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Beaver Brook Greenway-Wetlands Notice-bird blind and maintenance-2016MEMORANDUM To: Northampton Conservation Commission From: Leeds Civic Association and Broad Brook Coalition Subject: Notice of Intent: Improvements to Beaver Brook/Broad Brook Conservation Area The Notice of Intent (NOI) that follows is a joint project of the Leeds Civic Association and the Broad Brook Coalition relating to proposed improvements within a portion of the Beaver Brook/Broad Brook Conservation Area located on Haydenville Road (Route 9) in Leeds. For the purposes of the NOI, Robert Zimmermann will serve as the designated Applicant. However, all matters relating to the planning and implementation of the project, as well as submission of and any response to the NOI, should be considered as a collaboration between the two organizations. Sue Carbin Robert Zimmermann President President Leeds Civic Association Broad Brook Coalition wpaform3.doc • rev. 4/22/2015 Page 1 of 9 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 Number Document Transaction Number Northampton City/Town Important: When filling out forms on the computer, use only the tab key to move your cursor - do not use the return key. Note: Before completing this form consult your local Conservation Commission regarding any municipal bylaw or ordinance. A. General Information 1. Project Location (Note: electronic filers will click on button to locate project site): MA Rte 9/Haydenville Road a. Street Address Leeds b. City/Town 01053 c. Zip Code Latitude and Longitude: 42.365258 d. Latitude 72.693258 e. Longitude 06 f. Assessors Map/Plat Number 013 g. Parcel /Lot Number 2. Applicant: Robert a. First Name Zimmermann b. Last Name Broad Brook Coalition c. Organization 549 North Farms Road d. Street Address Florence e. City/Town MA f. State 01062 g. Zip Code 413-585-0405 h. Phone Number i. Fax Number raz@umass.edu j. Email Address 3. Property owner (required if different from applicant): Check if more than one owner a. First Name b. Last Name Northampton Conservation Commission c. Organization 210 Main Street d. Street Address Northampton e. City/Town MA f. State 01060 g. Zip Code 413-587-1263 h. Phone Number i. Fax Number slavalley@northamptonma.gov j. Email address 4. Representative (if any): a. First Name b. Last Name c. Company d. Street Address e. City/Town f. State g. Zip Code h. Phone Number i. Fax Number j. Email address 5. Total WPA Fee Paid (from NOI Wetland Fee Transmittal Form): Exempt a. Total Fee Paid b. State Fee Paid c. City/Town Fee Paid wpaform3.doc • rev. 4/22/2015 Page 2 of 9 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 Number Document Transaction Number Northampton City/Town A. General Information (continued) 6. General Project Description: See attachment 7a. Project Type Checklist: (Limited Project Types see Section A. 7b.) 1. Single Family Home 2. Residential Subdivision 3. Commercial/Industrial 4. Dock/Pier 5. Utilities 6. Coastal engineering Structure 7. Agriculture (e.g., cranberries, forestry) 8. Transportation 9. Other 7b. Is any portion of the proposed activity eligible to be treated as a limited project (including Ecological Restoration Limited Project) subject to 310 CMR 10.24 (coastal) or 310 CMR 10.53 (inland)? 1. Yes No If yes, describe which limited project applies to this project. (See 310 CMR 10.24 and 10.53 for a complete list and description of limited project types) 2. Limited Project Type If the proposed activity is eligible to be treated as an Ecological Restoration Limited Project (310 CMR10.24(8), 310 CMR 10.53(4)), complete and attach Appendix A: Ecological Restoration Limited Project Checklist and Signed Certification. 8. Property recorded at the Registry of Deeds for: Hampshire a. County b. Certificate # (if registered land) 10085 c. Book 232 d. Page Number B. Buffer Zone & Resource Area Impacts (temporary & permanent) 1. Buffer Zone Only – 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). Check all that apply below. Attach narrative and any supporting documentation describing how the project will meet all performance standards for each of the resource areas altered, including standards requiring consideration of alternative project design or location. wpaform3.doc • rev. 4/22/2015 Page 3 of 9 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 Number Document Transaction Number Northampton City/Town B. Buffer