Town of Walpole, MA Committees

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Town Forest Committee

The Town Forest Committee was created by the Board of Selectmen to oversee continued management of the Town Forest. It is comprised of volunteers committed to the stewardship of the property and to guarantee the original vision of the founders. That vision is to provide Walpole residents the enjoyment a forest can bring and preserving that experience for future generations.

The committee is always welcome to new ideas and open to public comment regarding the use and availability of the forest for various activities and civic use. Contact Chairman Dick Adams -

September 17th, 2009 - Paul Shertick Memorial Tree

The Town Forest Committee recently planted a flowering crabapple tree near the Town Forest monuments at the back of the football field for deceased member Paul Shertick who was taken from us suddenly last fall. He was an active committee member always willing to work on projects to help make the forest a welcome place for people to walk and fish. Shown at the tree planting are his wife, Mary Beth and daughters Hannah and Rose

Town Forest Activities Photos

2011 Fishing Derby

Clean-Up Days

New Gate & Bench Near Dam

Neponset Falls

2010 Fishing Derby

2009 Fishing Derby

2008 Fishing Derby

Committee Members

Dick Adams
Chairman

Steve Cyr
Treasurer

Paul Hunchard
Events & Education

Kathleen DiNatale
Associate Member

Bob LeBlanc
Town Advisor

Rules of Use

Dogs must be leashed at all times
Do not feed the wildlife
Cutting or removal of trees or vegetative damage is prohibited
Outdoor fires and overnight camping are not allowed without Fire Chief and the Parks Department notification and prior approval
Trash dumping is prohibited - if you carry it in, you must carry it out
No unauthorized motor vehicles, including ATVs, motorcycles, and snow mobiles.
No alcoholic beverages or drinking of such
No hunting, trapping, discharge of firearms, or use of bow and arrows
Fishing activity is governed by Massachusetts Fish and Game laws
All town bylaws governing the use of town land must be observed.

Town Forest History

Town Forest Map

The Town Forest was created through the foresight of our forefathers at a time when industry had replaced farming as the economic base and open, ravaged land was being reclaimed for civic use.

With the grant of 150 acres of land from Mr. George Plimpton and the environmental vision of Mr. Charles Bird, the forest was established in 1916 for the citizens of Walpole. It became the third Tree Farm in the state recognized by the Massachusetts Forestry Association and the first town forest to be managed for timber revenue.

Since those early years, several management plans have been written by foresters to guide the town in the maintenance and improvement of the woodlands for public use. The emphasis today is on passive recreation, watershed protection, aesthetic attraction, and the preservation of a healthy forest ecosystem.

Town Forest Tree Farm Sign

The Walpole Town Forest was designated as the 3rd Town Forest established in Massachusetts.

Large Granite Town Forest Monument

Located behind the football field

February 11, 2005

Boundary Marker Project

This project was proposed by Ryan Norton of Walpole for his Eagle Scout project. His proposal involved GPS locating each boundary marker and cataloging it. He took digital photos of each marker which are contained within a binder held that the Walpole Library along with an aerial photo of the cataloged area.

The Walpole Town Forest Committee would like to thank Ryan, his mom, and members of his scout troop for completing this project and making the presentation to our committee at a recent meeting