Lincoln Conservation Commission
MINUTES
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Lincoln Town Offices
COMMISSIONERS: Jim Henderson, Dave Katsuki, Ben Horne, Sara Lewis & Ari Kurtz
STAFF: Angela Seaborg, Tom Gumbart
WETLANDS FILINGS
Request for Determination of Applicability: Town of Lincoln Conservation Department. Mt. Misery Dam – 0 South Great Road (78-1-0). For routine maintenance including vegetation removal, stump removal, backfill, fence installation and planting of native ground covers within the Buffer Zone Resource Area.
Conservation Department Staff will work during the summer and fall of 2008 to perform routine maintenance on the Mt. Misery dam including: removal of trees and shrubs, removal of small stumps and backfill holes with appropriate material, installation of a fence to prevent people and dogs from eroding the slopes and entering the pond (existing access will remain), and planting of native groundcovers to stabilize slopes and reduce the chances for encroachment of non-native, invasive vegetation. The work will be done primarily by hand. The conservation tractor may be used to pull stumps, transport cut vegetation and dig and backfill holes. The tractor will work from the road on top of the slope across the dam and will not result in any adverse impacts to the pond or stream. This work is necessary to maintain the dam in working order and to
prevent erosion or undermining of the dam. Signs will be posted up to two weeks prior to work informing conservation land users of the work to be performed. There may be additional maintenance work done in the following years under this Determination of Applicability.
The Commission would like to arrange a site visit to look at the extent of clearing work and maintenance methods prior to work. They would also hold site visits at other dams on conservation land to determine their maintenance requirements.
The Commission voted 5-0 to issue a Nagative Determination of Applicability.
Request for Determination of Applicability: Town of Lincoln Conservation Department. For non-native invasive plant removal on conservation land.
Conservation staff may work to remove non-native, invasive vegetation within Wetland and Buffer Zone Resource Areas on Town-owned conservation lands. Methods for removal will be by hand or mechanical means including chain saws and or a tractor where appropriate. Where roots are removed the soil will be shaken off and secured back in the ground. Work may involve selective herbicide treatment in strict accordance with the Conservation Land Vegetation Management Plan. Vegetation may be stockpiled, but in most cases it will be chipped and spread in a thin layer across the area or burned during burn season. Work will be done when conditions will not nagetively impact the resource areas. Rather it should help to increase the overal health and diversity of the native plant community and will prevent the spread of non-native, invasive vegetation into
unaffected areas. In large cleared areas, Conservation Staff will replant the area with native, low-maintenance vegetation and or seed the area with a site-specific conservation seed mix.
The Commission would like to ensure that the Determination will specify that invasives removal work will be done in accordance with the Conservation Land Vegetation Maintenance Plan. This plan should address the sensitivities of spraying near organic farms. Anna Wilkins is doing a significant amount of work to coordinate and mobilize groups around controling invasive plants in Town.
The Commission voted 5-0 to issue a Nagative Determination of Applicability.
Notice of Intent: Continuation from March 5, 2008 Geraldine Robbins. 18 Old Cambridge Turnpike (24-9-0). For a septic system replacement in the Buffer Zone Resource Area.
Diana Smith represented the client as their real estate broker. She told the Commissioners that the homeowner was not interested in removing the barn in order to re-locate the septic system as requested by a neighbor at the March 5th hearing. The Commission was satisfied that the proposed system would not have an impact on the Wetland Resource Area and noted that they do not have jurisdiction outside of the 100-foot Buffer Zone Resource Area. The Commission reviewed the deed restriction and noted that it only pertained to the house and subdivision potential of the land.
The Commission voted 4-0 to close the hearing and issue an Order of Conditions.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Enforcement Order: Nicholas Konstandakis. 22 Old Cambridge Turnpike (22-6-0). For clearing of vegetation and re-grading approximately 5,000 square feet within the buffer zone resource area immediately adjacent to an intermittent stream and associated bordering vegetated wetland.
The applicant or his representative did not show up for the meeting. Angela Seaborg will prepare a list of outstanding wetlands filings on the property. The Commission will conduct a site visit in early spring and require submission deadlines.
GIS
Ellen Meadors is interested having the building footprints mapped and added to the GIS database as a coordinated effort between the Assessors, Conservation Commission, Historic Commission and Planning Board. The cost of the work would be approximated $4,000; $1,000 of which would come from each Board. The Commission is in support of the effort and voted 5-0 to spend approximately $1,000 toward funding the project.
Open Space and Recreation Plan
The 2008 Open Space and Recreation Plan has been published and distributed to Committee Members, area Towns and local conservation organizations. Copies will be available at Town Meeting on March 29, 2008.
Agricultural Licensing Program
All the farmers have submitted their proposals for the agricultural fields in Lincoln. The Commission received several proposals for use of the Ricci field in North Lincoln. The Agricultural Sub Committee will review the proposals and issue contracts at its next meeting.
ACTION ITEMS
Order of Conditions Issued to Daniel Boynton. 34 Cambridge Turnpike (14-8-0)
Order of Conditions Issued to Geraldine Robbins. 18 Old Cambridge Turnpike (24-9-0)
Minutes Approved 3/5/08
Bills Paid & Payroll Signed
Respectfully Submitted,
Angela Seaborg
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