Zone & Resource Area Impacts (temporary & permanent) (cont’d) For all projects affecting other Resource Areas, please attach a narrative explaining how the resource area was delineated. Resource Area Size of Proposed Alteration Proposed Replacement (if any) a. Bank 1. linear feet 2. linear feet b. Bordering Vegetated Wetland 1. square feet 2. square feet c. Land Under Waterbodies and Waterways 1. square feet 2. square feet 3. cubic yards dredged Resource Area Size of Proposed Alteration Proposed Replacement (if any) d. Bordering Land Subject to Flooding 1. square feet 2. square feet 3. cubic feet of flood storage lost 4. cubic feet replaced e. Isolated Land Subject to Flooding 1. square feet 2. cubic feet of flood storage lost 3. cubic feet replaced f. Riverfront Area Beaver Brook 1. Name of Waterway (if available) - specify coastal or inland 2. Width of Riverfront Area (check one): 25 ft. - Designated Densely Developed Areas only 100 ft. - New agricultural projects only 200 ft. - All other projects 3. Total area of Riverfront Area on the site of the proposed project: square feet 4. Proposed alteration of the Riverfront Area: a. total square feet 96 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? Yes No 6. Was the lot where the activity is proposed created prior to August 1, 1996? Yes No 3. Coastal Resource Areas: (See 310 CMR 10.25-10.35) Note: for coastal riverfront areas, please complete Section B.2.f. above. wpaform3.doc • rev. 4/22/2015 Page 4 of 9 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 Number Document Transaction Number Northampton City/Town B. Buffer Zone & Resource Area Impacts (temporary & permanent) (cont’d) Check all that apply below. Attach narrative and supporting documentation describing how the project will meet all performance standards for each of the resource areas altered, including standards requiring consideration of alternative project design or location. Online Users: Include your document transaction number (provided on your receipt page) with all supplementary information you submit to the Department. Resource Area Size of Proposed Alteration Proposed Replacement (if any) a. Designated Port Areas Indicate size under Land Under the Ocean, below b. Land Under the Ocean 1. square feet 2. cubic yards dredged c. Barrier Beach Indicate size under Coastal Beaches and/or Coastal Dunes below d. Coastal Beaches 1. square feet 2. cubic yards beach nourishment e. Coastal Dunes 1. square feet 2. cubic yards dune nourishment Size of Proposed Alteration Proposed Replacement (if any) f. Coastal Banks 1. linear feet g. Rocky Intertidal Shores 1. square feet h. Salt Marshes 1. square feet 2. sq ft restoration, rehab., creation i. Land Under Salt Ponds 1. square feet 2. cubic yards dredged j. Land Containing Shellfish 1. square feet k. 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 l. Land Subject to Coastal Storm Flowage 1. square feet 4. Restoration/Enhancement If the project 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 enter the additional amount here. a. square feet of BVW b. square feet of Salt Marsh 5. Project Involves Stream Crossings a. number of new stream crossings b. number of replacement stream crossings wpaform3.doc • rev. 4/22/2015 Page 5 of 9 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 Number Document Transaction Number Northampton City/Town C. Other Applicable Standards and Requirements This is a proposal for an Ecological Restoration Limited Project. Skip Section C and complete Appendix A: Ecological Restoration Notice of Intent – Required Actions (310 CMR 10.11). 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 and Endangered Species Program (NHESP)? To view habitat maps, see the Massachusetts Natural Heritage Atlas or go to http://maps.massgis.state.ma.us/PRI_EST_HAB/viewer.htm. a. Yes No If yes, include proof of mailing or hand delivery of NOI to: Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program Division of Fisheries and Wildlife 1 Rabbit Hill Road Westborough, MA 01581 Phone: (508) 389-6360 b. Date of map If yes, the project is also subject to Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA) review (321 CMR 10.18). To qualify for a streamlined, 30-day, MESA/Wetlands Protection Act review, please complete Section C.1.c, and include requested materials with this Notice of Intent (NOI); OR complete Section C.1.f, if applicable. If MESA supplemental information is