Stranahan Memorial Town Forest hearing

The Marshfield Selectboard has agreed to hear comments on the use of the Stranahan Memorial Town Forest at their meeting next Tuesday, February 16, starting at 6 o'clock at the Old Schoolhouse Common. Some feel the town loses property taxes by owning the Forest. Actually it amounts to about $900 because Marshfield collects revenue for agricultural uses of the Forest such as haying, sugaring, and logging, all of which follow a Management Plan adopted by the Selectboard in 2010. Some feel it is used only by a few. Actually over 600 maps produced by volunteers have been taken by hikers, snowmachiners, skiers, bikers, hunters, and others, documenting the wide use of the Forest by individuals and groups. Twinfield holds classes there as well as Community College. Free guided history, birdwatching, and wildflower walks are heavily attended each year.

Please come to the February 16 Selectboard hearing at 6 p.m. and voice your feelings about this precious community treasure. Thank you.

Janet Nielsen, Friend of the Stranahan Memorial Town Forest