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
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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
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36 -175
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Legend
protectec openspace
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“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
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USGS Quadrangle (section)Easthampton, Mass.
Northampton
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