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34-002 Mineral Hills Stewardship-Order of Conditions-2011Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection BureauA F orm of Resource 3 N Protecti o f on Int Wetlands WP L Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40 A.General Information 1. Project Location: a. Street Address b. City /Town d. Latitude f. Map /Plat 2. Applicant: n Individual F Organization SYL VESTER ROAD NORTHAMPTON 42.31241N 34 c. Zip Code e. Longitude g.Parcel /Lot a. First Name b. Last Name c. Organization NORTHAMPTON OFFICE, OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT d. Mailing Address 210 MAIN STREET, ROOM 11 e. City/Town NORTHAMPTON f. State MA g. Zip Code 01060 h. Phone Number 413- 587 -1263 i. Fax 413 -587 -1264 j. Email slavalley@northamptonma.gov 3.Property Owner: I more than one owner a. First Name b. Last Name c. Organization NORTHAMPTON CONSERVATION COMMISSION d. Mailing Address 210 MAIN STREET, ROOM 11 e. City/Town NORTHAMPTON f.State MA g. Zip Code 01060 h. Phone Number 413 -587 -1263 i. Fax 413 -587 -1264 j Email 4.Representative: a. First Name b. Last Name c. Organization d. Mailing Address e. City/Town f. State h.Phone Number i.Fax 5.Total WPA Fee Paid (Automatically inserted from NOI Wetland Fee Transmittal Form): a.Tota1 Fee Paid 0.00 b. State Fee Paid 0.00 c.City/Town Fee Paid Provided by MassDEP: MassDEP File eDEP Transaction #:347911 City/Town: NORTHAMPTON 0.00 01062 72.71766W 002 slavalley@,northamptonma.gov g. Zip Code j Email 6.General Project Description: THE PROJECT INVOLVES INSTALLATION OF A PRE FABRICATED ALUMINUM BOARDWALK FOR PEDESTRIAN USE AT THE MINERAL HILLS CONSERVATION AREA. THE BOARDWALK WILL BE LOCATED WITHIN BVW, AND WILL INCLUDE CROSSING OF AN UNNAMED INTERMITTENT STREAM BOARDWALKS WILL BE INSTALLED IN 16X4' SEGMENTS OVER THE MOST INUNDATED PORTIONS OF THE BVW TO ALLOW ACCESS FROM THE CONSERVATION AREA PARKING LOT ON SYLVESTER ROAD TO THE MINERAL HILLS TRAIL NETWORK. BOARDWALK WILL BE INSTALLED ON POSTS AT CORNERS 4 FOR EACH 16' SECTION. MUD AUGERS WILL SECURE THE POSTS TO THE GROUND. BOARDWALK SECTIONS WILL BE INSTALLED ON NATURAL RAISED HUMMOCKS WHERE POSSIBLE. ALL BOARDWALK SECTIONS WILL ALLOW FOR WATER FLOW AND VEGETATION GROWTH UNDERNEATH. TREE CUTTING WILL BE DONE ONLY WHERE NECESSARY TO ACCOMMODATE THE BOARDWALK WIDTH, AND WILL BE AVOIDED IF POSSIBLE. CUTTING IN BVW TO ACCOMMODATE TRAIL WIDTH WILL BE LIMITED TO PRUNING. INVASIVE SPECIES WILL ALSO BE DONE AS Page 1 of 9 *ELECTRONIC COPY Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection BureauA F orm of Resource 3 N Protecti o f on Int Wetlands WP L Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40 2. f Residential Subdivision 4. I Commercial/Industrial 6. Utilities 8. fl Agriculture (eg., cranberries, forestry) 10. r Other PART OF THE LARGER PROJECT. NO HERBICIDE WILL BE USED IN RESOURCE AREAS. BVW IMPACT IS ESTIMATED AT 50 SF FROM INSTALLATION OF BOARDWALK FOOTINGS. 7a.Project Type: 1. fl Single Family Home 3. fl Limited Project Driveway Crossing 5. n Dock/Pier 7. fl Coastal Engineering Structure 9. n Transportation Provided by MassDEP: MassDEP File eDEP Transaction #:347911 City/Town: NORTHAMPTON 7b.Is any portion of the proposed activity eligible to be treated as a limited project subject to 310 CMR 10.24 (coastal) or 310 CMR 10.53 (inland)? 1. F Yes No If yes, describe which limited project applies to this project 2. Limited 310 CMR 10.53 (3) (J) THE CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF CATWALKS, Project FOOTBRIDGES, WHARVES, DOCKS, PIERS, BOATHOUSES, BOAT SHELTERS, DUCK BLINDS, SKEET AND TRAP SHOOTING DECKS AND OBSERVATION DECKS; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT SUCH STRUCTURES ARE CONSTRUCTED ON PILINGS OR POSTS SO AS TO PERMIT THE REASONABLY UNOBSTRUCTED FLOWAGE OF WATER AND ADEQUATE LIGHT TO MAINTAIN VEGETATION. 8.Property recorded at the Registry of Deeds for: a.County: b.Certificate: HAMPSHIRE c.Book: 4570 d. Page: 97 B. Buffer Zone Resource Area Impacts (temporary permanent) 1.Buffer Zone Resource Area Impacts (temporary permanent): fl This is a Buffer Zone only project Check if the project is located only in the Buffer Zone of a Bordering Vegetated Wetland, Inland Bank, or Coastal Resource Area. 2.Inland Resource Areas: (See 310 CMR 10.54 10.58, if not applicable, go to Section B.3. Coastal Resource Areas) Resource Area Size of Proposed Alteration Proposed Replacement (if any) a. r Bank b. F Bordering Vegetated Wetland c. f Land under Waterbodies and Waterways d. r Bordering Land Subject to Flooding e. 7 Isolated Land Subject to Flooding 1. linear feet 2. linear feet 50 0 1. square feet 2. square feet 1. linear feet 2. linear feet 3. cubic yards dredged 1. square feet 2. square feet 3. cubic feet of flood storage lost 4. cubic feet replaced 1. square feet Page 2 of 9 ELECTRONIC COPY B ureau Massachusetts f R esource Department of Envi d Protection oon ans N.,\s„.