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Commission asks Zoo New England to revise Foss Farm habitat proposal after stakeholder concerns
Summary
Commissioners requested Zoo New England to address stakeholder concerns about proposed location, maintenance responsibilities and implementation detail for its Foss Farm habitat project and to present a revised plan for future consideration.
Megan Sullivan reported that stakeholder feedback on Zoo New England’s Community Biodiversity Grants proposal for Foss Farm had been solicited from community garden members, the Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC), the pony club, the trails committee and the Agricultural Commission. Commissioners raised concerns about the project’s proposed location, long‑term maintenance responsibilities and a lack of detailed implementation plans. Sylvia Willard highlighted that parts of the proposed site are in the 100‑year flood zone and urged clear maintenance protocols.
The commission voted unanimously to ask Zoo New England to review and incorporate written stakeholder concerns, engage directly with those stakeholder groups, and present a revised plan consistent with the project vision. The commission recorded that a revised plan should include clearer maintenance arrangements and site selection rationale before further consideration at a future meeting.
