2016.04.28 Staff Report
To: Conservation Commission
From: Sarah LaValley
Reviewed and Approved by OPS: WF
RE: Staff Report, April 28 Commission Meeting
Date: April 26, 2016
5:30 PM: Request for Determination of Applicability to determine if resource area
boundaries are accurately delineated and if the area is subject to the Wetlands
Protection Act or Northampton Wetlands Ordinance. Mahi Swan, 471 Coles Mdw Rd,
Map ID 3-08
Application Overview and Staff Recommendation:
The application proposes no work, but only confirmation of a delineation of the boundaries of a small
bordering vegetated wetland adjacent to Coles Meadow Road. The application included field data forms
to show delineation methods based upon prevalence of wetland indicator plants. Staff visited the site and
the BVW boundary with the applicant and her consultant on April 21, and do not have concerns with the
wetland boundary as shown on plans. Issue a positive determination by checking boxes 1 and 5, to
indicate that the area is subject to the WPA and Ordinance, and box 2a, to confirm that the resource areas
as shown on plans are accurate.
Any work proposed within the BVW or buffer will require a new application with the Commission.
5:40 PM: Request for Determination of Applicability to determine if resource area
boundaries are accurately delineated and if the area is subject to the Wetlands
Protection Act or Northampton Wetlands Ordinance. TJDL Development, Rt 66, Map
ID 41-70
Application Overview and Staff Recommendation:
The application proposes no work, but only confirmation of the boundaries of resource areas located on
the site. The application included field data forms to show delineation methods based upon prevalence of
wetland indicator plants. Staff visited the site and the BVW boundary with the applicants consultant on
April 21, and do not have concerns with the wetland boundary as shown on plans. The area was logged
within the past few years, and there are small pockets containing isolated areas of standing water
resulting from this disturbance, but they did not meet the wetland criteria for either the Issue a positive
determination by checking boxes 1 and 5, to indicate that the area is subject to the WPA and Ordinance,
and box 2a, to confirm that the resource areas as shown on plans are accurate. Note that the A series
wetland is isolated, and is not subject to the MWPA. Also note that this series includes additional areas to
the west that were not flagged.
Any work proposed within the BVW or buffer will require a new application with the Commission.
5:50 PM: Request for Determination of Applicability to Determine if walking trail
expansion is subject to the Northampton Wetlands Ordinance and MA Wetlands
Protection Act. Cutchins Center. Off Pomeroy Terrace. Map IDs 32A322 and 223
Application Overview:
The application proposes trail improvements to the trail network behind the Cutchins Center off
Pomeroy Terrace. The Cutchins Center previously presented overall trail improvement plans to the
Commission and received full support, but agreed that a Determination would be required prior to
construction. The work planned includes excavating and resurfacing an 800’ section of trail to make
it handicapped accessible.
Conservation Commission Staff Report 1
April 28, 2016
Staff Recommendations:
Staff-assisted application, no specific recommendation. If the Commission agrees that the work will
not create an alteration, a negative determination, including any conditions necessary to protect
resource areas, should be issued by checking box 3.
6:10 PM: Request for Determination of Applicability to Determine if removal and
management of non-native invasive plants is subject to the Northampton Wetlands
Ordinance and Wetlands Protection Act. Lathrop Communities, Florence Rd, Map ID
44-05
Application Overview:
Similar to a project reviewed by the Commission in 2015, this application proposes removal of non-
native invasive species in accordance with a Habitat Management Plan. Work is proposed within
riverfront area to an unnamed perennial tributary to the Connecticut River, and potentially within
buffer zone to bank, but outside other resource areas. Species to be targeted include multiflora rose,
purple loosestrife, various honeysuckle varities, Japanese barberry, Asiatic bittersweet, winged
euonymus and (a new arrival in Northampton), Japanese stiltgrass. Removal methods include cut
stem treatment, targeted foliar spray. The area is subject to a Conservation Restriction
Consistency with the Wetlands Protection Act and Northampton Wetlands Ordinance:
The application only proposes removal of species that have no recognized habitat value, and pose
threats to native ecology.
Staff Recommendations:
The work proposed should result in no alteration, and an overall improvement to jurisdictional
resource areas. The Commission should ask for more detailed information about foliar spray to
ensure that there are no concerns with this method. Issue a negative determination by checking box
2 to indicate that the work is within an area subject to protection, but will not remove dredge fill or
alter said area. Require notification 48 hours prior to work being done, and again when complete
each year, and require copies of all monitoring reports.
6:30 PM: Continuation - Request for Determination of Applicability to determine if
there are any areas subject to the Wetlands Protection Act or Northampton Wetlands
Ordinance on the parcels described below. James O’Grady. Map IDs 23C-24, 109, 110
& 111, 43, 51, 57 & 65 Baker Hill Road
Application Overview and Staff Recommendation:
The application seeks a determination as to whether any jurisdictional resource areas are located on
the parcels. The applicant did not provide any delineation information, as he seeking confirmation
of the absence of resources. Following the April 14 meeting at which this application was discussed,
staff conducted an additional site visit. Rear property pins were located except for those marked out
on the attached plan. Photo A, taken from the rear pin at ‘Lot 6,’ shows a wetland area evidenced by
skunk cabbage to the northeast of the area, on an adjacent parcel. Photo B, taken from the rear pin
at lots 4 and 5 facing west, into the parcels, is typical of the upland cover within the area. Staff
walked the property for approximately forty five minutes, and did not observe any indicators of
inundated conditions. However, there are wetland areas located on adjacent parcels, and those
buffer areas could possibly include very small portions of the area under review. Return the
application and note in the letter to the applicant that the resources present, if any, are limited to
buffer zones.
Conservation Commission Staff Report 2
April 28, 2016
Photo A – skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus
Photo B – parcel interior, upland conditions
foetidus, OBL) visible in distance
Conservation Commission Staff Report 3
April 28, 2016