„ WPA Form 3 Notice of Intent ti Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40 f fl Riverfront Area 1. Name of Waterway (if any) 2. Width of Riverfront Area (check one) 25 ft. Designated Densely Developed Areas only I 100 ft. New agricultural projects only 200 ft. All other projects 3. Total area of Riverfront Area on the site of the proposed project 4. Proposed Alteration of the Riverfront Area: a. f Designated Port Areas b. Land Under the Ocean c. E Barrier Beaches d. f Coastal Beaches Indicate size under 1. square feet 2. cubic yards dredged Indicate size under Coastal Beaches and/or Coatstal Dunes, below Land under the ocean below, 2. cubic feet of flood storage lost 3. cubic feet replaced 1. square feet 2. cubic yards beach nourishment Provided by MassDEP: MassDEP File eDEP Transaction #:347911 City/Town: NORTHAMPTON square feet a. total square feet b. square feet within 100 ft. c. square feet between 100 ft. and 200 ft. 5. Has an alternatives analysis been done and is it attached to this NOI? f Yes I No 6. Was the lot where the activity is proposed created prior to August 1, 1996? f Yes f- No 3.Coastal Resource Areas: (See 310 CMR 10.25 10.35) Resource Area Size of Proposed Alteration Proposed Replacement (if any) e. f Coastal Dunes 1. square feet 2. cubic yards dune nourishment f I Coastal Banks g f Rocky Intertidal Shores 1. square feet h f Salt Marshes i. f Land Under Salt Ponds 1. square feet 2. cubic yards dredged 1. square feet j. Land Containing Shellfish k. f Fish Runs Indicate size under Coastal Banks, Inland Bank, Land Under the Ocean, and/or inland Land Under Waterbodies and Waterways, above 1. cubic yards dredged 1. f Land Subject to Coastal 1. linear feet 1. square feet 2. sq ft restoration, rehab, crea. Page 3 of 9 ELECTRONIC COPY L B ureau Massachusetts f R esource Department of Envi d Protection oon ans N.,...s....„ WPA Form 3 Notice of Intent Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40 Storm Flowage 4. Restorati on/Enhancement 1. square feet a number of new stream crossings b. number of replacement stream crossings Provided by MassDEP: MassDEP File eDEP Transaction #:347911 City/Town: NORTHAMPTON 1 Restoration/Replacement If the proj ect is for the purpose of restoring or enhancing a wetland resource area in addition to the square footage that has been entered in Section B.2.b or B.3.h above, please entered the additional amount here. a. square feet of BVW b. square feet of Salt Marsh 5.Projects Involves Stream Crossings fl Project Involves Streams Crossings If the proj ect involves Stream Crossings, please enter the number of new stream crossings /number of replacement stream crossings. Page 4 of 9 ELECTRONIC COPY Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Resource Protection Wetlands WPA Form 3 Notice of Intent A Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40 C. Other Applicable Standards and Requirements Streamlined Massachusetts Endangered Species Act/Wetlands Protection Act Review 1. Is any portion of the proposed project located in Estimated Habitat of Rare Wildlife as indicated on the most recent Estimated Habitat Map of State- Listed Rare Wetland Wildlife published by the Natural Heritage of Endangered Species program (NHESP)? a. nYes FNo If yes, include proof of mailing or hand delivery of NOI to: Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Route 135, North Drive Westborough, MA 01581 b. Date ofmap:FROM MAP VIEWER If yes, the project is also subject to Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA) review (321 CMR 10.18).... c. Submit Supplemental Information for Endangered Species Review (Check boxes as they apply) 1. fl Percentage /acreage of property to be altered: (a) within Wetland Resource Area (b) outside Resource Area percentage/acreage percentage /acreage Provided by MassDEP: MassDEP File eDEP Transaction #:347911 City/Town: NORTHAMPTON 2. fl Assessor's Map or right -of -way plan of site 3. I Project plans for entire project site, including wetland resource areas and areas outside of wetland jurisdiction, showing existing