The Kingston Open Space Committee is organizing a massive cleanup effort at Tree Farm Landing on May 30, where volunteers expect to recover approximately 100,000 spent ammunition casings. Town Planner Valerie Massard and committee members plan to utilize a high-powered magnet to clear the metal debris, which includes scrap metal and a shot-up dishwasher previously identified at the site. The cleanup coincides with ongoing infrastructure work in the area, specifically the town’s $5 million Route 44 well project. Massard noted that the debris will be moved to a gravel power line area for easier hauling by Eversource.

Regarding the Hinrich (HRI) property off Old Farm Road, the committee is pivoting its design for a new parking area to bypass complex wetland permitting. By shifting the proposed parking closer to the road, the project can remain outside the 100-foot buffer zone. If we adjust our plan to stay more towards the side of the road, we're out of jurisdiction, which makes the permitting and tree removal easier, Massard explained. Lauren agreed that a simplified layout would suffice for the small parcel, stating, I don't think it's imperative that we have a loop in and out. It's only a spot for three or four cars.

Heath raised safety concerns regarding the trees at the HRI site, noting that several pines appear to be rotting and could threaten parked vehicles. He advocated for a more aggressive removal strategy before the July budget reset, suggesting that the committee should take them all out and replace them with an equivalent or double number of Eastern White Cedars that are better suited for the moist soil conditions. The committee also discussed using a post-and-rail fence to improve safety for families using the trail access points.

Vandalism and unauthorized structures remain a significant headache for officials at the Cranberry Watershed. Brian reported finding fresh bicycle jumps and motorized vehicle debris near the Grove Street entrance, noting that there is some trash in the typical area—a bicycle jump and a motorized vehicle box shoot. Heath added that softball field bleachers, an ottoman, and scrap metal had been hauled deep into the woods near an old foundation, with strings and Gatorade bottles tied between trees as part of an unauthorized gathering spot.

Maintenance across other town properties is getting a boost from the Silver Lake High School Horticulture Department. Students are scheduled to tackle downed limbs and debris at both the Kalista and Cranberry properties. Chair Megan Hickey praised the collaboration and encouraged residents to support the department’s upcoming greenhouse plant sale. I know the Horticulture Department has their big sale... they sell plants and flowers out of the greenhouse, Hickey noted. Hickey also reported that despite high water levels at the Silver Lake Sanctuary, a colorful tropical bird mural has appeared as graffiti on the old pump house. It's a beautiful tropical bird, she said, though officials noted they would have preferred a native species.

The upcoming volunteer workday is set for May 30 at 9:00 a.m., though the committee is bracing for lower attendance due to several scheduling conflicts. Jada informed the group that I wouldn't be able to do the 30th for the workday because I'm walking a 5K, while Brian noted he may be tied up with family travel. The committee intends to reach out to neighborhood residents to assist with the metal recovery and trail maintenance tasks.