not included with the NOI, by completing Section 1 of this form, the NHESP will require a separate MESA filing which may take up to 90 days to review (unless noted exceptions in Section 2 apply, see below). c. Submit Supplemental Information for Endangered Species Review∗ 1. Percentage/acreage of property to be altered: (a) within wetland Resource Area < 1% percentage/acreage (b) outside Resource Area None percentage/acreage 2. Assessor’s Map or right-of-way plan of site 2. Project plans for entire project site, including wetland resource areas and areas outside of wetlands jurisdiction, showing existing and proposed conditions, existing and proposed tree/vegetation clearing line, and clearly demarcated limits of work ∗∗ (a) Project description (including description of impacts outside of wetland resource area & buffer zone) (b) Photographs representative of the site ∗ Some projects not in Estimated Habitat may be located in Priority Habitat, and require NHESP review (see http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/dfw/natural-heritage/regulatory-review/). Priority Habitat includes habitat for state-listed plants and strictly upland species not protected by the Wetlands Protection Act. ∗∗ MESA projects may not be segmented (321 CMR 10.16). The applicant must disclose full development plans even if such plans are not required as part of the Notice of Intent process. wpaform3.doc • rev. 4/22/2015 Page 6 of 9 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 Number Document Transaction Number Northampton City/Town C. Other Applicable Standards and Requirements (cont’d) (c) MESA filing fee (fee information available at http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/regulatory_review/mesa/mesa_fee_schedule.htm). Make check payable to “Commonwealth of Massachusetts - NHESP” and mail to NHESP at above address Projects altering 10 or more acres of land, also submit: (d) Vegetation cover type map of site (e) Project plans showing Priority & Estimated Habitat boundaries (f) OR Check One of the Following 1. 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 the project is within estimated habitat pursuant to 310 CMR 10.37 and 10.59.) 2. Separate MESA review ongoing. a. NHESP Tracking # b. Date submitted to NHESP 3. Separate MESA review completed. Include copy of NHESP “no Take” determination or valid Conservation & Management Permit with approved plan. 3. For coastal projects only, is any portion of the proposed project located below the mean high water line or in a fish run? a. Not applicable – project is in inland resource area only b. Yes No If yes, include proof of mailing, hand delivery, or electronic delivery of NOI to either: South Shore - Cohasset to Rhode Island border, and the Cape & Islands: Division of Marine Fisheries - Southeast Marine Fisheries Station Attn: Environmental Reviewer 1213 Purchase Street – 3rd Floor New Bedford, MA 02740-6694 Email: DMF.EnvReview-South@state.ma.us North Shore - Hull to New Hampshire border: Division of Marine Fisheries - North Shore Office Attn: Environmental Reviewer 30 Emerson Avenue Gloucester, MA 01930 Email: DMF.EnvReview-North@state.ma.us Also if yes, the project 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. wpaform3.doc • rev. 4/22/2015 Page 7 of 9 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 Number Document Transaction Number Northampton City/Town C. Other Applicable Standards and Requirements (cont’d) Online Users: Include your document transaction number (provided on your receipt page) with all supplementary information you submit to the Department. 4. Is any portion of the proposed project within an Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC)? a. Yes No If yes, provide name of ACEC (see instructions to WPA Form 3 or MassDEP Website for ACEC locations). Note: electronic filers click on Website. b. ACEC 5. Is any portion of the proposed project within an area designated as an Outstanding Resource Water (ORW) as designated in the Massachusetts Surface Water Quality Standards, 314 CMR 4.00? a. Yes No 6. 