and proposed conditions, existing and proposed tree /vegetation clearing line, and clearly demarcated limits of work a. n Project description (Including description of impacts outside of wetland resource area buffer zone) b. fl Photographs representative of the site c. I MESA filing fee (fee information available at: http: l /www.mass.govldfweleldfwlnhesp /regulatory review /mesa/mesa home.htm) Make check payable to "Natural Heritage Endangered Species Fund" and mail to NHESP at above address Projects altering 10 or more acres of land, also submit: d. fl Vegetation cover type map of site e. I Project plans showing Priority Estimated Habitat boundaries d. OR Check One of the following 1. n Project is exempt from MESA review. Attach applicant letter indicating which MESA exemption applies. (See 321 CMR 10.14, http: /www.mass.gov /dfwele /dfw /nhesp /regulatory review /mesa/mesa exemptions.htm; the NOI must still be sent to NHESP if project is within estimated habitat pursuant to 310 CMR 10.37 and 10.59.) 2. n Separate MESA review ongoing. a NHESP Tracking Number b. Date submitted to NHESP 3. fl Separate MESA review completed. Include copy of "no Take" determination or valid Conservation Management Permit with approved plan. Some proj ects not in Estimated Habitat may be located in Priority Habitat, and require NHESP review... 2. For coastal projects only, is any portion of the proposed proj ect located below the mean high waterline or in a fish run? Page 5 of 9 ELECTRONIC COPY Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Resource Protection Wetlands WPA Form 3 Notice of Intent Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40 Provided by MassDEP: MassDEP File eDEP Transaction #:347911 City/Town: NORTHAMPTON a. P Not applicable project is in inland resource area only b. fl Yes l No If yes, include proof of mailing or hand delivery ofNOI to either: South Shore Cohasset to North Shore Hull to Rhodeblsland, and the Cape Islands: New Hampshire: Division of Marine Fisheries Division of Marine Southeast Marine Fisheries Station Fisheries Attn: Environmental Reviewer North Shore Office 12143 Purchase street 3rd floor Attn: Environmental New Bedford, MA 02740 -6694 Reviewer 30 Emerson Avenue Gloucester, MA 01930 If yes, it may require a Chapter 91 license. For coastal towns in the Northeast Region, please contact MassDEP's Boston Office. For coastal towns in the Southeast Region, please contact MassDEP's Southeast Regional office. 3. Is any portion of the proposed project within an Area of Critical Environmental Concem (ACEC)? a.rYes FNo If yes, provide name of ACEC (see instructions to WPA Form 3 or DEP Website for ACEC locations). Note: electronic filers click on Website. b. ACEC Name 4. Is any portion of the proposed proj ect within an area designated as an Outstanding Resource Water (ORW) as designated in the Massachusetts Surface Water Quality Standards, 314 CMR 4.00? a. fl Yes R No 5. Is any portion of the site subject to a Wetlands Restriction Order under the Inland Wetlands Restriction Act (M. G.L.c. 131, 40A) or the Coastal Wetlands Restriction Act (M.G.L.c. 130, 105)? a. I Yes F No 6. Is this project subject to provisions of the MassDEP Stormwater Management Standards? a. fl Yes, Attach a copy of the Stonnwater Report as required by the Stormwater Management Standards per 310 CMR 10.05 (6)(k) -(q) and check if Applying for Low Impact Development (LID) site design credits (as described in Stonnwater Management Handbook 1 Vol.2, Chapter 3) 2. fl A portion of the site constitutes redevelopment 3. fl Proprietary BMPs are included in the Stonnwater Management System b. F No, Explain why the project is exempt 1. f Single Family Home 2. fl Emergency Road Repair Small Residential Subdivision (less than or equal to 4 single family houses or less than or equal to 4 units in multi- family 3. F housing project) with no discharge to Critical Areas. D. Additional Information Applicants must include the following with this Notice of Intent (NOI). See instructions for details. Online Users: Attach the document transaction number (provided on your receipt page) for any of the following information you submit to the Depai talent by regular mail delivery. 1. F U SG S or other map of the area (along with a narrative description, if necessary) containing sufficient information for the Page 6 of 9 *ELECTRONIC COPY B ureau Massachusetts f R esource Department of Envi d Protection oon ans N.,\s„.