NH Farmer Facing Fines

Just a reminder that Steve Forster, one of NH’s farmers, is being targeted by the town of Henniker regarding legal activities on his farm. This issue is directly related to Property Rights, and the tyranny that we will all be experiencing (via the Granite State Future program) if we don’t stand in unison to this type of unconstitutional governmental overreach.

On October 17th @ 7:00 PM there will be a zoning board meeting to review the complaint. It is very important that we show the Town that Steve has the support of the liberty minded community. I hope that you will be able to attend, show your respectful support for Steve, and possibly share your feelings with the town.

According to Steve, the address is: “18 Depot Hill, Henniker, 03242”. It is located just out of town, off of Rt 114 South. It’s an old church across the street from a town green.

Steve has reviewed the zoning laws for Henniker and they expressly allowed the type of use being questioned in RSA 21 regarding agri-tourism.

VI. The term “agri-tourism” means attracting visitors to a working farm for the purpose of eating a meal, making overnight stays, enjoyment of the farm environment, education on farm operations, or active involvement in the activity of the farm which is ancillary to the farm operation.

According to RSA 673:1 III-b. Agriculture makes vital and significant contributions to the food supply, the economy, the environment and the aesthetic features of the state of New Hampshire, and the tradition of using the land resource for agricultural production is an essential factor in providing for the favorable quality of life in the state. Natural features, terrain and the pattern of geography of the state frequently place agricultural land in close proximity to other forms of development and commonly in small parcels. Agricultural activities are a beneficial and worthwhile feature of the New Hampshire landscape and shall not be unreasonably limited by use of municipal planning and zoning powers or by the unreasonable interpretation of such powers.

There is no permanent structure, they use portable toilets, park on private property, and are talking about a maximum of 20 days a year. In addition they use as many local businesses as possible: Country Spirit (catering), Henniker Septic (port-o-potties), Stone Falls Nurseries (site plantings), Sorella Floral Design, French’s Apple Orchard (cider and apples), hiring local help for catering staff and valets. There are very few businesses that create revenue for themselves as well as other businesses at the same time. All 3 overnight accommodations in town have accepted reservations from the 2013 scheduled weddings, as well as restaurants in town for rehearsal dinners. The majority of these weddings are contacted by out of town couples bringing people to the town that may not have previously been familiar with Henniker.

Steve says: “This issue is so important, not only to me, but, all farms, farmers and property owners. It is the survival of farms why this is so important. It is about property rights and misinterpretation of the laws by the town which have been accepted by the residents, taxpayers, and set by the state of NH. The Town of Henniker is trying to rewrite laws as it goes along, that it has adopted from the state. This is about control.

There is a legal appeal to the town to drop their cease and assist order and $275/550.00 fines per day, against me, and that they follow the law as it is written. Its sad, as you can read, that I have to expend funds to defend my property rights and existing law. If I don’t pursue this, and win, it is just another freedom of our property rights we will lose.

If you see what’s going on here and believe that I am justified in pursuing this, then, I need you help. I’ m not asking for money, what I do ask for is you total support.. On Oct. 17, 2012 at 7:00 PM, we will present our case to the town of Henniker’s ZBA. If you can attend and know of farmers, property owners, and concern citizens that this will effect, bring them to this event. If you want to say something in support, or not, you will be able too.”

Thanks for your support,
Steve