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. Yes No 7. Is this project subject to provisions of the MassDEP Stormwater Management Standards? a. Yes. Attach a copy of the Stormwater Report as required by the Stormwater Management Standards per 310 CMR 10.05(6)(k)-(q) and check if: 1. Applying for Low Impact Development (LID) site design credits (as described in Stormwater Management Handbook Vol. 2, Chapter 3) 2. A portion of the site constitutes redevelopment 3. Proprietary BMPs are included in the Stormwater Management System. b. No. Check why the project is exempt: 1. Single-family house 2. Emergency road repair 3. Small Residential Subdivision (less than or equal to 4 single-family houses or less than or equal to 4 units in multi-family housing project) with no discharge to Critical Areas. D. Additional Information This is a proposal for an Ecological Restoration Limited Project. Skip Section D and complete Appendix A: Ecological Restoration Notice of Intent – Minimum Required Documents (310 CMR 10.12). 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 Department. 1. USGS or other map of the area (along with a narrative description, if necessary) containing sufficient information for the Conservation Commission and the Department to locate the site. (Electronic filers may omit this item.) 2. 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. wpaform3.doc • rev. 4/22/2015 Page 8 of 9 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 Number Document Transaction Number Northampton City/Town D. Additional Information (cont’d) 3. 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. List the titles and dates for all plans and other materials submitted with this NOI. Wildlife Viewing Blind a. Plan Title Neil Godden b. Prepared By c. Signed and Stamped by 04/15/2016 d. Final Revision Date e. Scale f. Additional Plan or Document Title g. Date 5. If there is more than one property owner, please attach a list of these property owners not listed on this form. 6. Attach proof of mailing for Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, if needed. 7. Attach proof of mailing for Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, if needed. 8. Attach NOI Wetland Fee Transmittal Form 9. Attach Stormwater Report, if needed. E. Fees 1. 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. Payor name on check: First Name 7. Payor name on check: Last Name wpaform3.doc • rev. 4/22/2015 Page 9 of 9 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 Number Document Transaction Number Northampton City/Town 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. 1. Signature of Applicant 2. Date 3. Signature of Property Owner (if different) 4. Date 5. Signature of Representative (if any) 6. Date For Conservation Commission: 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 Form, 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 any part of Section C, Item 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. noifeetf.doc • Wetland Fee Transmittal Form • rev. 10/11 Page 1 of 2 Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands NOI Wetland Fee Transmittal Form Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40 Important: When filling out forms on the computer, use only the tab key to move your cursor - do not use the return key. A. Applicant Information 1. Location of Project: a. Street Address b. City/Town c. Check number d. Fee amount 2. Applicant Mailing Address: a. First Name b. Last Name c. Organization d. Mailing Address e. City/Town f. State g. Zip Code h. Phone Number i. Fax Number j. Email Address 3. Property Owner (if different): a. First Name b. Last Name c. Organization d. Mailing Address e. City/Town f. State g. Zip Code h. Phone Number i. Fax Number j. Email Address To calculate filing fees, refer to the category fee list and examples in the instructions for filling out WPA Form 3 (Notice of Intent). B. Fees Fee should be calculated using the following process & worksheet. Please see Instructions before filling out worksheet. Step 1/Type of Activity: Describe each type of activity that will occur in wetland resource area and buffer zone. Step 2/Number of Activities: Identify the number of each type of activity. Step 3/Individual Activity Fee: Identify each activity fee from the six project categories listed in the instructions. Step 4/Subtotal Activity Fee: Multiply the number of activities (identified in Step 2) times the fee per category (identified in Step 3) to reach a subtotal fee amount. Note: If any of these activities are in a Riverfront Area in addition to another Resource Area or the Buffer Zone, the fee per activity should be multiplied by 1.5 and then added to the subtotal amount. Step 5/Total Project Fee: Determine the total project fee by adding the