Douglas Open Space Committee advances MassTrails grant for Keevan Conservation Property

DOUGLAS -- January 6, 2026, Douglas Open Space Committee pushes MassTrails grant for Keevan trail access. The committee, meeting January 6, focused on a reworked grant application to MassTrails for access improvements at the Keevan Conservation Property after an earlier T-Mobile application was unsuccessful. The revised budget requires identifying an additional $1,876 in matching funds, including potential in-kind project oversight hours and a possible small cash contribution from Conservation Commission funds. Member Becky Gallagher also reported sending a detailed letter to Douglas School Committee Chair Heather Moore requesting cooperation on trail naming and signage behind the schools and raising the possibility that the School Department contribute toward a roughly $12,000 fiberglass bridge replacement at Wellman Brook, a request Gallagher herself called "a Hail Mary." Updated support letters are being sought from the Conservation Commission, Planning Board, and Board of Selectmen, and the committee plans to schedule a meeting with Town Administrator Matt Wojcic about placing a matching-fund appropriation on the town warrant.