Open Space Committee

Meeting Schedule: Fourth Monday of each month, 7 pm in Shelburne Town Hall , unless otherwise posted.

Next 2 meetings:

  • Mon, Dec 25 at 7:00 PM -- Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85146904678 or dial 1-929-205-6099 and enter meeting ID: 851 4690 4678
  • Mon, Jan 22 at 7:00 PM -- Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85146904678 or dial 1-929-205-6099 and enter meeting ID: 851 4690 4678

Members

14 of 15 seats. 3 years each seat.

  • Norman Beebe, Recreation Committee Representative.
  • John Wheeler, Planning Board Representative.
  • Norman Davenport, Conservation Commission Member. June, 2026.
  • Carolyn Wheeler, Agricultural Commission Representative. June, 2026.
  • David Schochet. 2024.
  • Joan LaPierre. 2024.
  • Nina Talayco. 2024.
  • Larry Flaccus. 2025.
  • Laurie Wheeler. 2025.
  • Peggy Warwick. 2025.
  • Jim Perry. 2026.
  • Joel Dwight. 2026.
  • Garth LaPointe. June, 2026.
  • Thor Holbek. resigned.
  • VACANT

Who we are

The Open Space Committee is an advisory body that was established by Town Meeting  in May, 2005 to carry forward the recommendations of the Shelburne Open Space and Recreation plan . The Committee includes members appointed by the Selectboard for 3-year terms, and a representative appointed for one-year terms from each of the Agricultural Commission, Conservation Commission, Planning Board and Recreation Committee.

The Committee works with the Selectboard, Town Boards, other local, regional and state officials, regional farm and conservation advocacy organizations, members of the business community, landowners, farmers, and citizens on issues relative to open space preservation in Shelburne.

What is Open Space?

"Open space" is land that is undeveloped, generally without paved roads or permanent structures, and shall include, but not  be limited to, land to protect existing and future well fields, aquifers and recharge areas, watershed land, agricultural land, grasslands, fields, forest land, fresh water marshes and other wetlands, river, stream, lake and pond frontage, lands to protect scenic vistas, land for wildlife or nature preserve and land for active or passive recreational use such as the use of land for community gardens, trails, and noncommercial youth and adult sports, and the use of land as a park, playground or athletic field.

What we do

The Open Space Committee carries out the action plan mandated by the Town through the Open Space and Recreation Plan adopted in 2004 and updated in 2014 by the Town. Activities include:

  • Working to ensure that Shelburne sustains its small town environment characterized by general peace and quiet, clean air and water, safety from crime and vandalism, and maintains its rural character outside of Shelburne Falls while supporting infrastructure of the village;
  • Working to ensure that Shelburne maintains or improves the quality of its air, drinking water, streams and other surfaces waters including the Deerfield River, and maintains and improves the quality of farm and forestlands, scenic views, and wildlife habitat through the conservation of locally important natural and open space resources;
  • Working to ensure that Shelburne maintains and improves the quality and accessibility of all its recreational facilities and programming.

Open Space and Recreation Plan

An Open Space and Recreation Plan contains conservation and recreation goals for the town, and includes an inventory of cultural, natural, and recreational resources, identifies open space and recreation needs, and outlines a seven-year action plan with specific recommendations.  The Shelburne Open Space and Recreation Plan was completed in 2014. Having an up-to-date plan enables the Town to apply for state grants for land conservation and recreation facility improvements.

See below for the sections of the Shelburne Open Space and Recreation Plan adopted in 2014.

Mapping Resources

In conjunction with the Franklin Regional Council of Goventments, the Open Space Committee has assembled a number of maps showing various aspects of land use in the town. Most  of these come from the 2014 Open Space Plan, and they reflect data from that date. Below are files of maps which may be downloaded and printed at 11x17 size. Note: these maps are not to be used for legal purposes. Full-size maps are avaiable in the Town Office for the public to view.

