Open Space, Natural Resources, and Trails Committee Meeting
Appointments and policy work: the committee will consider appointing a member to the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Committee and review ongoing project work including the Trail Assessment Report (draft anticipated), proposed rules/regulations for the Town Forest, and the Battis–Po Hill report.
The committee reviewed ongoing conservation items and assignments. Members discussed the Town Forest/Town Farm report and agreed that the Conservation Agent, Allison Mackay, will draft rules and regulations for the Town Forest using MACC templates and Mass Audubon guidance; the committee noted a trail that crosses private land and recommended addressing permissions/easements and adding signage (including seasonal hunting notices). A Trail Assessment Report distributed to members was acknowledged; the committee agreed to review it at the October meeting, prioritize next steps, and consider potential projects for CPA funding, with consultant Matt Smith attending to discuss the report.
A formal appointment was made: Michelle Faucher was appointed to represent the committee on the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Committee (motion by Rich Hucksam, seconded by Pascal Rettig, unanimous). The Battis–Po Hill report remains in progress. The committee confirmed the October meeting date change; there were no public comments at this meeting.