Open Space, Natural Resources, and Trails Committee

The City of Amesbury is fortunate to balance its urban downtown setting with a wealth of open space, trails and natural resources. As the City embarks on a strategy for economic development and managed growth, we believe that the balance with open space and natural resources can be sustained and enhanced. As volunteers and Amesbury residents, we are committed to preserving opportunities for Amesbury residents to find and take the 'path strange and new' in their own back yard. We aim to make our City a leader in local open space preservation and land use management. Our efforts will interweave Open Space, Natural Resources, and Trails into the fabric, enjoyment, and dialogue of the community. Established in May, 2016 the Amesbury Open Space, Natural Resources and Trails Committee (herein "Open Space Committee" or "OSNRTC") acts as an advisory committee to the Mayor, City Council, Municipal Boards and the public. The committee includes representatives from the City Council, Conservation Commission, Planning Board and Amesbury Residents.

Upcoming Agendas

No upcoming Agendas Posted

Recent meetings

OCT 28

7:00 PM

Amesbury Open Space, Natural Resources, and Trails Committee Meeting

Review of a proposed pump track/flow trail concept presented by the Recreation Department and discussion of the Draft Trail Management and Stewardship Plan.

SEP 23

7:00 PM

Amesbury Open space, Natural Resources, and Trails Committee Meeting

Discussion of the Draft Trail Management and Stewardship Plan is on the agenda for committee consideration and guidance.

JUL 22

Amesbury Open Space, Natural Resources, and Trails Committee Meeting

Committee approved the draft Invasive Plant Management Plan with edits to add Conservation Commission definitions for RDA and NOI and to recommend project approval be sought from the conservation agent. The committee also reviewed a draft Trail Management and Stewardship Plan, discussing simplification for volunteers, thresholds for volunteer maintenance work, and liability/waiver concerns to be reviewed by the City Attorney.

Min

JUN 24

Open Space, Natural Resources, and Trails Committee Meeting

Committee asked DPW to postpone mowing the unmown portion of Battis Farm Field A to protect nesting Bobolinks and Killdeer; authorized preparing an RDA for invasive-plant removal at the Lake Gardner beach area; and identified Batchelder Park as a preferred site for an accessible "All Persons" trail while considering a CPA application for planning costs.

Min

APR 29

7:00 PM

Open Space, Natural Resources, and Trails Committee Meeting

Discussion of an invasives demonstration project at Woodsom Farm and review of the Draft Invasive Plant Management Plan for city lands and trails.

MAR 25

7:00 PM

Open Space. Natural Resources, and Trails Committee Meeting

Discussion and referral actions on the Rocky Hill Development (MBTA-zoned Elm St parcels, ~385 units) and the 27 Kimball Road Chapter 40B application; committee circulated a draft Invasive Plant Management Plan for next-meeting review and referral to the Conservation Commission.

Min