Open Space, Natural Resources and Trails Meeting
Chair reported a proposal to run an invasive-plant demonstration project at Woodsom Farm (draft to be submitted to the Mayor’s Office); DPW cleared and will mow the upper Whitehall Road fields on an every-other-year basis. The committee unanimously approved the re-appointment of Michelle Faucher to the Community Preservation Committee.
The committee convened on October 22, 2025 with updates focused on invasive-plant work at Woodsom Farm and field management along Whitehall Road. Chair Jonathan Sherwood described a proposed invasives-management demonstration in a rectangular wooded plot adjacent to the north parking lot at Woodsom Farm: volunteer identification events on October 4–5 produced more than 100 plant identifications via the iNaturalist app, and Sherwood will submit a draft proposal to the Mayor’s Office by October 24, 2025 with mitigation to follow upon approval. Committee members also discussed the need for a broader town-wide invasive plant management plan; local groups (LGIA and Amesbury Eco-Gardners) have begun drafting such a plan and Sherwood will coordinate with partners, using existing Audubon guidance for methods.
Sherwood reported that DPW cleared and mowed the upper fields along Whitehall Road following a request from the Fire Chief due to drought concerns; DPW indicated a plan to continue mowing that area every other year. No public comments or communications were recorded. In other business, the committee unanimously approved the re-appointment of Michelle Faucher to the Community Preservation Committee. The meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.