Climate panel readies up to $240,000 tree grant bid

Climate Change Committee · Meeting of January 15, 2026

Pepperell Climate Change Committee readies a $220,000 to $240,000 tree grant application. Committee member Renee said the two-year grant, filed through the state's ECO One-Stop program with consultant Davey Resource Group, would fund a town-wide tree inventory, a canopy assessment and a new tree protection bylaw, with the application expected to open in late January. Separately, the committee said its proposed community garden on the town-owned Fitz property does not qualify for Community Preservation Act funds and will need roughly $5,000 in donations toward a deer fence instead.

Member Bob reported the town is open to modifying a regulation that currently bars composting, ahead of spring town meeting, and cited a projected $11,000 to $25,000 in annual savings from a proposed solar canopy at Barnaby Brook, worth up to $400,000 over 25 years. The panel approved its November 11 minutes 3-0.

In the full story:

• The complete report — 803 words

Source: the Climate Change Committee meeting of January 15, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.