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Most Endangered Historic Resource:
Salem Woods (Listed 2002) Status-Signs
of Improvement
The City at nominal cost purchased the Salem Woods in 1906 from The
Great Pasture Company as part of a larger parcel called Highland Park.
The deed includes a stipulation that states that Salem use the purchased
land for a "Park, and for no other purpose.". Today, all that
remains of the original Highland Park purchase is the 129-acre parcel
known today as the Salem Woods, which contains vernal pools, varied
wildlife and 65 identified plant species.
Over the years, the Salem Woods has been threatened by plans of the
City to expand its present 9-hole golf course to 18 holes. The imminent
threat of the expansion of the golf course seems to have receded, but
efforts to establish a more permanent resolution continue to prove difficult.
HSI, along with many others, believes that the Salem Woods, the last
significant woodland ecosystem in the City of Salem, is a unique historic
resource that should remain free of further encroachment by the golf
course or other development.
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