Open Space Committee

The Open Space Committee meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 9:00 AM in the Adella G. Urban Administrative Offices Conference Room. Open Space Committee makes recommendations to the Board of Selectmen concerning acquisition of open space and other proper uses of the Land Acquisition Fund as defined in Columbia Ordinance 8-13 Land Acquisition Fund, as duly enacted and amended from time to time.

The Open Space Committee grew out of the 1988 Columbia Plan of Conservation and Development and a mandate to the Conservation Commission in 1994 to develop an open space plan which involved an extensive evaluation of the town’s current resources and needs for land protection. This resulted in the Columbia Natural Resource Inventory and Open Space Plan which helps guide the Open Space Committee in evaluating parcels that deserve protection.

Open Space is critical to the long-term protection of natural resources as well as the quality of life of Columbia. Protection of open space helps preserve groundwater resources, forest and farmland, habitat areas for wildlife and habitat corridors, historic and cultural sites, scenic vistas, and recreational waters and passive use recreational activities. Such protection maintains the rural and agricultural character of Columbia while allowing for appropriate and sensible development, helping to maintain property values, and providing stewardship of irreplaceable natural and historic resources. These resources need to be protected while they still exist, and doing so in a planned and thoughtful way will be an invaluable asset to future generations and the ecological integrity of Columbia.

Within a short drive from any point in Columbia, residents can access an entrance to a public walking trail and enjoy the solitude and serenity of a walk in the country. For more information on Columbia's public trails, please see our trails page to find out more.

Open Space Committee consists of the following members:

Szegda Farm Open Space

In 2008, the Town of Columbia acquired the 135-acre Open Space property known as "Szegda Farm." It features two gravel parking areas, a community garden, open pastures, hiking trails, and a pole barn containing picnic benches.

Directions: Turn on Route 87 south at the junction with Route 66. Take a left on Szegda Road and left at the stop sign.