Lincoln Conservation Commission
MINUTES
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Lincoln Town Offices
COMMISSIONERS: Jim Meadors, Jim Henderson, Peter von Mertens, Ben Horne, David Katsuki, Ari Kurtz, & Sara Lewis STAFF: Angela Seaborg, Tom Gumbart.
WETLANDS FILINGS
Todd Pond Residents Association (DEP File Number 203-745).
Alan Eschenroeder represented the Todd Pond Residents Association to discuss current and long-term strategies and standards for treating aquatic vegetation in Todd Pond. The Association submitted a 2006 management summary with treatment recommendations from Lycott Environmental and a request to treat the pond in 2007 under the Extension Permit of Order of Conditions issued in 2005. As agreed to under the issuance of the Extension Permit, the Commission conducted site visits during June and September of 2006 to monitor the percent cover and growth of aquatic plants in Todd Pond. During both visits the Commission observed minimal surface vegetation and submersed vegetation in amounts that did not impede canoe travel or that might otherwise interfere with the goals of the Association.
Based upon these findings the Commission agreed with the Association representative not to treat the pond in 2007. The Commission will continue to work with the Association to monitor vegetation in the pond through site visits and standards for monitoring and maintenance. Such standards will be outlined on a data form that includes ranges for monitoring percent surface cover, approximate volume of submersed vegetation, wildlife and habitat present, suitability for boating and fishing and overall ecological value. The Commission and Association can use the data form to inform management and treatment strategies in the future.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
New England Deaconess
Tetra Tech Rizzo and New England Deaconess requested an extension of the issuance of the Order of Conditions to May 2nd so the project team had time to review the attached conditions.
Walden Passage Feasibility Study
Tom Gumbart submitted comments to the project team on behalf of the Town and Conservation Commission. As a community Lincoln is very supportive of wildlife initiatives, however we do not want a Wildlife Passage Project to impede with the development of the “Crosby’s Corner Project” on Route 2.
Buffer Zone Regulations
Jim Meadors prepared edits to an earlier draft of the Buffer Zone Regulations to be adopted under the revised Bylaw dated March, 2007. A public hearing will be held at 8:15 on May 2nd to review and adopt the Revised Buffer Zone Regulations under the new Bylaw.
Update from Agriculture Subcommittee
The Agricultural Subcommittee conducted a review of Lindentree Farm during which time they walked the fields with the farmer, discussed current practices and problems or conflicts that need to be addressed. The Subcommittee will be conducting similar reviews with all the farmers who lease Lincoln’s conservation lands. The farm reviews will become part of the annual review process.
Open Space Plan Update
The Open Space Committee held its second public forum on Thursday, April 12th. The meeting was televised and members of the Committee and the community were present. Peter von Mertens and Angela Seaborg gave an update including responses to prior public comments; review of the community survey results; review 5-year Action Plan; and next steps. A draft of the Open Space Plan is available on the Town website and will be sent to local and regional boards and organizations for formal review toward the end of May. Mary Helen Lorenz also gave a brief presentation of the Lincoln Garden Club’s Roadsides of Lincoln Project.
Other Items
Roadside cleanup to be held Saturday, April 21st.
Three Commission members will be meeting with the Board of Selectmen to discuss current issues before the board and to renew their appointments.
A meeting with the school board will be held on Thursday, April 19th to discuss the Emergency Access Feasibility Plan.
Alexa Henderson is currently working in the field with Anna Wilkins, Conservation Land Steward for her high-school, community-service project.
The Commission has the potential to receive summer field interns through a MassPort work program. Tom Gumbart is coordinating the logistics.
ACTION ITEMS
Certificate of Compliance Issued: Historic New England. 38 Codman Road (83-2-0)
Certificate of Compliance Issued: Cadagon, Carol. 185 Weston Road (121-2-0) (OOC #203-752, #203-762, #203-718)
Minutes Approved 4/4/07
Bills Paid & Payroll Signed
Respectfully Submitted,
Angela Seaborg
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