Salem Woods

 

Salem Woods (Listed 2002)

SUMMARY

The Salem Woods is a 129-acre open space containing vernal pools, wildlife and 65 identified plant species and is the last significant woodland ecosystem in the City of Salem.  It was placed on the Most Endangered List in 2002 because it was threatened by plans to expand the adjacent golf course.  It is currently listed as “Improved”.  Signs of improvement include a change in the city’s plans to expand the golf course and the activities spearheaded by the Friends of Salem Woods.

FULL REPORT

History and Significance

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, 129-acres of the original Highland Park purchase remains and is known as the Salem Woods.  The woods contain vernal pools, varied wildlife and 65 identified plant species.  This is the last significant woodland ecosystem in the City of Salem.  For an in-depth history visit the Friends of Salem Woods history page.

Description and History of the Threat

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 and to some people plans to develop the woods into additional golf holes or changing the character of the woods in general will always sound appealing.  However, the imminent threat of the expansion of the golf course seems to have receded.  In 2006, the City Council voted to make Salem Woods a Conservation Overlay Zoning District.  In 2007, Salem’s Open Space plan was revised and no longer calls for expansion of the golf course.

Chris Burke, the president of the Friends of Salem Woods states “I believe that when HSI put the Salem Woods on its endangered list it was a turning point … support for preserving the woods was seen as broad based.”??Recently (2010) the City of Salem was granted state funding which the Friends of Salem Woods have used to restore eroded trails.

How You Can Help

For further information on the history of Salem Woods, and on current advocacy efforts, visit the website of The Friends of Salem Woods:  ?http://www.salemwoods.org/

Last Updated: July 28, 2010