Merriam Woods Update
Thank you to local residents who participated in the April 11 meeting of the Woodstock Conservation Commission (WCC). It was something to see the commission in action, addressing agenda items from managing watershed conservation to welcoming new committee members, and sharing info about upcoming events. Finally, the WCC outlined their next step for developing their management plan for Merriam Woods: a walk through with the UNH Extension Service on May 3rd at 10am.
At the meeting, the WCC strongly advised Friends of Merriam Woods (FoMW) to exercise more caution in our messaging so as to not create the impression that we manage the land. Even the use of this website could be construed as overstepping. So let’s set the record straight:
To be clear, the WOODSTOCK CONSERVATION COMMISSION MANAGES MERRIAM WOODS. The Friends of Merriam Woods is a group of people, independent from the WCC, who love the land and want to work together to take care of it and be good stewards. Please interpret any past or future references to “working with the WCC to manage the land” as simply our desire to be in harmony with the WCC and conservation-minded in our recreation.
We know many of us are eager to see a management plan, or to get some strategies in place right away, so that we can start addressing concerns about usage, parking, etc. However, the WCC was very clear that they only want to address concerns through a complete, holistic management plan. The best course of action to fix these concerns is to wait for the WCC and the town to go through the process of establishing a management plan. Creating a management plan is on the WCC agenda, and once that management plan is established, we will be sure to share it out from this platform.
A lot of folks have asked us about what is “allowed” at Merriam Woods or “what to do” or “not do” at Merriam Woods. It is not our place to answer those questions. BUT, we do think it is appropriate for us all to use our best judgment and be thoughtful. Remember that:
(1) This is conservation land.
(2) There is not a management plan yet.
(3) There is a lot of disagreement among residents about parking and trails.
So, while we eagerly await the management plan, here are some recommendations, from the perspective of FoMW. To repeat, the WCC manages this land, not the Friends of Merriam Woods. These are just some common sense ideas to keep in mind before you head out into the woods this spring:
Though recreation is allowed at Merriam Woods, the deed puts nature first and recreation second. This is a place to tread with care and gratitude.
Please carefully consider your choice to use the land. There are a lot of other great spots, so if you can avoid Merriam, it may be helpful to stay away until the management plan is finalized.
We have no idea how long creating a management plan will take. The important thing is to follow the established process that residents have used to run this town for generations.
If you see a long queue of cars, remember that you are getting close to the driveways of residents who live there, and think about how it would feel to be in their shoes.
If you want beta on other places nearby, please reach out to us.
If you choose to visit Merriam Woods, be cool. Keep it on the down-low. No screaming, no boomboxes (bluetooth speakers, for you young whippersnappers), no big groups. Be respectful of the land and of the nearby residents.
Watch our site and social media feeds for info on peregrine nesting and wildflowers.
Pick up garbage. PLEASE. Even if it is not yours, bring a bag every time and clean up along the road. Let’s show the WCC that we are a group of people who will show up and clean up and help out when the time comes.