Broad Brook Coaltion CPA Application 2015-09-04.pdf 1
COMMUNITY PRESERVATION PROJECT APPLICATION COVER SHEET
I: Project Information
Project Title:
Rehabilitation of Bridge, Boardwalk & Dock at the Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area
Project Summary:
Funding is requested to enable the Broad Brook Coalition to replace a bridge that serves as
the gateway to the trail system of the Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area, and to rehabilitate
and extend a boardwalk and dock that provide access to a freshwater marsh and Fitzgerald
Lake. The condition of these structures, which were built over 20 years ago and are used by
thousands of visitors every year, has deteriorated to such an extent that they no longer serve
their purpose safely and effectively. New construction will have minimal environmental
impact as it will take place almost entirely within the footprint of the existing bridge,
boardwalk and dock.
Estimated start date: _April 2016_ Estimated completion date: September 2016_
CPA Program Area (check all that apply):
X Open Space Historic Preservation
Community Housing X Recreation
II: Applicant/Developer Information
Contact Person and or/primary applicant: Robert Zimmermann
Property Owner (if applicable): Northampton Conservation Commission
Organization (if applicable): Broad Brook Coalition
Mailing Address: 549 North Farms Road, Florence, MA 01062
Daytime phone #: 413-585-0405 Fax #: N/A
E-mail address & Website: raz@umass.edu, www.broadbrookcoalition.org/
III: Budget Summary
Total budget for project: $80,170
CPA funding request: $40,000
CPA request as percentage of total budget: 49.9%
Applicant’s Signature: ____________________________
Date Submitted: __September 4, 2015_____________
2
REHABILITATION OF BRIDGE, BOARDWALK AND DOCK AT THE
FITZGERALD LAKE CONSERVATION AREA
NARRATIVE
Project Summary
Funding is requested to enable the Broad Brook Coalition to replace a bridge that serves as the
gateway to the trail system of the Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area, and to rehabilitate and
extend a boardwalk and dock that provide access to a freshwater marsh and Fitzgerald Lake.
The condition of these structures, which were built over 20 years ago and are used by
thousands of visitors every year, has deteriorated to such an extent that they no longer serve
their purpose safely and effectively. New construction will have minimal environmental impact
as it will take place almost entirely within the footprint of the existing bridge, boardwalk and dock.
Background
The Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area is owned by the Northampton Conservation
Commission and managed by the Broad Brook Coalition, a 501(c)(3) organization of over 200
individuals and families, in collaboration with the Conservation Commission for the purpose of
conservation, passive recreation, and watershed protection. The FLCA presently consists of 852
acres and encompasses forest, open meadow, and wetland habitats as well as a 40-acre
artificial lake. The responsibilities of the BBC include trail maintenance and improvement,
invasive species control, pasture maintenance, periodic water quality analysis, and the
organization of educational Walks and Talks. A map of the FLCA is attached (Map 1, Appendix).
Community Preservation Criteria
We believe that this application is consistent with the goals of the Community Preservation Act.
Our proposal spans two of the CPA's Allowable Use Categories, Open Space and Recreation,
and is in accord with the City's 2011-2018 Open Space, Recreation and Mixed Use trail Plan.
Specifically, the FLCA is a major resource for passive recreation and provides an outstanding
opportunity for Northampton residents to become acquainted with the natural world.
The two interrelated projects described below respond to the deterioration of a bridge,
boardwalk and dock at the FLCA which directly impacts the recreational use of the area by a
broad and varied clientele. The quality of the materials and the design of the structures to be
used in their rehabilitation should ensure that the benefits of these projects will be sustained for
the next 20-25 years. Insofar as most of the proposed work will occur within pre-existing
footprints, we envision minimal adverse environmental consequences and, significantly, certain
design features will actually reduce the impact of the existing structures on wetlands. In addition,
the structures replaced or rehabilitated will be brought up to current ADA standards.
The overall project has been endorsed by individuals representing a wide spectrum of municipal,
state and community groups and, given the well-defined scope of this project, we are confident
that it can be accomplished successfully within the time frame and budget described below. The
funds requested comprise roughly half of the total project cost, the balance of which we hope to
obtain from a concurrent grant request to the Recreational Trails Program of the Massachusetts
Department of Conservation and Recreation.
