The Northborough Conservation Commission discussed potential revisions to the town’s conservation‑land allowed‑uses policy — especially allowing deer hunting beyond the limited area currently permitted at Mount Pisgah — and voted to continue the item to the June 9 meeting to gather more information and stakeholder feedback.

Commissioners and outside speakers debated forest stewardship, deer impacts on forest regeneration, public safety, and enforcement. Dan Clark, drawing on his land‑management experience, argued the town should consider expanding legal hunting access to help control deer densities that inhibit forest regeneration; he cited neighboring landowners and agencies that allow hunting and said hunting is the most cost‑effective, proven method to reduce overabundant deer where natural predators are absent.

Speakers noted that Northborough’s current policy (last updated November 13, 2000) limits hunting to about an 8.5‑acre portion of Mount Pisgah with permission of the commission and requires applicants to show firearms‑safety certification. Commissioners requested more information on state hunting seasons, deer density data, police and public‑safety input, and examples of how neighboring towns manage permits. The commission voted to continue the discussion to June 9 to allow time for research and invitations to police, DPW and other stakeholders; roll call to continue was unanimous.