Policies and Plans for Open Space, Conservation & Recreation 1975Additional Objectives Conservation Comr i s ion
1 Establishment of a conservation education program.
2. Provision of a balanced recreation program, including low intensity, or
"passive" uses.
3. Integration of recreation and conservation activities.
L Protection of wetlands and other areas of significant vegetation types
and wildlife habitat.
5. Protection of public and private water supply, ground water supply,
prevention of pollution and storm damage, and control of flooding.
NATURAL RESOURCE OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION SUPPLY
Both the "Comprehensive Plants and the "Recreation Plan" inventoried the
natural resourdes and /or open space and recreation areasof Northampton.
The more detailed "Recreation Plants listed the following 2xisting ■City Parks
and other Open Space- Recreation areas:
Look Park. A beautiful large park of over 200 acres given to
the City and developed and maintained under the guidance of
trustees. Natural land and water areas, picnicking
facilities, five tennis courts, an outdoor swimming pool
and service building, scenic drives, train ride, a hill for
sledding, and landscaped areas and grassed open play areas.
Childs Park. Another beautiful park of about 30 acres,
given to the City and operated by trustees. Essentially
for "passive" activities such as strolling and sitting
(rather than active sports), this substantial park is
located close to densely populated areas, is beautifully
'landscaped, and also has a scenic drive winding through it.
Pulaski (Main Street) Park. A small rectangular open space
of about one acre, with benches and path for sitting and
strolling, located in the heart of downtown.
Brid e St. Parsons St. Trian le. "Bridge St. Park A
sr,all ornamental triangle of about one acre, for strolling
and sitting, located in front of the Bridge St. School.
Used for ice skating in winter.
North Main St. Meadow St. Trian le. A small ornamental
open space of less than one quarter acre.
N. Main S. Main, Locust Sts. Triangle. Another ornamental
open space, about one -half acre in size.
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Leeds Reservoirs. An extensive tract in the northwest part of
the City. Used for back -up water supply, the area comprises
the small Leeds Lower Reservoir, the adjacent and much larger
(25 acre) Leeds Upper Reservoir (referred to on official maps
as the Roberts Meadow Reservoir), and a third "Upper Leeds"
reservoir at a more rerno:e location to the west. Most of the
square mile of undeveloped land lies to the south of Chester-
field Road, at some distance from the reservoirs. The Lower
Reservoir is used for swimming.
The "Recreation Plan" also listed the following existin non-city
facilities that function as part of the supply of open space and
recreation areas.
Smith Colle e Paradise Pond and Athletic Field. Pond used for
skating by City residents.
Smith Colle e Slidin Hill. City residents use for sledding.,
Northampton State Hospital Dill. City residents use for sledding,
beginners skiing.
YMCA Day Camp. Serves more than just City.
Northam ton Revolver Club. Membership club.
Northampton Count Club. Membership club. Golf course.
Pine Drive Golf Course. Open to public for fee.
Haydenville Road Driving Range. Commercial facility..
Wilson Road Drivin Ran e. Commercial facility.
Clear Falls Recreation Center. In extreme southwest corner of
City. Offers swimming and picnicking with entrance fee.
Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuar 560 acre Audubon tract with nature
center and other buildings; open to public.
She ardas Island. State Owned Conservation area in Connecticut River.
Areas for otential use and /or ac uisition
The "Recreation Plane' lists a number of areas for potential use and /or
acquisition. The following are particularly appropriate for acquisition
and /or management by the Conservation Commission, with the emphasis on less
intensive recreational use, or for co- operative programs with other city
departments.
Leeds Reservoirs and Area unusual, large City -owned property
offers potential for use for swimming, boating, picnicking, hiking,
nature study, and other recreational activities.
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Northampton State Hos ital Sit Special state legislation recently
made available to the City a 15 -acre portion of the State Hospital
site for use and limited development for recreational purposes.
Other'portions of the site, particularly along the Mill River and
a hill to the south of Burt's Pit Road, should be considered for
possible public recreational use.
Maine's Field Of the many City -owned facilities, next to the Leeds
Reservoir area this is perhaps the one with greatest unrealized
potential for active and passive recreational use It also borders
the Mill River and the potential Mill River trail and greenbelt
system.
Smith School Property off Ha denville Road This is a large wooded
tract that, although somewhat removed from the densely settled areas
of the City, is nevertheless City -owned and offers potentials for
hiking, nature study, picnicking and tenting.
