The Town of Sandisfield is developing a long-term strategy to preserve, improve, and manage its valuable natural resources and outdoor recreational properties.

The new Open Space and Recreation Plan sets goals and identifies actionable steps the Town can take to improve quality of life for all residents, protect natural resources, preserve the town’s rich historical heritage, and enhance outdoor recreational opportunities.

Once the plan is complete, the Town will have access to state resources to achieve the goals.

The process is guided by the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC) and a local advisory committee comprised of at least five town residents, preferably people who have expertise or interest in conservation and outdoor recreation. Their role is to provide insight and feedback to ensure the plan accurately reflects the needs and interests of the town.

Appointed members so far are Adam Brown, Calvin Rodman, Ralph Leavenworth, Kathleen Segrin, and Ronald Bernard.

The initial meeting was held on June 3. BRPC representative Andrew McKeever briefed the group on the purposes of the plan and its wide scope and examples of outcomes from other Berkshires towns.

Included in Sandisfield’s plan will be the community’s vision for the future of its open spaces. Areas to be evaluated include preservation of water resources, conservation lands, natural resources, working farmlands and wildlife habitats as well as recreational assets like playgrounds, hiking trails, and parkland.

The committee will do mapping, survey the community and have stakeholder interviews with, for example, residents with interest in any of the above topics, landowners and developers, Sandisfield commissions and boards, local nonprofits, outdoor recreation organizations and others. Everyone will have opportunities to chime in. The public will be informed of progress by the BRPC, on the Town’s website and via monthly updates in The Sandisfield Times.

The committee hopes to have a completed draft plan in February 2027 for public comment and review by the Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. A final plan will be submitted to the state in March.

Eight more committee meetings are tentatively scheduled for the 3rd Wednesday of the month, through February, 2027. The meetings are open to the public. The next meeting is set for 7:00 p.m., July 15, at the Town Hall basement.

The advisory committee has room for several more members. For more information or if you are interested in joining the committee contact, Andrew McKeever, BRPC, at amckeever@berkshireplanning.org.