Celebrate Spring With Conservation Commission Events

The Conservation Commission is hosting two exciting events of interest to trail and nature lovers this spring.

April 20^th Beautify Hooksett on the Hooksett Riverwalk Trail

Beautify Hooksett Day with the Kiwanis will be held on Saturday, April 20, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Many organizations and businesses will be participating in this town-wide effort for Earth Day to clean up parks, roadsides, and trails. The Conservation Commission will be focusing on the Hooksett Riverwalk Trail.

All ages and abilities are welcome. Volunteers will remove trash, extract invasive species (such as bittersweet), and clear the trail of brush and overgrowth. A lot of trash and debris washes up along the river at this time of year and in past years, volunteers have been diligent about clearing it out, restoring the natural landscape, and making it safe for wildlife. This is a perfect opportunity for kids to be involved in conservation and clean-up efforts in the community.

Participants will need old clothes, sturdy shoes, gloves, a willing attitude, and perhaps some tick repellent and sunscreen… or rain gear! This year, we are making an extra effort to beautify the property for the grand opening event in May! Keep reading below.

For more information and to register, see the Hooksett Kiwanis website at https://k16021.site.kiwanis.org/beautify-hooksett-day/.

Volunteers clean up the Hooksett Riverwalk Trail, Earth Day 2022

May 16^th Grand Opening of the Hooksett Riverwalk Trail

On Thursday, May 16, from 4:00 to 5:30 PM, the Conservation Commission will host the grand opening of the Hooksett Riverwalk Trail, “A Vision Realized—Two Communities Connected.”

All of Hooksett is invited to commemorate this achievement. The new trail connects Hooksett to Allenstown, where it meets up with the Allenstown trail system. The completed trail includes nearly 1-1/2 miles of trails, bridges and boardwalks over streams and wetlands.

A golf cart will be available to transport anyone needing assistance to the end of the trail and back. Speakers have been invited to mark this occasion, and Hooksett’s own Sandee Guide will open the event with the National Anthem… so don’t be late! This trail system was made possible with three grants from the NH State Parks Recreational Trails Program for a total of $210,000 and the support of Hooksett residents through three warrant articles in 2015, 2018 and 2022.

Phase III Opening of the Brick Kiln Historic Trail Loop with the Heritage Commission in 2021

Beaver Management on the Hooksett Riverwalk Trail

One of the tasks of conservation commissions is the management of conservation land, including the development and management of trails for recreation and education. Hooksett has several exceptional conservation areas and trail systems, including the Hooksett Riverwalk Trail, Head’s Pond Trail, and the Pinnacle Park Trail.

Recently, the Conservation Commission received some feedback and questions about beaver removal on the Hooksett Riverwalk Trail. This post provides additional information on management efforts.

Background on Hooksett Riverwalk Trail

Because of its proximity to the Merrimack River, the Riverwalk Trail system is highly regulated. The property is protected by a conservation easement held by the Society for the Protection of NH Forests (SPNHF). The conservation easement specifies the property will be used for passive recreation and wildlife conservation. Hunting is also a guaranteed permitted activity on the property.

What About the Beavers? A Timeline

In May of 2020, an area of the Hooksett Riverwalk Trail became flooded and impassable. Complaints were received that people were unable to walk the trail, push strollers, or use wheelchairs because of flooding and wash-out. It was discovered that a beaver had moved in and its dam was flooding the area. The HCC was advised to install a piping system—a common way to allow water to drain away from the beaver dam. However, beavers are abundant and they are ingenious. The piping system was continually clogged by beavers, and the flooding continued.

In October of 2020, a representative of SPNHF viewed the site and informed the HCC that the piping system was not conducive to enhancing the habitat in the area. The SPNHF representative stated that “for this particular property, trapping and removal of the beavers likely would have been a better solution. Though this would require consistent removal for a few years, it would allow for the natural water flow on this important flood plain topography to remain.”

