Sustainability Committee — October 20, 2026

The Fairhaven Sustainability Committee met on October 20, 2026, to discuss ongoing municipal sustainability initiatives, open space planning, and grant applications. Kristen Ritz provided an update on the Macomber Pimental native plant garden, reporting that she submitted a Community Preservation Act (CPC) grant application for between $20,000 and $30,000 for paths, benches, plants, and soil. She noted that 125 native plants suited to Ecoregion 53 were planted with the help of volunteers and donated soil from Coast of Maine Organics via Ace Hardware. To protect small plugs from bicycle damage, the committee voted unanimously to authorize spending up to $100 on stakes, caution tape, and signage.

Tim Garcia presented an update on a Livable Streets CPC application requesting $180,000 to install 10 solar-powered emergency blue light towers across Cushman Park, Livesey Park, and along a 2.9-mile stretch of the Fairhaven Rail Trail. Garcia explained that the initiative involves cross-committee collaboration, state legislative earmark requests through Senator Mark Montigny and Representative Mark Sylvia, and potential future private donations. The committee unanimously approved sending a formal letter of support for the CPC grant proposal.

In other business, Wendy Drum (Trump) reported on local shorebirds, noting an upcoming detailed fledgling report from Jamie Bogart and highlighting efforts to support endangered Least Terns while noting state-level legal protections. The committee also received notice of an upcoming Natural Heritage Speaker Series lecture on whales by Bob Rocha, discussed the status of hiring a town conservation agent/sustainability coordinator, and noted that the BPW is siting six solar-powered Bigbelly trash compactors funded by a previous CPC grant. Due to the fall special town meeting scheduled for November 17, the committee deferred setting its next meeting date.

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