The meeting commenced with an engaging presentation by Freeman Nolan, who outlined his plans for a property he purchased with his wife at the end of Hollow Road. Freeman’s vision is to develop a traditional New England farm on his five-and-a-half-acre plot in Hampden, with an equal portion extending into the Berkshire side. His approach avoids heavy machinery, focusing instead on selectively removing smaller trees to better visualize the land’s potential for farming while preserving larger, older trees. This method reflects an appreciation for the land’s unique landscape, distinguishing it from the more expansive, flat farms typical of the Midwest. Freeman also mentioned the removal of a junk car from the property.

Freeman’s plans include establishing an agricultural history on the land by making agricultural sales this year, a step necessary for future land-use requests, such as constructing a home. He invited the Commission members to visit the property for a site inspection, offering Tuesdays at 5 PM as a possible time for the visit. This invitation led to a discussion among the members about their availability, with some confirming their attendance while others checked their schedules. Freeman’s initiative to form an LLC for the farm underscores his long-term commitment to this project.

The meeting then transitioned to the next agenda item, focusing on the Notice of Intent for the Laughing Brook wildlife sanctuary restoration. The Commission reviewed a letter from the New Hampshire State Park (NHSP) and discussed an invasive plant management plan for the area. Naomi, a participant who joined via Zoom, was available to address any inquiries regarding the project. The Commission inquired about NHSP’s comments on a pond included in the project, to which Naomi clarified that while the pond was acknowledged, it was not specifically commented upon in the correspondence. With no further questions and the absence of additional conditions from NHSP, the Commission prepared to move forward with issuing orders and conditions for the project.

A motion was made to accept and issue an order of conditions, numbered 1730245, which passed unanimously. The discussion briefly touched on the logistics of distributing copies of the order of conditions, with one member querying whether they should be sent to Mass Audubon or another entity. Appreciation was expressed for a special meeting held previously while awaiting a no-take letter, highlighting the urgency felt by some members due to earlier communication gaps.

Another topic addressed was the ongoing illegal tree cutting in the South Ridge Estates area. The Commission discussed the complexities of addressing this issue, particularly concerning the rights of property owners. Previous engagements with landowner Russ, who appeared resistant to discussions about rectifying the situation related to detention ponds, were mentioned. A member expressed frustration over the landowner’s apparent stubbornness, speculating about possible underlying issues affecting his cooperation. The challenges of enforcing regulations on private property were acknowledged, with the Commission noting the need to flag wetlands even when private property is involved.

Additionally, there was communication regarding the appointment of a new part-time conservation agent. Joe, who holds a degree in environmental science and recently filed to join the Commission, is expected to be appointed following the completion of a required seven-day posting period. Plans involve Joe working alongside another member in an office setup, sharing responsibilities related to wetland issues and other conservation matters. This development was met with optimism, as it was noted that “The commission would really benefit from that,” highlighting the need for dedicated support in handling conservation tasks.

The meeting also included updates on the town’s badge requirements for site inspections. Members discussed wearing both vests and badges to enhance professionalism during inspections, engaging in a light-hearted exchange about the colors of the vests and badges. As the meeting concluded, there was a brief inquiry about updates on another property, with members noting the absence of complaints or issues, leading to the understanding that “no news is good news.”