Hiking and Walking in Shelburne

There are many great hikes and walks in and around Shelburne. The Open Space Committee, in conjunction with the Recreation Committee, has developed and maintains trails both in the Village and in the wooded areas of town, including those on Massaemett Mountain, the Fire Tower, Wilcox Hollow and the Wooded Loop. Download and print the maps below, or pick up copies in the Visitor Information Center or Town Office.

Invasive Species - Identification and Management

Invasive plants and insects can destroy local and regional ecosystems, including their suitability as wildlife habitat. Learn how you can identify and control invasive species on your property.

Links to Land Planning Websites

Chapter 61

Community Preservation Act

Conservation restrictions

Land conservation and estate planning tools

Area Land Trusts

Mapping tools

Previous meetings:

  • Mon, Dec 4, 2023 at 07:00 PM -- Town Hall
  • Mon, Nov 27, 2023 at 07:00 PM -- Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85146904678 or dial 1-929-205-6099 and enter meeting ID: 851 4690 4678
  • Mon, Oct 23, 2023 at 07:00 PM -- Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85146904678 or dial 1-929-205-6099 and enter meeting ID: 851 4690 4678
  • Tue, Oct 10, 2023 at 06:30 PM -- Town Offfice Meeting Room In-person meeting - Masks recommended but not required
  • Mon, Sep 25, 2023 at 07:00 PM -- Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85146904678 or dial 1-929-205-6099 and enter meeting ID: 851 4690 4678
  • Mon, Aug 28, 2023 at 07:00 PM -- Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85146904678 or dial 1-929-205-6099 and enter meeting ID: 851 4690 4678
  • Mon, Jul 24, 2023 at 07:00 PM -- Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85146904678 or dial 1-929-205-6099 and enter meeting ID: 851 4690 4678
  • Mon, Jun 26, 2023 at 07:00 PM -- Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85146904678 or dial 1-929-205-6099 and enter meeting ID: 851 4690 4678
  • Tue, May 30, 2023 at 07:00 PM -- Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84948567505?pwd=WmMyNmx3MEVwNUZaM3NhcmVFNkJvZz09 or dial +1 646 558 8656 and enter Meeting ID: 849 4856 7505 and Passcode: 898109
  • Mon, Apr 24, 2023 at 07:00 PM -- Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85146904678 or dial 1-929-205-6099 and enter meeting ID: 851 4690 4678
  • Show 127 More...

Draft Open Space and Recreation Plan 2023

An Open Space and Recreation Plan contains conservation and recreation goals for the town, and includes an inventory of cultural, natural, and recreational resources, identifies open space and recreation needs, and outlines a seven-year action plan with specific recommendations.  Following are draft sections of an updated Shelburne Open Space and Recreation Plan expected to be completed in 2023. Having an up-to-date plan enables the Town to apply for state grants for land conservation and recreation facility improvements.

