Open Space Committee
Open Space & Recreation Plan
Current plan, 2000-2005 (Microsoft Word document)Update & Revision 2007
The Open Space Committee invites your ideas, suggestions, and concerns as we plan for the future by protecting our natural resources, and developing recreational opportunities. Our intention is to have a plan that coordinates the resources at hand, and enables us to seek additional resources to achieve our goals. It is vital for our community to share resources and work collaboratively to enhance our caretaking of our habitat. This will enable future generations to enjoy a vibrant town of abundant nature and a thriving community. We invite all town departments, boards, committees, organizations, groups and residents to contribute your areas of interest and expertise, in order to maximize coordination, efficiency, and effectiveness.
Please send us your thoughts, ideas and wishes, including needs, values, and constraints regarding open space & natural resources conservation, and recreational opportunities to: OSP (at) shutesbury.orgSample topics:
Recreation- playground needs
- facilities use (including policies/schedule)
- communication network
- equipment needs
- playing fields (baseball/softball/soccer) - needs? upgrade?
- state park - blending interests/reducing problems, concerns
- trail use
- handicap accessibility
- potential locations for future activities
- Aquifers, Lake Wyola area, & other water resources
- Springs, falls, vernal pools, or other distinctive wetlands
- Rare species or other wildlife core & supporting habitat
- Aesthetically valuable sites
- Areas of distinct geological, archaeological, or historic interest
- Open fields and meadows
- Forests of varying stages
- Areas that connect protected areas or enlarge conservation corridors
- Funding for conservation and open space protection
- Information resources re: conservation options for landowners
- Protecting open & forested land from illegal and destructive actions