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Committee updates: Rider donation, Harveston fund balance and conservation prospects for local parcels
Summary
The Open Space Committee reviewed donation receipts, reported a stable Harveston Preservation Trust balance, and discussed conservation options for several privately owned parcels including the Rider property and a Kelton family parcel.
The Town of Hubbardston Open Space Committee reviewed recent receipts and conservation prospects at its Aug. 28 meeting, noting a small Rider property donation, the Harveston Preservation Trust balance, and several parcels under informal consideration for conservation.
Financial updates included a Rider property donation of $4,001.57 and reported interest bringing the Harveston Preservation Trust to $20,360.34. Committee members said the open-space donation account remains small and that they should consider a modest annual line item in the town budget to cover routine maintenance on new and existing trails (committee members suggested amounts in the range of $1,000–$2,000 as a baseline and discussed $5,000 for more substantial work).
On specific parcels, committee members said francophone outreach and individual landowner conversations continue: a Kelton family property (owner recovering from a stroke) is now likely to remain occupied by a family member in the near term; the committee discussed the possibility of a conservation restriction (CR) but noted the town lacks funds for CR purchases and would rely on a land trust or state/federal funding for purchase. The committee also referenced outreach to landowners including a Francois contact and a potential Frank/Gadlin parcel; committee members agreed to continue walking candidate properties and discuss next steps.
The committee also discussed the Gates Foundation area and the need for a longer-term plan to stabilize safety hazards (a failing split-rail fence and a steep drop at one location) and to prevent annual, ad-hoc maintenance. Members agreed to retain the item on future agendas and to pursue a permanent solution when volunteer and funding availability aligns.
No acquisitions or purchases were approved at the meeting; members said follow-up steps include outreach, property walks, and coordination with land trusts for potential CR funding.
