Exeter Conservation Land-Use Policy

Conservation lands overseen by the Exeter Conservation Commission (ECC) have been established for conservation purposes. To that end, permissible uses will vary, depending on a variety of circumstances and on Exeter Town Ordinances. Unless otherwise noted, passive recreational activities-hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, birding, nature or wildlife viewing, photography-are the only ones permitted.

 General Guidelines

• Motorized vehicles are not permitted at any time on any land managed by the ECC in accordance with Exeter Town Ordinance 711.
• Horses and horseback riding are prohibited on all properties.
• Human-powered wheeled vehicles (such as bicycles) are permitted only on well- established marked trails where noted under specific properties in accordance with Exeter Town Ordinance 711. Off-trail biking is prohibited.
• Leashed dogs are permitted only on trails where noted, and dog owners must clean up after their dogs. As many of the ECC-managed properties contain abundant wildlife, owners must keep constant watch of their leashed dogs. Other animals are not permitted under any circumstances.
• Fires and camping are prohibited on all ECC lands without specific prior written permission from the ECC.
• Hunting is not allowed on any ECC property, except as specifically noted in Exeter Town Ordinance 705. Trapping is allowed only with the specific prior consent of the Exeter Conservation Commission. Those engaging in hunting, trapping, or fishing must be properly licensed for the specific activity underway. Semi-permanent structures, such as hunting blinds or stands, are prohibited.

 HENDERSON-SWASEY FOREST

• Bicycles are permitted only on well-established marked trails in accordance with Exeter Town Ordinance 711. Off-trail biking is not allowed, as it destroys vegetation and disturbs wildlife.

 OAKLANDS TOWN FOREST

• Bicycles are permitted only on well-established marked trails in accordance with Exeter Town Ordinance 711. Off-trail biking is not allowed, as it destroys vegetation and disturbs wildlife.
• Hunting in season is allowed in accordance with Exeter Town Ordinance 705.

 LITTLE RIVER CONSERVATION AREA

• The primary use of the area is for passive recreational activities-hiking, birding, nature and wildlife viewing, photography, and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter.
• Fishing is permitted, with the understanding that fishermen will clean up after their catches.
• Hunting in season is allowed in accordance with Exeter Town Ordinance 705.

 MCDONNELL CONSERVATION AREA

• Only passive recreational activities are allowed-hiking, birding, nature and wildlife viewing, and photography, as well as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter.
• Fishing is allowed, as long as fishermen clean up after their catches.

 SMITH-PAGE CONSERVATION AREA

• This area is available for passive recreation such as birding, nature and wildlife viewing, and photography.

• Hunting in season is allowed in accordance with Exeter Town Ordinance 705.
• In the winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are allowed.

 IRVINE CONSERVATION AREA

• Only passive recreational activities are allowed-hiking, birding, nature and wildlife viewing, and photography, as well as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter.

 On all other lands administered by the Exeter Conservation Commission, the general guidelines and Exeter Town Ordinances apply.