Minton Parcel Opens to Public Use
Matt Rittenhouse
Tri-Town Times

SANDOWN – On Aug. 6, the Town of Sandown became the official owners of the 138 acres of conservation land voters agreed to purchase in March. Though the conservation commission had plans to take down the No Trespassing signs the next day, the rain halted their work. Nevertheless, the property is now open for public use.

The purchase became official when the money was transferred and the deed finalized. Brian Butler of the conservation commission said he encourages people to head over to the property and find out exactly what they now own.

“It offers a lot of recreation opportunities right in town,” Butler said. “There are some really nice spots in there. People don’t have to waste the gas to drive up north. Personally, I’m looking forward to going hunting on it. But it’s there for whatever people enjoy doing.”

The acreage, known throughout the conservation commission’s campaign to buy the property as the Minton Property Mill Site, is commonly referred to as the “Minton parcel.” It abuts both Fremont and Odell roads, and both roads will likely have a parking area from which residents can access the land in the coming years. It also abuts the Town Forest and creates 260 acres of contiguous open space.

A formal celebration of the purchase is planned for Saturday, Sept. 27. The conservation commission is still arranging the details, but the day, currently called “The Town Forest Expansion Celebration,” will feature music from a local bluegrass band, food, games, speakers, and the opportunity for hiking and other passive recreational activities.

The commission is currently making improvements to the Town Forest parking lot for use at the event.

Also part of the celebration will be a photography contest of photos taken within the new property. Categories will include amateur, professional, youth, black and white, and color. The first-place winner of the contest will see the photo published on the front cover of next year’s town report.

“Everyone keeps saying that the conservation commission did such a good job, but I can’t stress enough it wasn’t us. The voters made the decision,” Butler said.

The next step for the conservation commission is to finalize the language in the conservation easement and have that signed. The commission is also looking toward creating a forest management plan on the piece and connecting it to the existing trail system in the Town Forest.

“For years we were looking at the property. We were hoping just to get a little chunk of it, but to get 138 acres is fantastic,” Butler said.

If residents are interested in helping with improvements, such as trails, to the new property, contact the conservation commission. Butler said the group is always looking for volunteers to improve the town’s resources.