What We Do
In Wilton, your commission’s charter is centered around five activities: Advice, Coordination, Education, Protection and Stewardship.
As Advisors: The Conservation Commission has members knowledgeable in many disciplines, with intimate familiarity with the town, its properties, and its natural resources. We write letters, testify, conduct site walks, work with land use boards and monitor meetings to ensure conservation concerns are addressed.
As Coordinators: The commission attends meetings, sits on boards and works in concert with the Souhegan River Local Advisory Committee (SoRLAC), The Nashua Regional Planning Commission (NRPC), the Regional Open Space Team (ROST), NH Fish and Game Department, NH Department of Environmental Services, and other conservation-related associations, on projects that impact Wilton and the region.
As Educators: The commission sponsors the annual Souhegan Sustainability Fair, the associated library lecture series and the film series at the Town Hall Theatre. We’re encouraging new conservation-based curricula in the schools to interest our young people in careers in forestry, land stewardship, ranger programs, wildlife biology, permaculture, and bio-diversity research.
As Protectors: The commission identifies strategic properties for acquisition and/or conservation easements. We provide technical assistance to the Zoning-, Planning- and Select Boards as they make decisions about property uses from wetland crossings to bridge repair.
As Stewards: The commission provides regular oversight and maintenance of third-party easements, conservation lands and strategic properties that protect wetlands, drinking water, and wildlife habitats. We monitor all timber cuts, water quality testing and construction projects. Some of our members are land stewards for the Heald Tract and Sheldrick Forest, conservation lands owned by third parties like the Society for the Protection of NH Forests and the Nature Conservancy.
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SoRLAC River Management Plan Presentation
The Souhegan River Local Advisory Committee (SoRLAC) presented the 2025 River Corridor Management at Town Hall on September 18th to share plans and goals for protecting the Souhegan River.
Click the image below to view the presentation document or visit this link to watch the recorded livestream presentation with audio.
NH RSA-36-A:2 outlines what conservation commissions do for their towns and the state. The Wilton Conservation Commission (WCC) can consist of 7 appointed residents, nominated by the Commission, approved by the Select Board, and after taking a sworn oath, serving for a 3 year term.
We are responsible for protecting the farms, forests, wetlands, scenic vistas and historic resources that are such an important part of the overall character of our community.
Part of our charter is to educate our citizens about conservation issues and to provide access to public lands for recreation. Placing land in conservation doesn’t mean it’s "off limits". On the contrary, conserved lands are available to the public for their use and enjoyment. In Wilton, 69% of our town is in Current Use or designated as conservation land. That protection keeps us a small rural community with beautiful open spaces, clean water and abundant wildlife.
The Wilton Conservation Commission is a member of the New Hampshire Association of Conservation Commissions (NHACC), "a nonprofit conservation organization that provides education and assistance to New Hampshire's local conservation commissions."
Join the Commission
There are open spaces on the Conservation Commission! We are particularly interested in people with wetland science background, soil scientists, and anyone with an interest in Wilton's conservation.
Do you have a suggestion, question, or comment? Reach the Conservation Commission by contacting the Select Board office at Town Hall 603-654-9451