DERRY — Conservation Commission members are hoping increased enforcement and greater visibility will help put an end to the illegal cutting of trees in the Weber Town Forest and Quail Hill conservation areas.

Several commission members recently met with Police Chief Ed Garone to discuss ways to put an end to the activity.

“I would really like to follow up on some of the suggestions Chief Garone made because we’ve had trees harvested (in Weber and Quail Hill),” Conservation Commission Chair Margaret Ives said. “He talked about using Chapter 227-J on timber harvesting.”

The regulation classifies the reckless destruction of trees or timber as a class B felony for over $1,000 of damage and a misdemeanor for amounts under that. Garone suggested posting the regulation throughout the two conservation properties.

“He had another good suggestion that when we are walking on conservation lands, we should all wear our badges showing that we are members of the Conservation Commission,” said Ives. “He also highly recommended that we get vests or hats that show we are members of the Conservation Commission so that we can be visible when we are out there.”

Ives said the commission recently purchased T-shirts for its members and land stewards, and that members could wear those while they are on the conservation lands along with their badges.

Town Councilor Phyllis Katsakiores said she has received complaints from several residents about shooting in Weber Forest. Council Chairman Brad Benson suggested the citizens bring their concerns to the Conservation Commission first, but noted that they could feel free to bring up the issue during a public forum portion of a council meeting.

The issue of shooting at Weber Forest has come up at Conservation Commission meetings in the past. It was discussed during a winter meeting, but several commission members noted that hunting is allowed in the forest in season.

At the time, Ives said that while hunting is allowed in the forest, it appeared that some of the shooting did not appear to be from hunters, but from people using trees for target practice.

The 275-acre Weber Town Forest includes the Arnold George and Lewis Builders properties and is accessible from two woods roads off Drew Road, as well as at Sheldon and Warner Hill roads.

Hiking, cross-country skiing, camping and fishing are also allowed on the property. ATVs are not allowed anywhere in the forest.

- - - - - - - -

Adam Swift may be reached at aswift@newstote.com.