The Harwich Conservation Trust’s (HCT) plan to preserve 17.75 acres along Robins Pond gained significant momentum Friday as the Real Estate and Open Space Committee threw its unanimous support behind the $450,000 acquisition. The project, which targets a critical wildlife corridor and perennial stream within the Herring River watershed, will rely on Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds for a purchase price that HCT officials say is currently below the land's appraised value.

Michael Link of the Harwich Conservation Trust presented the proposal, noting that the acquisition provides a dual benefit of protecting the town’s drinking water and securing local habitats. Link explained to the committee that this protects public water supply recharge areas and wildlife habitat, adding that the Town would hold the permanent conservation restriction on the property. The committee’s endorsement is a crucial step for the HCT as the CPA funding cycle for open space acquisitions closes.

Motion Made by K. [Member] to accept the proposed letter of support for CPA funding for a conservation restriction on the acquisition of the 17.75-acre Robins Pond Woodlands. Motion Passed (4-0).

While the Robins Pond project moved forward, a broader initiative to transfer various town-owned parcels from the Select Board to the Conservation Commission and Water Department met with procedural delays. Committee Chair Dave noted that the goal of the reshuffling is to ensure that environmentally sensitive lands are managed by the appropriate experts. Committee member Margot agreed with the strategy, stating that the idea is to assign parcels to the entity best equipped to manage them, as the Select Board’s current workload often precludes specialized land management. Conservation deals with these properties all the time. It puts them in a more appropriate place with experts, Margot added.

The transfer list includes a 19-acre wellfield parcel near the town line that was originally set aside for wind turbines that never materialized. However, some members questioned the long-term maintenance of these properties if they are transferred. Committee member Carol asked, Why are we doing this? Will they manage invasive species or just let it sit? In response, Link noted that for parcels adjacent to HCT land, the Trust would collaborate with the town on invasive plant control and monitoring.

The committee ultimately decided to table the final vote on the parcel list until November to resolve concerns regarding public access at Hinckley’s Pond. Committee member Kathy raised alarms regarding a specific strip of land where project funding for a viewing platform and bike kiosk might be rescinded. I want to make sure we aren't squashing public access before it's finalized, Kathy said, noting that transferring the land to the Conservation Commission could inadvertently lead to tighter restrictions that might block the planned public amenities.

Beyond specific acquisitions, the committee is intensifying its oversight of the town's Land Bank holdings. Chair Dave reported that he is cross-referencing assessor records with property lists from the Water and Conservation departments to validate that all protected lands have the necessary legal safeguards. We want to ensure all Land Bank properties have the required conservation restrictions, Dave said, mentioning reports that at least one past CPA project may be missing the required documentation. The meeting concluded with a brief update from member Brad, who arrived late to the session but noted nothing else to add to the morning's reports on the town's ongoing GIS mapping and housing efforts.