The Medfield Conservation Commission has responsibility for the “care, custody, and control” of many town-owned properties. This includes large properties that have significant upland areas such as Noon Hill (327 acres), Holmquist Farm (130 acres), Hawthorne Village (55 acres) and Red Gate Farm (54 acres). Individuals and small groups are free to access town-owned conservation land for passive recreation during daylight hours. Larger group events can be hosted on Conservation Commission managed property; however, some advance planning is needed. These are the steps involved in the approval process:
- A group that would like to "host" an event on Conservation Commission land needs permission from the commission.
- Plan well ahead. The time between filing the initial application and receiving authorization for use for an event can easily be 6 weeks.
- First, a “Request for Authorization for Use” must be filed with the Conservation Commission. The request must include where the event will be held, a full description of the event, how many people are expected to attend, and a list of those who will oversee the event with their contact information.
- The Conservation Commission will schedule a hearing to review the request. This will give both the public and the commission an opportunity to ask questions, make comments, and provide input.
- A representative from the group hosting the event should attend the hearing to present summary information from the application and answer questions from the public and the commission.
- The Conservation Commission will then vote on whether the application should be granted. The need for any special conditions will also be considered.
- If the commission approves the proposed use, an “Authorization for Use”, including any special conditions, will be issued to the applicant.