[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6297154,"mediaKeyId","2510793-828fac8c45526afe8eaaba764897cb92","parentId",2510793,"title","At a glance: Open Space Committee accepts minutes, adjourns special meeting","audioSeconds",6714,"startMs",92000,"endMs",6806000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2510793-828fac8c45526afe8eaaba764897cb92&start=92&end=6806","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2510793-828fac8c45526afe8eaaba764897cb92/thumbnail_92000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6297154/Massachusetts/At-a-glance-Open-Space-Committee-accepts-minutes-adjourns-special-meeting","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6297154-a2fc5289e681d3c888acd01ed04945ff/orig.mp4?Expires=1770506033&Signature=bc-T5wyJnYPQyNl1Sqdsntfq2-CcgKtC7qeevTkOzjsjMzMbU3Vd9ZTgVhROtQl0rvoAX1~drG3u1hDDuHvy5xPfbMkNK5gCkWbmwQwEd9V7hydYqNZ28606y8P7p64hGlnmMFxZ5qlxHyTytfyOCD1w5fkqsvvBSGkA7ddTJc8tuGmwNEqEro7pdJhzA6RtZdDB1cguL4ErCW0r8mzVvSa2q0v5LWQAxju4rMTfl7stRIXupiGIEEd~Tviuz9hX89IR2YsT57AWCntOwyxoOlLJx3r7nsrQMvSLMe0zu5U0Vb9EtG5e3RQlGrSQVtyJ8KJdj731L9bDoxNhGgRUUw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Hubbardston, MA","date","2025-03-06T00:00:00Z","article","The Town of Hubbardston Open Space Committee carried two routine motions during the meeting.

Minutes accepted
A motion to accept the minutes from the prior meeting was made and seconded by Tim Tarrant. The committee approved the minutes by voice vote; members present responded \"Aye.\" The motion text and exact mover (the member who spoke the motion) were recorded in the transcript as the committee proceeding but the transcript did not include a formal roll-call tally.

Adjournment
At the meeting’s close a member moved to adjourn; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

No further formal votes or ordinance actions were recorded in the transcript provided.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Town of Hubbardston: Open Space Committee 03.05.25","oneSentenceSummary","The committee formally accepted circulated minutes and later moved to adjourn; both motions passed by voice vote. No contested ballots or roll-call tallies were recorded in the transcript.","taxTitle","Town of Hubbardston, Worcester County, Massachusetts","taxId",61645,"location","Massachusetts","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6297159,"Committee offers options for Eagle Scout trail project and recommends durable bog-bridge and interpretive signs",2775,3050000,5825000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2510793-828fac8c45526afe8eaaba764897cb92&start=3050&end=5825","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2510793-828fac8c45526afe8eaaba764897cb92/thumbnail_3050000.jpg","/articles/6297159/Massachusetts/Committee-offers-options-for-Eagle-Scout-trail-project-and-recommends-durable-bog-bridge-and-interpretive-signs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6297159-606c9f5c9c29b6f7c7fd644c4572776a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770506034&Signature=UuzwMeVLpx~Pz5glHjeqlyo7tlA6Cgiqt248kVon8uaQnSTZAgLlfr-poJ832nMS09a6Dfu00ntdwcRlLkb2kBQX8CbwCWGNrXaoRIJJN~kK7HIGKmFoZcgL-fWZhGKwiGkQKfWlEqXGq4RkgfVjRnLimTiARq6bE2POuU2LsYfGCABjDL5LT1Djoy6-tAncZYTA3C3SrbKowrvTcOSXrJ3V5DdcIE037YXRuHhZy79U7~W9pnJ52S1ciXkxDqxFRo4igVjB7eUj9HWZOsDP5j00EpH5204hUWz5PWNOo-qyJhP-Oype7jYrdTm8xcw0Ty5fZts4SKXwnR3HL6q-Kg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Open Space Committee reviewed an Eagle Scout project proposal and suggested alternatives and a process for approval that prioritize durability, trail usability, and coordination with town stewards.

