Hubbardston's Open Space Committee convened on March 5, 2025, to discuss the potential auction of a significant parcel of land owned by the town, raising concerns about its future as a conservation area. The property, which scored second highest in the town's conservation scoring process, is located in the Northeast section and is seen as vital for maintaining connectivity with surrounding open spaces.

Committee members expressed apprehension that auctioning off the land could hinder its conservation potential. The discussion highlighted the importance of the property, which features unique characteristics that enhance its value for public use and environmental preservation. The committee noted that while the town currently owns the land, the decision to auction it could lead to its development, which would contradict the town's goals for open space preservation.

Financial considerations were also a focal point of the meeting. The committee reviewed the available funds in the open space and recreation account, which currently stands at approximately $61,000. Despite this funding, no projects have been proposed to the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) for open space or recreation initiatives, raising questions about the town's commitment to preserving such valuable properties.

The committee members agreed that they should formally communicate their concerns to the select board, emphasizing the need to protect this parcel as a conservation area. They suggested that if the land were to be auctioned, it should include a conservation restriction to ensure its preservation for future generations. The meeting concluded with a call to action for the committee to advocate for the land's conservation, reinforcing its significance to the community and the environment.