Volunteers press Grafton for a long-term invasive-species plan at Village Park; select board to explore grants and planning commission role

Volunteers and select board members devoted a lengthy portion of the April 6 meeting to Village Park maintenance and invasive-species management. A volunteer/board member (speaker 2) summarized goals for 2026 — trail maintenance, signage, porta-potties and rehabilitating an apple tree orchard — and asked the board about options for removing dead limbs, ash-tree removal, and invasive-species treatment.

Speakers emphasized constraints. The volunteer noted the town crew may not be licensed for chemical invasive-species application under state rules; the group discussed alternatives including staged cutting, contracting licensed applicators, grant funding, partnering with regional groups (the Grafton Outdoor Alliance was mentioned) and integrating invasive-species objectives into the next town plan. One participant described previous work by Longview (logging/clearing) and a contractor named Jeff Potter (linked to Fenton Hennessy / Brookside Escavating) who may repair cemetery stones and who has provided cost/insurance information.

Concerns about hazardous species (for example poison parsnip) and public safety were raised; speakers recommended careful method selection and timing. The board asked staff to revisit the issue when the town administrator (Morgan) returns so the town can assess licensing, grant eligibility, and the scale of work needed. No formal appropriation or contract award was made at the April 6 meeting; members indicated the issue likely belongs in the town plan and in future grant-seeking work.

Speakers suggested multiple next steps: a site visit with highway staff, exploring grant options, and coordinating volunteer priorities with the planning commission for inclusion in the eight-year town plan.