Further, it was noted that the piping system had eliminated an entire stretch of important wetland habitat and removing the dam would help restore the natural perennial water flow.

Beaver dam blocking perennial water flow on Hooksett Riverwalk Trail, June 2020

In April of 2021, the HCC requested that a representative of NH Fish & Game view the site. This expert reiterated what we had learned; that beavers typically discover the pipe and block it.

In 2022, based on SPNHF’s recommendation, the HCC voted to forego the piping system and have the beavers trapped and removed from the area flooding the trail.

“In the end, and very simply, we tried first to avoid removing the beavers; our easement holder told us that wasn’t working, and we followed the advice,” said Cindy Robertson, HCC Chair. “Also, nobody owns the beavers. Once they are removed, they belong to the trappers to do as they wish, much like those who hunt deer.”

Further Information on Beaver Management

Beaver trapping and removal is a regulated activity in NH that ensures an important consideration for animal welfare. More information can be found on the NH Fish & Game website at: https://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/hunting/trapping-why.html

To Provide Input on Trail and Wildlife Management

The Hooksett Conservation Commission takes the monitoring and maintenance of town conservation properties seriously in accordance with its conservation easements and welcomes public input. The HCC meets the second Monday of every month and public input is invited at every meeting.

Refer to the Hooksett Conservation website at Conservation Commission | Hooksett NH for:

• Hooksett Riverwalk Trail Conservation Easement
• Meeting schedule and times

You can also provide written feedback to the HCC by contacting the staff assistant at Contact Bridgette Grotheer | Hooksett NH. 

Conservation Commission Awarded $80K RTP Grant; Plans for Hooksett Riverwalk Trail Phase IV

The Hooksett Conservation Commission received the outstanding news that it was awarded an $80,000 grant from NH Parks 2023 Regional Trails Program. This money will go towards the fourth and final phase of the Hooksett Riverwalk Trail.

On a misty, foggy day in December, members of the HCC met with partners and collaborators to review the trail site, which will join with Allenstown to form a regional trail connector. These entities included the Department of Environmental Services, Society for the Protection of NH Forests, Stantec, and Allenstown Council members, Code Enforcement, and DPW.

The Conservation Commission arranged a site walk with trail partners and collaborators to discuss plans

“We are more than excited to be awarded this grant from the RTP,” said Cindy Robertson, HCC Chair. “This support goes a long way in finalizing our beautiful trail system for Hooksett and southern New Hampshire.”

Meetings with Allenstown officials began in earnest last March. They have already made headway in building out their trail to connect with ours at the Hooksett-Allenstown border.

Dan Tatem, Senior Associate with Stantec, has overseen the trail design and construction, beginning with Phase I in 2015.

“We have a lot to do before construction can begin next spring,” he said. “Wetland permits must be approved through DES, survey work and topo maps need to be completed, and bids will need to be received for construction.”

The trail build-out to Allenstown requires permitting and survey work

The HCC also needs residents to vote and approve a warrant article for $250,000 at the town election in March.

“So many moving parts are involved,” said Robertson. “But this investment will be a great payoff for our town in terms of economic benefits for years to come.

“Allenstown is ready and willing to make a commitment to a trail connector. We are fortunate to have this collaboration between towns.”

This funding marks $210,000 in grants awarded for this trail system, including RTP grants of $50,000 in 2016 and $80,000 in 2021.

Dan Tatem of Stantec and Conservation Chair Cindy Robertson review Phase IV site plans

─ JoCarol Woodburn

Hooksett Trails, Trash, and Dog Restraints

Hooksett is fortunate to have five major conservation areas with multiple entry and exit points. Over 25% of the town is in fact protected by conservation easements, and by most accounts, this is pretty great!

People often ask why the town doesn’t provide trash containers and pet waste stations on our trails. This article addresses some of those questions.

