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Commission discusses Joppa Hill easement amendment, trail work and use rules
Summary
Commissioners reviewed a proposed amendment to the Joppa Hill Conservation Easement and a new management approach that would move parts of municipal use zone into conservation, debate whether bicycling and motorized uses should be allowed, and discussed invasive plant control, trails, and a potential five‑year invasive species plan.
The Conservation Commission spent significant time on Sept. 23 reviewing a proposed amendment to the Joppa Hill Conservation Easement and how that change would affect an integrated plant management plan and day‑to‑day trail management.
Planner Kathleen Ports said the town council had approved an 8.3‑acre exclusionary zone around the farm and recommended converting the remaining municipal use zone to conservation. She asked the commission for feedback on a handful of policy questions that will be included in the easement amendment, including whether to allow bicycling, motorized special‑event uses, and how strongly to word the open‑field maintenance requirement.
Several commissioners expressed concern about allowing bicycling. Commissioner William Crowder noted modern bicycles — including electric or motorized models — have different impacts than 20 years ago and recommended caution about permitting all cycling in the conservation area. Some members favored retaining stronger language that the open fields "shall be maintained" to preserve habitat for ground‑nesting grassland birds; others noted the cost and declining availability of haying contractors and suggested flexible language that allows brush‑hogging if haying is not practical.
Ports reported the town applied for a Moose Plate grant to fund an invasive plant management plan; the draft five‑year plan would focus on the farm first and include herbicide and mechanical treatments, plus public outreach. The Pulpit Rock subcommittee also reported on a need to replace aging trail boardwalks and will consider RFPs for professional trail builders for several structures.
Janine Percopus, a founding member of the Bedford Land Trust, attended and thanked the commission for a thoughtful amendment process and offered to help clarify the original easement intent when needed.
Why this matters: Easement language will determine allowed uses, long‑term habitat outcomes, and operational responsibilities. The commission must balance recreation, agriculture, habitat protection, and maintenance realities.
What happens next: Staff will draft proposed easement language and a management plan for commission review; the amended easement will require commission recommendation, town council approval and review by the attorney general's office.