3
Project Description
BBC proposes to (1) replace a bridge over a small brook that serves as the gateway to the
FLCA trail system, and (2) rehabilitate and extend a boardwalk and dock that provide access to
a freshwater marsh and the lake. The bridge, boardwalk and dock are located roughly one-third
of a mile from the main entrance to the FLCA on North Farms Road in Florence. The locus of
the proposed work is shown in Map 2, the extent of the work is illustrated in Map 3 and the
coordinates of the work site (both bridge and dock) are presented in Map 4. Construction in
wetlands will take place almost entirely within the pre-existing footprint of these structures.
Preliminary design work has been carried out by Conservation Works, LLC. BBC has also
consulted with the Northampton Conservation Commission on several occasions, both on site
and off, to ensure that these plans are consistent with wetlands regulations and our joint
management objectives.
Project 1: Bridge Replacement
The bridge over the brook is of integral importance to the recreational use of the FLCA. It is the
only way by which visitors can conveniently access the FLCA's extensive trail system from the
main entrance. Each year these trails are used by several thousand Northampton residents and
visitors from neighboring communities who hike, ski, snowshoe, walk dogs, mountain bike, fish,
observe wildlife, follow the self-guided Nature Trail, and learn about the natural history of the
area through BBC's Walks and Talks program. Besides Fitzgerald Lake, visitors can experience
many different kinds of habitat within the FLCA including upland forest, old pasture, rocky
outcrops, marshes and early successional growth. A wildlife blind located on a large beaver
marsh below the Fitzgerald Lake dam provides a particularly advantageous site for wildlife
observation. The user community is extensive. For instance, organizations such as the
Appalachian Mountain Club and the Connecticut Valley Sanctuaries of Massachusetts Audubon
schedule periodic hikes in the FLCA, while local schools, colleges and other nonprofits carry out
recreational, research and educational programs there in addition to our own naturalist
programs.
The condition of the bridge (Photo 1, Appendix), built over 20 years ago, is rapidly declining. Its
initial support system consisted of concrete piers which have deteriorated over the years owing
to the instability of the stream banks and erosion by surges of water during and after major
storms (Photo 2). As a result, BBC has had to replace several of the initial supports with either
new concrete piers or wooden posts over the past two years (Photo 3). These repairs have
provided a temporary remedy, but the useful life of the bridge is limited. We have been advised
by staff from Conservation Works LLC, a company with long experience in building trails,
bridges and boardwalks in natural areas, that it should be replaced.
We propose to construct a new bridge at the same site with a single, prefabricated fiberglass
span of 30 feet and a width of 6 feet (E. T. Techtonics). At either end there will be 40-foot
approach ramps, also 6 feet wide, custom-fabricated from pressure-treated wood, to yield a
gentle, aesthetically pleasing S-curved structure in place of the present structure with its two
90º-turns (Design Sheet 1, right, Appendix). The ends of the fiberglass span and the ramps will
rest on Diamond Piers which will require no excavation, yet will ensure a stable footing in the
muddy areas adjacent to the brook (see Design Sheet 1, left). We note that Diamond Piers will
have less impact on the wetlands neighboring the brook than the existing concrete and wooden
support posts, which will be removed. The pitch of the ramps and other construction standards
will be consistent with ADA standards for universal accessibility. Wooden decking and railings
will complete the installation. Design Sheet 1 (left) presents a view of the ramp in cross-section.
4
Advantages of this design include reasonable cost, safety, low maintenance and minimal
environmental disruption. The lifetime of the structure is estimated to be 20-25 years.
Project 2: Rehabilitation and Extension of the Boardwalk and Dock
The boardwalk and dock provide a unique opportunity for visitors to view the life of a freshwater
marsh at close hand. As wetland plants and shrubs give way to a cattail marsh, red-winged
blackbirds, swamp sparrows and a diversity of damselflies and dragonflies abound. A web of
beaver dams is also clearly visible. The boardwalk and dock are, moreover, part of a self-guided
Nature Trail. The boardwalk serves a more practical purpose as well. Fitzgerald Lake is a very
popular spot for recreational boating and fishing, and the dock at the end of the boardwalk
provides a platform for launching kayaks and canoes. In the winter, the boardwalk affords
access to the lake for ice fishermen, ice skaters and skiers. Although the boardwalk and dock
are intended for use by physically handicapped persons, the height of the present curbing is too
low for safe navigation by those who use wheelchairs.
Also built over 20 years ago, the boardwalk and dock have developed a number of structural
problems in recent years. The boardwalk joists are supported by cross beams which were laid
directly on the ground. Given the adjacent marsh and the generally wet conditions of the
surrounding soils, sections of the boardwalk have begun to sag (Photo 4). Outer sections of the
boardwalk, which are only a few inches above the lake level, are subject to flooding after heavy
rainstorms or when beaver activity blocks the lake outflow drain, thereby impeding access to the
dock (Photos 5,6). Deterioration of this section has been accelerated by submersion for the past
three summers. Finally, the water depth in the vicinity of the dock has decreased over the years
owing to the accumulation of silt and decaying plant matter, making boat launching difficult.