1. Why don’t we have trash containers at trailheads?

Trails in Hooksett, and many across NH, are carry-in, carry-out for several reasons:

• This practice minimizes costs of maintaining trails for taxpayers.
• Trash barrels can fill up quickly with food waste, fish parts, and other rubbish, attracting undesirable smells and critters.
• Trash that gets left behind can be harmful to wildlife: broken glass, plastics, Styrofoam, 6-pack rings, spoiled food, and pet waste.
• Trash barrels in remote locations are sometimes used for dumping.
• When trash barrels are full, people will often leave their trash anyway, creating a bigger problem.
• Trash barrels can get knocked over, spilling garbage and further threatening the environment and waterways.
• When tied down and secured, trash barrels are harder to empty on a regular basis.

When people respect trails and handle their own trash (and that of their pets), costs are lower and trails are left in their beautiful, pristine condition. We’re proud of our trails in Hooksett; let’s work to keep them unspoiled for the benefit of all humans and wildlife.

For more information on littering, refer to Town Ordinance #00-33. Violators may be subject to a minimum $250 fine for the first offense.

2.  What is the Conservation Commission’s stance on dogs on trails?

Like many communities, we love our dogs! Unfortunately, not everyone feels the same. Therefore, the Hooksett Conservation Commission has worked to strike a balance between dog lovers and not-so-lovers. Dogs need exercise just like people and are welcome on our trails as long as:

• Owners take responsibility for pets.
• Pets are leashed and under control of their handlers.
• Pet waste is removed from the conservation area by the handler.

Dog owners need to be respectful of other humans and pets on trails. Some adults and children fear dogs and don’t appreciate animals coming up to them. Some dogs may not be friendly to other dogs approaching. Some people and dogs have pet allergies that can be triggered by contact.

For more information on dog restraints and penalties, refer to Town Ordinance #00-4. Violators may be subject to fines and forfeiture.

Responsible pet owners are welcome on trails

3.  More on dogs, what’s the real scoop on poop?

Besides just being gross and unsightly, dog poop is actually harmful to humans, pets, wildlife, and waterways. Hooksett has over 1,700 dogs, and every dog has to “go” two or three times per day. That’s a lot of poop, and it can be dangerous. Pet waste can carry harmful bacteria such as Giardia and Salmonella. When it gets into water, these microorganisms are unsafe for drinking and swimming. Animals can be infected by coming into contact with fecal-contaminated soil.

No one other than the owner is responsible for removing poop from conservation trails. Pet waste stations are available at the Hooksett Dog Park, but trails and conservation areas are carry-in, carry-out. Poop stations are costly to maintain, especially in remote areas. And above all, don’t bother to bag the waste, and then leave it behind or toss it into the woods. Take the pledge to “Scoop the Poop,” and let’s keep dogs welcome in our community!

Take the pledge to “Scoop the Poop”!
And don’t forget to take it with you!

— JoCarol Woodburn

Conservation Chair Makes Monarch Migration Trip to Mexico

For a week in January, Cindy Robertson, Chair of the Hooksett Conservation Commission, traveled to Mexico for the great Monarch Butterfly migration. Tens of millions of butterflies travel from Canada to Mexico during the fall where they spend the winter. In the spring, the butterflies make their way back north to various destinations, including New England and Canada. 

Cindy had the opportunity to visit two monarch butterfly sanctuaries in the Sierra Madre mountain range, about four hours northwest of Mexico City, in the butterfly sanctuaries of El Rosario and Chincua, Anganguao.  Traveling by open truck, horse, and hiking up to 11,000 feet, Cindy had the unique opportunity to view millions of butterflies, both in a “quiet, sleeping state” hanging from the branches of the oyamel fir tree and flying by the thousands when the sun warmed their wings.

“The sight was incredible.  Mexico has done an amazing job of protecting these beautiful insects and yet allowing the public to view them in their natural habitat. The entire experience was breathtaking,” said Cindy.

Last fall, the Hooksett Riverwalk Trail was designated as a Monarch Waystation because of the fields of milkweed located on the 126 acres of conservation property. Such waystations provide protection and nourishment for the butterflies at the caterpillar stage.

