PETERSHAM — The Wilder family bought property in Petersham in the early 1700s, making the clan the most veteran landowners in town.
Until this week. That’s when the Wilders’ North Main Street property was approved by the Petersham Selectboard to become a conservation restricted area.
Bob Clark, chairman of the Conservation Commission and Open Space and Recreation Committee, and Cynthia Henshaw of the East Quabbin Land Trust were in attendance to discuss the property.
The approximately 8 acres of land, now owned by the East Quabbin Land Trust, was once used to grow corn and hay. Clark said the hope is to bring back those agricultural roots.
“We have a big opportunity to start raising local crops that will benefit our local agriculture,” said Clark.
The Conservation Commission will uphold the conservation restrictions moving forward, he said.
The Advisory Finance Committee was also in attendance, along with town moderator Bart Wendell, for a joint meeting to continue the discussion of Fiscal Year 2019 budget. The Selectboard and committee approved the Special Town Meeting warrant, comprised of one article to clear the deficit for this year’s Snow and Ice Account. The board is reviewing final dollar amounts for several articles in the annual Town Meeting warrant, said Allen.
The Selectboard also approved a one-day liquor license for the East Quabbin Land Trust for local micro beer tasting during the annual Old Home Day event in August. For the first time in partnership with local businesses, Old Home Day will showcase tastings of local food and drinks from microbreweries in the area.
“We all want to bring some fresh life to Old Home Day,” said Allen. “We are trying to really reinvigorate the farming aspect … and are trying to make that a strong theme this year.”
There will be a public information meeting Tuesday at 6 p.m. on the Fiscal Year 2019 budget for members of the Petersham community. The regularly scheduled Selectboard meeting will follow.