To address these problems, we propose to shore up the sagging sections of the boardwalk,
raise its outer sections by 1-2 feet to elevate it beyond the reach of periodic floods, and extend it
eastward approximately 100 feet into deeper water to facilitate boat launching and improve the
view of the marsh and the lake (Map 3, Design Sheet 2). Slumping sections of the existing
boardwalk will be winched up to a level height and the cross beams will be replaced as follows.
Vertical 4"x 4" pressure-treated posts will be driven into the wet soil immediately adjacent to the
boardwalk with a post pounder (Design Sheet 3). New 4"x6" cross beams will then be bolted to
the posts to support the existing deck frame (stringers plus decking). The outermost 100 feet of
the existing boardwalk will be raised to a height of 1-2 feet above lake level to protect the deck
from flooding. A new, approximately 100-foot long boardwalk extension will be added, using
helical piers (see Design Sheet 1, left) that will be driven into the lake bottom to achieve both
stability and a minimal environmental footprint. 4"x 6" cross beams will then be attached to the
helical piers at 10-foot intervals, stringers/joists laid on the cross beams and the decking
installed. The boardwalk extension will terminate in a 10- x 20-foot viewing and boat launching
platform (dock), also supported by helical piers and decked as for the boardwalk. New 4"
curbing will be installed along the entire length of the boardwalk to comply with ADA standards,
and benches will be placed at appropriate locations along the length of structure. We anticipate
that the lifetime of the rehabilitated and extended boardwalk and dock will be in the range of 20-
25 years, as for the bridge.
Community Support
Wide and diverse backing for the projects described in this application is evident from the
appended letters. They were originally submitted in support of our application to the DCR
Recreational Trails Program and are used here with permission (Appendix). Our plans have
5
been vetted and informally approved by the Northampton Conservation Commission and
endorsed by the Northampton Commission on Disability. A letter of support from the Director of
Massachusetts Audubon's Connecticut River Valley Wildlife Sanctuaries, the foremost
conservation organization in our area, speaks to the importance of the bridge and boardwalk to
FLCA visitors. A letter from the Berkshire Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club describes
the many appealing attributes of the FLCA, where it sponsors hiking trips on a regular basis.
Jesse Bellemare, who is on the faculty of Smith College, points out the value of the FLCA for
field trips and research, while Roberta Murphy of the Smith Campus School emphasizes the
value of the FLCA and its facilities as an outdoor classroom for elementary school students. A
letter from All Out Adventures, an organization that provides recreational opportunities to those
with disabilities, cites the recreational opportunities that the FLCA affords the elderly. Laurie
Sanders, a well-respected naturalist, offers a historical perspective on the evolution of the FLCA
through her participation in ecological assessments of Northampton's conservation areas over
the years. Also included is a letter from Representative Peter Kocot, a longtime supporter of the
BBC, who cites the benefit of the proposed work for residents of the 1st Hampshire District. And,
finally, the thousands of individuals who visit the FLCA each year, from many of whom we
receive informal feedback regarding their appreciation for our efforts in managing the FLCA.
Measuring Success
Achievement of the goals of this project will be marked by the successful installation of a new
bridge, rehabilitation and extension of the boardwalk, and the construction of a new dock. These
structures have been designed to provide safe passage to all visitors to the FLCA, including the
disabled. We believe that these structures will require only minimal maintenance over the next
20-25 years but, when necessary, upkeep will be provided by Broad Brook Coalition volunteers.
This will assure the long-term preservation of the project.
PROJECT BUDGET
Proposed Budget
Construction of bridge and ramps
Materials $32,087.27
Labor 7,355.00
Subtotal 39,442.27
Construction of new boardwalk and viewing deck:
Materials 17,104.72
Labor 8,320.00
Subtotal 25,424.72
Raising existing boardwalk and installation of curbs:
Materials 2.322.56
Labor: 12.980.00
Subtotal 15,302.56
Total Cost of Project: $80,169.55
Request for CPA Funds
Total Requested: $40,000.00
6
Explanation of Budget
Estimates prepared at our request by Conservation Works, LLC indicate that the total cost for
construction of the new bridge and ramps will be just under $40,000 and that for the boardwalk
repair and extension, just over $40,000, with a total project cost of about $80,000 (see Appendix
for detailed budget). All of the projected costs are for labor and materials, with none allocated to
planning or engineering. BBC has paid for the designs and estimates from its own funds. The
estimates are based on the use of professional labor at standard rates. We anticipate some
savings in labor costs by engaging volunteers from the BBC. We also plan to apply to SCA
Massachusetts Americorps and the Northampton Mayor's Summer YouthWorks Program for
work crews. Furthermore, some of the costs of materials may be mitigated by donations.