The butterflies’ final migration destination in Mexico was only discovered in 1975 after many years of searching and tagging the delicate butterflies to follow their migration.  A tagging project is available to anyone interested in tracking the monarchs that land in Hooksett for feeding and breeding.  Check out Monarch Watch if you are interested in participating in this program.

As you walk the trails this year, look for the beautiful monarchs and wish them well on their long journey.

— Cindy Robertson, Conservation Commission Chair

Join Friends of Hooksett Trails

The Conservation Commission aspires to make a difference through stewardship, education, and sharing “leave no trace” ethics. Now the Commission is starting a new program for anyone to join in conservation efforts, Friends of Hooksett Trails.

This initiative will unite volunteers for two distinct needs:

• Trail Clean-up Events

Organized events will take place 2 or 3 times per year and are intended for people of all ages and abilities. Volunteers will pick up trash on trails, help identify and remove invasive species, and keep parking areas clear and free of trash.

If you’d like to organize and lead one of these events, there’s a need for that too!

• Conservation Easement Monitoring

Monitoring conservation easements satisfies a legal obligation and ensures land preservation. It is a fun way to explore nature while performing important stewardship work.

Monitoring easements requires training to identify conservation boundaries, understand easement requirements, and report findings. Training will be provided by Bear-Paw Regional Greenways and only takes about 1 to 2 hours before you can start monitoring properties.

One advantage is that you can perform these duties on your own time and at your own pace. You can monitor properties alone or with a partner or team. It is open to high school students and adults.

How to Join Friends of Hooksett Trails

To get on our mailing list, contact Kathy Lawrence, Community Development Administrative Assistant, at KLawrence@hooksett.org, and provide your email address.

As part of Friends of Hooksett Trails, you will be notified of upcoming events and opportunities. It’s that simple!

If you are interested in conservation easement monitoring, please let Kathy know so we can plan on getting everyone trained.

First Clean-up Event: Saturday, April 23^rd, 10 AM to 1 PM

The first trail clean-up event is in conjunction with Hooksett’s Bicentennial Celebration and Earth Day.

The Conservation Commission is partnering with the Hooksett Kiwanis to provide two different trail opportunities:

Hooksett Riverwalk Trail – Trash removal and bittersweet removal.
Learn to identify and extract invasive species (bittersweet) with Paul Eaton of Keep It Native. A brief presentation will begin at 10 AM at the trailhead.

Head’s Pond Trail – Trash and debris removal with the Hooksett Kiwanis.

All volunteers should plan to wear sturdy shoes, gloves, tick repellant, old clothing, and eye protection. Trash bags, water, and some tools will be available for all.

Hope to see you out there!

— Sheena Gilbert and JoCarol Woodburn

Trail Upgrades Mark Busy Fall Schedule

The Hooksett Conservation Commission (HCC) had a productive fall with trail updates, new signs, a large media event, a new monarch waystation, and ongoing conservation efforts. We are grateful for our collaboration with the Hooksett Heritage Commission, Bear-Paw Regional Greenways, the Hooksett Kiwanis, and Monarch Watch.

Hooksett Riverwalk Trail – Media Event and Heritage Signs

The grand opening of the Brick Kiln Historic Trail Loop was held on a beautiful fall day, October 28^th. Distinguished speakers included Dave Hess, a long-time state legislator from Hooksett; Nadine Miller, the deputy state historic preservation officer; Cindy Robertson, HCC chair; and Kathie Northrup, Heritage Commission chair. The HCC unveiled two new signs capturing Hooksett’s brick-making history. This work, in collaboration with the Heritage Commission, shows the industry that took place on the property and served as the economic backbone of our economy for more than 100 years from the 1830s to the 1930s.

Hooksett Conservation Commission

Heritage Sign Unveiling

Media Event

Nadine Miller, Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer

Dave Hess, Former State Legislator and
HCC Member

Kathie Northrup, Heritage
Commission Chair

Cindy Robertson, Conservation Commission Chair

Pinnacle Park Trail Loop

A new trail loop was built from the Pinnacle Trail back to the parking lot. New trail markers are being installed to mark distance and direction.

