On the agenda: Tamworth meeting — data center (Jul 13)

Tamworth Conservation Commission
Draft Minutes – July 13, 2026, Tamworth Town Office & online
Draft minutes to be reviewed and approved at a subsequent meeting.
Action items underlined.
Call to Order – Ned Beecher called the meeting to order at 7:04pm. Commissioners present
were Ned Beecher, Linda Medeiros, Dylan Alden, Kit Morgan, Charlie Townsend,
Kerryn Hullstrung, and Jeremy Phillips. Also present: Lucy Gatchell (alternate), Kelly
Goodson (alternate via Zoom), Larry Nickerson, and Joan Spalding.
Approval of Minutes of June 8, 2026, meeting: Charlie moved to accept as presented, 2nd by
Jeremy. Linda noted that the reference to requesting a Fish & Game review should clarify
that it would occur as part of the State permitting process rather than beforehand.
Commissioners agreed the clarification did not affect the accuracy of the minutes. All
approved.

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Presentation on updated wetlands information - Joan Spalding
Joan shared information from a recent ArcGIS for wetlands training and demonstrated the
free online ArcGIS mapping tool using the Black Spruce area as an example. She showed
commissioners how to access aerial imagery, elevation (LiDAR), National Wetlands
Inventory data, hydric soils, drainage, wetlands functions, and property boundary layers.
She noted that maps can be customized, saved, and used as a planning and decisionmaking tool. More at: GIS Tools for Wetland Identification: The recording of the
program: Recording Link ( Passcode: 1b?F!d9+) Questions: [email protected].
You can find more wetlands programs on the DES YouTube Channel .
Commissioners discussed potential applications for conservation planning, wetland
delineation, and easement monitoring. Ned noted that Chocorua Lake Conservancy
(“CLC”) uses the Landscape conservation management software, which integrates
mapping with mobile devices but costs approximately $2,000 annually. Commissioners
discussed the possibility of partnering with CLC or inviting them to demonstrate the
software at a future meeting.
What's happening in nature?
Commissioners and attendees shared recent wildlife observations, including baby Barred
Owl, Mallard ducklings, a mink, a large black bear, active gophers, and loons.
Administrative and Announcements
Upcoming events: upcoming New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services
("NHDES") Wetlands Rules update webinar on Wednesday, July 15, and the Mary
Mullarkey All Persons Trail dedication on Thursday, July 16, at 2pm on Scott Road.
Ned summarized the White Lake June 12 field trip, including an archaeological
excavation where participants observed artifacts made from hornfels originating in the
Ossipee Mountains. He also summarized presentations on the fire history of the White

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Lake and Black Spruce Bog area and ongoing research into the role of fire in maintaining
the pitch pine ecosystem.
Great Hill Tower Maintenance: approximately two-thirds of the tower steel has been
ground and primed. The restoration work continues to make good progress, and the final
paint is expected to arrive later in the week.
Ned encouraged newer commissioners to review the Members’ section of the
Conservation Commission website, including the bylaws and member handbook. Linda
suggested forming a subcommittee to review and recommend updates to the bylaws and
handbook, noting that the bylaws were last updated in 1996. Kerryn, Charlie, and Linda
volunteered to serve on the committee.
Commissioners discussed funding for an updated Natural Resources Inventory (“NRI”) in
the Town's Capital Improvements Program (“CIP”). The last NRI was completed in 2008,
and future funding could allow the Commission to hire a consultant to prepare an updated
inventory.
Congrats to Willie Farnum & Maud Anderson for receiving awards from the Lakes
Region Planning Commission in recognition of their leadership in recycling efforts.
Commissioners were informed of an upcoming presentation on Saturday, August 15,
regarding the Sandwich Range plant survey. The survey will continue through October,
with observations being documented through iNaturalist.
Financial – Charlie
Charlie announced that we have spent $1, 976.59 of our 2026 budget so far.
The Commission discussed the status of the Conservation Fund and efforts to reconcile
annual transfers from the Land Use Change Tax to ensure all funds have been properly
deposited in recent years. The Commission is awaiting additional financial information
from the Town Treasurer.
Reimbursement for $232.92 in Great Hill Fire Tower paint was tabled until the next
meeting to allow for any necessary returns or adjustments once the paint order is complete.
Representative Reports – Larry
Larry reported that the Planning Board recently approved a two-lot subdivision on
Washington Hill Road and two lot mergers, including one on Turkey Street. He also
provided updates on two excavation applications currently under Planning Board review:
o Ambrose Excavation: The application was continued pending submission of an
alteration of terrain application, groundwater information, and updated bonding
information.
o White Lake Woods LLC: Consideration of the application was continued to the
July 22 Planning Board meeting. Updated plans were submitted showing a 100meter buffer around the largest bog pond. Commissioners discussed the revised
plans, correspondence with the New Hampshire Natural Heritage Bureau, and
reaffirmed the TCC recommendation that the Planning Board defer conditional
approval until the State permitting process and ecological review are completed.
Ned will send a letter on the TCC’s recommendations to the Planning Board.