A grant to fund the major portion of this project was submitted to the Recreational Trails
Program (RTP) of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation earlier this
year. Funding of the current round of RTP grant applications is expected to be announced later
this fall. Our request is for $64,136 or 80% of the project budget, which is the maximum fraction
of the total cost allowed by the RTP. However, the RTP guidelines indicate that grants do not in
general exceed $50,000. Even if the RTP grant is funded, the actual award may be less than
$50,000. In view of this uncertainty, our request to the CPC is for $40,000. Should the RTP
grant be funded at the requested level, our application for CPA funds will of course be reduced
accordingly.
In the event that our RTP application is only partially funded or not funded, our request to the
CPC remains at $40,000 to ensure that at least one of the two subprojects (bridge/ramp or
boardwalk/dock) can be completed. At present, our intention is to focus our efforts on replacing
the bridge, as this is a safety issue. Any additional costs that might arise in replacing the bridge
will be met either from BBC funds or by application to organizations such as the Fields Pond or
Norcross Wildlife Foundations which provide small grants to nonprofits working in the area of
conservation land stewardship.
PROJECT TIMELINE
We expect to complete the project in the spring and summer of 2016, a timeline that is
consistent with the work envisioned.
FEASIBILITY
Requests for the necessary wetland permits will be submitted to the Northampton Conservation
Commission in the winter of 2015-2016.
7
APPENDIX
1. Maps
Map 1: Overview of Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area
Map 2: USGS topographic showing locus of proposed work
Map 3: Aerial map showing individual components of proposed work
Map 4: Aerial map showing coordinates od proposed work
2. Photos
3. Design Plans
Sheet #1
Sheet #2
Sheet #3
4. Letters of Support
Kevin Lake, Chair, Northampton Conservation Commission
Patricia Shaughnessy, ADA Coordinator, Northampton Commission on Disability
Jonah Keane, Director, Connecticut River Valley Wildlife Sanctuaries, Mass Audubon
Roger Beer, Acting Chair, Berkshire Chapter, Appalachian Mountain Club
Jesse Bellemare, Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, Smith College
Roberta Murphy, Second Grade Teacher, Smith College Campus School
Karen Foster, Executive Director, All Out Adventures (recreation for the elderly)
Laurie Sanders, A Natural Focus (ecological consultant)
Peter V. Kocot, Representative, 1st Hampshire District
5. Detailed Estimate of Costs
Conservation Works, LLC
ECoordinate System: NAD 1983 StatePlane Massachusetts Mainland FIPS 2001Projection: Lambert Conformal ConicDatum: North American 1983False Easting: 200,000.0000False Northing: 750,000.0000Central Meridian: -71.5000Standard Parallel 1: 41.7167Standard Parallel 2: 42.6833Latitude Of Origin: 41.0000Units: Meter
Document Name: Fitzgerald_Lake_Rec_Trail_Program_Grant_App_20150109Document Path: N:\GIS_Projects\Projects\Public\ASSESSORS_MAPS\2015\Fitzgerald_Lake_Rec_Trail_Program_Grant_App_20150109.mxd
Author: GISDate Saved: 09 Jan 2015 2:41:08 PMToday's Date: 09 Jan 2015
The data are intended for general planning purposes only.They are not to be used for boundary determination, conveyances, or accurate measurement purposes.They contain errors and omissions. Individuals requiring an authoritative property boundary or other location must retain the services of a professional land surveyor.
1:25,000
E1:6,000
USGS Quad Easthampton, MA
\
BRIDGE
AND
RAMPS
REPAIR
REPAIR
RAISE
NEW
BOARDWALK
AND
DOCK
STREAM
42.3536
-‐72.6700
42.3527
-‐72.6694
Photo 3. Deteriorated support posts have
been provisionally replaced with wooden
posts but the footing is poor.
Photo 5. Outer sections of the boardwalk
are subject to flooding after heavy rain or
when lake outflow is blocked by beavers.
Photo 6. Dock at the end of the present
boardwalk is often inaccessible owing to
flooding as in Photo 5.
