CPA Application_FinalCOMMUNITY PRESERVATION PROJECT APPLICATION COVER SHEET
I: Project Information
Project Title: : Rehabilitation of a 6-acre Portion of the Beaver Brook/Broad Brook
Conservation Area
Project Summary:
Funding is requested to rehabilitate and improve a 6-acre portion of the Beaver
Broad/Broad Brook Conservation Area between Haydenville Road (Rte 9) and the
Beaver Brook for passive recreation and wildlife viewing. The project includes (1)
establishment of low-impact trails to provide access to interesting features of the
project site; (2) construction of an informational kiosk adjacent to the parking area;
(3) placement in the central area of picnic tables and interpretive signboards
describing the cultural and natural history of the site; (4) construction of a wildlife
viewing blind near the Beaver Brook; (5) control of non-native plants including
bittersweet, Japanese knotweed numerous woody invasives; and (6) brush-hogging
of lightly vegetated areas to control growth of grass and shrubs.
Estimated start date: __03/01/2017__Estimated completion date:__12/31/2017__
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, Jason Johnson
Property Owner (if applicable): Northampton Conservation Commission
Organization (if applicable): Broad Brook Coalition, Leeds Civic Association
Mailing Address: 5a9 North Farms Road, Florence, MA 01062
Daytime phone #:585-0405,413-000-0000 Fax #:
E-mail address & Website: raz@umass.edu, cookjohnson@comcast.net
III: Budget Summary
Total budget for project: $16,947
CPA funding request: $16,947
CPA request as percentage of total budget: 100%
Applicant’s Signature: __________________________________________
Date Submitted: ___September 12, 2016_________________________
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REHABILITATION OF A 6-ACRE PORTION OF THE
BEAVER BROOK/BROAD BROOK CONSERVATION AREA
NARRATIVE
Project Summary
Broad Brook Coalition (BBC) and Leeds Civic Association (LCA) request funding for the
rehabilitation and improvement of a 6-acre tract within the Beaver Brook/Broad Brook
Conservation Area (BB/BBCA) that lies between Haydenville Road (MA Rte 9) and Beaver
Brook (see Map 1). Our proposal provides for both passive recreation and wildlife viewing, and
includes (1) designation of a parking area on the adjacent Corrosion Facility lot; (2) construction
of an informational kiosk adjacent to the parking area; (3) placement in the central area of picnic
tables and interpretive signboards describing the cultural and natural history of the site; (4)
establishment of low-impact trails to provide access to interesting features of the project site;
(5) construction of a wildlife viewing blind near the Beaver Brook; (6) brush-hogging of lightly
vegetated areas to control growth of grass and shrubs; and (7) control of non-native plants
including bittersweet, Japanese knotweed numerous woody invasives.
Background
Although the City of Northampton acquired the BB/BBCA in 2010, no organization has taken
responsibility for its upkeep and management. In 2015, an ad hoc group of BBC and LCA
members met on several occasions to evaluate the potential for turning the 6-acre tract between
Haydenville Road and Beaver Brook into an attractive and interesting site for visitors which,
coincidentally, is located precisely at the northern Gateway to the City. There remain vestiges of
a farm that occupied the property at one time, including the foundations of two houses and
several outbuildings, as well as a few pieces of old farm equipment. Vegetation is diverse,
including a number of mature sugar maple, black walnut and black locust trees, several giant
yews, a variety of native shrubs, beds of garden flowers planted by the former residents, and a
heavy burden of invasive plants. Earlier this year, we prepared a Notice of Intent (NOI)
describing the proposed improvements, some of which are to be located within a wetlands
resource area. The NOI was subsequently approved by the Northampton Conservation
Commission (DEP file number WE 246-0695) and the state's Natural Heritage and Endangered
Species Program (MA NHESP).
Community Preservation Criteria
The objective of the work described in this application is to convert a disused and neglected
tract of land that is both historically important and valuable habitat for wildlife into an area that
can be enjoyed by the citizens of Northampton, as well as adjoining communities. The proposal
shares the goals of three CPA Program Areas: Recreation, Open Space and Historic
Preservation.
Though presently overgrown with weeds and invasive plants, there are some fine old maples
and black walnut trees in the central portion of the site, and the gardens that once graced the
old farm still produce a colorful array of flowers in the spring. The natural appeal of the site is
further enhanced by the proximity of Broad Brook, which has been divided by beavers into
numerous small ponds and waterways. Visitors will be able to explore the site via a network of
easy trails and make use of picnic tables placed in the wooded central section. Moreover, the
proposed wildlife blind overlooking the brook will offer an opportunity to view kingfishers, great
blue herons, beavers, deer and other wildlife in addition to a wide variety of wetland plants. The
site has been designated by MA NHESP as Priority and Estimated Habitat for the state-listed
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wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta), a species that forages and nests in the grass and shrubs
adjoining Beaver Brook. By establishing an annual brush-hogging schedule, the open meadow
will be maintained for wood turtles, thereby improving the habitat value for this imperiled
species, as well as for a variety of other species that depend on open upland habitat.
