Open Space Committee

Mission: Upton's Open Space Committee is dedicated to protecting our town's quality of life by preserving its open spaces, its natural resources, its historic treasures and its small town character.

 

Organization: The Upton Open Space Comittee (UOSC) will be a subcomittee of the Upton Conservation Commission.  Members of the USOC shall be appointed by the Conservation Commission.  The committee shall consist of between 3 and 7 voting members.  Others may participate as volunteers without appointments.  The committee shall elect a Chairman and Secretary approved annually for one year terms.

 

Responsibilities:

The UOSC shall:

• Increase awareness and enjoyment of Upton's protected lands and natural resources and educate the public on open space issues.
• Work with public officials, private landowners, and land trusts to identify opportunities for open space management, protection or acquisition.
• Help the town develop by-laws , regulations and planning strategies to preserve open space, enhance natural habitats and ensure that rapid development does not overburden town services or town taxpayers.
• Work to preserve Upton's open spaces, cultural, agricultural and historical resources and landscapes, and Upton's rural, small-town character.
• Expand and improve active and passive recreational facilities.
• Protect Upton's water resources.
• Protect Upton's remaining agricultural land.
• Promote the stewardship of town-owned open space and conservation lands for natural resource protection and open space recreation.
• Co-sponsor nature walks and other public education events.
• Hold regular (at least monthly) posted public meetings.
• Maintain meeting minutes and submit minutes to the Town Clerk and the Conservation Commission.
• Prepare a yearly report summarizing committee activities for inclusion in the Annual Town Report.

Established: By a unanimous vote of the Upton Conservation Commission.

 

Mission Statement revised and approved by the Upton Conservation Commission May 11, 2011

Events

Meetings and Minutes

Documents

Current Initiatives

Sweetwilliam Farm(North Street) - The committee is actively working on preserving this 92+ acre historic farm.  The project is expected to close in mid-June.

Useful Links

Members

• Mike Penko (Chair)
  
• Tom Dodd 
  
• Scott Heim 
  
• Rick Holmes (CPA committee representative)
• Marcella Stasa
• Bill Taylor

Contact

By email: mpenko@charter.net

By phone: Messages for the committee can be left with Denise Smith, the Conservation Commission Administrative Assistant, at 508-529-6286.

For a description of Upton Conservation areas and trail maps click here. 

For the most recent Town of Upton Open Space map click here. 

For pictures of Upton's open spaces click here.