MacMonagle: Bedford Historic District Commission Should Not Regulate Trees

The oversight of trees by the Bedford Historic District Commission has caused frequent contention with residents of the historic district as noted in various BHD public meetings and a recent Town Council meeting.

The consultant, engaged by the HDC to develop design guidelines, pointed out he has worked with about 450 commissions (All in Mass.) and none regarding tree regulation. Trees also are not regulated by many NH towns.

Per the 10/7/25 HDC meeting, some commissioners still want to regulate owners for trees. Some have even suggested going onto owners’ properties to assess the health or size of trees before granting approval(s) to have tree(s) removed. Sadly, the HDC has even threatened the use of litigation over the removal of dead trees.

The Amherst, NH HDC specifically excludes trees. They respect owner’s rights. They trust and appreciate that taxpayer-owners take pride in and invest in their properties. But Bedford HDC still wants to regulate trees.

The district has about 145 properties with the vast majority (about 95) built in 1950 or after. Only 31 properties were built prior to 1900. Amherst and other towns recognize that trees contributing to the character of a district are important, but trees are temporary in nature, and trees can be replaced. We agree with the consultant: reviewing trees is pretty rare within a Historic District Commission.

The management of trees should remain the responsibility of the homeowner. HDC’s regulating owners over trees is property rights infringement and government overreach. Hopefully the HDC reconsiders their path.

Gerri MacMonagle

Bedford