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Parsons Pine Barren Acquisition ApplicationParsons Brook Pine Barrens Acquisition 1 COMMUNITY PRESERVATION PROJECT APPLICATION COVER SHEET I: Project Information Project Title: Parsons Brook Pine Barrens Acquisition Project Summary: CPA Funding is sought to acquire 87 acres +/- acres along Parsons Brook, including rare Pine Barrens habitat, a coldwater fishery, core habitat of rare and endangered species, acidic wetlands, and serves as a wildlife corridor for birds and large mammals. Adjacent to the existing Parsons Brook Conservation Area, the parcels are an already popular spot for passive recreation. The area will certainly become part of private developments if not permanently protected. Estimated start and completion date: 2018-2019 CPA Program Area (check all that apply):  Open Space Historic Preservation Community Housing  Recreation II: Applicant/Developer Information Contact Person and or/primary applicant: Wayne Feiden Property Owner (if applicable): Bill Willard, Inc , receivership Organization (if applicable): Northampton Conservation Commission and Office of Planning and Sustainability Mailing Address: City Hall, 210 Main Street, Second Floor Daytime phone #: 413-587-1265 Fax #: 413-587-1264 E-mail address: wfeiden@northamptonma.gov III: Budget Summary Total budget for project: $250,000 CPA funding request: $118,160 CPA request as percentage of total budget: 47% Applicant’s Signature: Date Submitted: September 17, 2018 _______________________ Parsons Brook Pine Barrens Acquisition 2 Parcel Information Burts Pit Road, Route 66/Westhampton Road Acres: 87.89 Parcel ID’s: 36-156, 36-175 Current Owner: Bill Willard Inc, currently in receivership Narrative The City of Northampton has been working for many years to expand protected open spaces in the rural western segment of the City; to preserve wildlife connections, provide recreational access, maintain viewsheds, preserve habitat for rare and threatened plant and animal species, and preserve sense of place. The western portion of the City was the focus of developers from the post-war years through the mid 2000’s, with the majority of the City’s subdivisions being planned and constructed in these areas. Several large tracts of land were already dedicated to gravel pits and mineral extraction, and continued as such while residential development proliferated around them. The Parsons Brook Pine Barrens property is one of these – used to support the very active nearby gravel operations on Ryan Road; the parcel was spared from development. It includes a wide and rare variety of habitat types for western Massachusetts, including not only a coldwater fishery that meanders along the northern portion of the site, but an extensive area of pine barrens, where sandy soils support pitch pine, lowbush blueberry, provide attractive turtle and snake habitat, and underlying bedrock traps surface water to form vernal pools and acidic ponds. Unique in Northampton, the area includes more natural communities than seem possible to fit in nearly 100 acres. Now in receivership, gravel operations have ceased, and a transfer of the entire property is imminent. If not able to be permanently protected, it can easily be developed into single-family home lots, or utilized for continued gravel operations. The same sandy conditions that support fragrant pines and provide refuge for so many plant and animal species in the heart of the parcel also allow for easy development without much of the challenges and constraints that exist elsewhere. This acquisition is in accordance with long-term plans for Northampton and the region, is part of a larger landscape conservation initiative, and will help further goals and objectives identified in statewide, regional, and local conservation and habitat management reports. Fifteen thousand years ago, this site was under about 30 feet of ice-cold, glacial lake water. It was far enough from the shore-line and deep enough to accumulate lots of fine silt that became clay layers, deposited on top of an underlying rocky, glacial till. Eventually the lake level dropped and the glacial clays were overtopped with coarse sands and gravels as this landscape became part of a vast outwash plain that covered most of southwestern Northampton. In the intervening 12,000 years, Parson’s Brook has cut down through both the sands and the underlying glacial lake clays along the northern section of the property. Today at the bottom of the brook, what you find are the rounded rocks and boulders left behind as glacial till and in one small stretch, one of the few exposures in Northampton of the underlying bedrock--200-million year old red sandstone. The property’s glacial history has profoundly affected how the landscape was used by people and even the vegetation patterns we see today. For instance, in the aftermath of fires set by the local Native Americans, the broad plains of glacial outwash would have developed into sand plains and Pine Barrens, dominated by fire-adapted species like pitch pine, white pine, oaks, low-bush blue-berries and grasses dominating. In contrast, the tighter soils derived from the glacial lake deposits and more recent organics Parsons Brook Pine Barrens Acquisition 3 would have supported a much more diverse flora, including sugar maple, ash, Canada yew, and wood horsetail. Based on the sandy soils and what we know of the Nonotuck’s use of fire, it is likely that they burned this landscape every few years. The practice of burning continued even after the English arrived, who like the Nonotuck before them wanted to keep down the under-brush, in this case to provide forage for cattle and swine. And although this area was several miles from the original home lots, the pine forests that grew in this part of town would have been familiar to the early residents. Not only were the pine and oak used for timber and firewood, but the resinous branches and knots from the white pine and pitch pine were used in lieu of lamps at night. Known as candle wood, it was a precious commodity, with most of the collecting done in the fall. In fact, it was so valuable that as early as 1662 Northampton residents passed a series of orders that restricted the collection of candlewood within seven miles of the meeting house. If acquired, we are excited both to expand recreational opportunities on the parcel, and to begin active habitat management that will allow this unique area to thrive. This parcel is already utilized by neighbors for fishing, hiking, birdwatching, and biking, and a network of trails already exists. We plan to create trail connections that will be accessible to those of all abilities, and allow more people to enjoy the area. The area was regularly burned for thousands of years, which