The Kingston Open Space Committee opened their new year with a look at high-tech wildlife monitoring and a significant upcoming infrastructure project at Tree Farm Landing. Conservation Agent Matt Penella introduced an initiative featuring an intern from Carver High School who is deploying trail cameras across town conservation properties to document large mammals. The goal is the bobcat. I would love to see a fisher, but it's probably gonna be like squirrels, Matt Penella said, noting the project aims to expand the town’s presence on iNaturalist. Steve McCarthy expressed interest in the specific species targeted, asking, Did you said you said large mammals, possibly predators? You looking for bears and mountain lions or what?

The committee also celebrated a security success at Camp Nekon after a recently installed cellular camera captured an individual vandalizing a post-and-rail fence. Matt Penella reported that the Kingston Police Department identified the perpetrator, who is now being held responsible for the repairs. KPD got them, and they're making them pay for the cost of fixing, Matt Penella stated. Chair Megan Nagni added, Hopefully that guy knows that he won't do that next time because he'll get caught. The group noted that while dirt bike and ATV activity persists, the culture at the camp is slowly shifting toward habitat preservation.

Discussion then turned to the Tree Farm Landing property, where a planned $5 million water well project is expected to appear on the town warrant for the upcoming fiscal year. While reviewing trail maps via a virtual screen share, Jada Maxwell confirmed, Yes, I can see it, as the committee identified private versus town-owned parcels. Brian Crone highlighted the need for better signage to protect a significant vernal pool at the entrance, suggesting that putting the sign up might make it easier to address the lawn waste dumping that's going on there. However, Lauren Stevens questioned the property's overall draw for recreation, noting, I just feel like the reward of the walk isn't all that great... it's all gravelly.

Looking ahead, the committee scheduled a site visit for the Henrik property on January 17th to plan for parking and potential trail routes. The board also weighed future cleanup efforts, specifically targeting the "Awful Pits" area of Camp Nekon for an Earth Day event. Before concluding, the committee addressed several months of pending minutes. Motion Made by Megan Nagni to "accept the meeting minutes of the meeting of the Open Space Committee for May 26, 2025" Vote Passed 4-0. Motion Made by Megan Nagni to "accept the minutes for the open space committee committee meeting July 1st, 2025" Vote Passed 4-0. Motion Made by Megan Nagni to "accept the minutes of the open space committee meeting for November 4th, 2025 with edits" Vote Passed 4-0. Motion Made by Megan Nagni to "accept the open space committee meeting minutes with edits from the meeting on December 2nd, 2025" Vote Passed 3-0. The meeting was adjourned at 6:38 PM.