Temple Conservation Commission splits warrant article; will seek to rename Skladaney land “The Village Forest” and request management authority

On Jan. 31, 2026, at a special meeting held at the Town Hall Annex, the Temple Conservation Commission voted to split a single warrant article into two separate articles: one proposing that the Skladaney property be renamed “The Village Forest” and a second seeking that the Conservation Commission be given management responsibilities for the parcel.

Sean Radcliffe, chair of the Temple Conservation Commission, said the Select Board requested the split. Commissioners debated whether it would be appropriate to ask voters to approve a renaming if the commission could not at the same time commit to building trails or otherwise managing the land. "Ultimately it was agreed that baby steps were helpful," the minutes state.

Radcliffe moved to split the original warrant article into the two described proposals; Scott Hecker seconded. The motion carried with all in favor.

Commission members did not record formal next steps for how the two warrant articles will be presented to voters beyond approving the split; the minutes list no additional deadlines or referral instructions. The meeting record shows the commission concluded other business after the vote and later adjourned at 1:36 p.m.