The cultural significance the project site derives from the fact that it was at one time part of a
farm. Two old farmhouses near the road were demolished at the time the land was purchased
by the City, though their foundations are still apparent. The locations of one or more
outbuildings are marked by concrete slabs and a site cleanup in 2014 revealed numerous
artifacts such as kettles, dishes, harnesses and horse collars in addition to other equine tack.
An old sawmill, whose frame is now attractively interwoven with trees that have grown around
and through it, is reputed to have been used to saw the wood used in one of the former houses
and a horse-drawn hay tedder--now stranded in the woods--harks back to traditional farming
practices. Large signboards designed specifically to describe the natural and cultural histories of
the project area will be erected in the central portion of the site as will smaller signs that
document the historical use of the farm equipment.
The proposed project will enhance the City's recreational opportunities, call attention to the
natural and cultural attributes of this unique site, and provide a chance for visitors to observe an
active riverine habitat as it evolves throughout the seasons. Given the well-defined goals of this
project, we believe that the Broad Brook/Beaver Brook site can be rehabilitated and
improved within the time frame and budget described below. The project site, protected in
perpetuity by a conservation restriction, will be maintained by volunteers from the two
sponsoring organizations until an independent group assumes responsibility for its upkeep.
Detailed Proposal
See Map 2 for a layout of the various components of the project site described below.
1. A parking area for five cars will be established on the north side of the Corrosion Facility lot,
which abuts the southern boundary of the conservation area. Permission for parking on the
Corrosion Facility lot has been granted by the Northampton Department of Public Works.
2. An informational kiosk, similar to those at the entrances to the Fitzgerald Lake and Mineral
Hills Conservation Areas will be constructed, as in the past, by the Hampshire Jail and House of
Correction at no charge. The kiosk will be placed at the beginning of the trail from the parking
area.
3. The Central Area will be cleared of debris. One or more picnic tables will be placed in this
area as will interpretive signboards describing the natural and cultural histories of the site.
National Grid employees have, in principle, agreed to help with clearing the site.
4. Trails will be opened to the north and south to provide access to interesting features of the
site, as well as views over the brook and abutting beaver marsh. Tracks for these trails have
been mapped by GPS. The trails will be cleared of shrubs and other vegetation to a width of six
feet, but will not be surfaced with any artificial materials owing to the presence of wood turtles.
They will be maintained by periodic string trimming and/or mowing.
5. An 8-x12-foot timber-frame wildlife viewing blind will be constructed at a site roughly 50 feet
from the brook. The proposed design was prepared by Williamsburg builder Neil Godden The
floor of the blind will be elevated to a height of 4 to 6 feet above ground on four corner posts,
using Diamond piers for support to keep disturbance of the site to a minimum. The blind will be
constructed of rot-resistant black locust, felled and milled on site.. The long side facing the
brook and the two short sides will be enclosed, with window slots for viewing, while the back
side will remain open. See attached estimate for further details.
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6. Open or lightly vegetated areas, indicated by yellow zones in Map 1, will be mowed or brush-
hogged annually to control the growth of grass and shrubs. This will be done between
November 1 and April 30 to avoid interference with wood turtle nesting and foraging.
7. When purchased by the City in 2010, the northern end of the project area was heavily
infested with invasive plants, particularly bittersweet and Japanese knotweed. In addition, a
variety of aggressive woody invasives, including buckthorns, exotic honeysuckles, multiflora
rose, Amur corktree, and Japanese barberry, were present throughout the former homesites
and pasture areas, with an especially high density at the southern end of the project area.
Bittersweet vines were cut and treated with herbicide in summer 2012 and remains under
reasonable control, although new shoots are beginning to appear. The large stand of Japanese
knotweed was also with herbicide in 2012 with follow-up treatments in subsequent years.
Nonetheless, knotweed growth is very persistent and further control will be necessary. The
woody invasives have not been treated, however. We propose that invasive plants in the project
area, both within and outside the resource area, be controlled by mechanical means and with
herbicide by a licensed applicator in years 1, 2, 3 as part of the overall rehabilitation plan.
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PROJECT BUDGET
Full funding of the proposed project is requested from Community Preservation Act funds. This
project is being undertaken on an ad hoc basis on behalf of the City of Northampton by
members of the Broad Brook Coalition and the Leeds Civic Association. BB/BBCA lies outside
the established responsibilities of these organizations, neither of which has funds dedicated for
BB/BBCA rehabilitation. Nonetheless, BBC and LCA members and friends will contribute an
estimated 240-350 hours of volunteer labor to the project. The Items for which we request
funding are as follows. Quotes are attached.
