Slater Woods restriction stalled.

Byline: Debbie LaPlaca

DUDLEY - The Dudley Conservation Land Trust's pursuit of a conservation restriction on Slater Woods was stalled by selectmen April 25 because a portion may be needed for an adjacent industrial park.

The land trust recently purchased 75 acres of landlocked forest known as Slater Woods to connect Massachusetts Audubon land with Hiland Park and form the town's second wildlife corridor.

A conservation restriction would assure the land is preserved in perpetuity. Once enacted, the land trust will receive a $46,250 grant from the state Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.

"We need to get the conservation restriction approved in order to get our state funding," DCLT President Sandra A. Peterson said. "Time is of the essence."

The process for a land restriction typically begins with the Conservation Commission; once passed, the matter goes to the Board of Selectmen for approval.

Board Chairman Paul M. Joseph said April 25 that he asked the Conservation Commission to temporarily table its decision.

The town owns 54 landlocked acres adjacent to Slater Woods. A developer, Mr. Joseph said, has expressed interest in purchasing the land for an industrial park.

The development may also require a...

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