subtotal amounts from Step 4. Step 6/Fee Payments: To calculate the state share of the fee, divide the total fee in half and subtract $12.50. To calculate the city/town share of the fee, divide the total fee in half and add $12.50. noifeetf.doc • Wetland Fee Transmittal Form • rev. 10/11 Page 2 of 2 Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands NOI Wetland Fee Transmittal Form Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40 B. Fees (continued) Step 1/Type of Activity Step 2/Number of Activities Step 3/Individual Activity Fee Step 4/Subtotal Activity Fee Step 5/Total Project Fee: Step 6/Fee Payments: Total Project Fee: a. Total Fee from Step 5 State share of filing Fee: b. 1/2 Total Fee less $12.50 City/Town share of filling Fee: c. 1/2 Total Fee plus $12.50 C. Submittal Requirements a.) Complete pages 1 and 2 and send with a check or money order for the state share of the fee, payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Department of Environmental Protection Box 4062 Boston, MA 02211 b.) To the Conservation Commission: Send the Notice of Intent or Abbreviated Notice of Intent; a copy of this form; and the city/town fee payment. To MassDEP Regional Office (see Instructions): Send a copy of the Notice of Intent or Abbreviated Notice of Intent; a copy of this form; and a copy of the state fee payment. (E-filers of Notices of Intent may submit these electronically.) NOTICE OF INTENT A6: GENERAL PROJECT DESCRIPTION General Project Description. The project site consists of approximately six acres, situated between Haydenville Road (MA Rte 9) on the west and Beaver Brook on the east. The northern and southern borders are defined by the boundaries of the land acquired by the City of Northampton in 2010 (see Map 1). There remain vestiges of a farm that occupied the site at one time, including the foundations of two houses and several outbuildings, as well as a few pieces of old farm equipment. Vegetation is diverse, including a number of mature sugar maple, black walnut and black locust trees, several giant yews, a variety of native shrubs, beds of garden flowers planted by the former residents, and a heavy burden of invasive plants. Rehabilitation Plans. We propose to rehabilitate the site for passive recreation and wildlife viewing as follows. See Map 1 and attached photos of various parts of the project site. 1. The Central Area, located in a grove of sugar maple and black walnut trees, will be cleared of debris. One or more picnic tables will be placed in this area as will interpretive signboards describing the history and natural history of the site. Highpoints among the artifacts is an old sawmill that was used to provide lumber for some of the buildings formerly on the site and a horse-drawn hay tedder (Photos 7 & 8) 2. Trails will be opened to the north and south to provide access to interesting features of the site, as well as views over the brook and abutting beaver marsh. Tracks for these trails have been mapped by GPS and are shown on Map 2. The trails will be cleared of shrubs and other vegetation to a width of six feet, but will not be surfaced with any artificial materials. They will be maintained by periodic string trimming and/or mowing. Trail S1. A trail to the south of the Central Area will parallel the brook; one or more benches will be placed along the trail for viewing the marsh. Trail S2. This trail will run west from the end of trail S1 to an old but intact horse- drawn hay tedder abandoned in the woods and will then turn north to rejoin trail S1. Trail S3. This trail will link the parking lot at the Northampton Corrosion Facility with Trail S1 Trail N1. Trail N1, to the north of the Central Area, will parallel the brook and terminate at the proposed wildlife blind. Trail N2. This trail will also head in a northerly direction past one of the old house foundations and its still productive gardens, and will rejoin trail N1 just south of the wildlife blind. 