Land Stewardship Committee

Since its inception, LSCom has completed many projects that are unique to just one particular conservation land, as well as a number of projects that have been carried out town-wide. The descriptions of the individual conservation lands found elsewhere in this website detail the entrances, trail systems, amenities, special uses, and unusual features of each property. The committee makes these areas accessible, constructs and maintains amenities where appropriate, enhances the trails, and maintains the special features of each property.

Town-wide projects include installation of kiosks of standard design and color at most major entrances. Kiosks are sturdily built structures set into the ground with a notice-board surface on which standard information including a map of the area, steward-contact, and land use regulations are posted. Each has a small roof and is equipped with a map box. All major entrances to principal conservation lands are now marked with similar ‘Conservation Land’ signs, including the name of the property, and in some places, prohibitions.

Fourteen principal conservation lands now have completed trail systems. These are comprised of a main trail—either loop or straight-through—with one or more secondary trails where appropriate, and one or more accesses. Over a three-year period, nearly all trails in these trail systems have been blazed (marked for guidance) using a consistent strategy and a three-color system. Blazing has been done for both directions and for the least intrusion. The page in this website on Trail Blazing gives more information on this topic.

All major trail stream crossings now have bridges, and nearly all perennially wet areas have boardwalks. Several other town-wide projects have been overseen by LSCom. One is the installation of nesting boxes for bluebirds and other species, carried out by the Bluebird Recovery Program. Another is the introduction of blight-resistant elm trees for future shade in selected park-like areas, carried out by an independent public-spirited citizen. And the removal of heavy trash such as autos, bathtubs and appliances, tires, old farm equipment of no historical interest, and old household rubbish dumps has been gradually accomplished by the committee members. Some damp areas have been hardened with corduroy and woodchips. Parking areas have been cleaned up, brushed out, and enhanced.

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