The committee discussed a recent request from Nina Duggan (identified in the transcript as operating a small business called Waywood Ecologist) to lead small, paid animal‑tracking walks on town conservation land.

Members said such activities are possible but raised questions about application procedures, whether a private operator charging fees must be treated differently from nonprofit partners, and how any fees should be handled. Speaker 1 noted prior examples (Bay State Trail Riders and botanical‑garden programs) where fees were charged to participants and funds were used for materials or to support projects. Committee members said the ConCom (Conservation Commission) is the formal permitting body and recommended the open‑space committee be notified on future applications so it can provide input.

The committee agreed to contact Duggan to clarify whether she charges a fee, how funds are used, and whether she is registered locally. They also discussed options such as asking a commercial operator to help with trail projects in exchange for access. Members emphasized that nominal participant fees aligned with educational goals would be acceptable, while arrangements looking to extract significant profit from town lands would merit closer scrutiny.

Separately, the committee heard an update on a sandpit development and a planning‑board request for Niche to draft overlay zoning language. Speaker 4 said the planning board will review a draft overlay and the select board will consider it; if approved, the overlay would be placed on the town meeting warrant in June. Members discussed public input channels — planning board and select board meetings, and the town meeting — and noted a Zoom status meeting with Niche is scheduled for the 10th.

Next steps: staff will contact Duggan for clarification on fees and insurance, ask ConCom to share application materials with the open‑space committee, and monitor the planning board’s Niche meeting for the sandpit overlay draft.