ConCom Cutlery Fences Mill River .pdfRichard Hudson and Joyce Vann
393 Riverside Drive
Florence, MA 01062
March. 24, 2022
Sarah LaValley
Northampton Conservation Commission
210 Main Street, Room 11
Northampton, MA 01060
Subject: Response to Notice of Intent Project:\6303\Noho Cutlery\Northampton dated
2/24/2022 and titled “Northampton Cutlery Soil Remediation and Bank Stabilization”
Dear Sarah LaValley,
The 1996 Massachusetts Rivers Protection Act as described by the DEP overview document
extends the Wetlands Protection Act and states that “Riverfront areas protect wildlife habitat by:
… Serving as critical wildlife travel corridors, year-round and during seasonal migrations.” The
Conservation Commission should embrace this and approve the permit only if it is conditioned
upon restoration and maintenance of continuous habitat and unimpeded wildlife access to the
Mill River. This most importantly needs to include the removal of the current chain link fence
surrounding the restored riparian habitat and not adding any fencing between the raceway and
the Mill River.
The following incidents are examples of how the habitat disruption has affected wildlife and the
consequences.
1.A wild turkey and her chicks got trapped between the fence and Riverside Drive. While
the hen could have cleared the fence her chicks could not so she refused to leave them.
This resulted in a highly agitated hen that attacked any pedestrians or bicycle that
passed by. At one point we placed wood in the road and closed one of the lanes to slow
down the cars and direct pedestrians away from the birds.. This went on for two days, on
the third day the hen and her chicks were gone, presumably they made their way to the
end of the fence and back into the riparian zone north of the fenced area.
2.Raccoons commonly try to cross the road to get to and from the river. The fence creates
a barrier. The worse situation was when one was acting erratic and dangerous behavior
resulting in a policeman discharging a firearm to kill the raccoon. Hearing a gunshot so
close was confusing but I was able to speak briefly with the officer who explained that
animal control was not available and the raccoon was a clear danger to himself and
passing joggers. While the actions were reasonable, prudent, and necessary they would
have been avoided if the raccoon could have made his way to the river and away from
the street.
3.Deers and dogs typically get trapped inside the fenced in area. On one occasion a dog
was trapped in the fenced area for days so I had to go down and photograph their tags
and contact the owners. The dog was so weak that it had to be carried out by the
owners.
4.Both beaver and mink have been seen in the river and on the banks. There are clear
signs of beavers cuttings in project areas where the proposed new fencing would
separate the beavers and their newly cut wood from the river.
These are incidents I have been personally aware of and involved in. I am sure there are others.
While the data above is compelling it is anecdotal in nature. A more quantitative examination of
the habitat has been conducted by the Massachusetts Natural Heritage & Endangered Species
Program which has determined that much of it falls within the NHESP limits. The area is blocked
and bisected by both the current and proposed fencing. This can be seen on several of the plots
in the NOI. The Mill River’s riparian habitat stretches westerly into neighboring towns and
easterly to an Audubon Preserve where it joins the Connecticut. This is the largest fenced in
and blocked section of that entire habitat. This magnifies its negative effect.
On a personal note I worked to get the Rivers Protection Act passed and was present when
Governor Weld signed it into law on the Charles River after which he actually jumped into the
river. The intent of this act was to enable permitting to be used as a tool to improve, maintain,
and protect our waterways and riparian zones for the benefit of wildlife. It would provide me with
a sense of fulfillment to see that our work from so many years ago was not in vain when it
comes to my town and the rivershed where I live.
I would appreciate it if the letter be entered into the record and considered when deliberating
this permit. Special thanks to Sarah LaValley for her assistance understanding the NOI and to
the board members for the tireless work and endless hours on the Conservation Commision.
Sincerely,
Richard Hudson and Joyce Vann
393 Riverside Drive
Florence MA. 01062
CC:
Wayne Feiden, FAICP Director Planning & Sustainability
Alex Jarret,Ward 5 City Councilor
Alan Verson, Cutlery Building Associates
Joshua Surette, Senior Scientist Epsilon Associates
Gary Hartwell, Abutter
Gaby Immerman, Mill River Greenway Initiative
John Sinton, Mill River Greenway Initiative