The Open Space Preservation Commission on Thursday discussed trail markings proposed in the Whitehall Conservation Area and offered one change.

These markings were proposed by the Friends of Whitehall (FOW). The map showed each trail designated by a different color, with the George Adams Trail, the most popular, in blue.

Chair Ed Harrow noted that all the trails proposed to be marked currently exist. Some may have been in the past. FOW wants to distinguish each trail with a different color along its respective route. FOW board member Peter Regan explained that people often get “turned around” and end up on a different trail from the one on which they started.

After the trails are marked, FOW will work on developing a more comprehensive map of all trails in that area. This will include a trail managed by the state’s Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)  as well as those under the jurisdiction of the Sudbury Valley Trustees (SVT).

The only issue member Steve Levandosky raised was that he preferred to see the Gatehouse Trail and one through the meadow area be shown as being separate from the George Adams Trail. A small trail section was depicted as being shared.

Levandosky noted that the trails at Cameron Woods were re-marked so that no areas would have more than one color. He suggested implementing this strategy for this plan. Regan agreed to this idea.

Members approved the plan with that recommendation in a unanimous vote.

Tree removal request continued

The OSPC discussed a homeowner’s request for the removal of two trees on OSPC land to optimize the sun’s exposure to the solar panels he wants to install on the roof.

Harrow explained that homeowner Eric Byers lives at 58 Cedar Street Extension, just before the road reaches the Sudbury River. The land that abuts that property was donated to the OSPC as a condition of acceptance of the Turkey Ridge Estates subdivision plans. The eight-lot definitive subdivision, originally known as Deer Ridge Estates, is located at 52 Cedar Street Extension, near the Southborough border.

Alex Guerra, who is consulting with Byers on the project, explained that two trees on OSPC land “block a lot of the sun” from shining on the home.

The trees in question, Harrow said, are a red maple and a white pine. He took pictures of the two marked trees prior to the meeting.

Byers said the trees marked were a white pine and a white ash tree. Harrow said it complicated the discussion if the trees to be removed were not properly delineated. Guerra explained that he marked two trees to highlight “the general area.”

Stressed Harrow: “You’re dealing with town government. You’ve got to get it exact.”

Levandosky questioned whether the branches could be trimmed instead of having both trees removed. Byers said he was “all for that” if that is an option.

If the trees are approved for removal, Byers said he would replace them.

Geoff Rowland, chair of the Sustainable Green Committee, spoke as a private resident. He noted that there are two environmental concerns that the OSPC should weigh. While the preservation of trees is important, the solar panels would help the homeowner reduce emissions, in keeping with the town’s net-zero resolution.

The issue will be revisited at the Oct. 2 meeting.

Ice House Pond proposal endorsed

Members voted unanimously to endorse a proposal made by Department of Public Works Director Kerry Reed for a conceptual design for improvements to the Ice House Pond area. She intends to apply to the Community Preservation Committee for funding.

Reed presented information about her goals at the Conservation Commission meeting on Sept. 9.

Ice House Pond, located at the Golden Pond assisted living facility near the Berry Acres conservation area on West Main Street, is the home of a historic train depot building and a small gravel parking area. The plan would include preserving historical and recreational elements of the area as well as planting a buffer area.

Money for Hughes survey discussed

Harrow told commission members that the Hughes property needs to be surveyed for it to qualify for a conservation restriction. The estimate for the survey is $14,000, which he described as “way serious money.”

Harrow argued that the OSPC should not be responsible for the cost. While the OSPC fought to obtain the property several years ago, he noted that the Select Board “kind of took it under their wing for 14 years but never had it surveyed.”

Select Board chair Joe Clark, the board’s OSPC liaison, said he would ask Town Manager Elaine Lazarus about who should incur the cost.

Members voted unanimously to submit a funding application to the CPC as a placeholder for the money because applications are due by Oct. 9.