The Open Space Preservation Commission at its meeting Thursday night focused on efforts to maintain the Whitehall Conservation Area.

Chair Ed Harrow told the commission that landowners Brian Morrison and Susan Erdman are seeking to “put together a conservation restriction package” for four parcels they own there through the Sudbury Valley Trustees, a nonprofit area land trust.

Harrow said his understanding was that Morrison, Erdman and the SVT would have to go before the Select Board for approval, at the request of the SVT.

Select Board chair Joe Clark, the board’s OSPC liaison, said he would get clarification from Town Manager Elaine Lazarus as to whether Select Board approval is warranted and if the OSPC or Conservation Commission should be involved in the process.

Amna Diwan, the new OSPC representative for the Planning Board, told commissioners that she and her husband are SVT members. She explained that SVT is “doing a lot of crowdfunding” to raise the $150,000 needed to purchase the conservation restriction.

Harrow noted that he received an opinion from town counsel that the OSPC would be able to contribute funds from its budget to the SVT for the conservation restriction.

Clark suggested that a motion be made that would approve a donation “pending necessary Select Board and town counsel approvals.” The board later voted 5-0 to donate $1,000 with this condition.

Jim Weckback, the treasurer of the Friends of Whitehall, noted that he spoke with an SVT representative last week who was “very confident” that it would raise the funds.

Trees at Whitehall trails to be cut

In a separate issue, Harrow explained that  there are two small trees that are leaning into trails at the Whitehall Conservation Area, causing a safety hazard. Consultant Joe Regan viewed the trees with Harrow earlier in the day, and they agreed they should be cut down.

No cost estimate was given for the work, but Harrow noted that the work would be done without using heavy equipment. The trees would be left in the wooded area away from the trail.

Weckback noted that because the trees are considered a hazard, their cutting “would certainly meet the [conservation restriction].”

The board voted 5-0 to approve the removal of the trees provided that the cost does not exceed $1,000.

Harrow added that he hopes to receive a quote for the cost of the removal of the Japanese knotweed there for the August meeting. A 20-foot-by-30-foot area will be targeted. Harrow noted that the density and height of the stalks have decreased significantly.

Said Harrow: “That should put a wrap on the knotweed there.”

Trails Day celebration July 19

Peter LaGoy attended the meeting as a representative from the Hopkinton Trails Club. He announced that the group will recognize its 20th year with a Trails Day celebration on July 19, with a rain date of July 20. It will take place from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Hughes Farm Trail, located at 192 Hayden Rowe Street.

“The purpose is to basically introduce the Trails Club and what we do,” he explained.

The main activity will be walks along the new trail on the Colella parcel, he said. Member Ken Parker will describe the various species of plants there.

LaGoy added that it would be a good opportunity to show residents how the Trails Club, the OSPC and the Trails Committee, which LaGoy chairs, are “all working together with the town.”

Later in the meeting, Harrow brought up the subject of allowing e-bikes on trails. He noted that they are not allowed on trails in Helena, Montana. Harrow said he did not believe they should be allowed on Hopkinton’s trails.

“I’ve seen them in Whitehall,” he said. “I’ve seen them on the sidewalk popping wheelies.”

LaGoy spoke up, noting that the Trails Committee has been discussing e-bike usage on trails at its previous meetings.

Said LaGoy: “I would note that we’re the better place to talk about it, and we’ll keep you apprised when we get going.”

He added that it is “a hot-button topic,” but he also said that e-bikes “have a lot of potential for folks.”

Chamberlain-Whalen trail upgrade OK’d

Hopkinton Area Land Trust director Chuck Dauchy requested that the OSPC approve upgrades to a portion of a trail leading to the Chamberlain-Whalen subdivision. A proposed footbridge would be on property under the OSPC’s jurisdiction.

“The key section is a proposed upgrade of a section that used to go from Field 11 [in the schools complex] out into the woods and over to Berry Acres,” he explained. “The Chamberlain-Whalen subdivision cut that off but did provide an easement to get through and still make that connection.”

Designs include a 10-foot-wide stone dust trail to connect Loop Road to the north side of the detention basin near Field 11. A footbridge would be constructed over a stream crossing. This would allow for a connection to the stone dust trail at the subdivision’s cul-de-sac.

Levandosky appointed as CPC rep

Vice chair Steve Levandosky was appointed to a second term as the OSPC’s representative to the Community Preservation Commission in a 4-0 vote.