Pepperell plant committee eyes state dam cleanup breakthrough

Invasive and Native Plant Advisory Committee · Meeting of April 9, 2026

Pepperell plant committee reports progress toward long-sought invasive cleanup at former Mix Dam river site. The Invasive and Native Plant Advisory Committee said four volunteers met recently with a regional coordinator for the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, which owns the Nashua Road parcel, and member Paula Taurasi asked how the state selects cleanup sites; the coordinator agreed to loop in an invasive-species specialist. The Neshoba Conservation Land Trust has also expressed interest in the project.

Separately, the committee's Garlic Mustard Challenge launches April 11 with 150 seed packets split between Pepperell Town Hall and the library, and Earth Day volunteer work is planned April 18 at the library and April 22 at a property known as the Fitz. Member Melissa said of last year's Fourth of July parade route, "there's lots of gassy exhaust in the parade," and floated a stationary table instead. The committee adjourned unanimously after approving its prior minutes, with its next meeting set for April 30.

In the full story:

• The complete report — 936 words

Source: the Invasive and Native Plant Advisory Committee meeting of April 9, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.