The candidate’s written submission, as circulated to the committee, described a single bog bridge “12 feet long, 2 to 3 feet wide” on a swampy section of the Conesto Brook Trail (location described in committee documents as the section behind the chimney). Committee members said that scope is implementable but urged modern materials and a design allowing bike and emergency-ATV access where appropriate.

Committee guidance and project options
Committee members recommended several changes to improve longevity and reduce maintenance: shorter spans with multiple short girders, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or FRP (fiber-reinforced polymer) decking on durable supports instead of untreated wood, and limited stone or short approaches on either end to channel flow. Members noted the maintenance burden of wood boardwalks and cited recent replacement work on other trails as evidence for using long‑lasting materials.

Committee members also proposed alternative or additional Eagle Scout projects: an interpretive trail with a series of small numbered signs (or QR codes) linked to online content or printed brochures, and a replanting or seedling-planting effort focused on riparian and pollinator species if seedlings are available. The committee discussed seedlings and a state program but noted that available stock was limited and that a formal forest-stewardship plan can affect program eligibility.

Process and scheduling
The committee asked that troop leaders and Eagle candidates approach the Open Space Committee early in their planning, so projects can be scoped and approved before significant volunteer effort. Members recommended inviting troop leaders (local Boy/Girl Scout contacts were identified) and contacting state forest staff for work proposed on or adjacent to state land. The candidate had indicated an early-summer timeframe for completion; the committee said field reconnaissance and research could fit within that schedule depending on final scope.

Speakers and roles
Bob (committee member; prepared draft response to the candidate)
Madeline (Eagle Scout candidate; Gardener troop representative referenced in meeting)
Jesse Bridal (Open Space Committee mentor/volunteer contact)
Tim Tarrant (forester; committee resource)
Mike Downey (external contact referenced for seedlings)

Clarifying details
- Candidate’s submitted specification: bog bridge described as 12 ft long and 2–3 ft wide (proposal text copied into meeting materials).
- Preferred alternative: shorter, robust spans (for example 4 ft deck panels supported on short HDPE or metal girders) to reduce need for heavy lifting and to improve longevity.
- Interpretive signs: committee recommended small numbered signs or QR codes linked to online interpretive content rather than large, wordy panels; signage should be installed after heavy construction to avoid damage.

Next steps
The committee will send a concise response to the Eagle Scout candidate outlining the preferred options, request early site visits with a committee member or forester, and invite troop leaders to coordinate logistics. If the proposed work affects state forest land or larger culverts/bridges, the committee said it will coordinate with state officials and obtain required permits or permissions.","An Eagle Scout candidate proposed a bog-bridge on Conesto Brook Trail; the committee suggested alternatives (short durable spans, FRP or HDPE materials), recommended early coordination with troop leaders and state forest staff, and proposed interpretive signage and planting options as higher‑value projects.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6297164,"Hubbardston open-space committee raises aquifer and habitat concerns over sandpit development proposal",2460,147000,2607000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2510793-828fac8c45526afe8eaaba764897cb92&start=147&end=2607","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2510793-828fac8c45526afe8eaaba764897cb92/thumbnail_147000.jpg","/articles/6297164/Massachusetts/Hubbardston-open-space-committee-raises-aquifer-and-habitat-concerns-over-sandpit-development-proposal","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6297164-449e79dd9bdb78baafe2a99f249a4fe5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770506034&Signature=aiKgBTzzOyrFxv4pa6K9IwWRDCoo2gfOvMrEf6yQmcH23~mM~gvAkMDWaJIKlY20C7BOMauUyz9Llw129r0Gr2TfF-TIF3NTA-NwyllJzByZgTN5pBOi5TnsXAVIX1gdj88sOCeJ6Sc9GtBccXQ8aU8Tv-v8WmxBP0mt1FSKXX7Fod0PE6bO~gpJXslHmOC1XsJ~dWzWbowfYv506fnuzPvYYT335Jvzct4R9Q7DizVtmDivml9x6nY1XOrRNwIjRmJgVScDaxcMeNntujR8LByFdxM41wE~5XidONiSquYWSw7debGrmwdVpj1ue~ObNROoBMrPF93iu-gI1ldhhg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Town of Hubbardston Open Space Committee on a recent meeting reviewed the status of a development proposal for land in the town’s gravel-pit area and urged careful review of groundwater and habitat risks before any plan advances.