Mill River The river with its pools, dams, and rapids, runs through
the heart of the community and presents unusual opportunities for
trails and '►passive" recreational activities along a greenbelt that
would skirt the edges of the City's most populous areas.
Connecticut River Meadows Oxbow Northampton has over 10 miles of
frontage along the Connecticut River (including the Oxbow) and should
consider this great waterway and its fertile floodplain as an area
with unusual potential for swimming (once pollution has been abated)
boating,, trails, nature study, tenting, and other activities.
Abandoned Railroad Rights of Way The old New Haven Railroad bed,
now owned by the Massachusetts Electric Company, provides an unusual
opportunity for. development of bicycle and pedestrian trails near
the built -up pc.rts a f :the .City.
Cluster Zoninlu Privately Develo ed Facilities Newly developed
subdivisions can be designed to provide considerable amounts of
open space and recreation areas. Developers, and particularly
devolopors of multi family complexes,. often provide recreational
facilities which reduce the strain on neighborhood and City
recreational facilities that residents of these new developments
might otherwise cause.
Potential Water Im?oundment Areas A 1969 study by the Natural
Resources ec nicaTT of ampshire County identified a number of
areas where impoundment of water and creation of lakes would be
possible. The most significant (in terms of area) of these are
in the North Farms section and in the northwest part of the City
in the vicinity of the Leeds Reservoirs.
Hilltops A number of hills, particularly in the western part of
the City, provide potential for scenic lookouts. Near the center
og the City and most of its population, the hill on the Northampton
State Hospital (south of Burt's Pit Road) provides an unusual
vantage point.
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The Conservation Commission's further inventory and regulatroy
responsibilities have brought several additional areas to light that should
be considered.for potential acquisition, management, or other protection.
Fitzgerald's Lake This recent impoundment, of approximately
40 acres, is surrounded by pine hemlock hardwood forest
uplands and limited areas of wooded wetlands and meadows. It
is wet or rocky land with limited potential for development,
but good possibilities for hiking trails, fishing, and skating.
Roberts Hill area This large wooded hill overlooks the Leeds
reservoir area and borders on the Mill River. The area has two
small ponds, a stream, and a diversity of forest types. It
provides an ideal linkage between the Leeds Reservoir water-
shed lands and the Mill River.
Elwell's Island -.This large island in the Connecticut River
has excellent potential as a stopping place for boaters and
canoers, and as an area for the study of floodplain geological
and ecological processes.
Barrett St. The city owns this small parcel of meadow and
wetlands. It is adjacent to a high density residential area
and bordering an abandoned railroad right -of -way, now planned
as a bikeway.
The Connecticut and Mill River Flood Plains —Flood hazard
areas have been delineated by the Department of Housing and
Urban Development, and are now being mapped in more detail by
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Streambanks and Wetlands Areas bordering watercourses are
generally of critical importance to protection of water supply,
ground water, water quality, and fisheries and to prevention
of storm and flood damage.
CONSERVATION OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION NEEDS
From the city's goals, and their analyses of existing facilities, the
Comprehensive and Recreation Plans have identified needs for future action,
relating to the Conservation Commission's respon 'ibilities.
The "Comprehensive Plan" states that "there is a need for the preserva-
tion of open spaces to enhance the urban environment. Such spaces should
be developed to provide hiking, bicycling, and other trails."
The "Recreation Plants expresses these needs in more detail as follows:
"Other activities which have become more popular, and for
which there appear to be needs for facilities, include
bicycling, hiking and walking, nature study, and horseback
riding. A system of riverside, and inland trails and paths,
linking residential areas with recreational facilities and
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open spaces, would result in a network to serve this growing
community need. In addition to facilitating these kinds of
recreational activities, a good system of bicycle and pedes-
trian paths could safely and economically serve some basic
transportation needs at a time when energy conservation has
become a major concern. An open space system would provide
opportunities for nature study and other passive recreational
activities and also serve the conservation needs of the
community. The only significant public or quasi public open
space holdings at the present time are the Leeds Reservoir
watershed lands, the Smith School land on Haydenville Road,
and the Audubon Society's Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary.. For
the most part, the Connecticut River and Mill River shore-
fronts are in private, nonconservation awnership."
The Northampton Conservation Commission strongly endorses these state-
ments of need and has broken these needs down into more specific categories
for planning purposes.