Photo 1. View of existing bridge over the
brook, showing right-angle turns.
Photo 2. Original cement support posts for
the bridge have deteriorated.
Photo 4. The boardwalk through the marsh is
Is sagging in several places as the supporting
cross beams were placed directly on ground.
January 15, 2015
Amanda Lewis
Recreational Trails Program Coordinator
136 Damon Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Dear Ms. Lewis:
On behalf of the Northampton Conservation Commission I am writing in support of the Broad
Brook Coalition’s application for a Recreational Trails Grant to be used in repairing, upgrading
and extending trails in the Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area (FLCA). As of 2015,
Northampton has protected more than 3,000 acres of conservation land, and the FLCA is the
crown jewel in size at nearly 800 acres, as well as in habitat diversity and amount of public use.
The Broad Brook Coalition is a remarkable group of citizen volunteers who very actively care
for and manage this land. They mobilize volunteer effort in all the activities required; much of
this involving a level of professional expertise that belies the term ‘volunteer’.
The most popular FLCA trails include sections of bridge and boardwalk necessitated by
wetlands and small streams. In recent years, portions that serve as the gateway to the rest of the
parcel, and to the lake at its heart, have deteriorated badly. Starting nearly two years ago,
leaders of the Coalition engaged the Conservation Commission is exploring a variety of options
to deal with this deterioration. The current application to DCR is the result of many site visits
and meetings.
We of the Commission wholeheartedly endorse and support this application and would be glad
to provide whatever additional information might be helpful in your deliberations.
Kevin Lake, Chair
Northampton Conservation Commission
Connecticut River Valley Wildlife Sanctuaries
Arcadia Graves Farm Laughing Brook Lynes Woods
127 Combs Road Easthampton, Massachusetts 01027
413.584.3009 x811 jkeane@massaudubon.org
January 15, 2015
Dear Ms. Lewis,
I am in full support of the Recreational Trails Program grant proposal submitted by Broad Brook
Coalition. As I’m sure you are aware, the Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area is a conservation
gem and a tremendous resource to the surrounding communities. Its location close to the greater
Northampton population gives the community an opportunity to easily access, and connect with,
the natural world. The boardwalk, dock and bridge that would be replaced greatly enhance the
visitor experience by allowing visitors to view and interact with the pond and wetland habitats.
In my role at Mass Audubon, I interact with many people that take advantage of conservation
lands, recreational trails, and environmental programming. Everyone I speak with views the
Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area as one of the best locations in the Valley to explore and learn
about nature. These trail improvement projects will be appreciated by the entire local
conservation community.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions.
All the best,
Jonah Keane
Sanctuary Director
www.massaudubon.org/arcadia www.facebook.com/massaudubonarcadia
_________________________________________
Department of Biological Sciences
College Lane Smith College
Northampton, Massachusetts 01063
T (413) 585-3800 F (413) 585-3786
_______
Ms. Amanda Lewis
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Dept. of Conservation and Recreation
136 Damon Rd.
Northampton, MA 01060
To Whom It May Concern: Jan. 28, 2015
I am writing to offer my full support to the Broad Brook Coalition’s grant proposal seeking funding
from the Recreational Trails Grant Program for boardwalk and bridge repairs and installation at the
Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area in Northampton, MA. Fitzgerald Lake is an impressive and
biologically diverse natural area, and serves as a very important recreational and educational
resource in the greater Northampton area. In addition to the multitudes of hikers, birders, and others
who make regular use of Fitzgerald Lake, several classes from Smith College frequently visit the site
for biology field trips and to conduct ecological research. The site has great value to the area, and
the repairs and improvements proposed by the Broad Brook Coalition are much needed. After many
years of intensive use, the boardwalk allowing safe access to the lake-side wetland is sinking and
often flooded, while a key bridge along the entry path is also in poor condition. The work proposed
by Broad Brook Coalition would remedy these issues and allow for greater and safer access to the
site. I believe that the work proposed is an ideal match to the Recreational Trails Grant Program – I
hope that you will agree.
Sincerely,
Jesse Bellemare, Assistant Professor
Dept. of Biological Sciences
Smith College, Northampton, MA 01063
214 State St., Northampton, MA 01060 • (413) 584-2052 (tel) • (413) 584-2819 (fax)
www.alloutadventures.org • info@alloutadventures.org
We
promote
health,
community
and
independence
for
people
with
disabilities
and
their
family
and
friends
through
outdoor
recreation.
