Open Space Committee
(a subcommittee of the Upton Conservation Commission)

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:
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Increase awareness and enjoyment of Upton's protected lands and natural resources and educate the public on open space issues.
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Work with public officials, private landowners, and land trusts to identify opportunities for open space management, protection or acquisition.
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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.
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Work to preserve Upton's open spaces, cultural, agricultural and historical resources and landscapes, and Upton's rural, small-town character.
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Expand and improve active and passive recreational facilities.
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Protect Upton's water resources.
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Protect Upton's remaining agricultural land.
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Promote the stewardship of town-owned open space and conservation lands for natural resource protection and open space recreation.
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Co-sponsor nature walks and other public education events.
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Hold regular (at least monthly) posted public meetings.
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Maintain meeting minutes and submit minutes to the Town Clerk and the Conservation Commission.
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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
- 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. |