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.