Ms. Amanda Lewis
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Department of Conservation and Recreation
136 Damon Road
Northampton, MA 01060
January 23, 2015
Dear Ms. Lewis:
I am writing to support the Broad Brook Coalition’s grant request to repair and expand the
boardwalk at the Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area in Northampton as well as to repair
the bridge over the brook. The Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area is an important
community resource, and many people would benefit from the proposed repairs and
upgrades.
As a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing recreational opportunities to those with
disabilities, All Out Adventures is especially enthusiastic that the proposed repairs and
upgrades will improve accessibility at the site. We have run snowshoeing programs for
senior citizens at Fitzgerald Lake, and it is a location that we frequently recommend to our
program participants who are looking to continue their recreational opportunities outside
of program opportunities.
That the repairs and upgrades will promote and enhance access by users of all abilities on
foot, by wheelchair, by canoe, and by kayak will broaden the base of support for our
area’s natural resources.
Sincerely,
Karen Foster
Executive Director
A Natural Focus, LLC
56 Montague Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
anaturalfocus@crocker.com
February 1, 2015
Amanda Lewis
Recreational Trails Program Coordinator
136 Damon Road
Northampton, MA 01060
RE: Bridge, Boardwalk and Dock Replacement
Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area, Northampton, MA
Broad Brook Coalition Submission
Dear Ms. Lewis and Members of the Review Committee:
Last year I was hired by the City of Northampton to survey all of its conservation land and provide both
ecological overviews as well as stewardship and management recommendations. I completed a similar project for
the City in 1993, but at that time, all of the city-owned conservation land included just 11 properties and added up
to only 800 acres. The Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area (FLCA) was one of them. Twenty years ago, FLCA
included 276 acres, today its FLCA has nearly tripled. Just as significantly, so have the number of people using
this land. Back in 1993, you could visit Fitzgerald Lake on a beautiful summer day and maybe you would see
another group of people. Today, no matter what the season, people—lots of them--are using this property. Even
last week, on a very cold day, I passed several different groups—some on their own, others in twos or threes,
hiking, mountain biking, skating, ice fishing, and dog walking.
The reason that so many people are now familiar with FLCA and using it is really thanks to the activities of the
Broad Brook Coalition (BBC). Ever since 1990 when BBC signed a M.O.U. with the Northampton Conservation
Commission to help manage the property, this non-profit group has worked diligently--on trails, habitat
restoration, invasive species control, natural history education, and more. Their educational programs alone have
introduced thousands of people to this property and their invitations to “get involved” with work projects (trail
repair, pulling water chestnut, fundraising, planting shrubs, etc.) has made this conservation area more beloved
than any other in the City. For many people, Fitzgerald Lake has become—thanks to the work of BBC—part of
their “sense of place” and community. It has become one of the perks of living in Northampton.
But on my end, the upshot of all of their incredibly good work is that it has been difficult for me to come up with
any new recommendations to include in my report to the City’s Conservation Commission. One of the few that I
had was to upgrade the footbridge, boardwalk and dock. (This was before I knew about this proposal or was asked
to write this letter.) But even this is hardly a breakthrough. In 2005 BBC prepared a management plan and among
the items it addresses is the need to maintain existing trails and to make sure that the boardwalk and dock are
handicapped accessible. (Elsewhere in FLCA, the BBC maintains ten miles of trails, all marked, mapped and
well-maintained.)
As BBC’s grant proposal states, the replacement and upgrade of the bridge, boardwalk and dock are key
components of FLCA’s overall trail system: the bridge provides access to the north side of the lake and to all of
the property’s other trails and the boardwalk and dock are important for nature study and access to the lake. The
latter two are also immensely popular. Everyone loves being out on a boardwalk, looking across open bodies of
water and “messing about in boats.” Honestly, for many visitors, the main reason to visit Fitzgerald Lake is to go
to the boardwalk and dock. That’s the only ½ mile loop they make.
From my perspective, the merits of the project are multiple. The value of replacing the bridge and upgrading and
extending the boardwalk and dock are indisputable. All three are rundown and in poor condition, and in terms of
boating and fishing, the dock needs to be located in deeper water. What’s more, the project has been thoughtfully
designed (materials, environmental impact, cost and durability) and it has the backing of relevant city boards and
commissions. Finally, from a fiscal perspective, BBC has always been a wise steward of its funds. Not only does
it have a long track record of successfully seeking grants and donations, but it also has a knowledgeable and
willing volunteer base that has experience tackling projects like these.
I highly recommend this project and hope you are able to generously support it.
Sincerely,
Laurie Sanders, M.S.
