Lincoln Conservation Commission
MINUTES
Wednesday, March 1, 2006
Lincoln Town Offices
COMMISSIONERS: David Katsuki, Peter Von Mertens, Jim Meadors, Toby Feibelman STAFF: Tom Gumbart, Angela Kearney.
WETLAND FILINGS
Public Hearing: Amended Order of Conditions for DEP 203-670. Farrar Pond Associates. For management of nuisance aquatic vegetation.
Lee Lyman of Lycott Environmental and Gordon Winchell of the Farrar Pond Association, proposed to use the herbicide Sonar to control Fanwort (Cabomba caroliniana) in addition to the on-going pond management efforts to control invasive aquatic plant growth. This Amended Order of Conditions will replace an Amended Order issued on 5/16/01 and extend the Order for a period of three years. The original Order of Conditions was issued on 4/15/98 and extended for periods of three years on 4/15/01 and 5/14/04. A new Notice of Intent will be required after this extension, which expires March 1, 2009. No further extensions will be allowed for this Order. This will allow the Commission to re-evaluate the management needs of Farrar Pond and allow for public participation in the process.
The primary treatment proposed for 2006 is Sonar A.S (Fluridone). A mid to late season spot treatment of Reward is allowed with prior notification to and consent from the Conservation Commission. Other EPA approved herbicides for aquatic vegetation control may be used with prior written consent from the Conservation Commission. Herbicide treatments must be at levels that do not adversely affect vertebrate and invertebrate organisms that live in or utilize the pond. Progress reports shall be submitted to the Commission annually.
Pond drawdown is another management tool that has been used at Farrar Pond. This particular activity is permitted under a separate Order of Conditions (DEP # 203-174).
The Commission voted 4-0 to close the hearing and issue an Amended Order of Conditions.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Blue Heron Organic Farm
Ellery Kimball is pursuing options for installing a well at her farm. She has researched the possibilities of using a solar pump, but can not find one that will be suitable for her needs. Thus, she will need to connect to the electrical line off Route 117. The Commission is in support of her installing a well at the farm. They will want to discuss final plans with Ellery prior to installation. They would like her consider locating the electricity under ground and may require her to install a meter to monitor her water consumption.
Mass Audubon – CR Stewardship Manual
Buzz Constable presented the recently published CR Stewardship Manual co-sponsored by Mass Audubon and the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust. This manual will be given to all Conservation Commissions in the state and will serve as a tool for preparing baselines and monitoring strategies for conservation restricted land.
Hobbs Brook Farm
The Commission received notice that the Supreme Judicial Court has denied the Hobbs Brook appeal for a hearing.
Crosswalk at 126 and Old Concord Road
Conservation Staff conducted a site visit with Bob Gallo from Police and Chris Bibbo from Highway to look at the details pertaining to the proposed crosswalk at Route 126. The next step is for Chris Bibbo to prepare detailed plans. The Commission would like to see the existing crosswalk remain, in addition to a new crosswalk. Conservation Staff will place signs at the existing crosswalk leading visitors to the trail at Old Concord Road.
Agricultural Commission
Tom Gumbart will provide information for discussion at the March 15th meeting regarding possibilities for establishing an Agricultural Commission in Lincoln. This discussion is in response to a warrant article that will be presented by the Selectmen at Town Meeting.
Tennessee Gas Company
Tennessee Gas is currently starting routine maintenance activities along their pipeline easement including, hand pruning and mowing with a small tractor. They will submit a Request for Determination of Applicability for larger tree clearing within the easement area.
ACTION ITEMS
Meeting Minutes Approved from 2/15/06
Bills Paid & Payroll Signed
Respectfully Submitted,
Angela Kearney
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