Groton Open Space Association

Conservation Unit Issues Recommendations On GOSA’s Merritt Rules

GROTON — The Conservation Commission recommended Oct. 21, 2009, that GOSA re-evaluate allowed uses of The Merritt Family Forest when it completes its inventory of the property’s resources, but it refused to endorse town planners’ efforts to force GOSA to cut a multi-use trail through the property.

GOSA’s current policy is to allow only pedestrian use of the property and does not permit horses, bicycles and dogs. The Conservation Commission was drawn into the dispute over the policy by a Planning Commission referral July 27, 2009. The Conservation Commission considered the matter at its Oct. 5, 2009, meeting but did not issue an immediate statement. Their recommendation was released Oct. 21 through the Office of Planning and Development Services.

While withholding a specific recommendation as to whether GOSA should be required to conform to the town’s Master Trail Plan, the Commission did comment on dogs, saying: “We would like the public to be able to walk leashed dogs on the property as long as the impact to natural resources can be minimized.”

Noting that the Master Trail Plan calls for a trail 12 to 14 feet wide with 2 ½ foot shoulders, the commission said, “A trail designed for more limited use may be more appropriate given the terrain and resources. We note that narrow pedestrian trails have been developed that connect to town property to the south.” It said that “GOSA has met the requirements of the Conservation Easement which was signed when the open space grant was used to purchase this property.”

The Planning Commission is to discuss the Conservation Commission’s opinion and its own plan of action at its next meeting, Oct. 27, 2009. The OPDS has invited the Planning Commission to write a letter to the state Department of Environmental Protection urging close consultation between the state and local planning authorities on any grants to Groton land conservation groups.

Conservationists fear that the OPDS, which has taken no initiatives toward dedicating land to open space, is effectively seeking veto power over state grants to Groton conservation groups. The town itself has raised no open space money since voters authorized an $8 million bond issue in 1988, only 75% of which was actually spent. The OPDS also recommended in a memo June 9 that the state should require GOSA to comply with the town trails plan.

The trail plan was drawn up by a consultant, Brian Kent. Mr. Kent is husband of Deborah Finco-Kent, whose land abuts The Merritt Family Forest. Ms. Finco-Kent runs an equine rescue service and stable on the abutting land. Ms. Kent says she has applied for non-profit status for her operation. On Aug. 25, 2009, the Town Council decided, after considering the matter since March 3, 2009, to take no action.

Planning Commissioner Peter Roper has sent to GOSA via the OPDS a copy of a memo he has written to the OPDS and Planning Commission dated Oct. 13, 2009. Mr. Roper charges that inaccurate information was included in GOSA’s application for the state grant that was used to help acquire the Merritt property.

His memo says without elaborating: “Therefore, we should urge the State to contact the Planning staff if application is made again by anyone other than the Town of Groton itself.”