Item Units Qnty.Unit
Cost Total
Cost
NEW
BRIDGE:
Materials:
Fiberglass
Bridge
(30'
x
6',
unassembled,
Pedestrian
Use
only)unit 1 18,400.00$
18,400.00$
Direct
Quote
from
E.T.
Techtonics,
Inc.
DP-‐75,
Diamond
Piers
for
bridge
anchors pcs 4 225.00$
900.00$
6"x6"x6'
PT
Support
Beams(in
12'
lengths)pcs 1 38.57$
38.57$
6"x6"
PT
Support
Posts
(in
12'
lengths)pcs 2 38.57$
77.14$
6"x6"
PT
Cross-‐Bracing
(in
12'
lengths)pcs 2 38.57$
77.14$
Simpson
ABU66Z
Post
Bases pcs 4 37.00$
148.00$
Simspn
EPC66
Post
Caps pcs 4 41.82$
167.28$
16-‐D
Galv.
Common
Nails(30
lb.
box,
16HGBXBK)box
1 52.94$
52.94$
19,861.07$
Labor:
Layout
of
bridge
&
approach
ramps,
install
bridge
abutments hrs 12 52.00$
624.00$
assemble
bridge
and
install
decking
hrs
32 52.00$
1,664.00$
44 2,288.00$
COST
FOR
NEW
BRIDGE
22,149.07$
40'
APPROACH
RAMPS
(2):
Materials:
DP-‐50,
Diamond
Piers
for
Ramp
Supports 20 175.00$
3,500.00$
6"x6"X
6'
PT
Support
Beams
(in
12'
lengths)
5 38.57$
192.85$
6"x6"
PT
Support
Posts
(in
12'
lengths)7 38.57$
269.99$
6"x6"
PT
Cross-‐Bracing
(in
12'
lengths)10 38.57$
385.70$
2x8x12'
PT
Cross
Bracing
40 13.37$
534.80$
Simpson
ABU66Z
Base 20 37.00$
740.00$
Simpson
EPC66
Post
Cap 20 41.82$
836.40$
Simpson
GA2
Gusset
Angle
32 0.98$
31.36$
Simpson
H10AZ
Max.
Galv.
18-‐guage
Hurricane
Tie 48 2.53$
121.44$
Simpson
Stong
Drive
10D
x
1-‐1/2"
nails
(5
lbs.
box)2 16.81$
33.62$
2x8x6'
PT
Ledger
Boards
(in
12'
lengths)8 13.37$
106.40$
2x8x10'
PT
Deck
Joists 56 10.97$
614.32$
2x8x18"
PT
Blocking
for
Deck
Frame
(in
12'
lengths)12 13.37$
160.44$
2x6x6'
R.C.
Hemlock
Decking
(in
12'
lengths)110 6.50$
715.00$
4x6x5'
PT
Railing
Posts
(in
10'
lengths)46 19.97$
918.62$
2x6x10'
PT
Rails 44 6.97$
306.68$
3x3x100'
Roll
of
black
vinyl-‐coated
wire
mesh 2 210.00$
420.00$
1x6x16'
Veranda
(Grey)
Rail
Cap 14 26.37$
369.18$
1x6x16'
Veranda
(Grey)
Railing
Trim
Boards 35 26.37$
922.95$
2-‐5/8"
Headlok
Screws
(50
count
box)5 18.97$
94.85$
#10x3-‐1/2"
SS
Deck
Screws
(
700
count
pail)1 128.95$
128.95$
1/2"x8"
HDG
Carriage
Bolts
(80
count
box)2 97.49$
194.98$
1/2"x4"
HDG
Carriage
Bolts
(25
count
box)1 41.24$
41.24$
#
12
-‐
4"
Timberlok
Screws
(FMTLOK04-‐250
,
250
count
box)
1 75.98$
75.98$
1/2"
Galv.
Washers
(520
count
box)1 90.00$
90.00$
1/2"
Galv.
Nuts
(800
count
box)1 147.00$
147.00$
1-‐1/2"
Galv.