allowed for many of the rare and unique plant species found in the area to thrive. We plan to work with NHESP and Fisheries and Wildlife to create a habitat management plan for the area that will preserve its unique values and allow dormant species to re-emerge. Invasive species, while present, are primarily limited to discrete areas and can be addressed. While each open space acquisition is important and meets varying needs, this property is truly exemplary in the opportunity and potential it presents. This acquisition will also leverage the acquisition of approximately 20 to 30 additional acres on adjacent properties (partially through donations and partially through purchases). The project meets several Community Preservation general criteria: Contributes to the preservation of Northampton’s unique character, boosts the vitality of the community, and enhances the quality of life for its residents Part of Northampton’s character is the amount and diverse types of open space and recreation opportunities available throughout the City. This acquisition will create new opportunities for public access to an ecologically unique area. Addresses recommendations contained in the Sustainable Northampton comprehensive plan and/or the Open Space, Recreation, and Mixed Use Trail Plan 2011-2017 or is consistent with other city-wide planning efforts that have received broad-based scrutiny and input and can demonstrate wide community support The project will also address several of ‘the most pressing open space and recreation needs’ identified in the Open Space Plan. These are: • Passive recreation opportunities throughout the city • Linkage and augmentation of open space parcels, to provide for passive recreation and wildlife movement between large natural habitat areas. • Protection of vistas and “viewsheds.” Parsons Brook Pine Barrens Acquisition 4 • Acquisition for permanent protection of a range of critical and natural plant and animal habitats, including: • Wetlands • Rare or endangered species habitat • Riparian lands along the Connecticut, Mill, and Manhan Rivers and other rivers and major streams • Preservation of open space parcels that help define Northampton’s character, including parcels at the “entrances” to the city and parcels that limit the expansion of development into previously rural areas. • Protection of farmland, forestland, and the rural character of outlying areas. • Encouraging or requiring that development is sensitive to ecological resources, vistas, and open space. • Protection of key parcels in the last remaining large undeveloped areas of town – Broad Brook and Beaver Brook Watersheds, Marble Brook Watershed, Saw Mill Hills, Mineral Hills, and the Meadows Saves resources that would otherwise be threatened If not permanently protected, the parcels are likely to be developed either as a extension of the adjacent gravel operation or by development into 3-4 single family homes on large lots. In either case, public access will not be possible, and the upland Pine Barrens habitat will be destroyed. Receives endorsement by community groups, municipal boards and/or departments The application is presented by the Conservation Commission and Office of Planning and Sustainability. It is also supported by the Kestrel Land Trust and Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program. Leverages additional public and/or private funds, or demonstrates that other funding sources are not readily available or sufficient The projects include a variety of public and private funds, and donated time by Planning and Sustainability staff. While we are hopeful about a state LAND grant award, there are limited resources for funding of open space acquisitions. Can be implemented expeditiously and within budget We will be ready to close as soon as all funding is received. The Project also meets several of the Open Space Evaluation Criteria: Preserve valuable surface water resources, including rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, wetlands, buffer zones, vernal pools and riparian zones Parsons Brook, a coldwater fishery, runs through the northern portion of the property, and the area also includes several unique acidic wetlands. Provide opportunities for passive recreation and environmental education Parsons Brook Pine Barrens Acquisition 5 Preserve large strategic tracts of undeveloped land and parcels adjacent to existing permanently protected open space Promote the creative use of former railway, waterways and other corridors, including connecting corridors, to create safe and healthful non-motorized transportation and exercise opportunities Community Need/Protections/Project Feasibility and Success The project will protect sensitive ecological resources, land for passive recreation, and invaluable historic landscapes. All of these resources are identified as priorities in the Open Space and Recreation Plan. A permanent conservation restriction to be held by the Kestrel Land Trust will be placed on the property once acquired. The area contains unique and valuable habitat, but has been somewhat degraded due to past uses. The budget includes costs of initial cleanup and restoration – removal of junk cars, tires and other debris, invasive species treatment in limited areas where they have become prevalent, and habitat management in consultation with the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program. Beyond this initial investment, the project will require minimal maintenance by City staff. Any trail development beyond the existing network or more intensive maintenance will be done by volunteers. Project Budget: Project item Cost CPA Request LAND Grant TOTAL SOURCES Property Acquisition $200,000 $72,000 $128,000 $200,000 Recording fees, survey, title certification and other soft costs $6,000 $2,160 $3,840 $6,000 Cleanup and ecological restoration $44,000 $44,000 $0 (ineligible) $44,000 TOTAL $250,000 $118,160 $131,840 $250,000 ATTACHMENTS: Maps Photos NHESP Support 36 -156 36 -175 1:12,000E Legend protectec openspace 36 -156 36 -175 1471 1:4,800 “NHESP/TNC BioMap2” Please note that Core Habitat polygons were designed for use at a regional ortown scale. For accurate portrayal, the data should be displayed at scales of less than 1:25,000 (e.g., 1:30,000). This datalayer is intended for conservation planning purposes only. It should not be used for regulatory purposes. The NHESP layers designed for regulatory use are produced in the Natural Heritage Atlas and include Priority Habitat and Estimated Habitat.E Legend MA DFW Coldwater Fisheries Resources Hydrologic Connections BOG DEEP MARSH SHALLOW MARSH MEADOW OR FEN SHRUB SWAMP Medium Yield Aquifer BioMap2 CH Species of Conservation Concern 36 -156 36 -175 E1:25,000 USGS Quadrangle (section)Easthampton, Mass. Northampton !