Lincoln Conservation Commission
MINUTES
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Lincoln Town Offices
COMMISSIONERS: Jim Henderson, Jim Meadors, Peter von Mertens, Joyce Hersh, Ben Horne, Sara Lewis & Ari Kurtz STAFF: Tom Gumbart, Angela Seaborg
WETLANDS FILINGS
Request for Determination of Applicability. William Rizzo 38 Sandy Pond Road (54-11-0). For installation of a garden shed in the 50-foot Buffer Zone Resource Area.
William Rizzo presented a plan to erect a 100 square foot shed and two wooden ramps within the 50-foot Buffer Zone Resource Area. No excavation will be required as the applicant proposed a stone foundation and all work will take place on existing lawn and previously cultivated area. Alternative locations outside of the 50-foot Buffer Zone Resource Area would require a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals as well as more vegetation clearing and/or site disturbance. The Commission noted the proposal. They requested that Mr. Rizzo install a stone drip edge around the perimeter of the shed to capture stormwater runoff from the roof.
The Commission voted 7-0 to close the hearing and issue a Negative Determination of Applicability.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Gutierrez – 16 Old Sudbury Road – Unauthorized Vegetation Clearing and Wetlands Fill
Most commissioners have seen the site. Angela Seaborg will follow-up with a phone call to the architect to confirm the status and anticipated timeline for the Notice of Intent filing.
Summer Invasive Species Removal Crew
Tom Gumbart summarized the invasive species removal work that the conservation staff and summer crew accomplished. Overall the project was very successful with the majority of work completed at the Mt. Misery Conservation area. Anna Wilkins and Jane Layton are preparing a detailed record with descriptions and photographs of the project for submission to the Community Preservation Committee.
Lincoln Cultural Council Grant Application
Angela Seaborg is preparing an application for funding to build information kiosks and educational materials which will be used to further this summer’s invasive species removal project. The Commission was in support of the project.
Rivers Stewardship Council Representative
Jim Meadors, Jim Henderson and Sara Lewis volunteered to represent the Conservation Commission on the Rivers Stewardship Council. They will coordinate amongst themselves to decide who will be the primary contact and may attend the meetings on a rotating basis.
Nyanza Superfund Project
Tom Gumbart has attended several regional meetings and is working with other Towns and organizations to prepare a comprehensive proposal. Specifically, they are focusing on a proposal that would look to get funds for controlling water chestnut and other non-native invasive species in the Sudbury River and greater watershed. The proposed methods for controlling these plants have not been fully developed.
Asian Longhorned Beetle
There was a sighting of the Asian Longhorned Beetle in Worcester, MA. Buzz Constable suggested that the Commission work to prepare a Bylaw that regulates the importation of wood products into the Town from areas west of I-495. The Commission would like to prioritize efforts with an article in the Lincoln Journal and photos of the insect on the Town Website and local cable channel.
State of the Town Meeting
The Conservation Commission’s annual update is due in mid October. The Commission will have time for a brief update of the year’s activities at the meeting on November 8th.
Morningside flooding
Beaver activity is taking place in the small brook behind the houses on Morningside Lane. Conservation staff have been out to the area and there appears to be no immediate threat to the neighborhood. Tom Gumbart will prepare a letter to the residents notifying them of the activity and if further activity presents a problem the Commission may need to hire Beaver Solutions to assess the situation.
ACTION ITEMS
Minutes Approved 8/20/08
Bills Paid & Payroll Signed
Respectfully Submitted,
Angela Seaborg
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