Committee members and guests said the request-for-proposals covered roughly 10 acres in the sand/gravel-pit complex north of Pitcherville Road and that only a single bid had been received by the deadline. Committee members said the request itself did not include detailed environmental analysis or a clear map showing the exact footprint of the proposed work; committee staff said the selected contractor would present a development plan and that the town expects at least one public meeting and interface with the planning board during plan development.

Why it matters: speakers warned that the northwestern quadrant of town contains conservation values — an important aquifer, vernal pools, cold-water stream segments, and a parcel of state forest — that could be affected by intensive development. Several participants said earlier proposals for the pits had included industrial uses such as asphalt plants and disposal of construction material.

Committee discussion and concerns
The committee heard a detailed statement from guest Jesse Bridal, who said the pits have historically been worked for gravel and now face ownership change and potential development. Bridal said the area \"is ripe for development\" and urged early coordination among town officials, developers and conservation groups to protect key natural resources.

Bridal and other members noted several specific conservation features in or near the gravel pits: a parcel of state forest in the northwest corner, an identified priority-habitat polygon noted in state mapping tools, numerous vernal pools, headwaters that feed the Otter River, and a significant local aquifer supplying drinking water to parts of town. Committee members emphasized that some habitat records are restricted (not publicly mapped) to avoid exposing rare species locations to threat.

Committee members asked planning staff (referred to in the meeting as Nate) whether a standing advisory or working group would be formed after contract award; staff responded that the selected contractor would meet publicly and that formation of an advisory team or working group would be discussed once selection is finalized.

Implementation and next steps
Committee members agreed to monitor the proposal-review schedule and to request clearer mapping of the proposed footprint and a plan for ongoing conservation review. The committee recommended inviting state resource agencies (for example, the Department of Conservation and Recreation and fisheries or wildlife staff) into early project discussions where relevant.

Speakers
Jesse Bridal, Open Space Committee mentor and guest (spoke as a local conservation advocate)
Tim Tarrant, forester and committee member (identified in the meeting as a local forestry resource)
Rick (committee member)
Steph Friend (committee member)
Nate (staff member, planning-related)
Mark Dimock (landowner referenced; has a conservation restriction on a nearby parcel)
Mike Downey (external contact referenced on seedlings/planting; affiliation not specified)

Clarifying details
- Proposal scope: the solicitation covered a 10‑acre parcel; the submittal did not include a detailed parcel map identifying exact boundaries (as stated in the meeting).
- Proposals received: meeting record indicates only one proposal had been received by the advertised deadline; additional late submittals could still have been possible in the hours after a staff note.
- Known conservation features near the pits: state forest parcel (~41 acres noted in meeting materials), numerous verified vernal pools, headwaters feeding the Otter River, and a locally important aquifer (all statements made in committee discussion).

Community relevance and next steps
Committee members asked staff to keep the Open Space Committee on the selection/review schedule, to request a clear map and environmental baseline from the proposers, and to consider inviting DCR and other state resource specialists to any advisory meetings. The committee will also continue mapping owner parcels and conservation restrictions in the northwest quadrant so that potential tradeoffs between development and conservation can be evaluated when plans are submitted.","Members and guests discussed a developer proposal for roughly 10 acres in the gravel-pit area, highlighting groundwater, vernal-pool, and rare-habitat risks and asking for stronger community and agency involvement in review and follow-up.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

At a glance: Open Space Committee accepts minutes, adjourns special meeting

Committee offers options for Eagle Scout trail project and recommends durable bog-bridge and interpretive signs

Hubbardston open-space committee raises aquifer and habitat concerns over sandpit development proposal