2013.09.12 ConCom Agenda and Staff Report
Northampton Conservation Commission
Agenda
5:00 PM, Thursday September 12, 2013
City Hall Hearing Room 2 floor, 210 Main Street, Northampton
nd
General Public Comment
Approval of Minutes
August 22, 2013
Public Hearing: To Consider Amendments to the Land Use Regulations of the Northampton
Conservation Commission to Allow Hunting on One or More Parcels
Review of Mail
Review of Staff-Issued Permits
Emergency Certification: Hatfield Street CB pipe Replacement and Embankment
Stabilization
All other business not foreseen when agenda was published
Adjourn
To: Conservation Commission
From: Sarah LaValley
Reviewed and Approved by OPD: WF
RE: Staff Report, September12 Commission Meeting
Date: September 9, 2013
Public Hearing
Hunting is permitted on municipal and non-profit open spaces in many places in Massachusetts. Some
Conservation Commissions have a rather extensive permit application process (see example from
Hingham). Others include hunting as a permitted activity within land use regulations, and address
specific local concerns, such as limitations on tree stands, locations, and specific hunting seasons (see
attached examples).
If the Commission determines that hunting is a valuable habitat management and recreational
opportunity for one or more conservation areas, staff recommend that these be identified, and listed in
the Commission’s land use regulations. If use of firearms is a concern, hunting could be limited to archery
deer season (October 21 through November 30, also including shotgun deer season through the end of the
year in 2013), and firearm use strictly prohibited. Any regulation could be revisited following the hunting
season. Many issues of concern, including background checks, safety courses, tree stand placement, and
Sunday hunting, are already addressed by state laws; staff does not recommend a permission-based
process.
Conservation Commission Staff Report 1
September 12, 2013