1. A Mill River green -belt incuding those lands bordering the river which
are not already highly developed.
2. Natural Areas based on the need to preserve large tracts of undeveloped
land, samples of disappearing vegetative types and ecosystems, unique
or outstanding natural features, and the habitats for wildlife with
threatened populations.
3. Trail systems.
L{.. Forestry and Agricultural management and demonstration areas to help
preserve, protect and implement sound management practices..
5. Buffer Zones to serve as zones of relief from two incompatible uses.
Like green belts, such areas could also serve to guide development to
appropriate areas.
6. Special areas including:
Small lot -sized areas near schools for outdoor education.
Archeological sites
Aquifer recharge areas
Access rights -of -way
Water supply streams and watersheds
Reclaimed lands
Open areas which are part of cluster or planned unit developments..
Regulatory protection of flood plain areas, streams, and wetlands.
ACTION PROGRAM
1. Land acquisition and use program.
This program will be closely co- ordinated with the Recreation Department.
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In general, the Recreation Department will have responsibility for more active
recreation programs and intensive site development, while the Conservation
Commission will acquire and manage areas for less intensive use such as
hiking, walking, and nature study, and areas acquired primarily for resource
conservation purposes.
The Conservation Commission proposes the following guidelines for
acquisition and use of its lands.
LAND AC UISITION AND LAND USE GUIDELINES
The Northampton Conservation Commission's program of land acquisition
was established to protect, preserve, and utilize the valuable, unique,
educational, recreational, and vital natural resources of this city. This
program attempts to identify the highest and best uses of the land and to
perpetuate its naturalness, availability, and utilization.
A number of categories of land types have been identified for inclusion
in the land acquisition program. They include:
1. The Mill. River Greenbelt
2. Natural or Open -Space Areas
3. Trail Systems, possibly including abandoned railroad rights -of -way
4.. Forestry and Agricultural Management and Demonstration Areas
5. Buffer Zones
6. Special Areas..
Description of Categories
The Mill River Greenbelt
The Mill River Greenbelt will include those lands bordering the river
which are not already highly developed. The Conservation Commission would
control these lands through purchase, gifts, and conservation restrictions
and easements. The amount of land under Commission control would depend on
the topography, availability, natural boundaries, and the state of develop-
ment. Any large areas bordering the river which are listed in the follow-
ing categories of Natural Area or Special Areas should be considered for
inclusion in the Greenbelt.
A number of important goals could be accomplished through Conservation
Commission control. The floodplain could be preserved as an integral part
of the river to insure a continuation of its unique ecology and to protect
the citizens of Northampton from periodic flooding. The river would remain
accessible to the public for the uses listed below. Those areas bordering
the river which are still in a natural state could remain so in perpetuity.
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Uses of the Mill River Greenbelt
The following uses are intentionally general statements meant to apply
to most of the lands bordering the river. It is understood that specific
areas will have particular uses depending on their existing development,
location, topography, and municipal and commonwealth laws. It should be
clearly understood however, that the philosophy of the Conservation Commiss-
ion calls for minimal alteration or development of lands under its control.
Further, the Conservation Commission has no desire to promote, conduct, or
sponsor any forms of recreation which might demand alteration of natural
areas.
Suggested Uses:
1. Field laboratory studies conducted by responsible individuals,
and public and private schools
2. Hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, and other forms of passive recrea-
tion, limited to those areas so designated
3. Hunting, fishing, and trapping, as described by the Massachu-
setts Fish and Game Laws
Preservation and maintenance of protected areas as natural
sanctuaries.
Natural Areas
Acquisition of Natural Areas should be based on the need to preserve
large tracts of undeveloped land, samples of disappearing vagetative types
and ecosystems, unique or outstanding natural features, and the habitats for
wildlife with threatened populations. Natural Areas, by their very nature,
are regulated as living museums with little or no ecological manipulation.
They are established as essentially inviolate areas where natural conditions
are allowed to prevail. Forestry practices, camping, or any type of exten-
sive or intensive mass use will not be permitted If chosen wisely, Natural
Areas will be of value as scientific research and teaching areas, education
al study plots, buffer zones between high- density population centers, water-
shed protection areas, and areas for passive recreation. Those areas which
should be considered for Natural Areas include:
1. Lands between high density population centers
2. Wetlands areas including bogs, marshes, swamps, ponds,
and special lakes or streams
3. Special and unique landforms, such as archeological sites,
drumlins, high points, public water supply watersheds, etc.
