Town approves purchase of Bowman/Walker parcel to expand Sandra Pond conservation area

Westborough voters approved acquisition of a parcel often referred to as the Ellis/Walker property to expand Bowman conservation lands and protect streams that feed Sandra Pond, a municipal water-supply reservoir. The parcel appraisal was $615,000; the purchase strategy combines a 50 percent Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) reimbursement grant, a $200,000 commitment from Sudbury Valley Trustees and a $107,500 commitment from the Walkup Robinson Trust toward acquisition and stewardship. The warrant article is written so town free-cash funds would only be expended after notice of grant award, reducing immediate tax or reserve impacts.

Conservation Director Jennifer Miller told voters the parcel contains upland forest, wetlands and three streams that feed Piccadilly Brook and, ultimately, Sandra Pond; protecting the parcel would strengthen water-supply protection, flood resilience and habitat continuity. The acquisition responders noted stewardship funds would be used to install safe trail access, kiosk and basic parking to allow public passive-recreation access without degrading wetlands. Select Board and Advisory Finance Committee representatives confirmed the purchase was structured to minimize tax impact: the town will be reimbursed by the LWCF grant before free-cash is expended.

Voters approved the acquisition in a two-thirds vote (281-13). The conservation commission will manage stewardship and coordinate with grantors and the Sudbury Valley Trustees to finalize closing and stewardship plans.