Wachusett Mountain Advisory Council Agenda/Notes as Reported to Princeton Selectboard Oct. 1, 2025 

Date of Meeting was Wednesday, July 30, 2025

6:30 pm Visitor Center

Agenda:

• WMAC Member Introductions:  Attendance: Princeton Rep

• • Mission and By Law Review N/A

• Meeting secretary 

• Previous meeting notes N/A

Guest Speaker:

• Forrester Joelle Vautour:  Health of the forest:

New project presented: Echo Lake Project (map attached)

DCR plans to remove trees in 5 stands near Echo Lake.

-Stand 1 and 3, large Norway Spruce and Red Pine(dead) will be removed to allow for natural regeneration of native species. Variable retention thinning is desired for future management. 

-Stand 2 is a shrubland and will be mowed and planted with native oak and cherry. 

-Stands 4 and 5 continuous field habitat- may use fire to manage. 

Public hearings will be planned with a 45 day comment period. WMAC will be notified. 

Would the Princeton Selectboard request  a hearing?

Ski Area Discussion/Summer projects update

            Public events: Sept 4 and 5, October 4 and 5. Events (4,000 people) are filling.

            Question: Princeton or Westminster police are paid to work these events.

                        Ski lift project continues with some delays. Natural Heritage (MEPA) was not 

                        alerted.

RMP Discussion:

• Recommendation during comment period

Karen Cruise notified Mary Marro of the public comment period for the DCR Mt. Wachusett Regional Management Plan. WMAC was then notified.

Mary Marro, as Princeton Rep. to WMAC prepared comments(attached) and submitted to DCR. These comments were also submitted to WMAC and Karen Cruise.

Page 21 and page 51 comments connect directly to the Town of Princeton.

            Next Regular Meeting:  Visitor Center Oct 30