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Commission unanimously backs application for up to $75,000 to restore grassland at Crow's Pasture
Summary
Town staff will apply for a MassWildlife grant (deadline Oct. 17) seeking up to $75,000 to thin invasive trees, restore coastal grassland habitat at Crow's Pasture and support prescribed burning; commission unanimously authorized the application and staff work.
The Dennis Conservation Commission unanimously authorized staff on Sept. 19 to pursue a MassWildlife grant of up to $75,000 to fund grassland restoration at Crow's Pasture.
Eric (speaker 12), who has been coordinating with land management staff, said the western pasture is undergoing woody succession that is reducing open grassland habitat used by rare plants and grassland-nesting birds. He described a project that would thin encroaching oaks and other trees over the winter in accordance with Natural Heritage timing restrictions, follow with prescribed burns coordinated with the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and use volunteers and staff for follow-up management.
"The grant deadline is October 17. If the funds support projects up to $75,000, we're going for the full amount," Eric said. He asked for commission authority to submit the application and pursue full funding; commissioners expressed support and asked about follow-up measures to limit stump resprouting. Eric said follow-up management would include stump grinding, prescribed burn planning and volunteer maintenance.
The motion to authorize staff to apply for the grant passed unanimously. If awarded, staff said work would be scheduled in accordance with Natural Heritage timing restrictions and completed by the end of June the following year per grant limits.
