OPEN SPACE COMMITTEE | April 14, 2025

The meeting focused on Article 97, an Open Space and Recreation Plan Update, the Local Comprehensive Plan, Walking Weekend Planning, and CPC Project Updates.

Key Points

Article 97 Discussion

• Discussion of the state legislation to protect land and the proper procedure for changing the status of protected land.
• A workshop was held, and feedback included the need for a user guide for the state's mapping tool, concerns about wind projects and net-zero land replacement, and the need for public notification and an appeal process for changes in property status.
• Concerns were raised about the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs having sole discretion and potential conflicts of interest.
• The committee discussed adding the state's mapping tool to the town website to increase public awareness of protected parcels.
• The process for initially designating a parcel as Article 97 land was unclear.

Open Space and Recreation Plan Update

• The BFC Group has been selected as a consultant for the plan update, and the contract is being finalized.
• The planning department will request specific information from the committee.
• The committee reviewed the status of goals from the previous plan and discussed action items for the new plan.
• A goal from the 2018 plan was to ensure the town or water district owns the property within a 400-foot radius of all wells. The committee will ask the consultant to survey the wells and identify any parcels that need to be targeted for ownership.

Local Comprehensive Plan Review

• The public comment period for the Local Comprehensive Plan (LCP) is open until May 11th.
• Committee members were encouraged to review the open space section of the LCP and provide comments to the planning department.
• Concerns were raised about the use of the word "contamination" in the aquaculture section and its potential impact on the marketability of shellfish.
• A suggestion was made to amend the town zoning to require two new trees to be planted for every significant tree removed.
• The committee discussed the need to act on management plans for conservation lands, particularly regarding meadow maintenance and invasive species control.

Walking Weekend Planning

• The committee finalized the schedule for the upcoming Walking Weekend.
• Several walks were added, including a Friday afternoon walk, a walk at Andrew's property, and a walk at Meeting House Farm led by Tom Walker.
• The committee discussed the need to include a disclaimer about tick protection and bug spray.
• The committee will promote the event online and through various channels, including the town website, e-newsletters, and local websites.

Old Business Updates

• The CPC committee has approved funding for a title search, but legal department involvement may delay the process.
• Herring season has started, and a solar-powered fish counter has been installed.

CPC Project Updates

• The Smith Creek conservation restriction application has been forwarded to the town council for a public hearing.
• The High Ground conservation restriction has been received from the Open Space Committee and Conservation Commission.
• Conservation restrictions for several properties have been requested to be placed on an upcoming town council agenda.