Rye Conservation Commission approves stairs, several buffer‑conditional projects, trail work and payments; authorizes trial farmer’s market

The Rye Conservation Commission on July 9 handled a bundle of permit recommendations, maintenance payments and program updates.

Permits and permit recommendations

- 5 Cable Road: Alex Ross presented plans to install wooden stairs and railings over an existing stone seawall to provide safe beach access. After a site walk the Commission had no concerns and voted (motion by Hugh Lee, seconded by Shawn Joyce) that it does not object to the installation. Roll call recorded six ayes and one abstention (Vic Odryna abstained); Vote: 6‑0‑1.

- 16 Pine Street: Owner Stephen Walsh presented plans to replace a garage with a 2‑bedroom structure, remove an unused septic and reduce overall lot and buffer coverage. The Commission did a site walk and voted to not object to the proposed wetland buffer impacts if the ZBA concludes the owner cannot make reasonable use without relief (Vote: 7‑0).

- 300 Sagamore Road: Owner Cynthia Dodds proposed a portable farmstand she believes will sit about 75 ft from the wetland and be stored in winter; the Commission voted to not object provided prior zoning violations are corrected and the ZBA confirms relief is appropriate (Vote: 7‑0).

Administration, maintenance and programs

- Trails and Town Forest: The Commission approved proceeding with Moreno Forestry to update the Town Forest Management Plan at an estimated cost of $2,500 and to work with Rachel Stevens as needed (motion passed 6‑0‑1; one abstention). Trails maintenance reports noted work at Whitehorse and Cedar Run and removal of leaning trees and bridge repairs.

- Vernal pool mapping: Two proposals were received and two more expected by July 19; the Commission extended the acceptance date to August 14 to allow a vote at the next meeting.

- Goss Farm and swallows: Member Joe Marttila reported that farmers and crops are doing well, a farmstand is set up, and barn swallow nests are active. Swallow shelters are in use and barn Wi‑Fi is available.

- Swallow litigation: The Town and Commission filed a motion to dismiss; plaintiffs filed for nonsuit, and the Commission has incurred about $15,000 in legal fees to date. A plaintiffs’ nonsuit could entitle the Commission to recover costs.

Finance and payments

- The Commission approved paying Knowles Tree Service $2,800 for three tree removals (Vote: 7‑0) and New Life Gardens $1,000 for bog bridge removals (Vote: 6‑1). Treasurer Terhune reported $18,547 spent through June 30 against a $122,000 budget (≈1.5%).

Community engagement

- The Commission authorized a limited 'proof of concept' Farmer’s Market at Goss Farm and named Joe Marttila the point person; members will collaborate with the Rye Recreation Department on dates and logistics (Vote: 7‑0).

Public comments included a request from Master Plan Implementation Committee Chair John Shaw for a joint meeting proposal with the Planning Board and a Select Board member, Suzanne Barton, who apologized for a recent motion to freeze the RCC budget and encouraged public environmental education.

Most items were routine approvals or conditional non‑objections; the meeting closed at 8:40 p.m.