Charlemont conservation panel approves restriction for 30-acre Riddell Road property

The Charlemont Conservation Committee voted Feb. 12 to approve a conservation restriction covering about 30 acres of hayfield and woodland on Riddell Road and signed a municipal certificate declaring the restriction a public benefit.

Liam Cregan of the Franklin Land Trust presented the proposal, saying the land — owned by Dorothy “Penny” DeGeorges — contains the rare flower pyrola and that Riddell Road is the only access point. Cregan asked the committee to sign the municipal certificate so the restriction could move forward; he said he will bring the signed materials to the Select Board as the next step.

Scott Randall moved to approve the conservation restriction; Andrea Santos seconded the motion. The committee voted unanimously in favor and signed the municipal certificate at the meeting. The committee also reviewed maps prepared by Cregan that outline the parcel and its mix of open field and woodland.

The committee approved two routine items as well: Andrea Santos moved to accept the minutes from Jan. 8, 2026; Scott Randall seconded and the minutes were approved. Committee members also discussed agenda item “180 8A,” noting that a bus remains the outstanding issue for winter-break plans, that members plan a final site visit (the last visit occurred before snowfall), and that Thorne Palmer will call to follow up.

The committee adjourned at 7:40 p.m. Cregan will take the signed municipal certificate to the Select Board as the next procedural step for the conservation restriction.