Conservation Land Management & Management Plans

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, including E-Bikes are not permitted at any time on any land managed by the ECC.
• 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 710. 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 704.3. 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.