscapers at Rocky Pond Road. The Commission is looking into the legality of these activities and whether they violate the public trust doctrine. Additionally, there is ongoing frustration regarding environmental enforcement; the town is still pushing the state (NHDES) for an inspection of potential wetland violations at the corner of Hayden and Federal Hill Road that were first reported in April.
We will continue to monitor how the town handles these environmental challenges and the management of conservation funds.
Public impact
$44,000 expenditure
The commission voted 7-0 to approve the expenditure.
Topics discussed
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The commission held a public hearing and voted to approve a $44,000 expenditure for an agricultural conservation easement on the Depaulis property.
The commission voted 7-0 to approve the expenditure of $44,000 for the easement.
The commission discussed a proposed monthly maintenance agreement with a nuisance wildlife vendor.
The commission declined the formal maintenance agreement for now and instead authorized a limited expenditure.
Joan to consult with management regarding the efficacy of the maintenance agreement and check for a Certificate of Insurance (COI).
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Kevin provided updates on several projects, including the Tottie Brook case, the Abbott Hill project, Lone Pine Hunters Club subdivision, and a solar project.
The board was briefed on current status and potential environmental impacts of pending developments.
Kevin will provide updates on the Lone Pine lead remediation and wetland mitigation processes.
The Planning Board reported potential wetland violations at the corner of Hayden and Federal Hill Road.
The commission was informed that the town is actively pushing the state to perform a formal inspection.
Await state inspection results to determine if a formal violation exists.
A discussion regarding landscapers withdrawing water from Rocky Pond Road for hydroseeding.
The commission agreed that members should report such sightings to Kevin rather than confronting vendors directly.
Kevin to send notification letters to landowners if unauthorized water use is reported.
Discussion regarding salt usage, erosion, and potential grant opportunities for Silver Lake.
The commission expressed interest in supporting future grant applications for rain gardens and runoff reduction.
Member O to continue researching grant opportunities and potentially seek Commission support for future letters.
The board discussed the best methods and timing for hand-pulling invasive bittersweet vines.
The discussion served as a prelude to organizing future volunteer efforts.
The board will discuss organizing volunteer opportunities for hand-pulling during the July meeting.
The board brainstormed ways to engage volunteers and suggested expanding involvement with local schools beyond bulb planting.
Volunteer planning was moved to the July agenda.
The board will review volunteer opportunities and long-term engagement strategies in July.
The board reviewed reminders for sign maintenance, trail clearing, and mowing schedules for various parcels.
Reminders in the management app will be updated to reflect more accurate timing and specific tasks.
Speaker S29 will check signs and bird baths at the Law parcel over the weekend.
A discussion occurred regarding trash accumulation at an unofficial bicycle park on town land.
Speaker S29 expressed willingness to pick up trash, though the board noted potential liability issues for the town regarding unofficial structures.
The board discussed authorizing Eric Radloff to file permits for invasive species treatment on specific parcels.
The board authorized not to exceed $500 for permit filing fees.
The board will discuss the full invasive species work in earnest during the July meeting.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
Unauthorized water withdrawal at Rocky Pond Road
Potential wetland violations at Federal Hill Road
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
Member positions
Positions marked ~ are inferred from context and may not reflect the member's explicitly stated position. UNCLEAR means the vote was split but the record did not name how this member voted — it is not a “yes.”
From the meeting
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