The trail work was provided by Bear-Paw Regional Greenways, the Student Conservation Association, and AmeriCorps. Bear-Paw stewardship coordinator Rue Teel is working on the new trail signage.

Cindy, Rue and Zach Lay Out New Trail

Student Workers Build Out Trail Loop

Head’s Pond Trail Markers and Bog Bridges

Led by Dr. Al Stein and the Hooksett Kiwanis, two new trail markers and 150-feet of bog bridges were installed at Head’s Pond. The bridges will make the trails more passable during heavy rains and spring thaw. This work was funded through a $5,000 grant from Walmart.

Kiwanis Bog Bridge Crew

Al and JC Show Off Trail Marker

Crew At Work On Bog Bridge

New Monarch Waystation on Hooksett Riverwalk Trail

Two Hooksett residents contacted the HCC in 2020 when they observed fields being mowed toward the end of the monarch feeding season on the Hooksett Riverwalk Trail. The HCC jumped into action by contracting with Osprey Ecological to research the fields and determine optimal mowing times for conservation concerns. As a result, the fields will no longer be mowed when monarchs are breeding and feeding on the milkweed. The site has now been proclaimed as a Monarch Waystation by Monarch Watch, a non-profit dedicated to the preservation of the monarch butterfly.

New Monarch Waystation Designation

Fields Rich With Monarchs During August

Dogs on Trails

While we love our dogs in Hooksett, residents have voiced multiple complaints regarding:

• Bagged poop left on trails
• Dogs running off leash

Dog owners are reminded to be responsible and keep trails enjoyable for all visitors, dogs and humans! Per town ordinance, littering (ordinance #00-33) and unrestrained dogs (ordinance #00-4) are punishable by fines and forfeiture. Let’s be good neighbors.

Responsible dog owners make good neighbors and happy dogs on trails

Trail Opening Event to Include Unveiling of Heritage Signs

The Brick Kiln Historic Trail Loop commemorates an important part of Hooksett’s past and now this history will be on display with two new trail signs. On October 28^th, the Hooksett Conservation and Heritage commissions will hold a special ceremony to officially open the new trail loop and unveil the heritage signs.

The trail loop is part of the Hooksett Riverwalk Trail system. It completes the third phase of construction that started in 2016 with the opening of the Riverwalk Trail and continued in 2019 with the first phase of the Brick Kiln Historic Trail Loop.

“The completion of the trail loop opens up more of this historic property to visitors and all its biodiversity,” said Cindy Robertson, chair of the Conservation Commission.

Kathie Northrup, chair of the Heritage Commission, spearheaded the creation of the heritage signs.

“We wanted Hooksett residents, and all visitors to this site, to have a glimpse into the past. You would never know such industry took place on this beautiful property for more than 100 years,” Northrup said.

Dave Hess, NH state legislator for Hooksett 1994-2016 and long-time HCC member said, “One of the major reasons that acquiring this property was so important was the vast history of this site.”

Hess will speak at the trail opening along with Nadine Miller, deputy state historic preservation officer.

“A lot of communities are interested in sort of what we don’t see, the stone walls and cellar walls that form fragmented but important evidence to our history,” Miller told the NH Union Leader this month in an article highlighting Hooksett’s brick-making era.

The timing of the trail opening corresponds with NH History Week (third week of October). All residents and interested parties are welcome. The ceremony is 4:00 to 5:30 PM. After short speeches by Robertson, Hess, and Miller, the heritage signs will be unveiled, and participants will be invited to walk the new trail loop.

A recent NH Union Leader article highlights Hooksett’s brick making history

Pinnacle Park Gets a New Trail Loop

Battling bugs, heat, rain, and rocky terrain, five young women are building a trail loop at Pinnacle Park this week. Currently an up-and-back trail to the summit (with a scenic overlook loop), the Pinnacle trails will now include a loop on the southeast side of the peak back to the parking lot.

