The Antrim Select Board has proposed the creation of the Campbell Pond Town Forest, which would incorporate recently conserved land adjacent to Campbell Pond in northwest Antrim.
The board is in the process of drafting the warrant for Antrim’s 2026 Town Meeting and no proposals or articles are yet final. Antrim residents will have the opportunity to weigh in on all proposed warrant articles at the town’s annual budget hearing in February.
Campbell Pond, which covers 17 acres, is located between the southern spur of Riley Mountain and Pierce Lake Road in the northern part of Antrim. The pond was formerly a public water supply.
In January 2025, the Antrim Conservation Commission received a $115,000 LCHIP grant which enabled it to purchase a 112-acre property abutting Campbell Pond. The pond, which had been accessible to the public only through a right-of-way across private land, can now be accessed via a public Class VI road.
Peter Beblowski, chair of the Antrim Conservation Commission, said the acquisition of the property will eventually allow the commission to connect a new trail around Campbell Pond to other trails in town.
Article 11 on the draft warrant proposes the town designate the land as the Campbell Pond Town Forest, and would authorize the town’s Conservation Commission to manage the forest, including establishment of a forest maintenance fund.
Article 15 on the draft warrant proposes the creation of an Economic Development Committee “for the purpose of promoting balanced and sustainable economic growth within the Town of Antrim.” The committee would work encourage and support business development and support local employment opportunities in Antrim, helping enhance the town’s tax base.
The Economic Development Committee would serve “in an advisory capacity” to both the Select Board and Planning Board, and would have the authority to “research, plan and recommend programs and initiatives that support economic vitality of the community,” as directed by the Select Board.
The Select Board is also proposing the town dissolve the position of water and sewer commissioner and transfer the responsibilities of managing the town’s water and sewer departments to the Select Board. All members of the Select Board and the current water and sewer commissioners support the article.
Draft Article 7 proposes the town establish a Weather Emergency Capital Reserve Fund to put aside money for “unanticipated infrastructure repairs caused by weather-related incidents.” The article proposes the town raise and appropriate $20,000 for the fund from the unassigned fund balance.
Draft Article 8 proposes the creation of a Police Special Duty Fund (as pursuant to RSA 31:95h), which would receive revenue from fees, charges, or other income derived from the activities or services supported by the fund. The town also proposes appropriating $10,000 from 2026 unassigned fund balance for the fund.
For a complete draft warrant article, contact the Antrim Town Administrator at (603) 588-6785.