Open Space, Natural Resources, and Trails Committee · February 28, 2024 · 7:00 PM
Open Space, Natural Resources, and Trails Committee Meeting
Discussion of a grant-funded coastal redevelopment proposal to upgrade the City Marina (sidewalks, crosswalks, and a boarded-accessible boardwalk to Alliance Park), ARPA-funded Mass Audubon planning for Woodsom Farm (Town Forest) and Battis Farm–Powow Hill, and consideration of a USDA 'Farmlands of Local Importance' review for Amesbury agricultural parcels.
occurred Agenda PDF Minutes AI Summary
Key decisions
Jonathan Sherwood appointed Chair for 2024
Rich Hucksam appointed Vice-Chair for 2024
Michelle Faucher appointed Secretary for 2024
Fred Zackon designated as the Conservation Commission representative on OSNRTC
ARPA funds are committed to Mass Audubon Extension Service for planning: Town Forest — Woodsom Farm Plan and Battis Farm — Powow Hill Plan
Committee will plan a public educational event in late March/early April to present the preliminary Mass Audubon Town Forest — Woodsom Farm report; Chair Sherwood to explore dates and locations
Pascal Rettig to draft a letter to the Mayor and Planning Director (Nipun Jain) requesting any objection to proceeding with the USDA 'Farmlands of Local Importance' review, copying Chair Sherwood
Agenda
Organization
2. Organize for 2024-25
Organize committee leadership for 2024-25 (Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary) and adopt the 2024 meeting calendar.
3. Minutes from December 13, 2023 meetings
Approval of minutes from the December 13, 2023 meeting.
Referrals
7. Referrals
Matters referred to the committee.
Ongoing Projects
8. Woodsom Farm – Town Forest Management Plan
Review draft report for the Woodsom Farm Town Forest Management Plan and plan a public forum in early April.
Other Business
9. SJC decision Carroll v. Select Board of Norwell — Summary
Summary of the SJC decision in Carroll v. Select Board of Norwell presented by Rich Hucksam.
Other Business
9. USDA Farmlands of Local Importance Designation
Discussion of USDA Farmlands of Local Importance designation; presented by Rettig and Sherwood.