Conservation Commission - November 12th, 2026 | Westford, MA

At its November 12, 2026 meeting, the Westford Conservation Commission discussed a draft RFP for the town-owned Hill Orchard. Members agreed to broaden the proposal language to allow other fruit-bearing trees, shrubs, and canes alongside apples, and considered adding provisions on a planting plan, farmstand maintenance, and site walks. The commission voted to have staff make the discussed revisions and send the draft to the Agricultural Commission for review and comment; no lease award or final RFP approval occurred. Members also discussed possible Community Preservation Act funding for future planning and stabilization work at Stardewood, with a needs assessment and application process expected in the coming months.

The commission voted to authorize staff to contract with a third party to review the wetland delineation for 5 Technology Park Drive, with no vendor or amount specified; the hearing was continued to December 2. Separately, staff said EcoTech was the lowest responsive and responsible firm for a wetland review on another property and would follow up on pricing. Other business included a planned culvert replacement, construction-related permits and extensions, and follow-up on a chimney repair quote, but no additional procurement awards or spending approvals were identified.