Lincoln Conservation Commission
MINUTES
Wednesday, October 6, 2004
Lincoln Town Offices
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Toby Feibelman, Mary Lincoln, Jim Meadors, Jim Henderson, Peter Von Mertens, & David Katsuki. STAFF: Tom Gumbart, Angela Kearney.
WETLAND FILINGS
Public Hearing – Notice of Intent: Susanne Rheault, 1 Oak Meadow Road. (Map 46-Block 35-5.08-Lot 1). Diana Thomas of Plein Air Design represented Susanne Rheault with a plan to construct a 2-level deck & stairs above an existing landscape area. The proposed deck is less than 350sf and its closest corner is approximately 37’ from the wetlands. The applicant also proposed a stone patio beside the house where lawn currently exists. The new 6’x8’ patio will be 47’ from the wetlands. In an effort to enhance the wetland buffer the applicant proposed to remove approximately 1,800sf of existing lawn to be replaced with native groundcovers. The Commission asked if a specific planting plan was available. Diana Thomas provided a list of native and naturalized
plants compiled from NEWFS and UMass Extension which was accepted by the Commission. The Commission requested that the existing creosote planters be removed completely and that all earth work be done by hand. The Commission requested that no chemical fertilizers or pesticides (including herbicides) be used within the 100-foot buffer zone. Silt-fencing shall be placed around the work zone as the strict limit of disturbance.
The Commission voted 6-0 to issue a negative Determination of Applicability.
Public Meeting – Request for Determination of Applicability: Conrad & Harriet Todd 126 Old Concord Road (Map 58-Block 7-Lot 1). The Todds proposed to remove trees that have obscured historic views from their home to the hayfield that lies beyond their horse paddock. A stream and a public trail run through the area proposed for thinning. The property is also subject to a Conservation Restriction held by the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust. The LLCT has approved of the proposed work. This is an agricultural landscape that has grown in over the years. The project will include hand-removal of the young trees from the previously cleared area between their two fields. The large canopy trees bordering the fields will remain in their current state. The understory brush
layer will remain and no expansion of the field edges shall take place as part of this project. The Commission will work with the applicant to mark vegetation so that some of the non-native invasive plant species will be removed to allow the desirable shrubs to grow more vigorously. Neighbors, Joe Robbat, Joan Perera, and Anne Booth all supported the clearing and felt the historic viewshed and agricultural fields are a critical component to Lincoln’s open space.
The Commission voted 6-0 to issue a negative Determination of Applicability.
Red Rail Farm Management Plan: The Commission presented a draft Management Plan to Doug Adams, Gustav Beerel, and Kim Johnson regarding the common easement over a portion of lot 57-2.06, consisting of approximately 1/2 acre. All parties agreed to divide the area in half with a new fence. Through continued discussion, all parties came to consensus on the following issues pertaining to the use and management of the easement land. Both portions of the easement land will be used in a manner that preserves Lincoln’s agricultural character. Portion A is closest to the Beerel home
and will be maintained by the Beerels. Portion B will continue to be used as a feeding/watering area for Kim Johnson's horse operation. A more detailed management plan will be developed for Portion B of the easement assuring its continued utility as part of a viable horse operation. The plan needs to be agreed to and signed by both the Commission and the Bereels before any work will commence this fall.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
“At Risk” Properties Committee
The Conservation Commission expressed hesitancy toward the new Committee. As a member of the Lincoln Foundation, Peter VonMertens should not represent the Conservation Commission because of an inherent conflict of interest. He will consider his situation and decide at a future date.
DEP Regulation Changes
Changes remain on track to be implemented this fall. The new fee structure goes into effect October 8th. The Commission shall continue to review its Bylaw, specifically in how wetlands and other resource areas are classified and delineated.
Ottenberg Residence
The Ottenbergs went before the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) several times with a proposal to tear down an existing structure and build a passive solar home. Zoning restrictions including building setbacks and utilizing the existing footprint are in direct conflict with the Ottenbergs plan for maximum solar gain and preserving on-site resources (including one very old maple tree). The Ottenbergs came before the Commission to request support for projects that respond to sound ecological processes. The Commission was undecided as to whether or not it was appropriate for them to ‘step up’ to another board regarding non-wetland related projects. Certainly, new buildings that do not adhere to zoning regulations but are proposed further from wetlands and buffer zones will be strongly encouraged by
the Commission.
Granville Road
Commissioners conducted a site visit to examine extensive debris dumping on Conservation Land. The homeowner readily agreed to clear the debris and restore the area to its natural woodland state.
State of the Town
Mary Lincoln will do a presentation on Lincoln’s water usage over recent years and how it varies during the year. The Commission also supports having the Board of Selectmen appoint a Water Committee.
Hawkbrook Pond-Off Hawk Hill Road
Turid Horgen conducted a site visit with Conservation Staff and Commissioners to explore the feasibility of restoring the pond, controlling invasive plants around the pond, and reestablishing the existing trail around the pond. She will speak with her neighbors and visit town hall to review prior projects and specific methods for completing such a project. The Commission said it would be fine for her to work with LLCT to reestablish the existing trail without a wetlands filing.
ACTION ITEMS
Eisner, 215 Lincoln Road, Deed Restriction approved and ready for approval by the Selectmen.
Order of Conditions: Food Project – 177 Concord Road (Map 82-Block 10-Lot 0) Issued.
Minutes approved from 9/22/04.
Bills & Payroll - signed.
Respectfully submitted,
Angela Kearney
| 