1. Parking Area
Signs delimiting the parking area will be provided by the Office 0
of Planning and Sustainability
2. Kiosk
Lumber $523
Hardware 206
Labor1 0
Subtotal: 729
3a. Picnic Tables and Benches
2 x picnic tables with benches @ $383 (Outdoor Living PIC65) 766
3b. Interpretive Signs
2 x 24" x 36" signs (Fossil Industries) $506
2 x 12" x 18" signs (Fossil Industries) 266
4 x Pedestals (Fossil Industries) 700
Color Sample (Fossil Industries) 40
Graphic Design: 35 hr @ $40/hr (Heidi Stevens) 1,400
Subtotal: 2,912
4. Trail Clearing and Maintenance
Volunteers: 40-50 hr 0
5. Wildlife Viewing Blind (see attached estimate for details)
Lumber $1,640
DP-75 Diamond Piers @ $400/pier 1,600
Hardware 500
Roofing 300
Labor
Professional Construction Supervisor: 80 hr @ $50/hr 4,000
Volunteers: 200-300 hr 0
Subtotal: 8,040
6. Brush-hogging
Three years (2017, 2018, 2019) @ $500 per year 1,500
7. Invasive Plant Control
Three years (2017, 2018, 2019) @ $1,000/yr 3,000
Grand Total: 16,947
1 To be provided gratis by the Hampshire Jail and House of Correction
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MULTI-YEAR FUNDING
It is our intention to complete most of the project in the first year. Brush-hogging and invasive
plant control in years 2 and 3 represent $2,500 or 15% of the budget. Trail and general
maintenance will be carried out on a continuing basis by volunteers.
PROJECT TIMELINE
Year 1: Construct and place informational kiosk
Clear debris from site
Order and place picnic tables and benches
Design, order and place interpretive signboards
Layout and clear trails
Construct wildlife blind
Brush-hog selected areas
` Invasive plant control
Year 2: Brush-hog selected areas
` Invasive plant control
Year 3: Brush-hog selected areas
` Invasive plant control
FEASIBILITY
Our Notice of Intent for the proposed project has been approved by the Northampton
Conservation Commission and an Order of Conditions has been issued. To the best of our
knowledge, no further actions are required for completion of the project.
ATTACHMENTS
Maps
Map 1: Overview of Project Site
Map 2: Trails and Features of Project Site
Kiosk
Plans
Estimate: Materials
Picnic Tables and Benches
Estimate: Home Depot
Interpretive Signs
Estimate: Printing and Mounting Hardware: Fossil Industries
Estimate: Graphic Design: Heidi Stevens
Wildlife Viewing Blind
Description and estimate of materials and labor: Applicants
Letters of Support
Wayne Feiden, Director, Office of Planning and Sustainability (to follow)
John Sinton & Gaby Immerman, Mill River Initiative
Laurie Sanders, Naturalist and Author, Rediscovering Northampton (to follow
Susan Carbin, President, Leeds Civic Association (to follow)
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KIOSK
F73673QUOTE
9-1-16DATE:
PAGE: 1
c/o Bob Zimmermann - 549 North Farms Rd.
Broad Brook Coalition
Bob ZimmermannTo:
Fax#:Phone#:413-585-0405
Florence MA 01062,
96061ID #:
Tag Name:
Rhiannon de CesareAccount Executive:
1/2" Exterior CHPL Graphic.
Panel Size: 24'' x 36''
4 Threaded Inserts w/ Tamper Resistant Bolts.
Single Post Pedestal (12" x 12" Mounting Plate at 45 Degree).
- Black Powder Coated Aluminum.
- Surface Mount. (In-Ground Mount available).
1/2" Exterior CHPL Graphic.
Panel Size: 18'' x 24''
4 Threaded Inserts w/ Tamper Resistant Bolts.
Single Post Pedestal (12" x 12" Mounting Plate at 45 Degree).
- Black Powder Coated Aluminum.
- Surface Mount. (In-Ground Mount available).
Color Sample - 8" x 10" x 1/16" CHPL.
- Used in production for color matching and resolution.
- Includes shipping.
E12-06-T4
SP1212
E12-03-T4
SP1212
99810
2
2
2
2
1
253.00
175.00
133.00
175.00
40.00
506.00
350.00
266.00
350.00
40.00
DescriptionPart Number ExtQtyEach
239.00Shipping:
$1,751.00TOTAL:
$1,512.00Subtotal:
0.000%Tax:
Deposit Due:1,051.00
1,512.00Subtotal:
FOSSIL INDUSTRIES, INC.
