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Open Space and Recreation Committee

Winter 2025 Update

The Open Space and Recreation Committee (OSRC) is proud to announce continued steps in Rowe’s commitment to land conservation and outdoor recreation.

Plan Extension and EOEEA Updates

This year, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) updated its guidelines for Open Space & Recreation Plans (OSRPs). One of the most significant changes allows municipalities to extend previously approved Plans from seven years to ten years.

The Town of Rowe’s OSRC worked closely with EOEEA and the Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG) to request an extension of the town’s existing Plan. To meet the new requirements, the Committee conducted a thorough review and made targeted revisions to ensure the Plan’s goals and objectives remain consistent and achievable within the extended timeline. With this extension, Rowe remains eligible for state grants from the Division of Conservation Services through 2034 — ensuring continued access to critical funding for conservation, recreation, and land management projects.

New and Upcoming Initiatives

The OSRC continues to support the Town through new partnerships and planning efforts that strengthen Rowe’s environmental stewardship and recreational opportunities:

  • DLTA Funding Application: The Committee is working to secure District Local Technical Assistance (DLTA) funding to help implement key projects from the Open Space and Recreation Plan and promote community-wide natural resource protection.  In collaboration with the Park Department, we help support their Pollinator Habitat Plan aligned with OSRP Goal A.2 — Protect and enhance natural resources and wildlife habitat. This initiative will improve biodiversity, support native pollinators, and encourage community participation.

Free Invasives Management Course - 1/21/26

Improving Habitat Through Invasives Management, Massachusetts Pollinator Network, via  Kristin O'Brien, Conservation Restriction Manager, Sudbury Valley Trustees

  • January 21 | 2:00 - 3:00pm /  Where: Online via Zoom / Fee: Free
  • Registration: https://grownativemass.org/Our-Programs/Calendar-of-Events/Improving-Habitat-Through-Invasives-Management

Learn about our most common invasive plants and how to manage them by prioritizing your goals. We will discuss the need to pick your battles and focus on what is achievable. 

This event is open to the public but is specifically designed for professionals who manage invasives on large properties, public areas, conservation lands, etc. There will be a home gardener version of this presentation on Feb. 24th at 7pm. Please see the calendar for details.

Kristin O’Brien, Conservation Restriction Manager, joined Sudbury Valley Trustees (SVT) in 2017. She manages ~3,650 acres of protected lands across 106 conservation restrictions, creates invasive plant management plans, and oversees SuAsCo CISMA’s Weed Warrior program. Kristin is also the coordinator for the CISMA, which works with local partners to increase invasive plant management efforts in the MetroWest area. Kristin has a BS in biology: ecology and evolution from Hofstra University and an MS in biology: habitat management from Eastern Washington University.

Want to Learn More or Get Involved? You can attend our monthly meetings and/or contact us any time.
Email us at: openspacerecreationcommittee@gmail.com

Thank you again, Rowe — this success belongs to all of us. Let’s keep moving forward together!

Meeting Schedule: as needed

Next meeting:

Members

4 of 5 seats. 1 year each seat.

  • Justine Krumm, Chair. June, 2025.
  • Aaron Poulin, Member. June, 2025.
  • Amy Trevvett, Member. June, 2025.
  • Laurie Pike, Member. June, 2025.
  • VACANT

Previous meetings:

Open Space and Recreation Committee Minutes

Open Space and Recreation Plan - Files

Calendar of Events
Puzzle Swap
Sat, Jan 24, 2026
Rowe Town Library
Posted to: General Events
Board of Assessors -- SCHEDULED
Wed, Jan 28, 2026
Assessors Meeting Room
Posted to: Board of Assessors
Meeting Room Occupied
Thu, Jan 29, 2026
Rowe Town Hall - Meeting Room #1 or Via Zoom Participation
Posted to: Board of Selectmen
Town Mossaic
Wed, Feb 4, 2026
Rowe Town Library
Posted to: General Events
Bites and Board Games!
Thu, Feb 5, 2026
Rowe Town Library
Posted to: General Events
Go to Calendar...
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Rowe Town Hall
321 Zoar Road
Rowe, MA, 01367
Phone: (413) 339-5520
Fax: (413) 339-5316
Town Hall Hours:
Monday-Thursday 8am-4pm
except for Federal and State Holidays...
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