Open Space Committee Meeting Agendas

Name Uploaded Date
   Surveying Subcommittee posting 2021-11-21.doc (View on Calendar) 2021-01-11 15:12:07
   Surveying Subcommittee posting 2021-01-18.doc (View on Calendar) 2021-01-11 15:15:50
   Surveying Subcommittee posting 2021-01-04.doc (View on Calendar) 2021-01-01 13:59:53
   posting 12-4-23.pdf (View on Calendar) 2023-11-28 11:55:36
   Open Space Comm 2023-10-23 agenda.pdf (View on Calendar) 2023-10-22 15:48:20
   Open Space Comm 2023-10-10 agenda.pdf (View on Calendar) 2023-10-04 14:43:23
   Open Space Comm 2023-09-25 agenda.pdf (View on Calendar) 2023-09-21 18:19:13
   Open Space Comm 2023-08-28 agenda.pdf (View on Calendar) 2023-08-25 15:07:06
   Open Space Comm 2023-07-24 agenda-docx.pdf (View on Calendar) 2023-07-20 15:06:33
   Open Space Comm 2023-06-26 agenda.pdf (View on Calendar) 2023-06-22 10:45:00
   Open Space Comm 2023-05-30 agenda.pdf (View on Calendar) 2023-05-26 18:21:58
   Open Space Comm 2023-04-24 agenda.pdf (View on Calendar) 2023-04-20 11:14:48
   Open Space Comm 2023-03-27 agenda.pdf (View on Calendar) 2023-03-23 10:38:32
   Open Space Comm 2023-02-27 agenda.pdf (View on Calendar) 2023-02-22 16:56:09
   Open Space Comm 2023-01-23 agenda.pdf 2023-01-22 15:53:24
   Open Space Comm 2022-12-27 agenda.pdf 2023-02-22 18:16:18
   Open Space Comm 2022-11-28 agenda.pdf 2023-02-22 18:16:25
   Open Space Comm 2022-10-24 agenda.pdf 2023-02-22 18:16:36
   Open Space Comm 2022-09-26 agenda.pdf (View on Calendar) 2022-09-26 16:05:20
   Open Space Comm 2022-08-22 agenda.pdf (View on Calendar) 2022-08-22 16:06:39
   Open Space Comm 2022-07-25 agenda.pdf 2023-02-22 18:20:38
   Open Space Comm 2022-06-27agenda .pdf 2023-02-22 18:20:47
   Open Space Comm 2022-05-23 agenda.pdf (View on Calendar) 2022-05-19 12:47:29
   Open Space Comm 2022-04-25 agenda.pdf (View on Calendar) 2022-04-24 17:53:55
   Open Space Comm 2022-03-28 agenda.pdf (View on Calendar) 2022-03-28 09:49:01
   Open Space Comm 2022-02-28 agenda.pdf (View on Calendar) 2022-02-28 16:37:42
   Open Space Comm 2022-01-24 agenda.pdf (View on Calendar) 2022-01-23 15:44:57
   Open Space Comm 2021-12-13 agenda.pdf (View on Calendar) 2021-12-13 10:57:07
   Open Space Comm 2021-11-22 agenda.pdf (View on Calendar) 2021-11-21 18:38:02
   Open Space Comm 2021-10-25 agenda -1.pdf (View on Calendar) 2021-10-21 10:41:43
   Open Space Comm 2021-09-27 agenda.pdf (View on Calendar) 2021-09-26 22:56:15
   Open Space Comm 2021-08-30 agenda.pdf (View on Calendar) 2021-08-25 19:14:27
   Open Space Comm 2021-08-23 agenda.pdf (View on Calendar) 2021-08-19 17:46:52
   Open Space Comm 2021-07-26 agenda.pdf 2023-02-22 18:34:19
   Open Space Comm 2021-07-26 agenda.pdf (View on Calendar) 2021-07-25 22:07:45
   Open Space Comm 2021-06-28 agenda.pdf (View on Calendar) 2021-06-28 11:07:04
   Open Space Comm 2021-06-28 agenda.pdf 2023-02-22 18:34:23
   Open Space Comm 2021-06-10 agenda.pdf (View on Calendar) 2021-06-08 22:03:52
   Open Space Comm 2021-05-24 Agenda.pdf (View on Calendar) 2021-05-24 11:17:24
   Open Space Comm 2021-04-26 agenda.pdf (View on Calendar) 2021-04-23 10:33:22
   Open Space Comm 2021-03-22 agenda.pdf (View on Calendar) 2021-03-19 17:21:52
   Open Space Comm 2021-03-22 agenda.pdf 2023-02-22 18:39:03
   Open Space Comm 2021-02-22 agenda.pdf 2023-02-22 18:39:12
   Open Space Comm 2021-02-22 agenda.pdf (View on Calendar) 2021-02-21 14:48:37
   Open Space Comm 2021-01-25 agenda.pdf (View on Calendar) 2021-01-21 11:01:06
   Open Space Comm 2020-12-28 agenda.pdf 2023-02-22 18:47:54
   Open Space Comm 2020-11-23 agenda.pdf 2023-02-22 18:50:57
   Open Space Comm 2020-10-26 agenda.pdf 2023-02-22 18:51:08
   Open Space Comm 2020-09-28 agenda.pdf 2023-02-22 18:51:17
   Open Space Comm 2020-08-24 agenda.pdf (View on Calendar) 2020-08-23 08:56:18
   Open Space Comm 2020-06-24 agenda.pdf (View on Calendar) 2020-06-21 18:18:33
   Open Space Comm 2020-04-27 agenda.pdf (View on Calendar) 2020-04-26 16:00:45
   Open Space Comm 2020-03-30 Agenda.pdf (View on Calendar) 2020-03-25 13:56:35
   Open Space Comm 2020-03-25 agenda.pdf (View on Calendar) 2020-03-25 09:16:39
   Open Space Com Posting Notice-2020-06-01.pdf 2020-06-01 08:54:58