4. Any given area which may be established for scientific
investigation of natural phenomena, such as exotic plant
invasion, etc:
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5. Areas protected for species which are limited in range or which
are in danger of becoming extinct.
6. Areas supporting stable vegetative types, such as climax forests.
Uses of Natural Areas
In general, the uses listed for the Mill River Greenbelt would be
applicable for Natural Areas.
Trail Systems
A trail is a deliberate man -made pathway, not as wide as a road or lane,
which is largely and typically designed for foot travel. A trail is one of
the most effective methods of providing opportunities for firsthand experi-
ences in the outdoors. Natural history is best understood by individuals
or small groups as they stroll along at a comfortable pace or sit at an
overlook and contemplate their immediate surroundings.
The kinds of trails include the following:
1. A general trail is put through an area from one point of interest
to another taking everything into consideration scenery,
history, geology, trees, flowers, signs of animal life or
whatever is on the landscape. This approach has the virtues
of naturalness and simplicity.
2. Subject trails can meet the needs of individuals and groups with
special interests. A set of connected ideas is easier to follow
and easier to remember than a succession of random observations
about many subjects. Some subjects might include:
a. Mill River
b. Brook or stream
c. Conservation
d. History
e. Soil
f. Forest or timber
g.
Bog, marsh, pond, or swamp
h. Geology
3. A wilderness trail is unlabeled and leads through the most remote
and primative natural area available for solitude and esthetic
appreciation. No development is suitable for a wilderness area
other than the trail and a few rustic benches.
y.. Hiking trails are provided when the site is not large enough or
is not suitable for a wilderness trail. The trail is non labeled
and permits esthetic walks, photography, painting, creative
writing, and the opportunity to be in the outdoors.
5. A few trails are designed from the standpoint of the user rather
than the subject matter to be presented. Subject matter and
facilities are handled to suit those who use each of the follow-
ing trails:
a. Equestrian
b. Bicycle
c. Boat
d. Tiny tots
e. Sight impaired
f. Non ambulatory
A trail is a planned way of arousing and sustaining interest and of
presenting organized information. The fixed position of the trail gives
direction and purpose to the movement of visitors.
The acquisition of trail areas can be outright on public lands or
through easements on private lands.
Uses of Trail Systems
The uses of trail systems include the following:
1. Education furnishes stimulating locations for communication
of information about the environment
2. Research provides opportunity for systematic inquiry into the
outdoors through experimentation and scientific observation
3. Conservation offers a practical place to apply information about
the environment.in an effort to discover the best ways of managing
natural resources. A trail system and adjacent land should be a
model of effective natural resource management and good conservation
practice
y". Access directs people away from the transportation terminal or
parking lot and into a specific area of land
5. Route and direction discourages indiscriminate wandering and
encourages visitors to follow a predetermined "pattern of travel
4 6. Culture contributes to human enlightenment and refinement through
esthetic experience
7. Interpretation makes it possible for history and nature to come
alive through direct contact
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8. Inspiration gives motivation to learning and stimulation to
creative expression.
The Conservation Commission reserves the right to exclude motorized
vehicles from trails and lands under its control. On those lands where
such use is permitted, a written permit will be required from the Commission.
Forestry and Agricultural Management and Demonstration Areas
These land areas are of interest for the purpose of acquisition by
the Conservation Commission in that such lands are indeed a traditional
part of New England and, more specifically, the Connecticut River Valley
landscape. The intent of the Commission is not necessarily to manage
these areas, as it is to help preserve, protect, and implement usage
practices as deemed appropriate by the Commission. The role of the
Commission would be to assist in encouraging custodial management practices
based on the perceived highest and best use of the land in con..f.oi ±ng with
the best scientific knowledge. This is meant to exclude such practices as
indiscriminant usage of pesticides, clear cutting, soil skimming operations,
and other practices as deemed inappropriate.
Custodial management can be accomplished by lease backs, restrictive
easements, or other legally acceptable practices.
The types of areas which might be included are:
a. Forest plots
b. Forest demonstration areas
c. Agricultural farms
d. Tree farms
e. Agricultural demonstration areas
f. Arboretums
Buffer Zones
Buffer zones are intended to include those areas which serve as zones
of relief from two incompatable uses. Buffer zones are differentiated from
greenbelts and linear areas by the nature of their size. Open space,. green
areas, tree belts, water courses, screen plantings, and other natural
physical barriers can be considered as buffer zones.
