The Walpolean

Minutes for the Regular Meeting of the

Walpole Conservation Commission

February 2, 2026

Members Present: Peter Palmiotto (Co-chair, presiding), John Peska (Co-Chair), Tom Beaudry, Lew Shelley, Paul Happ, Wendy Grossman, and France Menk.

Members Absent: Hale Morrell (alt),  Nicole Adams, Carolyn Vose (Selectboard Rep)

Seating of Alternates: No need to seat Alternates

Visitors Present: None

Peter Palmiotto called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm, France Menk entered at 7:02 pm

There were no additions to the agenda for this evening’s meeting.

Wendy Grossman asked if the Con Comm was submitting a report for the Annual Report for Town Meeting? Wendy had been asked to write a report for the Trail Committee. Should there be one report or two. They will take a look and make a determination as to what should be submitted. 

There was no need to seat any alternates

Motion to approve the minutes from the Meeting in January, John Peska moved to accept the minutes as presented, Paul Happ seconded that motion. Motion carried

There was no Financial Report, the information is unavailable at this time

Correspondence: 

Received a Newsletter from the SWRPC

Received a Newsletter from the Connecticut River Conservancy

Received a Flyer Regarding a Wild and Scenic Film Fest at the BF Opera House 4/30/26

New Business: 

Trail Committee  Reorganization. France Menk has agreed to step up as the Volunteer Coordinator for the Walpole Trail Committee, as Wendy Grossman is stepping down. The Conservation Commission approved the change in leadership and welcomed France. 

Old Business

-Fanny Mason Forest Harvest is moving forward: 

-Forest Tour is scheduled for 2/7/26 in partnership with the CCCD, France made a motion to contact Connecticut River Yardworks asking for them to plow the Route 12 Turnaround on the East side of Rt 12 to allow parking. John Peska second

Reservoir Dam: The Permit has been filed with the state

There are still many steps ahead should the permit be granted for this project

Cranberry Meadow Dam: at 7:21 the committee moved into executive session to discuss this project, the meeting resumed at 7:26 The minutes from the executive session will be sealed.

Two bids to take care of the mowing of the bank around the Cranberry Meadow dam were received. Paul Happ moved to accept the lower bid, with Lew Shelley 2nd. Paul Happ will communicate with this contractor and finalize the contract through the town office, so that this project can move forward. There was discussion regarding taking care of the invasives – Knott Weed and the Cat Tails, that plan will still need to be finalized. 

Rail Trail: 

France will continue the work of the Trail Committee Plans include: a HOT Day, and some other maintenance days, Nicole has agreed to continue as the connection with Concord on the Rail Trail. Organizing  “trail adopters” from the list of volunteers that they have. There will be a Fall Event on the Geology of Walpole, and they are going to work with the NH Trails  and coordinate some Chainsaw Safety Certification Workshops for their members. 

Hooper Institute 

Paul Happ reported that they are moving forward with projects, they have determined that there is the possibility of a timber harvest right on the Hooper Property, very near the Hooper Hall, and the Con Comm suggested having Alex Barrett assess the possibility of that harvest. 

Other Business

Tom Beaudry reminded the Commission that they would need to have some mowing done at the Walpole Gateway, it was discussed that when France Menk reached out to Mike Hubbard regarding snow plowing for 2/7/26, she would also ask about mowing the Gateway. 

The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 

Respectfully, 

Holly Gowdy

Recording Secretary

This information is from the Executive Session 

We received two bids to take care of the mowing of the bank around this dam. Paul Happ moved to accept the lower bid of $900, with Lew Shelley 2nd. Paul Happ will communicate with this contractor and finalize the contract through the town office, so that this project can move forward. There was discussion regarding taking care of the invasives – Knott Weed and the Cat Tails, that plan will still need to be finalized. 

Unapproved Minutes

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 (cochair & recording), John Peska (cochair & 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 on- going.  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 (ie 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

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