Conservation Commission

Mission Statement

The mission of the Wentworth Conservation Commission is to understand, conserve, and responsibly steward the natural resources that define our community, including its forests, waters and watersheds, wildlife and habitats, and open spaces. Through science-informed stewardship, education, and collaboration, we provide sound natural-resource information to help inform community decisions and connect people with the lands and waters around them. We undertake this work so that the natural landscape and rural character that make Wentworth a special place to live endure for generations to come.

GOALS

1. Understand Our Natural Resources

Build and maintain knowledge of Wentworth’s natural resources through research, inventory, mapping, and monitoring. Use the best available science to understand their condition, identify significant resources, and recognize emerging conservation needs.

2. Protect and Steward Our Lands, Waters, and Wildlife

Protect and responsibly steward Wentworth’s forests, waters and watersheds, wetlands, wildlife and habitats, and open spaces. Manage conservation lands entrusted to the Commission using sound and sustainable practices.

3. Sustain Wentworth’s Rural Character

Participate in sustaining the natural landscapes, healthy ecosystems, open spaces, and scenic qualities that contribute to Wentworth’s rural character. Promote conservation approaches that allow these qualities to endure as our community and landscape change over time.

4. Inform Community Decisions

Provide residents, landowners, town boards, and officials with sound natural-resource information and conservation recommendations. Bring scientific and local knowledge to community planning and decisions that may affect Wentworth’s natural resources.

5. Connect People with the Natural Environment

Foster understanding, appreciation, and responsible enjoyment of Wentworth’s natural environment through education, outreach, recreation, and community participation. Support public access and recreation where compatible with conservation and responsible stewardship.

6. Collaborate for Conservation

Build partnerships with residents, landowners, town boards, neighboring communities, schools, conservation organizations, and others who share an interest in Wentworth’s natural resources. Work together to strengthen conservation and stewardship within Wentworth and across the larger landscape.

Board Members

(All members are appointed)

According to RSA 36-A, a Conservation Commission consists of 3-7 members, serving generally 3 year terms, who are appointed by the Wentworth Selectmen. 

Maura Dougherty: [email protected]

Kathleen Mack: [email protected]

Thomas Stoughton: [email protected]

Documents

• 2023 Wentworth Town Forest Recreational Plan with Maps (draft) Draft 2023 Forest recreational trail network and management plan with maps
• 2018 Wentworth Town Forest Stewardship Plan 2018 Forest stewardship plan for the Plummer, Van Duesen, and Turner town forests