3. A 6' x 12' wildlife viewing blind will be constructed at a site roughly 50' from the brook, as shown on Maps 1 & 2. The floor of the blind will be elevated to a height of 4-6' above ground on four corner posts, using either concrete footings or Diamond piers for support. Use of the latter would keep disturbance of the site to a minimum. The blind will be constructed of pressure-treated pine or black locust. The proposed design was prepared by Williamsburg builder Neil Godden (see attached). The long side facing the brook and the two short sides will be enclosed, with window slots for viewing, while the back side will remain open. Impacts on Wildlife. The project site lies entirely within NHESP Priority and Estimated Habitat (PH 1502) for wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta), a species of special concern (Map 3). Neither the proposed trails nor the wildlife blind is expected to materially alter wood turtle habitat, nor should it interfere with their use of the site. A pool at the south end of the project site, just to the east of the Corrosion Facility, was examined by naturalist Molly Hale in 2009 and again in 2010 for its potential as a vernal pool. She was unable to identify any obligate species and concluded that it was unlikely to function as a vernal pool. It has not been certified. Invasive Plant Control. When purchased by the City in 2010, the northern end of the project area was heavily infested with invasive plants, particularly bittersweet and Japanese knotweed. In addition, the entire area was overrun with woody invasives, including buckthorns, exotic honeysuckles, multiflora rose, and Japanese barberry, with an especially high density at the southern end (see Map 4, prepared by Polatin Ecological Services in 2011, for location of invasive plants). Bittersweet vines were cut and treated with herbicide by Bay State Forestry in summer 2012. As a result, bittersweet remains under reasonable control, although new shoots are beginning to appear. Bay State also treated the large stand of Japanese knotweed with herbicide in 2012 and has returned to carry out follow-up treatments in subsequent years. Nonetheless, knotweed growth is very persistent and further control will be necessary. The woody invasives have not been treated, however. We propose that invasive plants in the project area, both within and outside the resource area, be treated with herbicide by a licensed professional as part of the overall rehabilitation plan. Brush-hogging. Open or lightly vegetated areas, indicated by yellow zones in Map 1, will be mowed or brush-hogged periodically to control the growth of grass and shrubs. This will be done between November 1 and April 30 to avoid interference with wood turtle nesting and foraging. Parking. We have received permission from the Northampton Department of Public Works to establish a parking area for five cars on the north side of the Corrosion Facility lot which abuts the southern boundary of the conservation area (see Map 1 & Photo 6). Our request and DPW's response are attached. This area, presently planted in grass, will be covered with gravel to a depth of 3-4". The conservation area will be accessed via Trail S3. Parking in the Corrosion Facility lot is better than creating a parking area within the conservation area for two reasons: (1) construction of a new lot on conservation land will not be necessary and (2) cars exiting onto Haydenville Road will be far safer as the sight lines from the existing Corrosion Facility driveways are excellent. U V 9 H A Y D E N V I L L E R D U S G S , M a s s G I S E C o o r d i n a t e S y s t e m : N A D 1 9 8 3 S t a t e P l a n e M a s s a c h u s e t t s M a i n l a n d F I P S 2 0 0 1 P r o j e c t i o n : L a m b e r t C o n f o r m a l C o n i c D a t u m : N o r t h A m e r i c a n 1 9 8 3 F a l s e E a s t i n g : 2 0 0 ,0 0 0 .0 0 0 0 F a l s e N o r t h i n g : 7 5 0 ,0 0 0 .0 0 0 0 C e n t r a l M e r i d i a n : -7 1 .5 0 0 0 S t a n d a r d P a r a l l e l 1 : 4 1 .7 1 6 7 S t a n d a r d P a r a l l e l 2 : 4 2 .6 8 3 3 L a t i t u d e O f O r i g i n : 4 1 .0 0 0 0 U n i t s : M e t e r D o c u m e n t N a m e : 1 1 x 1 7 _l a n d s c a p e D o c u m e n t P a t h : C :\U s e r s \g i s \A p p D a t a \R o a m i n g \E S R I \D e s k t o p 1 0 .3 \A r c M a p \T e m p l a t e s \1 1 x 1 7 _l a n d s c a p e .m x d A u t h o r : G I S D a t e S a v e d : 0 7 O c t 2 0 1 5 5 :2 4 :3 6 P M T o d a y 's D a t e : 0 9 O c t 2 0 1 5 T h e d a t a a r e i n t e n d e d f o r g e n e r a l p l a n n i n g p u r p o s e s o n l y . T h e y a r e n o t t o b e u s e d f o r b o u n d a r y d e t e r m i n a t i o n , c o n v e y a n c e s , o r a c c u r a t e m e a s u r e m e n t p u r p o s e s .T h e y c o n t a i n e r r o r s a n d o m i s s i o n s . I n d i v i d u a l s r e q u i r i n g a n a u t h o r i t a t i v e p r o p e r t y b o u n d a r y o r o t h e r l o c a t i o n m u s t r e t a i n t h e s e r v i c e s o f a p r o f e s s i o n a l l a n d s u r v e y o r . 