Open Space Committee

The Open Space Committee identifies land that may be acquired for conservation, open space, recreation and related purposes and makes recommendations for its purchase. The Committee also identifies land that be eligible for conservation restrictions or other open space preservation options. The Open Space Committee updates and revises the Open Space Plan.

Members

Meetings

Meetings are held monthly. Check the Town Calendar for meeting dates and times. Review the Open Space Committee’s meeting minutes for a record of their meetings.

Dover Town Code Description of Responsibilities

Dover Town Code
There shall be an Open Space Committee consisting of eleven menbers. The Board of Selectmen shall appoint nine members and the Conservation Commission and the Planning Board shall each appoint one of their members to be a member. All appointments shall be for one-year terms.

In addition to such other powers and responsibilities as the Bylaws may provide and require, the Committee shall, from time to time, update and revise the text of the Open Space Plan for approval in accordance with the Massachusetts General Laws.

The Committee shall have responsibility to identify land that may be acquired (through purchase, lease, grant, easement, statutory right of first refusal, or otherwise) for conservation, open space, recreation and related purposes and to make recommendations for its purchase. The Committee shall encourage philanthropy and private efforts.

The Committee is authorized to administer, maintain, improve, protect, and otherwise manage town-owned land and easements held for conservation, recreation and open space purposes, if requested by the Town Board or commission having control of the land. Any such request may be withdrawn or modified at any time. The requesting board or commission shall maintain oversight over the Committee’s activities with respect to such land or easement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What lands are open to the public for passive and active recreation?
Dover has open space for recreation owned by the town, Parks and Recreation, The Trustees of Reservations, Conservation Commission, Hale Reservation, Dover Land Conservation Trust and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts/Massachusetts Horticultural Society (Elm Bank Reservation). More information can be found on their websites and here. There is a map of Dover with areas to go for a walk.

How can I access the Charles River for boating?
Dover has two boat launching sites: The Bridge St. Boat Landing and the Riverside Drive Site.

Where can I walk my dog?
Dover does not have a leash law but does require that owners be in control and within site of the dog at all times. Different properties have different rules about dogs. Please check the individual property websites for more information.

Are there biking rules in Dover?
There are no biking lanes on Dover’s streets. State bicycle laws can be accessed here. The Conservation Commission and the Parks and Recreation department have information on off-road biking.

How do I protect my land?
There are many Conservation options. These links, www.masswoods.net and Land Conservation Options, are a good place to start.

Where can I ride my horse?
There are many trails available in Dover. Go to Noanet Woodlands, Wylde Woods or the Norfolk Hunt Club.

Is hunting allowed in Dover?
Dover’s by-laws, specifically C. 109, speak to hunting regulations within the Town of Dover.

No person shall fire or discharge any firearm within the limits of any park, playground or other public property, except with the consent of the Board of Selectmen, or hunt, trap, fire or discharge any firearm on any private property, except with the written consent, to be in the person’s possession, of the owner or legal occupant thereof.

This by-law serves to prohibit all hunting, regardless of the weapon used, on all public lands of the town. Conversely it allows hunting only on private property provided however the person engaged in hunting has the written permission of the landowner or person in lawful control of the property on his/her person while so engaged.

In addition to local by-laws, Massachusetts has several statutes and regulations dealing with possession and carrying of firearms. Also on the books of the Commonwealth are a whole host of statutes and regulations that govern hunting in Massachusetts. Anyone, even with written permission, hunting upon private lands in Dover must also conform to the strict laws and regulations addressing these issues.