Acquisition of buffer areas would be on the basis of protecting and
preserving that use or natural condition by not destroying the purpose for
which it was intended. Priority of acquisition of buffer zones would be
determined by the degree of stress applied by the adjoining areas.
Additional uses may be assigned by the Conservation Commission
according to the potential of the land.
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Special Areas
Special areas are so named because they may cover situations not easily
classified in the other categories. The special areas would generally consist
of unique and limited use sites. Suggested lands might include:
a. Small, lot -sized areas near schools
b. .Archeological sites
c. Aquifer recharge 'areas
d. .Access rights-of-way
Water supply streams
f. Reclaimed land
g. Open areas which are parts of cluster or planned unit developments.
2. Areas for ac uisition and many ement.
The' Plan" lists the following areas for.future acquisition
and /or use, that are appropriate areas for Conservation Commission
responsibility, or joint action with the Recreation Commission.
Tenting Areas (no camping vehicles)
On Smith School property on iaydenville Road, with small
parking area and sanitary facilities.
In Leeds Recreation Area, wj_th own sanitary facilities
but using :`;.real s parking' facility.
Mill River Open S ace System
System of open spaces for conservation, nature study and
other passive recreational uses, linked by at system of
paths and trails (see beloN). This system would be part
of a larger regional system from Williarburg through
Northampton to the Oxbow and Easthampton. Existing
facilities and areas alone the Mill River include: Look
Park, Maine's Field (and '.he portion of that site proposed
to be developed as the Ma::ne's Riverfront Nature Park),
Paradise Pond, and the Aradia Wildlife Sanctuary. Addi-
tional areas should be set aside through easement or
purchase, and access to the City's road system provided
periodically along the system. While the entire open
space system need not be publicly owned, the trails and
certain open space areas could be under public control
either by easement or ownership. The Roberts Hill area
should be considered as an important part of this system.
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Connecticut River Conservation and Observation Area
Preservation of the Meadows and Oxbow, for agriculture,
wildlife preservation, and low intensity recreational
uses such as tenting and nature study. Waterfront made
accessible by a publicly developed and controlled path
and trail system (see below) and strategically located
publicly owned sites.
Nature Stud Areas
Burt's Pit Road Nature Park. On Northampton State
Hospital land surrounding and adjacent to proposed
15 acre recreation area. Minimum development consis-
ting essentially of paths and trails and viewing points
with benches on the hill to the south of Burt's Pit Road
and overlooking the Mill River to the North.
Maine's Riverfront Nature Park. Development of river-
front portion of Maine's Field site with paths and seat-
ing areas for enjoyment of the river and observation of
wildlife.
Leeds Reservoir Recreation Area
Mill River Open Space System
Connecticut River Conservation and Observation Area
Smith School property on Haydenville Road
Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary
Path and Trail System for Walking, Hiking, Biking;
Horseback Riding
Paths and trails for Walking and hiking. and to some
extent for bicycling, developed along the Mill River,
Old Mill River bed, Connecticut River, abandoned
railroad rights-of-way, through parks and recreation
areas, and along seldom used roads. Much of this
system need be nothing more than natural or at best
cinder paths, but paving may be required in certain
areas for bicycling. In addition, if the railroad
right -of -way is to be used extensively, bridges which
have been removed would have to be replaced if street
crossings are to be avoided. Certain portions of this
system, such as through the Arcadia Sanctuary or along
some stretches of the Mill River may be suitable only
for hiking and not bicycling.
Hiking trail through the hills in the western part of
the City, connecting with the Mill River trail path
system.
Bridle paths in appropriate areas of the City, probably
primarily in the Burt's Pit Road Nature Park (Northampton
State Hospital site) and along the Mill River in that area.
3. Priorities for acquisition and management:
The Comprehensive Plan presents a three- phased plan and program for recrea-
tion and conservation facilities, land, and development. It includes the
following recommendations:
Phase 1: :1971
Initiate ,a conservation land acquisition and /or easement program
for the creation of a Mill River greenbelt extending from the
Williamsburg town line to the Connecticut River. A detailed
linear park plan should be prepared including access points,
natural areas,undeveloped areas, land taking plans, land control
measures, hiking trails, bicycle trails and the like.
