Conservation Commission

The Town of Easton Conservation Commission was established for the proper utilization and protection of the natural resources and for the protection of watershed resources of the town of Easton, New Hampshire.

The commission’s role, as directed by NH RSA CHAPTER 36-A: CONSERVATION COMMISSIONS is to:

Conduct studies into the community’s land and water areas
Seek to coordinate the activity of unofficial committees or projects organized for similar purposes
Keep an index of all open space and natural, aesthetic, or ecological areas (including all marshlands, swamps, and other wetlands)
Keep accurate records of meetings and actions

As authorized by NH RSA CHAPTER 36-A: CONSERVATION COMMISSIONS the commission may also:

Recommend programs for the protection, development, or better utilization of all areas in Easton’s Conservation Index
Receive and manage gifts of money and property, both real and personal, in the name of Easton, New Hampshire (subject to the approval of the Board of Selectmen)
Advertise, prepare, print, and distribute books, maps, charts, plans, and pamphlets to inform the community of its work

Commission Members

Linda Hansen, term ends 3/10/2028

Pam McNary, term ends 2/10/2026

Rich Larcom, term ends 3/10/2026

Avid Kamgar, term ends 3/10/2028

Michael Kenney, term ends 3/10/2028

Commission Meetings

The Easton Conservation Commission meets on the 1st Wednesday of every month at 5:30 PM at Easton Town Hall.

Conservation Commission meeting minutes

Conservation Commission Resources

Conservation Commission Guidelines

Easton Natural Resources Inventory (Amy Villamagna 2025)

WMNF, Town of Easton, and Northern Pass presentation and Addendum

Ham-Branch River Nomination Application

Conservation Maps

Educational Handouts

The American Chestnut – Castanea dentata

Princeton Elm – Ulmus americana ‘Princeton’

Natural, Scenic, Cultural and Historic Resources – Links to References

Threats to Water Resources in the Franconia, Easton, and Sugar Hill (FESH) Valley

The Environmental Science and Policy seminar group at Plymouth State University, led by Dr. Amy Villamagna, developed a vital community outreach tool to address the escalating threats to water resources in the Franconia-Easton-Sugar Hill (FESH) headwater community.

With rapid urbanization, construction, and population growth alongside the looming specter of climate change-induced floods and droughts, the region’s delicate hydrological balance is at risk.

The seminar group’s tool entitled “Tri-Town Natural Resources Inventory Story Map,” aims to provide accessible information to the community by illuminating the diverse hazards facing local water sources, including population growth, damage to waterway integrity, species assessment, river crossings, flooding impacts, and exposure to pollutants.

This initiative empowers the FESH community to recognize, understand, and mitigate the impacts of threats to the area’s hydrology and foster greater environmental stewardship.

Tri-Town Natural Resources Inventory StoryMap (PSU 2024)

Tri-Town Natural Resources Inventory StoryMap (PSU 2023)

United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service – White Mountain National Forest

United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service – White Mountain National Forest – SOPA (Schedule of Proposed Actions)

New Hampshire Association of Conservation Commissions (NHACC)

The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) Vermont/New Hampshire Chapter

Native Plant Trust formerly the New England Wild Flower Society

Landowner Conservation and Wetland Protection

Conservation Publications For Landowners

Organizations Supporting Landowner Conservation

Wetlands in Easton

Wetlands are a valuable natural resource protected by the town of Easton and the State of New Hampshire, as well as the US Federal Government. In all wetland jurisdictions,
the more restrictive regulations apply.

It is the responsibility of each Easton landowner to know that the permitted uses of wetlands are limited and that no structures can be erected or constructed on wetlands.

New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) – Wetlands Fact Sheets

Identifying Wetlands

The Grafton County Soil Survey and Easton Natural Resources Maps are available at the Easton Town Hall for identifying the potential presence of wetlands. Wetlands/upland boundaries can be delineated by a certified soils scientist.

Recognizing Wetlands – US Army Corps of Engineers Publication

Permitted Uses of Wetlands

Approved wetlands uses are listed in the Easton Zoning Ordinances, Section 604 WETLANDS CONSERVATION OVERLAY DISTRICT. For specific wetlands uses (i.e. driveways that cross wetlands), NH Department of Environmental Services (NH DES) permits, as well as zoning variances, are required.

Additional Wetlands Information and Permits

New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) Wetlands Bureau

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Wetlands Reserve Program