Open Space Committee Meeting Minutes

Name Uploaded Date
   Open Space Comm Survey Subcommittee 2021-01-25 minutes.pdf 2021-01-26 10:16:42
   Open Space Comm 2023-10-10 approved minutes.pdf 2023-10-24 16:19:44
   Open Space Comm 2023-09-25 approved minutes.pdf 2023-10-24 16:19:45
   Open Space Comm 2023-08-28 approved minutes.pdf 2023-09-25 21:53:36
   Open Space Comm 2023-07-24 approved minutes.pdf 2023-08-30 10:04:05
   Open Space Comm 2023-06-26 approved minutes.pdf 2023-08-24 11:21:55
   Open Space Comm 2023-05-30 approved minutes.pdf 2023-08-24 11:21:42
   Open Space Comm 2023-04-24 approved minutes.pdf 2023-06-01 17:10:43
   Open Space Comm 2023-03-27 approved minutes.pdf 2023-04-10 09:16:41
   Open Space Comm 2023-02-27 approved minutes.pdf 2023-03-29 17:57:37
   Open Space Comm 2023-01-23 approved minutes.pdf 2023-02-28 11:55:48
   Open Space Comm 2022-12-27 approved minutes.pdf 2023-01-24 16:04:22
   Open Space Comm 2022-11-28 approved minutes.pdf 2022-12-29 11:15:12
   Open Space Comm 2022-10-24 approved minutes.pdf 2022-11-29 21:15:58
   Open Space Comm 2022-09-26 approved minutes.pdf 2023-02-28 12:07:08
   Open Space Comm 2022-08-22 approved minutes.pdf 2023-02-28 12:07:00
   Open Space Comm 2022-07-25 minutes.pdf 2022-09-21 14:59:02
   Open Space Comm 2022-06-27 draft minutes.pdf 2022-07-25 13:45:55
   Open Space Comm 2022-05-23 minutes.pdf 2022-07-02 10:41:04
   Open Space Comm 2022-04-25 draft minutes.pdf 2022-05-19 14:21:38
   Open Space Comm 2022-03-28 minutes.pdf 2022-05-19 14:21:28
   Open Space Comm 2022-02-28 minutes.pdf 2022-05-19 14:30:54
   Open Space Comm 2022-01-24 minutes.pdf 2022-03-28 09:48:57
   Open Space Comm 2021-12-13 minutes.pdf 2022-02-02 17:47:00
   Open Space Comm 2021-11-22 Minutes.pdf 2022-01-23 16:14:31
   Open Space Comm 2021-10-25 minutes.pdf 2022-01-23 16:01:44
   Open Space Comm 2021-09-27 Minutes.pdf 2022-01-23 16:10:16
   Open Space Comm 2021-08-30 minutes.pdf 2021-10-21 10:56:47
   Open Space Comm 2021-07-26 Minutes.pdf 2021-08-31 13:52:03
   Open Space Comm 2021-06-21 Minutes.pdf 2021-08-19 17:48:42
   Open Space Comm 2021-06-10 minutes.pdf 2021-08-19 17:59:19
   Open Space Comm 2021-05-24 minutes.pdf 2021-08-19 18:06:13
   Open Space Comm 2021-04-26 approved Minutes.pdf 2023-02-28 12:22:47
   Open Space Comm 2021-03-22 Minutes.pdf 2021-04-30 11:18:40
