07/27/2024

Well, an update is long overdue.  We have been busy fighting this project since April of 2022 with multiple City boards.  This is a niche activity that will exclude people not include them. 

The NH Dept of Environmental Services Wetlands Division did find illegal impacts to the critical wetlands and the project was stopped by the Board of Public Works only after a complaint was received by NHDES.  A reprimand was sent to the Mayor. The Conservation Commission had stipulated mitigation and replantings be done.  That has not happened and now that the ConCom has been removed from the mix it probably won't get done.  They want to remove more trees and wildlife food / shelter. 

They don't give 2 poops about wildlife, nuisance to neighbors, danger to other trail users, pollution and destruction of prime wildlife habitat and critical wetlands. 

One disc golf basket was installed. Over 100 trees were removed and large amounts of underbrush (food/shelter for wildlife) was illegally removed. The City admits to their errors.  Now they asked permission after the fact to the ZBA.  IF not for one or 2 voices the course would be in use by now.  

It was REJECTED and received an UNFAVORABLE RECOMMENDATION due to harm that has already happened due to illegal stumping and machinery in critical wetlands and illegal removal of underbrush in wetland buffers without the proper permits and approval from the Conservation Commission.  Further harm is expected to happen concerning soil erosion, wetland disturbances, fauna damage, additional removal of trees, and additional removing of underbrush. 

The project is in appeal for a rehearing with the Zoning Board of Adjustment.  Then it will move to Planning.  

The golf community is continuing to spew their "one with nature" malarkey.  

Now they are planning per the "professional course designer" to have upwards of 2000 players a month (not even counting tournaments).

Why should you care?

If you are local, you can say hello to massive traffic and parking issues.

Danger to pedestrians and bicyclists.

You can have your scenic walks in the woods disrupted by flying discs that could very likely give you a head injury. 

Irresponsible destruction of prime wildlife habitat and corridor to the Dunstable Land Trust.  There are apex predators (coyote, fox, fisher, bobcat), songbirds galore, monarch butterflies.  There is quite possible a vernal pool as well which heightens the value of this ecosystem.

Pollution of an emergent wetland and critical wetland. 

Risk to other trail users since discs will be thrown up to 80 mph up to 400 ft across well established trails. 

Wildlife will not only be terrorized during the day but the hours would be 7 am to 10 pm every day of the year.  This will disrupt migratory habits, mating and hunting for nocturnal predators. 

THIS IS ONLY A GAME.  Calling it a sport is a stretch. 

Anyway, we are continuing to fight it and inform the community.  I encourage you to show up at meetings that discuss this issue.  

We won't quit fighting for the environment, wildlife, wetlands and ourselves. 

Here are some links that can provide additional details:

Most recent battle, Zoning Board of Adjustment

https://youtu.be/CFIO95gEok0?si=fncGUwKQNg9q5Vsy

Conversation Commission Votes NO thank you:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skiBFk7HICM

https://www.nashuatelegraph.com/news/2024/06/19/zba-to-decide-on-disc-golf-course-at-roby-park/

Thank you for your support!  Let's say not to developing every inch of forest possible.

D