„ WPA Form 3 Notice of Intent ti Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40 Provided by MassDEP: MassDEP File eDEP Transaction #:347911 City/Town: NORTHAMPTON Conservation Commission and the Department to locate the site. (Electronic filers may omit this item.) 2. F Plans identifying the location of proposed activities (including activities proposed to serve as a Bordering Vegetated Wetland [BVW] replication area or other mitigating measure) relative to the boundaries of each affected resource area. 3. 1 Identify the method for BVW and other resource area boundary delineations (MassDEP BVW Field Data Form(s). Determination of Applicability, Order of Resource Area Delineation, etc.), and attach documentation of the methodology. 4. F List the titles and dates for all plans and other materials submitted with this NOI. a. Plan Title: b. Plan Prepared By: c Plan Signed/Stamped By: c. Revised Final Date: e. Scale: PROPOSED NORTHAMPTON WETLANDS OFFICE OF BOARDWALK PLANNING AND March 15, 2011 MINERAL HILLS DEVELOPMENT 5. 1 If there is more than one property owner, please attach a list of these property owners not listed on this form. 6. fl Attach proof of mailing for Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, if needed. 7. I Attach proof of mailing for Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, if needed. 8. AttachNOl Wetland Fee Transmittal Form. 9. fl Attach Stormwater Report, if needed. Page 7 of 9 ELECTRONIC COPY E.Fees 1. L Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Resource Protection Wetlands WP A F orm 3 N o t ice o f Int Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40 Fee Exempt: No filing fee shall be assessed for projects of any city, town, county, or district of the Commonwealth, federally recognized Indian tribe housing authority, municipal housing authority, or the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. Applicants must submit the following information (in addition to pages 1 and 2 of the NOI Wetland Fee Transmittal Form) to confirm fee payment: 2. Municipal Check Number 3. Check date 4. State Check Number 5. Check date 6. Payer name on check: First Name 7. Payer name on check: Last Name F.Signatures and Submittal Requirements I hereby certify under the penalties of perjury that the foregoing Notice of Intent and accompanying plans, documents, and supporting data are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that the Conservation Commission will place notification of this Notice in a local newspaper at the expense of the applicant in accordance with the wetlands regulations, 310 CMR 10.05(5)(a). I further certify under penalties of perjury that all abutters were notified of this application, pursuant to the requirements of M.G.L. c. 131, 40. Notice must be made by Certificate of Mailing or in writing by hand delivery or certified mail (return receipt requested) to all abutters within 100 feet of the property line of the project location. 3/17/2011 Sarah LaValley 2. Date For Conservation Commission: 4. Date 6. Date Provided by MassDEP: MassDEP File eDEP Transaction #:347911 City/Town: NORTHAMPTON Two copies of the completed Notice of Intent (Form 3), including supporting plans and documents, two copies of the NOI Wetland Fee Transmittal Form, and the city/town fee payment, to the Conservation Commission by certified mail or hand delivery. For MassDEP: One copy of the completed Notice of Intent (Form 3), including supporting plans and documents, one copy of the NOI Wetland Fee Transmittal Farm, and a copy of the state fee payment to the MassDEP Regional Office (see Instructions) by certified mail or hand delivery. Other: If the applicant has checked the "yes" box in Section C, Items 1 -3, above, refer to that section and the Instructions for additional submittal requirements. The original and copies must be sent simultaneously. Failure by the applicant to send copies in a timely manner may result in dismissal of the Notice of Intent. Page 8 of 9 *ELECTRONIC COPY Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection BureauA F orm of Resource 3 N Protecti o f on Int Wetlands WP L Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40 Provided by MassDEP: MassDEP File eDEP Transaction #:347911 City/Town: NORTHAMPTON Page 9 of 9 ELECTRONIC COPY Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Resource Protection Wetlands WPA Form 3 Notice of Wetland FeeTransmittal Form Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40 Are you exempted from Fee? I (YOU HAVE SELECTED 'YES') Note: Fee will be exempted if you are one of