Stewardship Committee

Issues this board has taken up

• Stewardship Committee structure and merger proposal

  The Select Board resolved immediate membership questions on August 11, 2026, voting 4-1 to amend the Stewardship Committee charge to add an at-large seat and appointing Freddie Gillespie. Both the Stewardship Committee and the Conservation Commission oppose merging Stewardship with the Open Space Preservation Commission, arguing its land management role should remain distinct. While Select Board members have discussed conducting broader reviews of conservation and open space committee structures, no consolidation plan is currently scheduled for action.

  Last discussed Tue, Aug 11 · 5 meetings · Select Board, Stewardship Committee, Planning Board, Conservation Commission

• Breakneck Hill Conservation Land restoration

  Planning is underway for a comprehensive five-zone ecological restoration at Breakneck Hill Conservation Land to address invasive species, vehicle-related soil compaction, and damage to the beecology research meadow. The town recovered $47,000 from remediation contractors to help finance meadow repairs. The committee and town planner are currently drafting a formal scope of work to solicit bids for botanical surveys, site grading, and native replanting.

  Last discussed Tue, Aug 4 · 1 meeting · Stewardship Committee

• Town Forest Eagle Scout footbridge

  The Stewardship Committee has authorized the use of pre-cut pressure-treated lumber for the Eagle Scout footbridge project in the Town Forest. The approval followed a review of findings indicating that modern treated wood poses minimal risk to the surrounding wetland and vernal pool. No further committee reviews or subsequent steps are currently scheduled.

  Last discussed Tue, Aug 4 · 1 meeting · Stewardship Committee

Meetings

• Tuesday, August 4, 2026 58 min

  The Stewardship Committee reaffirmed its independent mission and approved treated wood for an Eagle Scout footbridge project in the Town Forest.

Votes