Keep Our Trails Open
Rye, New Hampshire
Protect Wildlife. Preserve Public Access.
We don't have to choose one or the other.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Rye's public trails can protect wildlife AND remain accessible to the people who use them.
The debate over Rye's conservation trails has too often been framed as a choice between protecting wildlife and allowing public access. It isn't. Responsible trail use, thoughtful management, and wildlife conservation can — and should — coexist.
WHAT THE NUMBERS SHOW
The RCC's trail closures would eliminate roughly one-third of Rye's existing conservation trail network.
Based on the existing trail network, approximately 3.9 miles of trails would be eliminated — roughly 33% using our measured/estimated trail total. Even using the report's larger 13.15-mile trail total, the proposed reduction is still approximately 30%.
1 in 3 MILES OF RYE'S EXISTING CONSERVATION TRAIL NETWORK WOULD BE ELIMINATED UNDER THE PROPOSAL
THE SEPTEMBER 8 VOTE
Vote YES on Articles 3 & 4
Restore Rye's public trails, protect public access for the future and bring greater accountability to the RCC.
ARTICLE 3
YES
Fully Elect the RCC
Put all seven Conservation Commission seats before Rye voters in March 2027, with staggered terms moving forward.
ARTICLE 4
YES
Re-Open Our Trails
Restore Rye's public trails as they existed before the RCC's April 30, 2026 vote, including rerouting the Cedar Run Red Trail onto town land.
September 4th - Suggested deadline to drop off absentee ballots in person - at Town Hall Annex, 500 Washington Road (only open until noon on Friday).September 7th - Last chance to request and return absentee ballots in person - Town Hall Annex, special hours for Labor Day, 3-5 pm only - the day before the election.September 8th - Final deadline for absentee ballots - Ballots must be received by the Town Clerk by 5pm on Election Day to be counted.
WHY KEEP THE TRAILS OPEN?
Good conservation manages human access. It doesn't simply eliminate it.
Closing trails doesn't eliminate human activity on conservation land. People can still walk these properties. The question is whether that activity happens on managed trails or is dispersed throughout the landscape. Well-designed trails can help direct people through conservation areas while reducing unnecessary disturbance to surrounding habitat.
STAY ON TRAIL
Managed trails concentrate foot traffic and help reduce trampling and disturbance outside designated routes.
CONNECT PEOPLE & NATURE
Trails connect people with nature and help build appreciation and support for protecting open space.
MANAGE, DON'T ELIMINATE
Seasonal restrictions, rerouting, signage, buffers, and other management tools can protect sensitive areas without broadly eliminating trail access.
Today's trail users could become tomorrow's conservationists.
CONTACT US
Questions? Want to get involved?
Have a question about Rye's trails, the September 8 vote, or how you can help? Send us a message.
Paid for by Keep Rye Free, Neal King, Treasurer, 330 Wallis Rd. Rye, NH