New Approach to Land Management Comes to Chelmsford

A new land management sheriff is in town.

The Chelmsford Conservation Commission has established a new Land Management Committee, and fresh details are just out about the new land management arrangement, following what has been described as an amicable break with the Chelmsford Open Space Stewards (COSS).

The Conservation Commission issued a press release Tuesday announcing that, following a six-month planning process, the Conservation Commission has established the Land Management Committee to carry out a dedicated program of land management throughout its reservations.  

The release said that as a Commission committee, it will increase the focus, effort and resources dedicated to Chelmsford’s conservation reservations.  Presently, the Commission is responsible for a total of 930 acres within which are 10 major reservations consisting of 637 acres. The remainder is made up of smaller parcels.  

This past spring, the 2013 Spring Town Meeting voted to transfer 66 acres, known as Oak Hill in North Chelmsford, to the Conservation Commission within three years or at the completion of a site plan, whichever occurs first. At that time, the total land under conservation will increase to more than 1,000 acres with 11 reservations ranging in size from 13 to 180 acres. 

The Conservation Commission intends to acquire more land for conservation purposes when the opportunity rises.

The Conservation Commission also has permitting, regulatory and compliance responsibilities under the Chelmsford Wetland Bylaw-187, the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and federal regulations.  According to the press release, the purpose of the new committee is to "ensure that land management receives the attention and expertise it deserves."

The committee will be a standing committee of the Commission and will carry out a dedicated program of land management including the relevant recommendations in the Chelmsford 2010 Master Plan and Open Space and Recreation Plan. The Committee will have up to seven members with two-year overlapping terms and will be appointed solely by the Conservation Commission.  Present members of the Land Management Committee are Bob Giunta, Cori Rose and Dave McLachlan.  Additional members are being sought.

The purpose of the committee will be to manage Commission conservation land by protecting, maintaining, and enhancing conservation interests. Their guiding principles will be to: (1) organize, coordinate and conduct land maintenance and management activities in order to balance competing interests (e.g., conservation and wildlife vs. passive recreation) and (2) foster communication with town committees and other organizations with related interests.

The Land Management Committee will operate under the direction of the Conservation Commission and will communicate with them frequently on matters of work plans, priorities, funding, volunteers and maintenance. The Land Management Committee will prepare an annual plan for the Commission and assist the Commission in developing funding sources, as needed, for maintenance or desired improvements to conservation lands.

The Land Management Committee says it will seek volunteers to work with the Conservation Commission and help protect Chelmsford’s conservation lands for future generations. 

Anyone interested in being a member of the Land Management Committee or a volunteer with the committee is welcome to contact: Alison LeFlore, Conservation Agent/Planner, 978-250-5248 or aleflore@townofchelmsford.us.  Residents can also visit the Conservation Commission’s Web page at:

http://ma-chelmsford.civicplus.com/index.aspx?NID=276 to report a concern.  Click on ‘Report a Concern’ and you will be redirected to an online form.