Middlefield selectmen approve one-year no‑mow policy for large fields to protect nesting birds

The Middlefield Board of Selectmen on March 17 voted unanimously to adopt a conservation‑oriented mowing policy that prohibits disturbance, including mowing, of fields larger than 10 acres until July 25 for a one‑year trial period. The measure, presented by the Conservation Commission, was moved by Susan McNamara and seconded by Doug O’Rourke.

The policy aims to reduce impacts on ground‑nesting birds. The Conservation Commission discussed two options: an earlier cut followed by a 73‑day no‑mow period ending Aug. 1, or delaying any mowing until July 15 to allow nesting. Commissioners noted an estimate that roughly 30% of birds may still be present after July 15 and recommended delaying the date to July 25; the Audubon recommendation of Aug. 1 was also discussed but the board adopted July 25 for the trial.

Under the approved policy, footpaths may be maintained for pedestrian access while the no‑mow restriction applies to fields over 10 acres (identified in the presentation as Strickland Farm, Hubbard Street and the Coginchaug Greenway). The board agreed to a one‑year monitoring period with adjustments as needed based on observations and reported outcomes.

The meeting also recorded that the Conservation Commission will issue hunting permits for town‑owned property and will notify the Board of Selectmen of each permit. The hunting requests presented by the commission were approved by voice vote.

The policy takes effect as the one‑year trial; the board did not specify additional implementation dates beyond the July 25 mowing restriction and the monitoring requirement.