Town Administrator Derek Sullivan told the Wareham Land Trust to define a vision when it comes to open space after he advised them to rethink using Community Preservation Act funds to buy a 1.73-acre parcel in the heart of Onset for $100,500.

Known as the Staples Baypoint Preserve, the land is home to several endangered species and a vernal pool, which one Land Trust member referred to as a “critical habitat.” Currently, the Land Trust is in talks to purchase the land for that reason.

On Tuesday, board members told the Land Trust and the Community Preservation Committee that it would consider, but not place, the request on the Special Town Meeting agenda. The Community Preservation Act is a Massachusetts law that allows participating cities and towns to adopt a real estate tax surcharge, supplemented by state matching funds in order to fund historic preservation, affordable housing, open space, and outdoor recreation projects.

Land Trust and Community Preservation Committee members argued that the agenda item, if approved at Town Meeting, would preserve open space that’s home to several endangered species. Additionally, the land is adjacent to open space properties the trust already owns.

“If this is successful we would start a discussion with the Conservation Commission about making a trail system in a 9-acre parcel that would be created in the middle of Onset,” said Nancy L. McHale, the Land Trust’s treasurer.

Sullivan advised Selectmen to hold off on placing the item on the Annual Town Meeting agenda until a comprehensive open space plan was developed.

“I’d like to see us wait until we have a vision in place and figure out what we’re doing and look at what we set aside already,” said Sullivan, “There’s no plan.”

Selectmen agreed and said they would look into the matter further before making a decision.