9-‐guage
Steel
Wire
Staples
(72
count
box)5 3.49$
17.45$
Clear,
Low
VOC
Wood
Preservative
(5-‐gallon
pails)4 64.00$
256.00$
12,226.20$
Labor:
Rental
of
Demo
Hammer
to
drive
Diamond
Pins wk 1 75.00$
75.00$
Install
Diamond
Piers
and
10
ramp
supports
&
bracing hrs
24 52.00$
1,248.00$
Frame
deck
and
install
decking
hrs
40 52.00$
2,080.00$
Install
Railings,
wire
mesh,
&
trim hrs
32 52.00$
1,664.00$
Fitzgerald
Lake
Trail
Project
-‐
Winter
2015
Cost
Estimate
(1/5/2015)
by
Conservation
Works
LLC,
Dick
O'Brien
96 5,067.00$
COST
TO
BUILD
APPROACH
RAMPS 17,293.20$
TOTAL
COST
FOR
NEW
BRIDGE
&
RAMPS 39,442.27$
NEW
BOARDWALK
(6'
X
100',
w/
10'X
20'
viewing
deck):
Materials:
Helical
Lead
Piers
(installed)pcs 28 200.00$
5,600.00$
Helical
Pier
Extensions
(installed
pcs 56 100.00$
5,600.00$
Helical
Support
Braces pcs 14 200.00$
2,800.00$
6x6x20'
PT
Laminated
Support
Beam
(from
2x6x16'
PT
planks)pcs 10 11.97$
119.70$
1/2"
HDG
Steel
Washers*
1/2"
HDG
Nuts*
2x6x10'
View
Platform
Decking pcs 40 6.97$
278.80$
2x6x6'
PT
Decking
(12'
lengths)pcs 100 8.57$
857.00$
2x8x10"
PT
Deck
Joists pcs 92 10.97$
1,009.24$
2x8x6"
PT
Deck
Headers
&
Blocking
(in
12'
lengths)pcs 42 13.37$
561.64$
1/2"x
3"
HDG
Lag
Screws
(200
ct.
box)box 1 60.44$
60.44$
1/2"x4"
HDG
Hex
Bolt
(150
count
box)box 1 88.54$
88.54$
Simpson
H1Z
HDG
Hurricane
Tie pcs 108 0.84$
90.72$
Simpson
H10-‐2Z
Hurricane
Tie pcs 12 3.22$
38.64$
Simpson
H8
Hurricane
Tie pcs 48 0.88$
42.24$
Simpson
HDG
Nails
N10D5
HDG,
5
lb.
box box 3 16.81$
50.43$
4x4
x2'
PT
Curbing
Riser,(in
12'
lengths)pcs 7 16.17$
113.19$
2x4x10'
PT
Curb pcs 30 6.37$
191.10$
6"
Headlok
Screw,
Box
of
50
(FMHLGM006-‐50)box 4 33.96$
135.84$
2-‐5/8"
Headlok
Screw,
Box
of
50
(FMHLGM278-‐50)box 3 18.97$
56.91$
17,104.72$
Labor:
Frame
Viewing
Deck
and
install
decking hrs 40 52.00$
2,080.00$
Frame
Boardwalk
and
install
decking hrs 100 52.00$
5,200.00$
Install
Safety
Curb
on
Boardwalk
and
Viewing
Deck
hrs 20 52.00$
1,040.00$
8,320.00$
TOTAL
COST
TO
BUILD
NEW
BOARDWALK
&
VIEWING
DECK 25,424.72$
Raising
of
Existing
Boardwalk:
Materials:
4x4x5'
PT
Support
Posts
(in
10'
lengths)pcs 43 13.27$
570.61$
4x6x6'
PT
Support
Beams
(in
12'
lengths)pcs 22 24.27$
533.94$
1/2"x8"
Galv.
Carriage
Bolt
125
ct.
box)box 1 103.80$
103.80$
4x4x12'
PT
Curb
Riser
pcs 13 16.17$
210.21$
2x4x16'
PT
Curbs pcs 50 6.37$
318.50$
6"
Headlok
Screw,
Box
of
50
(FMHLGM006-‐50)box 8 33.96$
271.68$
2-‐5/8"
Headlok
Screw,
Box
of
50
(FMHLGM278-‐50)box 6 18.97$
113.82$
Winch
stands
&
platform
set-‐up
each 2 100.00$
200.00$
2,322.56$
Labor:
Rental
of
Post
Pounder wk 1 250.00$
Installation
of
posts(86
in
total)hrs 120 52.00$
6,240.00$
Installation
of
support
beams
(43
in
total)hrs 40 52.00$
2,080.00$
Installation
of
new
Curb
on
entire
boardwalk(800'
total)hrs 80 52.00$
4,160.00$
Disposal
Fees 500.00$
12,980.00$
15,302.56$
*Ample
supply
purchased
for
another
part
of
the
project
TOTAL
COST
TO
RAISE
EXISTING
BOARDWALK
AND
INSTALL
NEW
CURB