Parks and Natural Resources Committee

Agendas and Minutes

Members
James Morrow (Chair)
Kenneth Feathers (Secretary)
Quentin Kessel, Conservation Commission Representative
Susan Harrington
Tom Harrington
Charlotte Pyle
Vicky Wetherell

Alternates
Juliana M. Barrett
Miranda Davis

Charge
*Duties and charge replace those of the Open Space Preservation Committee and Parks Advisory Committee

The Parks and Natural Resources Committee shall focus on preservation and stewardship of parks and natural resources and shall serve in an advisory capacity to the Town Council and other town officials, with the following charges and duties:

General

  • To implement “Planning, Acquisition, and Management Guidelines, Mansfield Open Space, Park, Recreation, Agricultural Properties and Conservation Easements,” as amended.
  • To serve as a liaison with public and private land conservation entities.
  • To make recommendations for town actions for parks, natural resources conservation or acquisition.
  • To advise the Planning and Zoning Commission regarding development proposals and land use regulations.
  • To participate in developing management plans for Town properties.
  • To provide recommendations to town officials and town staff concerning the impact of existing and proposed town policies on natural resources and land management.
  • To contribute to updates of the Plan of Conservation and Development.

Education and Outreach

  • To increase awareness of the Town’s Parks and Natural Resources.
  • To educate and work with landowners to promote preservation and stewardship of private land and natural resources.
  • To promote community interest and understanding of parks, preserves, and natural resources in the Town of Mansfield through community education events, special training, etc.
  • To expand and support the Natural Areas Volunteers and stewardship programs.

Membership

The Parks and Natural Resources Committee shall consist of seven regular voting members and two alternates appointed by the Town Council in accordance with A§192 of the Mansfield Code. The appointments shall be staggered three year terms. A voting member shall be selected by the Conservation Commission as their representative.  A representative of the Planning and Zoning Commission may serve as liaison between the Committee and the Commission, ex officio.

Insofar as practical, members appointed shall have expertise in local history; community outreach; trail construction and management; land use planning; or environmental/natural resource disciplines.

A chair and a secretary will be elected by the committee and will serve for a term of one year.