On Oct. 22, the Kittery Town Council voted to amend an existing ordinance, effectively banning non-residents from parking at Seapoint Beach between May 15 and Sept. 30. The Council’s decision reflects the growing concern among Kittery residents that people and dogs are having a negative impact on the pristine town beach.

“After all these years of buildup, even with the time restrictions, it all came to a head,” said Kittery Town Manager Jonathan Carter. He was part of a sub-committee made up of town councilors, members of the Parks Commission and staff from the Public Works Department and the Police Department, who were responsible for exploring ways to address misuse of Seapoint Beach.

The amended ordinance states that, from Oct. 1 through May 14, the beach and parking lots will remain open to everyone. But, from May 15 to Sept. 30, only residents can park at the beach. Non-residents will still be allowed to use the beach, but they must travel there by bike or on foot. Also, the penalty for illegally parking at Seapoint Beach has gone up from $25 to $50.
“During the public hearing, points were made about restricting outsiders from using the beach altogether. That was stricken from the amendment. If they can get there, but not park there, they can us it,” Carter said. 

Seapoint Beach, off Route 103 in Kittery Point, is a narrow, half-moon beach, which includes land protected by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Department and the Kittery Land Trust. Windsurfing, camping, jet skis and vendors are not allowed at Seapoint Beach. 
“We’re trying to make it a natural beach. And, as with any other environmental asset, if you overuse it, it’s going to erode faster than what Mother Nature is going to do,” Carter said.

The sub-committee also concluded that the current carry-in, carry-out policy for dog waste isn’t working well enough. They recommended putting a collection barrel specifically for dog waste at the beach entrance.

The new amendment allows families who are visiting Kittery residents to get a temporary guest pass for the beach. 

Lynch nominates Stratham farmer for Agriculture Commissioner

Dairy farmer Lorraine Stuart Merrill will likely be the next commissioner of the N.H. Department of Agriculture. Gov. John Lynch selected Merrill, a partner in Stuart Farm in Stratham, based on her 30-plus years of farming experience.

“She has the skills and knowledge necessary to lead the Department of Agriculture into the 21st century, and to help keep New Hampshire’s farming tradition strong,” Lynch said in a release.

Located at the intersection of Route 108 and Squamscott Road, The Stuart Farm is a 270-acre dairy farm with a herd of 240 cows. Merrill has been a partner in the farm since 1975, and served as a member of the University System Board of Trustees from 1997 to 2005. She is also a freelance writer and former member of the Stratham School Board.

Lynch officially nominated Merrill on Wednesday, Oct. 31, during a Governor and Council meeting in Merrimack. The N.H. Executive Council is expected to confirm the nomination. 

If confirmed, Merrill will take over for current commissioner Steve Taylor, who is retiring on Sunday, Nov. 18, after 25 years of service. Lynch thanked Taylor for his service over the last quarter-century.