Open Space, Natural Resources, and Trails Committee · July 24, 2024 · 7:00 PM
Open Space, Natural Resources, and Trails Committee Meeting
Committee approved a package of management recommendations for Woodsom Farm and the Town Forest — including seasonal no-mow zones to protect grassland-bird breeding (May 15–Aug 15), new rules/regulations and signage, dog-leash measures during breeding season, volunteer-driven trail management, and invasive-species control — and noted a referral on Ordinance 2024-096 (expanded solar-array zoning near Meadowbrook Pond) to be taken up in August ahead of City Council's Sept. 25 second reading.
occurred Agenda PDF Minutes AI Summary
Key decisions
Adopted management recommendations to increase value of Woodsom Farm for grassland bird breeding, including maintaining current mowed zones.
Expand grassland-bird mowing practices to include Natural Heritage Priority Habitat Area 2151 by leaving it un-mowed (except established walking lanes) from May 15 through August 15.
Move to mowing identified grassland bird zones every 2nd or 3rd year, with thatching as an economical option per the report.
Direct DPW to continue regular mowing of field 'trails' / lanes for public use.
Develop and adopt rules and regulations for Town Forest and Woodsom Farm governing allowed and excluded activities, with OSNRTC developing rules and Conservation Commission and City responsible for acceptance and enforcement.
For Woodsom Farm: clarify allowed activities in mowed and un-mowed areas and clearly mark use areas with signage.
For Town Forest: prohibit trail-building and trail modification without permission of the Conservation Commission.
Undertake public education, signage, and outreach about ecological benefits of Woodsom Farm, the Great Swamp, and the Town Forest (OSNRTC with partners; funding via CPA/grants).
Improve management of off-leash dogs at Woodsom Farm: install seasonal signage and symbolic fencing during bird breeding season (May 15–Aug 15), promote on-leash practices, increase enforcement, and explore siting a fenced dog park in town.
Improve trail management in the Town Forest by developing standing plans for volunteer-driven trail maintenance and mitigation of trails in wetlands (OSNRTC, community groups, Conservation Agent, DPW).
Survey and identify priority areas for invasive-plant mitigation; develop and implement site-specific mitigation plans using volunteers and resources from OSNRTC, community organizations, DPW, and Conservation Agent.
Have DPW personnel obtain licensure as herbicide applicators to support invasive-plant management.
Agenda
Ongoing Projects
7. Woodsom Farm 6 Town Forest Management Plan
Woodsom Farm Town Forest Management Plan presented by Bill Giezentanner/Mass Audubon; approve recommendations for transmission to the Conservation Commission and Mayor Gove.