44 Jefryn Boulevard
Deer Park, NY 11729
800-244-9809 631-254-9200
Fax: 631-254-4172
www.FossilGraphics.com
Please sign to authorize production: __________________________ ___/___/___ Print: ___________________________
All Fossil panels feature our exclusive 12-Color HD Printing.
Digital files must conform to Fossil File Prep Guidelines (FossilGraphics.com)
Electronic layout proofs provided at no charge.
Features are indicated in part numbers:
P - Custom Shape; T - Threaded Inserts; D - Double Sided; H - Holes;
MURAL - Indicates panels built to go directly beside another panel.
Shipping to zip code: 01062. Estimate based on destination being a residence
that does not have a forklift.
Shipping charges include packaging and insurance.
Quote valid 90 days. Order produced under our standard Terms and Conditions of
Sale (FossilGraphics.com/terms). For installation info or to determine best
thickness of CHPL to meet your requirements (FossilGraphics.com/guide).
60% Deposit / Balance Net 10 After DeliveryTERMS:
ESTIMATE
September 8, 2016
To: Bob Zimmerman
Broad Brook Coalition
549 North Farms Road
Florence, MA 01062
Project Title
Rehabilitation of a 6-acre Portion of the Beaver Brook/Broadbrook Conservation Area
Interpretive Signage
Design interpretive signs using supplied photographic images and descriptive text.
Includes two rounds of revisions and edits.
(2) 36 x 24” signs
(2) 12 x 18” signs
25 hours @$40 - $1,000
Creation of graphic maps and/or illustrations
6 hours @ $40 – $240
Prepare press-ready files, upload files to Fossil Graphics.
4 hours @ $40 – $160
OnDesignFolio.com | heidi@heidstevens.com | 413-585-9923 | 8 Upland Rd, Leeds, MA 01053
PRINT DESIGN ILLUSTRATIONHEIDI STEVENS
Beaver Brook Conservation Area
Budget Estimate for Timber Frame Wildlife Blind
The following estimate covers the cost of
materials for an 8 foot by 12 foot timber
frame wildlife blind to be constructed at the
Beaver Brook Conservation Area. The blind
will be constructed of naturally rot-resistant
black locust, felled and milled on site by a
local company with a portable sawmill
(www.jteamsawmill.com). While harder to
work, locust is a locally invasive species
which needs to be removed from the site
anyway, and replaces timber that otherwise
would have to shipped in from elsewhere.
Construction of the wildlife blind will thus
serve as a demonstration of the use of an
invasive species whose wood is ideal for
bridges, boardwalks and other construction projects throughout Northampton’s conservation
areas.
The cost of materials includes felling and milling approximately 2,000 board feet of locust and
purchasing four diamond pier footings, roofing materials and miscellaneous fasteners and
hardware. The cost of labor has been estimated based on 80 hours of assistance from an
experienced timber framer to supervise a volunteer crew. If required by the building inspector,
there may be an additional cost of $800-$1,200 for a structural engineer to review and stamp
the plans.
Two-person timber-felling team, 16 hours @ $60/hour $ 960.
Milling: 2,000 board feet @$.34/bf $ 680.
(4) DP -75 piers with 60” pins $1,600.
(4) custom footing attachments for posts $ 200.
Miscellaneous nails, timber screws and other hardware $ 300.
Approx. 2 square asphalt roofing and underlayment $ 300.
Labor: 80 hours @ $50/hour $4,000.
____________________________________________________________
Total $8,040.
9/10/16
Community Preservation Committee
c/o Sarah LaValley
210 Main St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Dear Ms. LaValley
We are writing in support of the Broad Brook Coalition’s and Leeds Civic
Association’s application for funds to rehabilitate a 6-acre portion of the Beaver
Brook/Broad Brook Conservation Area, a tributary of the Mill River that is in need of
serious rehabilitation and is a vital part of the Mill River Greenway’s goal to enhance the
ecological health of the river and bring it back into the lives of its residents.
This conservation area has the potential to serve the vital interests of our City as
wildlife habitat and recreation. It currently stands neglected, waiting for Northampton
citizens to adopt it, so we are thrilled that the BBC and LCA have stepped forward to
rehabilitate and protect it. The Mill River Greenway Initiative is in the process of
developing a strategic plan for the watershed, and the Beaver Brook watershed has high
priority for us as one of the most important wildlife areas we have.
We are impressed with the thoroughness and thoughtfulness of this application as
well as the effort already expended in managing invasives and planning for parking,
trails, and signage. Both the BBC and LCA have excellent track records in completing
the projects that they have undertaken. This current project is eminently feasible, and the
budget appears to cover every aspect of work required over the next 3 years.
It is with great pleasure and anticipation that we support this project and look
forward to helping out.
Sincerely,
John Sinton, co-moderator Gaby Immerman, co-moderator