Conservation Commission

Conservation Commissions in New Hampshire are guided by RSA 36-A, which enables a town to establish a Commission for the proper utilization and protection of the natural resources and for the protection of watershed resources of the community.

The major activities of the Newmarket Conservation Commission include the following:

  • Care for town-owned conservation areas
  • Monitor town-held conservation easements on private lands
  • Host educational programs
  • Create interpretive materials for conservation area kiosks, trails signs, and other venues
  • Review and comment on wetlands permit applications
  • Partner with other community entities, including Scouts, Newmarket schools, Department of Public Works, Newmarket Library and Recreation Department, among others, to complete trail projects, steward lands, and host educational programs
  • Work with interested landowners and partners to conserve land that protects drinking water, wildlife habitat, wetlands and streams, and other critical resources in our community

The Conservation Commission meets the second Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm at the Town Hall. Members are appointed by the Town Council and include seven full members and up to three alternate members. The Commission is always looking for help with maintaining trails, monitoring conservation areas, creating educational materials, gathering photos, and much more.

Operating Guidelines

Staff Contacts

Name Title Phone
Bart McDonough Director of Planning & Community Development (603)659-8501 ext 1315

Board Members

Name Title
Samuel Kenney Member
Melissa Sharples Vice Chair
Cris Blackstone Member
David Bell Member
Ellen Snyder Chair
Jeffrey Goldknopf Planning Board Representative
Julianna Tyson Member
Colin Lawson Alternate Member
Tom Jones Alternate Member
Brian Ward Town Council Rep