Open Space, Natural Resources, and Trails Committee · June 24, 2026
Open Space, Natural Resources, and Trails Committee Meeting
Committee asked DPW to postpone mowing the unmown portion of Battis Farm Field A to protect nesting Bobolinks and Killdeer; authorized preparing an RDA for invasive-plant removal at the Lake Gardner beach area; and identified Batchelder Park as a preferred site for an accessible "All Persons" trail while considering a CPA application for planning costs.
occurred Agenda PDF Minutes AI Summary
Key decisions
Ask DPW to leave the remainder of Battis Farm Field A unmowed until grassland bird nesting season concludes (to protect Bobolinks and Killdeer).
Prepare and file a Request for Determination of Applicability (RDA) for invasive plant removal along the Lake Gardner beach area to the trail junctions.
Schedule review of the Draft Trail Management and Stewardship Plan at the OSNRTC meeting on July 22, 2026.
Identify Batchelder Park as a strong candidate site for an All Persons (accessible) trail and consider pursuing a Community Preservation Act (CPA) application for planning and specification costs to support that work.
Collect local equestrian-usage data for trail planning: Jessica Redfern will contact nearby horse farm owners to gather information on current trail use by riders.
Agenda
Other Business
Trail Management and Stewardship Plan - Draft
Review and discussion of the draft Trail Management and Stewardship Plan.
Other Business
Park Benches
Discussion and decisions regarding park benches (placement, procurement, or maintenance).
Other Business
All Persons Trail
Discussion concerning the All Persons Trail (accessibility, planning, or implementation).