A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing initiatives aimed at safeguarding Acushnet’s natural resources. A proposal was made to explore the use of an aquatic eco-harvester as a sustainable solution to control invasive plant species. This approach seeks to balance environmental stewardship with the town’s growth needs. The board also entertained the idea of establishing a water resource protection overlay district. This district would serve as a guide for development near critical areas such as green belts, aquifers, and wetlands.

The board recognized the importance of public education in promoting environmental stewardship. A public campaign was proposed to raise awareness about how residents’ daily activities, from lawn care to recreational habits, influence the protection of local natural resources. This educational effort is expected to complement the town’s broader environmental initiatives.

In line with state environmental standards, board members discussed updating the town’s solar siting bylaws. This update aims to strike a balance between promoting renewable energy and preserving the town’s scenic views, farmland, and open spaces. The comprehensive plan includes producing around 50 maps detailing wetlands, watersheds, open spaces, and critical habitats, with anticipation from members that these maps will facilitate better planning and conservation efforts.

The meeting included a shift in focus to economic development, using mapping tools to identify viable areas for growth while respecting conservation restrictions. Discussions highlighted the complexities of developing chapter 61A land, which includes areas like “halfway swamp,” a notable region currently under conservation. This led to an examination of balancing economic development with conservation efforts, emphasizing the need to monitor chapter 61A land to prevent unwarranted sales or development.

One of the key action items discussed was the development of an Open Space Residential Design (OSRD) bylaw, which was identified as a high priority. This bylaw would promote existing land preservation and recreation initiatives, particularly those at Keith’s Farm under the Fair Haven Acushnet Land Preservation Trust. The board labeled this initiative as high priority, reflecting its significance in the town’s long-term planning.

Members debated the prioritization of various goals, with emphasis placed on preserving the community’s character as a top concern. Expanding access to natural areas and parks, fostering relationships with land trusts, and developing walking trails on town-owned land were highlighted as essential initiatives. The potential involvement of local volunteer groups in these efforts was also discussed.

The board moved on to discuss planning goals, particularly the timelines and priorities associated with each. Members expressed differing opinions on appropriate timelines. The importance of a townwide bike and pedestrian plan was debated, with some members advocating for it as a high priority to facilitate further developments.

Concerns were raised about the execution of these plans without clear connections with neighboring towns. Members concluded that prioritizing the bike and pedestrian plan would facilitate connectivity and enhance access to recreational spaces. The discussion also included the need to explore funding opportunities to support these initiatives, particularly for the bike and pedestrian plan, which was suggested to have a one to two-year timeline.

The meeting concluded with a review of goals related to protecting natural resources and scenic character. Members considered applying for grants to fund resources like an eco-harvester for managing invasive species. While some viewed this as a high priority, public education campaigns were deemed lower priority. The board agreed on the necessity of having actionable plans in place when applying for grants, emphasizing the role of financial planning in achieving these goals.