North Upton Open Space (NUOS) Land Stewardship Plan
The Upton Conservation Commission has developed a draft Land Stewardship Plan for town-owned properties off North Street, including the Warren Brook Watershed, Howarth Glen, and Whitney Conservation Areas, and two other town-owned parcels. This stewardship plan is intended to guide the management of the properties for the next ten years. The draft plan considers information received from state and private conservation organizations as well as from a consulting forester and a tribal historic preservation officer. The plan will also consider input from other town boards, including the Historical Commission, Recreation Commission, and Board of Selectmen, as well as members of the public. The plan describes the forest, cultural and recreational resources of the area, provides stewardship goals and recommendations, and proposes an implementation plan. The plan proposes to conduct timber harvesting within some areas, including the creation of 5 to 10 acres of early successional (young forest) habitat in order to increase wildlife diversity. Approximately 35% of the 300-acre area will be managed with limited cutting to develop old-growth forest characteristics.
North Upton Open Space Land Stewardship Plan (PDF)
Information Session
The Upton Conservation Commission held a public information session about the plan on Saturday, February 17, 2018, at 1 pm. Upton Town Hall.
Public Hearing
A public hearing was held on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at 8 pm in Upton Town Hall.