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Jeremy reported that the Recreation Master Plan will be discussed during the Planning
Board work session on Tuesday. He encouraged commissioners to consider questions or
topics they would like addressed during the planning process.
Kelly raised concerns that the Town's Groundwater Ordinance does not address data
centers. Commissioners discussed the possibility of amending the ordinance, noting that
proposed state legislation limiting municipal authority over data centers had not passed.
Larry agreed to raise the topic with the Planning Board to begin researching potential
ordinance revisions, including the possibility of a standalone ordinance. Ned suggested
we learn more about what other towns and states are doing on this topic.
Conservation Easements/Land Protection/ CLRC
The Conservation Land Resources Committee ("CLRC") will meet the 3 rd Tuesday as
usual to continue finalizing its land protection prioritization system.
Teresa will continue monitoring her assigned easements, and commissioners agreed to
review the easement monitoring list at the next meeting.
Managed Lands & Trails
Dylan reported that the Thursday trail work sessions were canceled in June due to rain.
Next trail cleaning scheduled for Wednesday, July 15, from 5-7pm for Waterfowl Haven
trail, with volunteers meeting at the Post Office.
Commissioners discussed beginning seasonal mowing requests. Ned will contact mower.
Commissioners will review the Hemenway State Forest Special Use Permit for the
Town's management of the Big Pines area (June 2026-June 2029) that is being sent out
with these minutes. Ned also noted receipt of a copy of the old original document
transferring ownership of the Great Hill Fire Tower to the Town – for the files.
Public Education & Outreach
4th of July booth: Commissioners discussed participating in the Fourth of July
information booth again next year and agreed it would be beneficial with additional
planning and organization. The Commission thanked Barb Blomberg for assisting with
the booth.
Wetlands & Shorelands
Saint Andrew's Church is revising its proposed solar project after determining the original
location was in wetlands. The revised location is outside the jurisdictional wetlands area.
A forestry notification was received for work on Cleveland Hill Road near Brown Hill.
The NHDES permit for Tin Mountain Conservation Center's brook trout habitat
restoration project, previously reviewed by the Commission, has been approved &
started.
A shoreland permit application was received for a proposed 12-lot subdivision on
Whittier Road that includes approximately 5,000 sq ft of proposed site development. The
application remains under review.
Ned discussed the unpermitted beach area created at a short-term rental property on the
Swift River along Route 113 south of Depot Road. NHDES required the landowner to

remove at least some of the beach, which the landowner seems to have done now, to their
credit. Once DES receives documentation from the landowner that the restoration is
complete, they will close this enforcement case.
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Other Business
Jeremy reminded commissioners to avoid deliberating Commission business by email or
using "Reply All" for discussions that could constitute a meeting under New Hampshire's
Right-to-Know Law.

Vote to adjourn: Motion by Ned, second by Jeremy, all approved at 9:06 pm.
Submitted by Britt Lagasse 7/18/2026