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Sharon conservation commission weighs access, ecology and potential logging for 100-acre Minister’s Lot
Summary
At its Jan. 12 meeting the Sharon Conservation Commission discussed access, ecology and management options for the 100-acre Minister’s Lot; a December site walk led by Dan Healy prompted a call for a written recommendation and further boundary and inventory work before any trail-building or timber decisions.
The Sharon Conservation Commission on Jan. 12 reviewed options for public access and long-term management of the 100-acre Minister’s Lot, deferring firm decisions until conservation consultant Dan Healy submits a written report.
Commission members said the Brasile family has offered parking at the end of O’Donnell Farm Road, but that reaching the VAST snowmobile trail requires a roughly 100-foot walk across a narrow spit of land; formalizing public access will require additional arrangements. Healy, who led a December site walk attended by Commissioner Erik Skarsten and Secretary Donna Foster, told the group he will map sensitive areas and make recommendations for stewardship and access.
The commission emphasized ecological constraints. Scott Chestnut noted that portions of the parcel are steep and contain 80-year-old field pines that have been shading out other species. The group cited vernal pools, ledgy areas and drainage features as sensitive and said boundary and species-inventory work is needed before permitting trail construction or any timber harvest. Former county forester AJ Follensbee previously assessed the parcel and had thought a selective logging operation might encourage ecological transition by reducing mature pine dominance, but members said additional, up-to-date analysis is required.
Commissioners discussed whether limited access could make the property eligible for Current Use (a conservation tax program) and whether any forestry plan on file needs updating. Members also considered school-based mapping with the state ecologist Bob Zaino and the possibility of involving students in documenting natural areas once the commission has a finalized management plan.
Next steps: Dan Healy will prepare and deliver a write-up with recommendations and boundary details; the commission will review that report before pursuing trail construction, logging, or enrollment in conservation programs. No formal motions or votes were taken.
