The Waterville Valley Conservation Commission convened on October 29, 2026, to discuss commission membership, updates on town planning initiatives, progress on conservation projects, and improvements to municipal solid waste services.
Commission Membership and Future Meetings
The Commission acknowledged recent changes to its membership, noting that an alternate member has been approved by the Select Board to transition from full membership to an alternate role. The Commission currently has three alternates and is actively seeking a fourth full member. Members were encouraged to identify potential candidates for the open position, with suggestions including outreach through the Wig Wag newsletter and conversations at upcoming community events such as a Veterans Day school gathering. (link)
A discussion was held regarding a potential change to future meeting times, with a proposal to shift to a 5:00 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. start time to better accommodate an alternate member with full-time employment. Concerns were raised about the impact on a member participating remotely from Italy, as a later start would push their meeting time to 11:00 p.m. The Commission decided to tentatively schedule the next meeting for 5:00 p.m. and consult with the remote member before finalizing any change. (link)
August 27, 2026, Meeting Minutes Approved
The minutes from the August 27, 2026, meeting were reviewed and approved by the Commission. (link)
Planning Board Update: Landscaping Ordinance
A commission member with a seat on the Planning Board’s landscaping subcommittee provided an update on the development of a new landscaping ordinance for Waterville Valley. The ordinance, which has undergone five revisions and is headed toward a sixth, is primarily aimed at commercial properties such as hotels and other developments. Key aspects of the proposed ordinance include:
- Shade Trees in Parking Lots: Recommendations for planting trees in parking lot islands for shade and soil stability.
- Native Plant Species: Emphasis on using indigenous plant species to prevent the introduction of invasive ones.
- Tree Preservation: A proposed ratio of replacing one tree for every two removed due to rot or other issues.
- Water Resources and Buffers: Requirements for buffers between different property uses and water resources.
- Parking Garage Landscaping: Specific guidelines for landscaping around structures such as parking garages, including tree height and planting types.
- Snow Plowing Considerations: Provisions addressing how landscaping will be protected from snow plowing operations, including salt and chemical tolerance of selected species.
Recent public meetings have been well-attended, with significant public interest and some controversy surrounding the ordinance. Tyrell Development Co. was noted as the primary commercial stakeholder providing feedback during the drafting process. The current draft is 11 pages. The Planning Board hopes to finalize and adopt the ordinance by the end of 2026, at which point it would become part of the town’s zoning regulations. The ordinance would then be forwarded to the Select Board, with enforcement expected to fall to code enforcement. (link)
Food Truck Zoning Discussion
The Planning Board is also working through the complex question of allowing food trucks in recreational zoning districts. Discussion centered on a food truck seeking to operate on property in the upper valley. Currently, food trucks are not permitted in the recreational zone without a zoning change. The proposed approach would create a special designation within the recreational zoning to allow food trucks, while stopping short of permitting permanent food establishments.
Challenges include ensuring consistent application across all recreational areas and addressing practical needs such as trash disposal and public restroom facilities. The property owner expressed willingness to work with the town on this initiative. The lack of public restrooms in the area was highlighted as a long-standing problem; a previous project to construct one near Corcoran Pond was abandoned after costs escalated significantly following COVID-19. The Planning Board will continue discussions on the matter in November. (link)
Snow’s Brook Sediment Remediation Project Update
The Snow’s Brook Sediment Remediation Project is advancing. A well-attended site visit was held on September 29 involving town officials and members of the Select Board, Planning Board, and Conservation Commission. Commission members praised the project lead for clear explanations and the extensive preliminary work already completed, including marked trees throughout the site.
The project has received preliminary approval from the Forest Service. There is a possibility that some cutting could begin within the next few weeks, though this is considered a long shot. The Forest Service typically prefers cutting to begin in April; however, cutting before winter accumulation would be more efficient. The project’s funding, approved by the town, must be utilized before the end of next year or it will be forfeited. (link)
Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Update
Significant progress is being made on the town’s municipal solid waste initiatives. An electrician was observed on site working on the power supply for a new trash compactor, which is expected to be operational by December 1. The town’s existing trash truck will be retired on the same date; it will be offered for sale after its bond matures in June.
In November, the Department of Public Works will collect dumpsters from condominium associations that have opted to forgo private trash haulers in favor of using the town’s transfer station. So far, Noon Peak and Mountain Meadow condominium associations have chosen this option, with others currently voting on the matter. The Commission expressed a preference for residents to use the transfer station in order to promote recycling.
The transfer station’s swap shop — informally referred to as the “Waterville Valley Mall” — is also being expanded. Residents may deposit reusable items free of charge, with staff oversight to ensure quality. The new trash compactor will be located outdoors next to the swap shop, with plans for a pole barn structure to provide cover in the coming year. Compacted trash will be collected by Waste Management; bailing of trash is not planned.
The Bethlehem transfer facility is scheduled to close at the end of December. The town has selected Waste Management over Casella for waste services, and an agreement is expected to be signed this month.
The Commission emphasized the range of recycling options available at the transfer station, including household trash, appliances, aluminum, metal cans, batteries, tires, and mattresses. The recycling list is being updated and will be expanded. Transfer station operating hours have been changed to Sunday, Monday, and Thursday, with updated signage and a revised website. (link)
Website Update and Content Review
The Commission discussed updating its section of the town website based on draft text prepared by a remote member. A commission member reviewed the draft and suggested several edits:
- Replacing “alpine heritage” with “White Mountain heritage” for a more regionally specific description.
- Adjusting the language around trail connectivity and access. The draft stated the Commission would “maintain existing trails,” but members clarified that trail maintenance is primarily carried out by the WVAIA and the Forest Service. The wording will be revised to reflect that the Commission collaborates in “efforts to maintain” trails.
- Correcting the description of the Greenbelt. The draft described it as a “continuous natural buffer surrounding the town,” which members found inaccurate. The Greenbelt is a zoning category that primarily borders Snow’s Brook and the Mad River, protecting waterways and providing wildlife corridors. The Commission also owns a specific Greenbelt parcel (Lot 32) that members agreed should be mentioned. The Commission plans to consult the town’s zoning definition for the Greenbelt to ensure accuracy before finalizing the text. (link)
New Business and Community Engagement
The Commission discussed collaborating with the Recreation Department on educational public events. A proposed topic is a presentation on bear habitat and human-bear interactions, featuring a bear biologist from Fish and Game. The event could be held at the Recreation Department or the Rey Center, potentially as a Friday night talk, to educate residents on managing encounters with bears and understanding bear population management practices.
Updates from the WVAIA included a request for hikers to report newly discovered blowdowns on trails by contacting wvaia.org. Additionally, the Forest Service has approved placement of a bulletin board on the new WVAIA tool shed at the Depot parking area. The board will display information on hikes, trail work, and Leave No Trace principles — such as proper waste disposal, avoiding cairn building, and refraining from using Bluetooth speakers on trails. The shed will be designated as a “Forest Service WVAIA Hand Tool Shed.” (link)
The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for December 17, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., with the start time subject to change pending consultation with all members.