Nashua Conservation Commission Meeting – August 6, 2025

The Nashua Conservation Commission met on August 6, 2025 (noted discrepancy: transcript indicates August 5, 2025) to hear a proposal from the City of Nashua Department of Public Works and Fire Rescue for a training facility accessed off Teak Drive. The commission reviewed wetland and buffer impacts, heard public testimony, and voted to recommend the project with several stipulations. Other business included updates on Eagle Scout kiosks, a pollinator event, and a wetland violation at Lovewell Pond.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of July 1, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes: Approved with corrections (page 2: “GOVE” instead of “GOVE”; page 5: attribution of discussion to Commissioner Darby; spelling of “Rivier”). Motion by Commissioner Darby, seconded by Commissioner Whithew. All in favor.
• Site Walk Minutes for TEAK Drive: Tabled to the next meeting due to late distribution.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mike LaRock (22 Teak Drive): Opposed the access road, citing deed restrictions stating the lots are “not buildable” and intended for drainage retention. He argued two access roads already exist within the landfill and that the road would harm the vernal pool, increase traffic, and breach the solid waste buffer. He requested the commission not recommend the project.
• John Collins (20 Teak Drive): Questioned cost analysis of extending water from the landfill front versus building a new road. Expressed concern about future development once infrastructure is in place, and disruption to wildlife and neighborhood.
• Patrick Poler (18 Teak Drive): Opposed the project, stating it would lower property values, damage foundations if blasting occurred, and harm his father’s health (COPD) due to burning. He suggested alternative sites (Splitbrook, landfill southern end, soccer field). He noted the deed restricts building and cited a letter from the city about vegetation protection.
• Dan Rogers (address not given): Supported the need for a training facility but suggested an emergency road only, not a full access road, to preserve the family-oriented neighborhood.
• Karen Morris (16 Hazel Lab): Requested that if the project proceeds, the city reduce property taxes for affected neighbors to compensate for lost property value.

Discussion Items

• Training Facility Access Road (25 Teak Drive):
  • Presentation: Brendan Quigley (Gove Environmental) and Fire Chief Steve Buxton presented. Chief Buxton explained the need for a new training site due to redevelopment of the existing landfill location, the need for two hydrants (NFPA standard), and a suitable access road for fire apparatus. The proposed road is ~1,000 feet long with wetland impacts: 2,545 sq ft direct wetland, 9,533 sq ft buffer. Two wetland impacts: a stormwater basin and a crossing near a vernal pool. Revisions included a 48-inch embedded culvert with natural substrate to maintain connectivity, use of pollinator-friendly seed mix, and wildlife-friendly erosion control blankets.
  • Commissioner Sarno requested a conservation easement on an adjacent parcel to prevent future development and preserve forested habitat for vernal pool species. Mr. Quigley acknowledged the request but noted difficulty in identifying a location and mechanism due to city ownership. The chair noted that any conservation easement would require DPW and city approval.
  • Commissioner Darby questioned water runoff from training exercises, but Mr. Quigley stated that the training area is outside wetlands and runoff is contained within the landfill. Commissioner Darby also asked about alternative routes; Mr. Quigley said the alternative landfill road is longer and would have greater wetland impacts.
  • Commissioner Sarno asked about a grassland bird survey; Mr. Quigley confirmed a study is ongoing under a Fish and Game management plan and offered to request sharing results.
• Eagle Scout Kiosks: Commissioner Sarno reported that the NRPC will provide free trail atlas maps for Northwest Sanctuary. Eagle Scout Harrison has raised $1,800 of $2,500 goal. Kiosks may be installed in August/September. The commission discussed promoting donations via Facebook.
• Pollinator Identification Event: Scheduled for August 9, 2025, 10:00–11:00 AM at Buck Meadow Road and Cherrywood Drive. A preview walk was agreed upon for August 7.
• Lovewell Pond Sculpture and Rain Garden: Commissioner Sarno reported that a new sculpture was placed within the wetland buffer (40–50 feet from wetland edge, 75-foot buffer) without authorization. Additionally, the rain garden was clear-cut (likely by DPW). Commissioner Sarno noted a conservation easement prohibits structures. The commission agreed to follow up with the sculpture committee and DPW, and to consider mitigation for the wetland disturbance.
• Rivier Service Day: September 20, 2025, at Terrell Meadow (30–40 students). Commissioner Sarno will be absent, so a volunteer is needed to oversee.
• Trail Maps: NRPC is finalizing Southwest Trails maps; a draft will be presented in September. Also, Northwest Sanctuary maps will include private property delineation per a resident’s concern.
• Hero Recognition: Commissioner Sarno was recognized for rescuing a lost resident in Beaver Brook by using GPS coordinates and hiking in to walk them out.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to Recommend Training Facility Access Road: Commissioner Darby moved for a positive recommendation with four stipulations: (1) use pollinator wildflower seed mix; (2) use only natural erosion control materials; (3) request that the city research and designate a conservation easement to prevent future development on the adjacent parcel; (4) clean up the vernal pool (noting resident dumping). Seconded by Commissioner Woodhue. All in favor. The recommendation will be forwarded to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
• Next Steps: The zoning board meeting date will be posted on the city website; residents may contact Director Kinsey for information.
• Adjournment: Motion by Commissioner Whithew, seconded by Commissioner Caruth. All in favor.