   Open Space Comm 2021-02-22 Minutes.pdf 2021-03-24 12:20:31
   Open Space Comm 2021-01-25 minutes.pdf 2021-02-24 10:05:36
   Open Space Comm 2020-12-28 minutes .pdf 2021-01-27 16:05:38
   Open Space Comm 2020-11-23 minutes.pdf 2020-12-29 09:54:09
   Open Space Comm 2020-10-26 minutes.pdf 2020-11-24 10:41:20
   Open Space Comm 2020-09-28 minutes.pdf 2020-10-27 10:00:37
   Open Space Comm 2020-08-24 minutes.pdf 2020-10-14 10:26:33
   Open Space Comm 2020-07-27 minutes .pdf 2020-08-25 20:13:42
   Open Space Comm 2020-06-22 minutes.pdf 2020-08-25 20:13:42
   Open Space Comm 2020-06-01 Minutes.pdf 2020-06-28 16:49:44
   Open Space Comm 2020-03-30 minutes.pdf 2020-04-29 14:14:58
   Open Space Comm 2020-02-24 Minutes.pdf 2020-03-24 10:09:20
   Open Space Comm 2020-01-27 Minutes.pdf 2020-03-24 14:27:08
   Open Space Comm 2019-12-23 minutes.pdf 2020-03-14 17:20:48
   Open Space Comm 2019-11-25 minutes.pdf 2020-03-14 17:20:48
   Open Space Comm 2019-10-28 minutes.pdf 2020-03-14 17:20:49
   Open Space Comm 2019-09-23 minutes.pdf 2020-03-14 17:20:49
   Open Space Comm 2019-07-22 minutes.pdf 2020-03-14 17:20:50
   Open Space Comm 2019-06-24 minutes.pdf 2020-03-14 17:20:51
   Open Space Comm 2019-06-03 minutes.pdf 2020-03-14 17:20:51
   Open Space Comm 2019-04-21 minutes.pdf 2020-03-14 17:20:52
   Open Space Comm 2019-02-25 minutes.pdf 2020-03-14 17:20:47
   Open Space Comm 2019-01-28 minutes.pdf 2020-03-14 17:24:20
   Open Space Comm 2018-11-26 minutes.pdf 2020-03-14 17:24:13
   Open Space Comm 2018-10-22 minutes.pdf 2020-03-14 17:24:13
   Open Space Comm 2018-09-24 Minutes.pdf 2018-10-29 15:55:19
   Open Space Comm 2018-06-25 minutes.pdf 2020-03-14 17:24:14
   Open Space Comm 2018-06-04 minutes.pdf 2020-03-14 17:24:14
   Open Space Comm 2018-04-06 Minutes.pdf 2018-10-29 15:55:20
   Open Space Comm 2018-02-26 Minutes.pdf 2018-10-29 15:55:12
   Open Space Comm 2018-01-22 Minutes.pdf 2018-10-29 15:55:12
   Open Space Comm 2017-12-11 Minutes.pdf 2018-10-29 15:55:12
   Open Space Comm 2017-10-23 Minutes.pdf 2018-10-29 15:55:13
   Open Space Comm 2017-09-25 Minutes.pdf 2018-10-29 15:55:13
   Open Space Comm 2017-08-28 Minutes.pdf 2018-10-29 15:55:13
   Open Space Comm 2017-07-24 Minutes.pdf 2018-10-29 15:55:14
   Open Space Comm 2017-06-26 Minutes.pdf 2018-10-29 15:55:14
   Open Space Comm 2017-04-24 Minutes.pdf 2018-10-29 15:55:15
   Open Space Comm 2017-03-27 Minutes.pdf 2018-10-29 15:55:15
