Lincoln Conservation Commission
MINUTES
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Lincoln Town Offices
COMMISSIONERS: Jim Henderson, Dave Katsuki, Peter von Mertens, Ben Horne, Sara Lewis & Ari Kurtz STAFF: Angela Seaborg, Tom Gumbart
WETLANDS FILINGS
Request to Perform Invasives Clearing Work: John French. 12 Browning Lane. (92-12-0)
The Commission reviewed the French’s proposal to perform routine maintenance including hand-removal and direct herbicide treatment of non-native, invasive plants including glossy buckthorn, honeysuckle, Asiatic bittersweet and autumn olive from a field edge within the 100-foot Buffer Zone Resource Area. The area was previously managed to keep out non-native, invasive vegetation. Angela Seaborg conducted a site visit with the applicant and recommended regional native plants to restore the area. The Commission would like the applicant to monitor the non-native invasive plants beyond the initial clearing work and take photographs to depict the status of the project over time.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Lincoln Garden Club - Report on Lincoln Roadsides
The Lincoln Garden Club prepared a comprehensive report on the current and proposed condition of Lincoln’s Roadsides. The Report on Lincoln Roadsides defined several roadside types in Lincoln and recommended ways in which the Town Departments and Residents can maintain the roadside right-of-ways to preserve their character. Conservation Staff reviewed the report and prepared comments for the Lincoln Garden Club.
Bobolink Study
The Commission received a proposal from a Tufts University Student, Alexander Keyel, interested in studying bobolinks on Lincoln’s conservation fields. The Commission recognized the merit of the study but had some questions regarding the project. Tom Gumbart and members of the Commission will meet with the student both in the office to discuss the project in greater detail.
4th of July Parade
The Commission is interested in preparing a float for the 4th of July parade.
CPC Funding for Hemlocks and Invasives
Tom Gumbart updated the Commission on the status of the invasives removal and hemlock treatment project. The funds to begin work are available and Jane Layton will be overseeing the summer work crew. Conservation Staff have currently interviewed three candidates. The Request for Proposals to perform the hemlock treatment will be sent out by the end of May.
Sunnyside Stream Restoration
Angela Seaborg prepared a revised detention basin grading and planting plan which was approved by the project team. Work is scheduled to take place this fall.
John Neri – 109 Cambridge Turnpike
The Route 2 Crosby’s Corner project, as shown in the 75% design plans, will significantly impact John Neri’s property located at 109 Cambridge Turnpike. The current proposal relocates the local access roadway approximately 15 feet from his house and the property is currently not on the list for a taking. John Neri is exploring all the alternatives for mitigating impact to his property including relocating his house farther from Route 2 and would like to understand the options for trading a piece of his land for a piece of conservation land. This trade would allow him to relocate a new house farther away from Route 2. This option would require follow-through in a difficult process including 2/3rds vote at Town Meeting to dispose of conservation land, but this may be a unique case. Another option would be for the Conservation
Commission to write a letter to the Zoning Board of Appeals requesting their approval for a variance to relocate a house within the zoning setbacks. The Commission noted these options and is willing to work with the homeowner to further explore the possibilities.
ACTION ITEMS
Certificates of Compliance Issued: 9 Oak Knoll Road (203-150 & 203-161).
Minutes Approved 4/16/08
Bills Paid & Payroll Signed
Respectfully Submitted,
Angela Seaborg
|