the following: City/Town/County /District Municipal Housing Authority Indian Tribe Housing Authority MBTA State agencies are only exempt if the fee is less than $100 Fees Activity Type Activity Activity Fee RF Multiplier Sub Total Number City/Town share of filling fee State share of filing fee Total Project Fee $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Page 1 of 1 ELECTRONIC COPY Narrative: Mineral Hills Conservation Area Notice of Intent The Office of Planning and Development received a grant from the Department of Conservation and Recreation's Forest Stewardship program to implement recommendations from the Forest Stewardship Plan for the Mineral Hills Conservation Area. The Stewardship Plan, prepared by a licensed forester, contained many recommendations for management and improvement of the Conservation Area. The grant provided funding for survey and boundary marking, trailblazing, and creation, control of non- native invasive plant species, and installation of a boardwalk to provide access from the Sylvester Road parking area to the larger trail network. The parking area, which serves as the main access point to Mineral Hills, is separated from the rest of the property by a large wetlands complex. It is currently not possible to access the area from Sylvester Road during spring months, and access is often limited and unpleasant during other times of year as well. BVW boundaries as shown on project maps were liberally estimated in autumn 2010 using a hand -held GPS unit by observation of topography and wetland indicator plants. The boardwalk project involves the installation of pre- fabricated aluminum boardwalk to provide access through the most inundated portions of the wetland. The boardwalk location will follow an existing trail that is not passable during many times of the year. The boardwalk is very similar to a boardwalk installed at the Ice Pond Conservation Area several years ago. Boardwalk segments are 16' by 4', and will be secured using 1 Y2 aluminum poles with mud augers at the end, hand drilled 1 -2 feet into the soil. A total of seven boardwalk sections; 112 feet will be installed. The corners of each segment will require stabilization with augers. Where possible, boardwalk ends will be located on natural raised hummocks; tree cutting will be avoided if possible, and will be limited to trees that pose a complete impediment to boardwalk placement. Boardwalk location is shown on the Proposed Wetlands Boardwalk map. The total wetland crossing area is more than 400 feet; boardwalk sections will be placed to allow crossing of the wettest portions of the area. Stones may be placed to allow foothold in some locations, but the overall goal is to expand the times of the year that the area can be accessed. There may portions of the year where access remains difficult. Photographs of the installation of the Ice Pond boardwalk are provided as examples. Many trails already exist within the Mineral Hills, but since the area was acquired over several years from different property owners, many trails do not link. The project will also include the creation of a linking trail network. Trails will be located and blazed by a licensed forester, with clearing work to be done by the Friends of the Mineral Hills Conservation Area and other volunteers under the direction of the forester. All trail construction will use the DCRTrails Guidelines and Best Practices Manual as a guide. The 'draft trail work map' developed as part of the Forest Stewardship plan is included in this application. This map was developed by the forester following an initial assessment of the property, but provides a general idea of the existing trail network and the need for additional connections. New trail 1 construction involving tree cutting will be performed in upland areas, but maintenance of existing trails limited to pruning ground of cover and shrubs to provide adequate width will occur throughout the property. Access to the start of the boardwalk will follow a narrow elevated strip close to the mown field on the northern parcel boundary that currently serves as the primary access trail. This trail will be pruned, but vegetation removal will not be required. A pathway approximately 100 feet in length will be cleared from the parking area to provide access to this portion of the trail. This area is located within the buffer zone. There are no trees located in this section of the planned trail, vegetation is limited to shrubs. Removal of invasive species