Sotir Conservation Area Stewardship/Management Plan

SOTIR CONSERVATION AREA STEWARDSHIP/MANAGEMENT PLAN

Purpose: The purpose of the Sotir Conservation Area is to preserve wildlife habitat and clean water resources, to establish low-impact recreational use for the public and to protect the rural character and area surrounding Knowles Pond in perpetuity.

Scope:  The Sotir Conservation Area consists of 37.5 acres on Rand Road abutting the Knowles Pond Conservation Area.  No subdivision, building of any kind, road construction (other than a footpath), utility or sewerage line, fertilizing, introduction of non-native species, billboards, illumination, excavation, earthmoving, beach construction or other improvements, disturbances or changes in natural conditions, as documented by a baseline study, shall be permitted.  The area may be enlarged by fee simple gift, purchase, or by easement.  

Access:  The Knowles Pond parking lot on Rand Road is the designated parking area.  Parking on Rand Road itself is prohibited. 

Permitted uses:   The Sotir Conservation Area is open for low impact public recreation and nature observation from dawn until dusk. Fishing (no lead sinkers) and hunting will be permitted during times and seasons as determined by the NH Department of Fish & Game.  These activities are permitted: hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.  Snowmobiling use is allowed on Sotir Trail only.

Non-Permitted Uses:    Use of wheeled motorized vehicles is prohibited.  No littering, fires, camping, erections of structures of any kind will be permitted. No tree cutting or removal of vegetation without prior approval of the Conservation Commission and the Board of Selectmen.  No beach area will be constructed.  The area may be gated if necessary.

Stewardship:  The Conservation Commission has responsibility for the oversight of construction and annual maintenance of trails, monitoring of usage and response to misuse of the area, liaison with education, conservation and outdoor recreation groups, monitoring water quality and documentation of bird and wildlife populations over the years.  The group will also encourage abutting landowners to expand the area within the boundaries of the Knowles Pond Road, Rand Road, Reservoir Road and Bean Hill Road.

History:  Existing stone walls, foundations, and other artifacts will remain undisturbed to the extent possible upon the recommendation of the Conservation Commission and approval of the Board of Selectmen.

Education:  The area will be open to educators for supervised wildlife study, observation, research and other educational purposes with the prior review of the Conservation Commission and the approval of the Board of Selectmen.

This stewardship/management plan shall be reviewed annually.