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 3 0 0 4 0 0 5 0 0 F e e t CE N T R A L AR E A BR U S H - H O G BR U S H - H O G WI L D L I F E BL I N D BEAVER BR O O K MA P 1 PR O J E C T S I T E CO N S E R V A T I O N A R E A BO U N D A R Y Legend Project Area ^_Building foundation Black locust (small 2-6" dbh) Black locust (large 15-18" dbh) Bittersweet zone Japanese knotweed High density invasives zone Woody invasives (various) /150 0 15075 Feet Map prepared by Polatin Ecological Services, LLC1/12/2011 for cost estimating purposes. Beaver Brook Conservation AreaInvasive Plant Map Photo 1. Central Area: view to north Photo 2. Site of Wildlife Blind Photo 3. View from Wildlife Blind Photo 4. View of trail to south Photo 5. Pool in southwest corner Photo 6. Parking area on Corrosion Facility lot Photo 7. Central Area: old sawmill grown into trees Photo 8. Southern Boundary: horse-drawn hay tedder To: Nicole Sanford, Senior Environmental Scientist, Department of Public Works Northampton, MA From: Jason Johnson, Leeds Civic Association & MRGI, Chairman Leeds Committee Subject: Additional materials requested by DPW to clarify the prior request by LCA to establish a parking area at DPW Corrosion Control facility property for users of the Beaver Brook Conservation Area. Dear Nicole, The letter provides the additional detail requested following the site meeting on February 26, 2016. The LCA in collaboration with the Broad Brook Coalition is requesting permission to use a portion of the DPW Corrosion Control facilities property for a parking area to access trails proposed in Conservation Area. The necessary details requested were; to provide a simple description (above), provide a map indicating the space proposed for use, propose the signage language that would direct Conservation Area users about the specific area permitted for parking while using the area, and determine the surface materials needed for protecting the ground surface, preventing erosion, and vehicles getting stuck. Parking Area specifics Following our site meeting on February 26, 2016, we measured the area on site identified as permissible to use as a parking area as 44’W x 24’D. A standard city parking space was measured at 8’4’’W x 18’D, providing a parking area at the site for up to 5 vehicles using a total area of 750 sq. ft. A map of the proposed trail system including the area identified as permissible for vehicles to park that will not interfere with operations at the facility is attached. Materials Three to six inches of compacted TRG could be used to identify the parking area and to provide the surface acceptable for protection and traction. We would be relying on DPW to determine the quantity and to supply the material. Amount of material required would be 7-‐14 cy of TRG for 3-‐6 inches over 750sf. Creation of the signage, method of anchoring, and installation would be up to the city. The cooperators could provide in-‐kind labor to assist with installation. Signage language Signage language should be determined by DPW as to content and regarding penalties. Basic verbiage could be; Gravel area is for Conservation Area Parking ONLY. Parking on paved area is prohibited and may/will result in the ticketing or towing of your vehicle. Proposed 750 sq. ft. TRG parking area PERMISSION FOR VISITOR PARKING AT CORROSION FACILITY ject: Re: Parking Request at Corrosion Control Facility To: cookjohnson@comcast.net Cc: "Zimmermann, Bob" <zimmermann@biochem.umass.edu>, Jim Laurila <Jlaurila@northamptonma.gov> From: Nicole Sanford <nsanford@northamptonma.gov> Date: Wed, 23 Mar 2016 12:23:27 -0400 Jason, DPW has reviewed your revised parking request. DPW approves the new parking location as described in the attachment to your email below, but as this is a recreational project by LCA and Broad Brook Coalition, DPW cannot complete the work or provide the materials for construction of a parking area with signage. If you have any questions, please let me know. Thank you. Nicole Nicole Sanford Sr. Environmental Scientist Department of Public Works 125 Locust Street Northampton, MA 01060 T: 413-587-1376 F: 413-587-1576 E: <mailto:nsanford@northamptonma.gov>nsanford@northamptonma.gov W: <http://www.Northamptonma.gov/dpw>www.Northamptonma.gov/dpw