will be performed under the guidance and supervision of an experienced invasives control professional. Target areas will be determined by the consultant to provide the most effective long -term removal of invasives. Methods will include hand pulling, cutting, and targeted application of foliar herbicides by a licensed applicator. It is anticipated that invasive control efforts will take place primarily in upland areas, but any removal within BVW or buffer zones will be limited to manual pulling and cutting. Herbicides will not be used in BVW or buffer zones. Performance Standards Under the Wetlands Protection Act: Under 310 CMR 10.53 3 (j), the boardwalk construction is classified as a limited project: "The construction and maintenance of catwalks, footbridges, wharves, docks, piers, boathouses, boat shelters, duck blinds, skeet and trap shooting decks and observation decks; provided, however, that such structures are constructed on pilings or posts so as to permit the reasonably unobstructed flowage of water and adequate light to maintain vegetation." According to CMR, in evaluating limited projects, the Commission should consider "the magnitude of the alteration and the significance of the project site to the interests identified in M.G.L. c. 131, 40, the availability of reasonable alternatives to the proposed activity, the extent to which adverse impacts are minimized, and the extent to which mitigation measures, including replication or restoration, are provided to contribute to the protection of the interests identified in M.G.L. c. 131, 40" The boardwalk installation is not anticipated to have a significant impact on wetland resource areas. Although the installation will occur within the BVW, it is difficult to estimate the exact square footage of BVW alteration. Boardwalk segments are pre- fabricated and will directly disturb only the areas where the augers are inserted. The boardwalk height, between 12 and 24 will allow for flow of water and vegetation growth. Any tree or vegetation removal or pruning required as part of the boardwalk installation will be done very selectively and will not have an overall impact on the canopy. There is currently no defined access to the conservation area from the parking lot, and visitors enter via the wetlands in a variety of different ways. A lack of a clear access point creates the potential for damage to habitat and sensitive areas, and also leads to trespassing on adjacent parcels. The installation of a boardwalk was a recommendation of the Forest Stewardship Plan, and the size of the wetland area 2 severely limits any opportunity for access without a boardwalk. Aluminum was selected due to its durability, cost, and ease of installation. It can also be easily removed if needed. Performance Standards Under the Northampton Wetlands Ordinance: The Northampton Wetlands Ordinance, as amended in February, 2011 requires that: 337 -10 E (2) The Commission shall not permit alteration within resource areas or their associated Protected Zones, subject to the following exceptions. Limited projects, as defined in the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act regulations and walking and multi -use trails designed for non motorized use. (d) Projects which will improve the natural capacity of a resource area(s) to protect the interests identified in M.G.L. c. 131, 40 (although no such project may be permitted which will have any adverse effect on specified wildlife habitat sites of rare vertebrate or invertebrate species as identified by procedures established under 310 CMR 10.59). Such projects include, but are not limited to, the removal of aquatic nuisance vegetation to retard pond and lake eutrophication and the thinning or planting of vegetation to improve habitat value, removal of invasive non native vegetation, removal of fill and /or hazardous materials. These projects may be stand -alone projects, or may be included as portions of larger projects. All of the activities proposed in this Notice of Intent fall within these exceptions. The boardwalk installation and connecting trail development are part of a hiking trail network in one of the City's largest contiguous areas of open space. Removal of invasive species has been supported by the Commission as part of past projects, and should help to increase the habitat value of the area. Wetland resources and protected zones were taken into consideration as part of the planning of this project, and were designed to minimize any potential impacts. 3