2019 MA Open Space Conference
On April 27th, 2019, we hosted the 4th Massachusetts Open Space Conference at Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner, MA. Over 100 people from Open Space Committees, other relevant town boards, and conservation professionals attended. This free event provided a statewide forum for volunteer members of town boards and committees with an interest in protecting and stewarding open space to convene to share ideas, resources, and network in a peer-to-peer setting. Those who attended this event walked away feeling inspired, expanded their network, and left with some tangible next steps for how they can make their goals to protect and steward open space a reality within their own communities.
Track A: Municipal Land Conservation
1A. New Powers for Agricultural Commissions
New Powers for Agricultural Commissions
2A. The Right of First Refusal: A Case Study from Southampton
3A. Landowner Outreach
Track B: Effective Municipal Planning
1B. Who’s at the Table? Managing Multiple Partners in OSRP Development and Implementation
2B. Making Your Open Space Committee a Force within Town
Making Your Open Space Committee a Force
3B. Using GIS to Think Strategically
Track C: Funding Your Projects
1C. Accessing Grants for Land Protection
Grants for Land Protection Presentation
2C. Reviewing and Renewing your Open Space & Recreation Plan
Open Space & Recreation Plan Presentation
Writing and Renewing your OSRP
3C. Using Community Preservation Act (CPA) Funds to Assist with Open Space & Recreation Projects
Track D: Mitigating Climate Change
1D. Solar Siting Recommendations
Solar PV Siting Recommendations Presentation
Clark Solar Final Report
2D. The Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program: A Case Study from Arlington
3D. Perspectives in Trail Planning