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86 Riverbank Road_mitigation memo_4.15.22.pdf 4 Allen Place • Northampton, Massachusetts 01060 • t 413.582.7000 • f 413.582.7005 • To: Division of Fisheries & Wildlife 1 Rabbit Hill Road Westborough, MA 01581 From: Berkshire Design Group Date: April 15, 2022 Project: Riverbank Road, NHESP Tracking # 21-40394 Re: Restoration Plan To Whom it May Concern, On behalf of the applicant, Mr. John Citro, and in response to the Notice of Non- Compliance issued by the Division on August 27, 2021, this memo describes the work and activities that occurred within mapped Priority and Estimated Habitat of rare Species without a permit. This memo is also accompanied by a Draft Restoration Plan for the impacted area as required by the Notice. 1. The unpermitted work occurred on undeveloped land adjacent to the Connecticut River and on the north side of Riverbank Road in Northampton, MA. The work occurred on two adjacent parcels and encompassed an area roughly 10,000 s.f. in area. The land is relatively flat adjacent to the roadway before dropping off approximately 16’ down a steep slope to the waters edge. The unpermitted work consisted of the cutting and removal of several dead and downed trees as well as the removal of up to 4(?) living trees and several saplings that were damaged during the cutting. It is our understanding the work was conducted in an effort to “clean-up” the deadwood that had fallen and to help control some of the invasive species (bittersweet) that was becoming more established. Cutting was done by hand (chainsaw) and all material was pulled upslope and beyond the top of the bank using a backhoe. No stump removal or other soil disturbance was instigated. 2. As required by the Notice, a Draft Restoration Plan has been included which shows the planting of several native trees and shrubs in the area of interest. The planting is intended to be planted around any existing vegetation and/or stumps that have been left in order to minimize overall land and soil disturbance. Plantings will be done by hand and monitored to ensure survival for at least two growing seasons.