Lincoln Conservation Commission
MINUTES
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Lincoln Town Offices
COMMISSIONERS: Jim Henderson, Jim Meadors, Peter von Mertens, Ben Horne, Sara Lewis, Dave Katsuki & Ari Kurtz STAFF: Angela Seaborg, Tom Gumbart
WETLANDS FILINGS
Notice of Intent Continued from June 4, 2008. Department of Conservation and Recreation. Walden Pond State Reservation (Map 39-Block 10-Lot0). For rehabilitation of the east bank of Walden Pond including safety pruning, additional planting and improvement of the storm-drain system within the buffer zone resource area.
Betsy Watkins represented the Department of Conservation and Recreation with a plan to restore areas of Walden Pond. Improvements will include enhancement of pedestrian access and visual character at the pond entrance; planting of low-maintenance, native plants along Concord Road to increase separation between the upper lawn and Concord Road; restoration of the upper lawn area; re-grading and drainage improvements to the canoe access road; a new path above the wall on the west side of the pond and restoration plantings on the slope above the pond.
Ms. Watkins did not have an updated plan showing recent revisions, but anticipated having one available before the July 2nd meeting. The Commission was generally in favor of the improvements. They asked that the plan included details pertaining to the re-grading of the canoe access road and parking area including re-surfacing and pitching so that drainage goes away from the pond side of the road. The Commission supported the idea of locating accessible outhouses at the canoe landing parking lot, but want to make sure they are maintained regularly. While the Commission is supportive of plantings along Concord Road, they would like to ensure that some view spaces are left for drivers to see the pond. Also, plantings should not interfere with sight lines as drivers exit from the boat launch area.
The Commission voted 6-0 to continue the hearing to 7:45 on July 2, 2008.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Cultural Council Grant Application – Potential Projects
The Lincoln Cultural Council has approximately $6,100 in outstanding funds to award in grants toward projects that would enhance the cultural viability of Lincoln. The Commission would like to submit a proposal for funding and has currently thought of projects including: a conservation calendar, photo inventory and/or on-line documentary of Lincoln’s conservation lands, creation of signs and kiosk displays.
Nyanza Superfund Site – Restoration Project Ideas
Angela Seaborg attended an overview meeting in Framingham, MA to understand the State’s funding availability and project selection criteria for restoration projects in the Sudbury River Watershed. While the majority of funding is likely to be applied toward projects directly associated with the contamination site (Ashland and Framingham), it is possible that Lincoln could get a small amount of funding. The Commission proposed potential projects including: additional water-chestnut harvesting in the Sudbury River, purple-loosestrife control in and around the Sudbury River, a fishing platform off of Lee’s Bridge or the canoe landing, creating of a roadside path from Lee’s Bridge to the Canoe Landing parking lot and restoration of the secondary canoe-landing parking lot, and/or funding to do educational signs and habitat
restoration workshops.
Trail Discussion
As a continuation of the Open Space and Recreation Planning process, Angela Seaborg would like to spearhead a general discussion on the trail network. This is an appropriate time to hold a dialogue as the Comprehensive Long-Range Planning process is underway, as well as the Roadway Reconstruction Project, Traffic Committee and Facilities evaluation process. The Commission was generally in favor of such a meeting, but wants to make certain that clear goals and objectives for the meeting are outlined before hand.
Metropolitan Planning Organization – Walkable Community Workshop
The Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is a free resource for the community and is holding Walkable Community Workshops that focus on understanding and assessing the “walkability” and pedestrian safety issues of neighborhood(s) within the community. Together the community and MPO work together to develop recommendations for improvements. The Commission was in favor of sponsoring and participating in one of these workshops. It could be a nice event to tee-off the general trail discussion, or it could be an isolated event co-sponsored by the CLPR Committee and/or Department of Public Works.
MIG – Railroad Culvert Replacement
The MBTA is looking to replace a culvert under the tracks near the Food Project Conservation Field. They requested an Emergency Certification to begin work and agreed to file a Notice of Intent for the culvert installation and existing culvert abandonment. The Commission would like to hold a site visit prior to understanding the proposed work. Tom Gumbart will arrange a time to meet on-site with MBTA and Contractor representatives.
Pierce Pond
Tom Gumbart and Peter von Mertens met with representatives of Town Boards and the Pierce Pond Committee to determine the Action Plan for working on the lower pond at the Pierce Estate. All parties agreed that the Town needed to hire an engineer to perform studies of the entire pond system and to prepare a comprehensive plan for repairing the culverts, headwalls and drainage structures within the pond systems. It is likely that the project would qualify for funding under the Community Preservation Act. Town staff and Committee members will continue to coordinate the project.
ACTION ITEMS
Bills Paid & Payroll Signed
Respectfully Submitted,
Angela Seaborg
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