   Open Space Comm 2017-02-27 Minutes.pdf 2018-10-29 15:55:15
   Open Space Comm 2017-01-23 Minutes.pdf 2018-10-29 15:55:16
   Open Space Comm 2016-11-28 Minutes.pdf (View on Calendar) 2018-09-03 10:43:23
   Open Space Comm 2016-10-26 Minutes.pdf 2018-09-03 10:43:23
   Open Space Comm 2016-09-26 Minutes.pdf 2018-10-29 15:55:16
   Open Space Comm 2016-08-22 Minutes.pdf (View on Calendar) 2018-09-03 10:43:23
   Open Space Comm 2016-06-27 Minutes.pdf (View on Calendar) 2018-09-03 10:43:23
   Open Space Comm 2016-04-25 Minutes.pdf (View on Calendar) 2018-09-03 10:43:23
   Open Space Comm 2016-03-28 Minutes.pdf (View on Calendar) 2018-09-03 10:43:23
   Open Space Comm 2016-02-22 Minutes.pdf (View on Calendar) 2018-09-03 10:43:22
   Open Space Comm 2016-01-25 Minutes.pdf 2018-10-29 15:55:16
   Open Space Comm 2015-11-23 Minutes.pdf 2018-10-29 15:55:16
   Open Space Comm 2015-07-27 Minutes.pdf (View on Calendar) 2018-09-03 10:43:22
   Open Space Comm 2015-06-22 Minutes.pdf 2018-10-29 15:55:16
   Open Space Comm 2014-09-22 Minutes.pdf 2018-10-29 15:55:17
   Open Space Comm 2014-08-25 Minutes.pdf 2018-10-29 15:55:17
   Open Space Comm 2014-07-07 Minutes.pdf 2018-10-29 15:55:18
   Open Space Comm 2014-06-30 Minutes.pdf 2018-10-29 15:55:18
   Open Space Comm 2013-08-26 Minutes.pdf 2018-10-29 15:55:18
   Open Space Comm 2013-06-24 Minutes.pdf 2018-10-29 15:55:18
   Open Space Comm 2013-05-27 Minutes.pdf (View on Calendar) 2018-09-03 10:43:22
   Open Space Comm 2013-04-22 Minutes.pdf (View on Calendar) 2018-09-03 10:43:21
   Open Space Comm 2013-03-26 Minutes.pdf 2018-09-03 10:43:20
   Open Space Comm 2013-02-25 Minutes.pdf 2018-10-29 15:55:19
   Open Space Comm 2013-01-28 Minutes.pdf 2018-09-03 10:43:20
   Open Space Comm 2012-12-10 Minutes.pdf 2018-09-03 10:43:20
   Open Space Comm 2012-11-26 Minutes.pdf 2018-09-03 10:43:20
   Open Space Comm 2012-10-22 Minutes.pdf 2018-09-03 10:43:20
   Open Space Comm 2012-09-24 Minutes.pdf 2018-09-03 10:43:19
   Open Space Comm 2012-08-27 Minutes.pdf 2018-09-03 10:43:19
   Open Space Comm 2012-07-23 Minutes.pdf 2018-09-03 10:43:19
   Open Space Comm 2012-06-25 Minutes.pdf 2018-09-03 10:43:18
   Open Space Comm 2012-05-21 Minutes.pdf 2018-09-03 10:43:18
   Open Space Comm 2012-04-23 Minutes.pdf 2018-09-03 10:43:18
   Open Space Comm 2012-01-09 Minutes.pdf 2018-09-03 10:43:17