Phase 2: 1975-1980
a. Continue the acquisition and development of the Mill River
linear park.
b. Lay out and develop a trail system utilizing
se
(primarily along water- courses). Top priority should
given to the presently developed urban area including the
abandoned railroad right -of -way and the Mill River greenbelt.
Phase 3: 1980 -1990
a. Continue acquisition and development of the Mill River linear
park.
b. Develop a trail system in western Northampton to provide for
hiking through the Mineral Hills to significant high points,
through easements and informal agreements.
The Recreation Plan establishes three ranges of priority for the next ten
years.
Priority period 1 includes: "Land for Mill River Open Space System,
Connecticut River Conservation Area;
development of path and trail system along
railroad rights -of -way and City streets.
Priority period 2 includes: Burt's Pit Road Nature Park, Maine's River
front Nature Park, Improvement of selected
Mill River Open spaces, Development of Mill
River trail system, Connecticut River
trail system.
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Priority period 3 includes: Haydensville Road Nature and Tenting area.
Western city hiking trail system; bridle
paths.
The Conservation Commission concurs with these overall priorities but
recognizes that acquisitions in the open market will in part depend on supply
and demand: and on the availability of funds. Availability of land and
a actual sequence financial terms will affect uence of acquisition. q
Acquisition of land for the protection of unique natural ws val
natural resources, or other special areas may depend
of any threat of their loss to future development and flexibility in timing
may be important.
4. Implementation of the acquisition program (current as of 6/75)
The Conservation Commission has begun an active land acquisition pro-
gram, focusing on the Mill River greenbelt area. A detailed map and owner-
ship list have been developed. The Commission has acquired approximately
9 acreas of riverfront land with approximately 4,500 feet of river frontage
and bordered by an abandoned railroad right -of -way planned for a future
bikeway and trail system. Another riverfront parcel of 2 acre has just been
donated. An agreement has been signed for the financially favorable sale of
96 acreas of land on Roberts Hill, linking the Mill River and Leeds Reser-
voir areas. There is a possibility that up to 300 acres of Northampton
State Hospital land, bordering the river and including the area recommended
as the Burt's Pit Road Nature Park, will:be made available to the city at
nominal cost. In preparation for this opportunity, the Conservation
Commission and Planning Department have prepared a general proposal for its
use. as of (6/5'5 Detailed plans are now being drafted.
Tools for Land Ac uisition: The City has a number of alternative tools
available for acquiring open space. We do not believe that any single
tool is preferable to the others in all cases: the guiding principle must
be one of pragmatism, and therefore a matter for the judgement of the city
agencies responsible for land acquisitions or control. Therefore, we
simply list below the major tools available, appending qualifying or
explanatory information.
a) Purchase -In -Fee Simple Perhaps the simplest of the tools from a
procedural standpoint, outright purchase may be the most expensive tool
in terms of initial dollar outlay for a given piece of land (but the diff
erential may not be so great as one might at first think); (see b below).
The added initial cost brings some benefits -e.g. total city control of
the land in perpetuity (or until the city decides to sell it)- -but also
perhaps some costs -e.g. full responsibility for managing and maintaining
the land.
b) Purchase -In -Less- Than -Fee (Conservation Restrictions and Easements):
The purchase of conservation restrictions and easements to control open
land involves buying, rights of development or access for a piece of land
but leaving the title in the original owner's hands. Such acquisitions
can include or exclude responsibilities for management and maintenance.
Restrictions and easements may be cheaper than outright purchase on a
given piece of land. However, restrictions can conceivably cost nearly
as much as outright purchase because the land owner will forego consider
able income. But in some cases owners may be unwilling to sell such
less- than -fee deeds but willing to sell the land outright.
c) Eminent Domain: The basic assumption of the Northampton Conservation
Commission's program of land acquisition should be that the city will
acquire land or rights through normal market channels as one of possibly
many buyers. However, even when a sale is arranged at.a price agreeable
to all parties, if the price is over 125% of the assessed value, under
state law the city must still exercise eminent domain. It is important
for the public to understand that such situations are "friendly takings"
and not unwanted exercise of the city's power. The exercise of Eminent
Domain without prior agreement should be considered only when the city's
open space program would be seriously jeopardized if the land in question
were acquired by another party, and when no other arrangement can be
reached between the owner and the city.
d) Reimbursement possibilities: The .;ost to the city of acquisitions in
fee simple or in less than fee can be greatly. reduced, up to 50% through
state or federal funding and up to 75% by a comb:'.nation of the two. The
skate funds are administered by the Department of Natural Resources under
the "Self- Help" program. Federal funds are disbursed by the Department of
the Interior through its "Land and Water Conservation Fund" (Bureau of
Outdoor Recreation) and through tho Department of Housing and Urban Affairs.
