Lincoln Conservation Commission
MINUTES
Wednesday, March 2, 2005
Lincoln Town Offices
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Mary Lincoln, Jim Meadors, Peter von Mertens, Jim Henderson, David Katsuki, and Toby Feibelman. STAFF: Tom Gumbart, Sean Hale, Angela Kearney.
WETLAND FILINGS
Public Hearing – Notice of Intent, Continued From January 19, 2005: Thomas Dooley, 31-33 Old Concord Road. (Map 61-Block 4-Lot 5&6). For invasive plant species removal and field maintenance through selective clearing in the outer 50-foot buffer zone.
Please refer to the court stenographer transcript and Conservation Commission’s recordings for exact Public Hearing details.
Thomas Dooley was not present at the hearing. His counselor at law Diane C. Tillotson, architect Peter Conant, wetlands consultant Arlene Wilson, and a court stenographer were present to continue the hearing regarding field establishment and maintenance through field grass planting, manual removal of invasive exotic plants and regular mowing. Several neighbors were also present.
During the January 19th meeting, the Applicant’s representative, Peter Conant, suggested that the Commission conduct another site visit to view the extent of proposed clearing. The 50 and 100-foot buffer lines were flagged prior to the site visit. Three Commissioners, Conservation Staff, Peter Conant, and one neighborhood representative were present for the site visit on Monday February 28th. They reviewed the areas to be cleared. One area in the south portion of the property was well established with blackberry sp. and reed-canary grass and had virtually no invasive species. Another area near the existing trail into the property had some well-established, native trees and the area along Old Concord Road, under the Norway Maples was scarce in vegetation.
Arlene Wilson opened the March 2nd hearing by presenting an updated property management plan, based upon observations from the site visit. The plan included hand-transplanting the blackberries from their current location into the eastern 50-foot buffer zone for restoration. It included preserving the large, native trees and proposed a mowing regime of 2 times per year between August 1st and May 1st. No cutting would take place between May through July. A ‘do-not-disturb’ zone would be permanently marked and no work would take place inside that zone except for native restoration planting and invasive plant removal. Round-up would be used during the active growing cycle on invasive plant stems too large to mow.
The Commission was generally in agreement with the management plan. They did not however, want to see the existing blackberries transplanted. They would prefer to have a list of suitable native plants for the 50-foot buffer zone restoration area that would be purchased from a native plant nursery and planted. The existing blackberries should be left in tact so not to disturb the soil and those that fall within the clearing area shall be managed in concert with the entire area. The Commission agreed with two mowings before May 1st and/or after August 1st. They suggested it may be better to do both mowings after August 1st in order to preserve early spring nesting habitat and prevent rutting of wet ground in the spring. The applicant and Commissioners were
satisfied that the area would be maintained as ‘field’ not ‘lawn’ with this management regime. Commissioner Jim Meadors requested that they try to work with the landscape crew to mow in a pattern that directs wildlife down to the wetlands rather than into a circle. The Commission will only allow Round-up to be used by direct application to cut stems after the growing season has ended, as they believe this to be the time when it is most effective. They would also like to see a revised plan locating the permanent ‘do-not disturb’ line. In addition, they would like to see the property line between lots 5&6 depicted on the plan as it is on current land court plans. The Order of Conditions will need to be recorded for each lot.
Neighbors made several comments about the proposed work. One in particular was that the lower shrub/scrub area serves as a wildlife corridor between the Mt. Misery Conservation Land and Conservation Land across rte. 116. The representatives proposed to bring the southern clear line in approximately 30 feet and then angle it toward the existing field. The Commission was in agreement with this proposal and would like to see the revised plan depict this change. Neighbors were also concerned with the applicant adhering to the plan, as they have already done work without permits. Mary Lincoln, Chair explained that the Commission is able to require a bond for planting work. They could also deny the Certificate of Compliance or revoke the Order of Conditions. The Applicant’s representatives said they have no
intention of doing work against the Order and would be in communication with the Conservation Staff prior to work.
The Commission voted 6-0 to close the public hearing. An Order of Conditions will be issued upon receipt of an updated plan depicting changes outlined above.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Dogs at Mt. Misery
The Commission discussed the new dog regulations, to become effective April 4th 2005. They updated the dog brochure and discussed enforcement methods with Conservation Agent, Sean Hale. An article will be placed in the Lincoln Journal on March 10th and the Commission will be available to discuss the regulations and answer questions during the March 16th public meeting. Regulations will be posted at the Mt. Misery parking lot after the meeting and Conservation Staff, Commissioners, and volunteers will be at Mt. Misery starting April 4th to enforce the regulations.
Water Chestnut Planning
Tom Gumbart and Sean Hale are collaborating with the Town of Concord, the Concord Land Conservation Trust, and the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge to plan for water chestnut harvesting in Fairhaven Bay. Harvesting will be done in late July this year.
Beaver at Mt. Misery
Ari Kurtz from Lindentree Farm called to remind the Commission that the growing season is coming and should be considered if and when action is taken to remove or alter the beaver dams at Mt. Misery.
Hanscom ESPR
Massport emailed the Commission a draft scope for the next Environmental and Status Planning Report (ESPR) 5-year study. They look at all aspects of the civil air field operations, including wetlands and wildlife. The Commission will have a chance to review and comment on drafts of the “Scope” and subsequently the full ESPR.
Community Preservation Committee
Peter von Mertens reported that the Browning Field project can not be funded by the CPC unless it is done under the historic guidelines. According to CPA regulations land purchased with CPA funds can be improved with CPA funds, but most municipal land does not fall into this category. The Harrington-Row support from the CP is quite positive.
ACTION ITEMS
Meeting Minutes Approved from 2/16/05
Bills Paid & Payroll Signed
Respectfully submitted,
Angela Kearney
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