The board’s consideration of leasing the orchard to the Bransfield Tree Company took center stage, with the company’s representative presenting an ambitious vision for a native tree farm. The proposal focused on ecological restoration and sustainable agriculture. The representative highlighted innovative container technology to enhance tree growth and survivability, emphasizing a commitment to sustainable practices and ecological balance. This approach was framed as a way to engage the community in environmental education and provide a variety of native and food-producing plants, including chestnuts and blueberries.

During the public comment period, community members expressed both support and concerns regarding the lease proposal. Questions arose about the monitoring of the lease terms, with a suggestion for annual reporting to ensure compliance. The Select Board acknowledged past oversight shortcomings and mentioned plans for the Agricultural Commission to oversee the management plan. Concerns were also voiced about the lease’s provisions for managing invasive species and the financial implications of apple tree removal, with assurances given that these issues would be managed efficiently.

Further discussions delved into the logistics of the proposed operations, including the management of wood chips and the potential impact on the environment. Residents raised issues about noise from chipping activities and the risk of introducing invasive species like the Asian jumping worm and the Asian longhorn beetle. The proposal’s proponents reassured the community that wood chips would be sourced locally to mitigate such risks.

Financial aspects of the operation were scrutinized, particularly the role of Bransfield Tree Company in financing the project.

The dialogue also encompassed discussions on the historical significance of the land, particularly its connection to the Nashoba Praying Indians. Community members highlighted the importance of respecting indigenous heritage and suggested that some parcels of land could potentially be returned to native communities. The proposal’s representative expressed openness to collaborations with groups interested in creating a “new future,” reflecting a willingness to honor the land’s historical context.

Compliance with the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) requirements was another key topic, with concerns about meeting sales expectations and the potential challenges of MDAR compliance.

Residents also discussed the implications of the lease on the surrounding structures, particularly the house and barns on the property. Concerns about the potential isolation of the house due to the APR land designation prompted suggestions for creative solutions to integrate the structure into the broader farming operations. The idea of sub-letting and exploring memorandums of understanding were floated as possible avenues to address these challenges.

The dialogue underscored a collective desire to ensure that any proposed actions benefit the town and respect its historical and ecological context.