This group of trail blazers from the Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the second crew that the Hooksett Conservation Commission (HCC) has contracted with in two years. In 2019, another SCA crew built a quarter-mile trail loop at the Clay Pond Headwaters Conservation Area. Conservation Coordinator Zach Colatch has been overseeing the Pinnacle project for SCA.

Crew leader Allison (l) and Rebecca make great headway on the trail loop, Sept. 16, 2021

“The SCA works with AmeriCorps to place young adults in environmental conservation projects throughout the state,” said Cindy Robertson, HCC chair. “The SCA provides training and oversight, and the work is a great benefit to the town in terms of cost.”

If time allows, this group plans to move over to the Hooksett Riverwalk Trail for additional trail work along the river and removal of some of the invasive bittersweet on the property.

“They do great work using mostly hand tools,” said Robertson. “It is very low impact to the environment overall.”

Bear-Paw Regional Greenways, the easement holder at Pinnacle Park, is providing support for this project by helping to lay out trails and identify areas that need to be closed off, such as areas leading to private property or unsafe areas due to washout or erosion.

Bear-Paw is also providing new trail signage thanks to Rue Teel, Stewardship Coordinator. Evidently signs were placed on the property without permission from the HCC. Those signs have been removed (sorry whoever you are!)

“Sometimes people don’t realize the trails are managed by the town and governed by conservation easements,” said Robertson. “It’s a good reminder that people can contact the Conservation Commission if they have suggestions for trails or conservation property. We invite public input at every monthly meeting.”

Pinnacle Park is located off Pinnacle St., one block off of Route 3A.

From left, Cindy Robertson (HCC), Rue Teel (Bear-Paw) and Zach Colatch (SCA) determine trail layout for the new loop

Kevin is a project leader on the Pinnacle Park trail loop

–JoCarol Woodburn

Construction Begins On Trail Loop

The Hooksett Conservation Commission (HCC) is excited to announce that construction to complete the trail loop at the Hooksett Riverwalk Trail will start September 7.

The quarter mile, 8-foot wide trail addition includes a boardwalk over wetlands and will connect to the first half of the Brick Kiln Historic Trail Loop completed in 2019.

Funding is provided in part by Hooksett residents and an $80,000 grant awarded to the HCC from the 2021 NH Regional Trails Program (RTP).

“We are thrilled to see phase 3 of the Hooksett Riverwalk Trail get underway,” said Cindy Robertson, HCC Chair. “We owe our appreciation to Hooksett residents who support these projects and voted for a $200,000 warrant article in March to complete the trail loop.”

“This is a great project for Hooksett with many years of planning and steps to get here,” said Dave Hess, NH state legislator for Hooksett 1994-2016 and long-time HCC member. “The vast history of this site is one of the major reasons why acquiring this property was so important.”

Trail construction is expected to wrap up by the end of October. The town has contracted with Belko Landscaping to build the trail. Project engineering and design was done by Stantec.

Pre-construction meeting on August 12 with Robert Nothnagle (Stantec Field Engineer), Bruce Thomas (Town Engineer), Matt Stacy (Solid Earth Technologies), Dan Tatem (Stantec Project Manager), John Belko (owner of Belko Landscaping), Naomi Brattlof from the Society for the Protection of NH Forests (the easement holder), and Brian Lenfest (Belko Superintendent)

“We are planning an event to officially open the trail in October or early November,” said Robertson. “We’ll also be unveiling two new trail signs with the Heritage Commission. These informational signs will commemorate the history of brick making in Hooksett and the industry that took place on this site for more than 100 years. It is the reason behind the name of the historic trail loop.”

The trailhead and parking are located past the Hooksett District Courthouse and Hooksett Dog Park at 101 Merrimack St. The trail is rated “easy” by All Trails. Leashed dogs are welcome.

—JoCarol Woodburn, Hooksett Conservation Commission