Conservation Commission

Town of Walpole, New Hampshire

January 5, 2026

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the February 2, 2026 Conservation Commission meeting.)

Members Present: Nicole Adams, Tom Beaudry (alt), Paul Happ, Peter Palmiotto (co-chair & recording), John Peska (co-chair & presiding), Lewis Shelley

Members Absent: Hale Morrell (alt), Wendy Grossman, France Menk, Carolyn Vose (Selectboard Rep)

Visitors Present: Holly Gowdy

Call to Order: John called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm in the Town Hall. 

Seating of Alternates: Tom Beaudry was seated to obtain quorum.

Review and Approval of Minutes

Paul moved to accept December 1, 2025. Lew seconded and all voted in favor. The motion carried.   

Public Business

Financial Report:  No financial report was available

Correspondence: (1) Southwest Regional Planning highlights newsletter, (2) Intent to cut 65 acres Maple Grove Road, 3 Acres French Road

New Business

WCC files organization proposal – Paul proposed the commission review and update physical files in 15 minute work sessions at each meeting.  Discussion prioritize files relevant to town land and easements responsibilities with the goal of having files organized by the end of the year.  Proposal was supported. 

Old Business

Fanny Mason Forest Management: Fanny Mason Forest winter harvest contract was reviewed and supported for selectboard signature.  Commission supported Longview’s request to host a CCCD forestry workshop at Fanny Mason in early February.

Easement Monitoring: Wendy emailed an update that she submitted 3 monitoring reports – Ballam Farm, Graves and Mill Pond.  She also accompanied Phil Warren on the Monadnock Conservancy’s monitoring visit to Nelson and March Town Forests.

Reservoir Dam: The permit process for the option to breach the Reservoir Dam is ongoing.  The Federal govt clawed back a large portion of grant the town had therefore more funds need to be secured for any option to address the dam issue.  

Knapp Cranberry Bog Dam:  Paul continues to work on completing and submitting a wetlands permit to address cleaning out cattails.  Paul will secure quotes for managing vegetation at this time.  The dam’s operation manual was discussed for guidance on annual maintenance.  

Mt. Kilborne: Letter of support was sent to MCA on their desire to discuss with utility landowners about establishing a formal relationship and climbing opportunities.  

Trail Committee

Rail Trail Work Plan: Nicole reported the rail trail work plan was submitted to the state.  Commission thanked her and all that provided input.  Areas of concern were discussed, Nicole would follow up with the state when she hears back about the work plan.  To support the rail trail maintenance Ruggiero has offered support up to $5000 in 2026.  

Other Trails: Trails committee meeting will be 2nd Wednesday of month (1/14) 7 pm in town hall.  Governance of subcommittee is one agenda item (i.e. selecting a new sub committee chair).

Other Business and Updates

Hooper Institute Board: Looking for recording secretary.  Board Meeting 1/6/26.

Strategic Planning Sessions scheduled for Sat 1/10 and 1/17.

Discussion with Holly Gowdy who expressed interest in serving the town in the role as recording secretary.  Commission supported her application.  

Next Meeting February 2, 2026

Adjournment: John declared the meeting adjourned at 8:32 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Peter Palmiotto, acting recording secretary

Tagged: CONSERVATION COMMISSION, Meeting Minutes