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Merrimac Open Space Committee OKs up to $700 for trail tree removal, approves outreach spending and reviews OSRP draft
Summary
At its May 12 meeting the Merrimac Open Space Committee authorized up to $700 to remove storm-downed trees, approved $100 for kid nature kits and $175 for trail-map printing, and heard that a draft Open Space & Recreation Plan is complete and under advisory review.
The Merrimac Open Space Committee met on May 12, 2026, and approved routine maintenance and small outreach expenditures while reviewing a consultant draft of the town's Open Space and Recreation Plan. The meeting began at 4:00 p.m. and adjourned at 5:15 p.m.
Committee member Sandy Venner reported that two trees on the Red Oak Trail off Battis Road have already been removed, and Dawn Ackerman said there are two trees across the McLaren Trail, one of which is caught over the path and may require professional removal. Committee member Mary Ann Glennon moved and Sue Simmons seconded a motion authorizing Venner to contact Mayer Tree Service if necessary and to spend up to $700 for removal; the committee agreed to the authorization.
The committee also agreed that the wrap placed on a tree by the bench on the Cobblers Brook Trail should be removed because it is non-native and could damage the tree, Venner said.
On outreach, Dawn Ackerman will register the Open Space Committee for a booth at Old Home Days on Saturday, Aug. 8. Sue Simmons said she will get details from the town's 150th Committee about an Oct. 17 event and whether the booth needs coverage from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Mary Ann Glennon reported that the consultant has completed a draft of the Open Space & Recreation Plan; the draft will be reviewed by the Advisory Committee and any interested members of the Open Space Committee. Ackerman led students at the Donaghue School in a discussion about the town's open space and recreation plans, the committee noted.
On budget items, the committee authorized Sue Simmons (motion seconded by Sandy Venner and Dawn Ackerman) to spend up to $100 for "kid nature kits" for Old Home Days and authorized up to $175 for printing additional trail maps (motion by Sue Simmons, seconded by Mary Ann Glennon); both expenditures were approved.
Sandy Venner reported speaking with town planning consultant Denise McClure about the Waterhouse Property on East Main Street; McClure told the committee there is currently no viable development plan and that the Planning Board will be notified if one is ready for presentation.
The committee set its next meeting for Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. and then voted to adjourn at 5:15 p.m. The minutes were signed by Sandra Venner on June 9, 2026.
