2016.04.14 Staff Report
To: Conservation Commission
From: Sarah LaValley
Reviewed and Approved by OPS: WF
RE: Staff Report, April 14 Commission Meeting
Date: April 12, 2016
5:30 PM: Request for Determination of Applicability to Determine if removal and
management of non-native invasive plants on conservation properties owned by the
City of Northampton is subject to the Northampton Wetlands Ordinance and Wetlands
Protection Ordinance. Northampton Office of Planning and Sustainability.
Application Overview:
The application proposes removal of targeted invasive species at conservation areas, in accordance
with the findings of Laurie Sanders’ ‘Rediscovering Northampton 2015.’ The application includes
details about how the sites were selected and prioritized, as well as control techniques. The
Commission was provided with the full text, which includes a detailed ecological analysis of each
conservation area.
Staff Recommendation:
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 the resource
area, should be issued by checking box 3.
5:45 PM: 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 sought only to determine whether any jurisdictional areas are located on the parcels.
The area is on a hill dominated by white pine, there are no wetland resources present. Issue a negative
determination by checking box 1 and box 6, for both the WPA and local Ordinance.
Request for Permission for Metal Detecting at the Mill River Greenway
An individual has requested permission to conduct hobby metal detecting at the Mill River
Greenway. Items collected will be 6” below the ground or less, and any items of interest will be
donated to Historic Northampton.
It’s likely that people are conducting metal detecting activities throughout conservation areas
without permission; staff recommend approving the request.
Conservation Commission Staff Report 1
April 12, 2016