To receive this assistance, the individual projects must be approved by
those agencies.
e) Purchasing Options and "Rights of First Refusal In certain cases
the city may find it expedient to buy an option to purchase a piece of
land -in other words, to make a commitment to buy the land if the city
decides within a given time period. In a sense, therefore, an option is
more of a tactic to pursue a program of land acquisition than a tool for
keeping land as open space. A "right of first refusal" is a modified
option in which the length of the time period depends upon when the land
owner receives an acceptable bid from a private buyer. We have an added
dollar cost, but again rights of first refusal may be useful tactics in
implementing a land acquisition program.
f) Gifts and "Living Trusts Gifts of land (restrictions or easements)
are of course the cheapest means of acquiring open space in terms of
initial cost. A modification of the outright donation of land is an
arrangement called a "living trust" under which people deed their land
to the city but retain a residual right to its use for the rest of their
lives. The tax advantages accruing to the donor enhance gifts and living
trusts as tools for acquiring open space.
The. Proposed Zoning Ordinance provides for dedication of open spaceto
the city in conjunction with "Cluster" or "Planned Unit Development
Much of this land may be appropriate for Conservation Commission
management and control.
5. R ulatory__ProEram
Other aspects of the City's conservation needs are to be met through the
Conservation Commission's regulatory role, in cooperation with other city
agencies. The Wetlands Protection Act gives the Commission regulatory
responsibility over wetlands, the 100 year flood plain, and land within 100
feet of these areas or of streams. Development in these areas is regulated
for the protection of public and private water supply, gound water supply,
and fisheries, the prevention of pollution or storm damage, and for flood
control.
The Commission has worked closely with the Planning Board in developing
the City's proposed Flood Plain and Watershed Protection Zoning. In addition
to meeting serveral of the Commission's objectives, these proposed zoning
provisions are intended to meet the requirements of the HUD Flood
Insurance Program. The proposed zoning is now (6/75) before the City Council
for consideration and approval.
6. Operation _and Maintenance Pro ram
T he low intensity uses planned for Conservation Commission controlled
land will require minimal operation and maintenance expenses.
One full time
professional Conservationist will be responsible for administration and
planning regarding land acquisition and management, and regulatory
.responsibilities. This person will coordinate and supervise volunteer
workers for trail clearing and maintenance and will develop educational and
recreational programs for use of Conservation lands. Donated materials and
work by the Smith Vocational Agricultural High School will minimize costs
of signs, displays, benches, etc.
For larger projects, such as construction and maintenance of parking
areas, and for certain ongoing responsibilities such as trash pick -up, the
Commission will rely on the existing capability of the Public Works and
Recreation Departments. The "Recreation Plan" recommends the consolidation
of the Parks and Cemeteries Division of the Department of Public Works and
the Recreation Department into a Parks and Recreation Department. When
this recommendation is implemented, the Conservation Commission will work
in cooperation with this new department. Additional technical (management
and design) assistance will be provided when necessary by staff of the
Recreation Department and the qausi- public Look Park. It is anticipated
that costs for most of these activities will continue to be absorbed in the
budgets of the agencies providing the services, as they have been in the
past.
Long, -ram P1an.ning_Pros ;ectus:.
The "Comprehensive Plan" attempts to project needs and programs to
1990. The Conservation Commission concurs with its basic outline for
acquisition of open -space lands, but recognizes that a plan with a rigid
end point may not be adequately flexible to respond to unforseen changes
in the city's needs and circumstances. For this reason the Commission
is cooperating with the Planning Department and other city agencies in
an ongoing process of revision to provide the necessary flexibility and
reflect current needs. The Conservation Commission will be fully involved
in this process as it affects the Commission's responsibilities. Efforts
to maximize citizen involvement in the larger Comprehensive Plan Review
will also help to encourage public recognition of and participation in
the Conservation, Open Space, and Recreation components of the plan.