Open Space, Natural Resources and Trails Committee
Re-appointment of Michelle Faucher to the CPA Committee; plans for grassland-bird protection signage at Woodsom Farm (north) and Battis Farm; and Town Forest trail reblazing with a proposed routing that may cross part of 74 Kimball Road.
The committee approved minutes, heard no public comment, and addressed several conservation and trail-management items. Members moved and seconded the re-appointment of Michelle Faucher as the committee's representative to the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Committee. Communications were reviewed concerning a citizen request to change mowing practices at Woodsom Farm (south hill) to protect grassland birds and to move the July 4 fireworks to after August 15; the Mayor and DPW responded that the City does not plan to change mowing schedules or the fireworks date. Committee members discussed whether to hold a public hearing on the matter but did not make a motion to pursue one.
The committee discussed several project-level actions: a grassroots signage initiative (sponsored by the Lake Gardner Improvement Association) to notify users about grassland bird nesting at Woodsom Farm (north) and Battis Farm, with Sherwood to work with the City on design and ordering; a Town Forest trail reblazing project led by the Lake Gardner Improvement Association/Amesbury Trails working group with a plan to establish primary outer-loop trails and a presentation scheduled to the Conservation Commission on April 7, 2025, and outreach to the owner of an adjacent parcel at 74 Kimball Road for temporary routing permission; and invasive plant removal on city-owned property, for which the Conservation Agent advised applicants could file Requests for Determination of Applicability (RDA) rather than Notices of Intent (NOI). Rettig provided an update on the 2024 REDD / Meadowbrook Solar Project. The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.