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Forest Cutting Plan 20-003 NW RoadForest Cutting Plan and Notice.of Intent under M.G.L. Chapter 132 — The Forest Cutting Practices Act, 304 CMR 11.00 (Effective Date: 1/1/04) For D C,R Use Onl SC4 File Number k/ " J, 3 "/O Case No. Ps Date Rec'd -A !n Nat. Hert. Yi=< / Earliest Start Mass. Lie. For. Nat. Hert. Imp. 5�V -� River Basin L' Pub. Dr. Wat. '1402 il3TDO Gen. Obj. Ledge ACEC tJ ' Location Town Northampton/Westhampton Road. North West Road Acres 115 Proposed Start Date �6 Vol. MBF 352 Vol. Cds. 200 Vol. Tons Plan Prenarer Name Tom Jenkins Address Bav State Forestry Service 8 Perry Hill Road Town, State, Zip Westhampton, MA 01027 Phone 413- 537 -5878 T)rpe of Preparer Mass, Licensed Forester *Mass. Forester License # 354 *Required for land under Ch61, Ch61A or Forest Stewardship Landowner Name John Snfin Mailing Address 1051 Chesterfield Road Town, State, Zip Northampton, MA 01060 Phone 413 -584 -0959 Ch61 ❑ Ch61A ❑ Stew ❑ *Case # Est. Stumpage Value Licensed Timber Harvester ** Name 4&4 o Z �7—O S, lro �� a,•l c' Address o 3 o x 9 A-- _ Town, State, Zip �- Phone Mass. Lic. Harvester # '.� ' L "This information may be supplied after the plan is approved, but before work begins. Stream Crossings Indicate location on map SC4 SC -2 SC -3 SC4 Type of Crossing '� Note. LF Mass. Lie. For. CU Existing Structure Yes Yes LE Ledge Type of Bottom GR GR BR Bridge Bank Height (ft) <1' <1' Stony before plan may be approved and cutting may begin. Stabilization SE CO Ford CO Corduroy Wetland Crossings Indicate location on map WC4 WC -2 WC -3 WC -4 Length of Crossing Note. LF Mass. Lie. For. CU Mitigation SE Seed FR Frozen LE Ledge Stabilization TH Lie. Tim. Har BR Bridge Filter Strips Indicate location on map FS-1 FS-2 FS-3 FS4 Width (50', 100', or VA) 50' 56' Service Forester Comments . _1L P 1 C_ ► w L Twe of Preoarer Type of Crossing Stabilization Miti gatioh Type of Bottom Note. LF Mass. Lie. For. CU Culvert SE Seed FR Frozen LE Ledge Applicant must provide DCR with all relevant information TH Lie. Tim. Har BR Bridge MU Mulch DR Dry ST Stony before plan may be approved and cutting may begin. TB Timber Buyer FO Ford CO Corduroy OT Other MU Mud Some forestry activities, such as prescribed burring and LO Landowner PO Poled ST Stone GR Gravel pesticide or fertilizer application may require additional permits. OT Other OT Other FIB Hay Bales OT Other Consult MA Forestry BMP.Manual for further information. Harvesting in Wetlands Indicate location on map HW - -1 HW -2 HW -3 HW -4 Forest Type (see pg 2) HH OH Acres to be Harvested .5 2 Resid. Basal Area >50%? Yes Yes 1?6: l air 6 Products to be Harv Species Mbi%Cds - Mbf /Cds White Pine 117 MBF Red Maple 50 Red Pine OH Sugar Maple 5 Pitch Pine 78 Red Oak 90 Hemlock 55 Black Oak ST Spruce OT White Oak OT Other Sftwd. Type of Cut Other Hdwd. 10 White Ash 20. Total Mbf 352 Beech SE Cordwood (Cds) 200 White Birch 10 SW Pulp (Tons) WO WP /Oak B & Y Birch 25 HW Pulp (Tons) OT Black Cherry SE Chips. (Tons) Non - Standard Systems:* *Note: Volumes and values indicated in the Plan are as reported by the plan preparer and have not been independently verified by the service forester upon approval. Mbf = thousand board feet. Cutting Standards Indicate location on map ST -1 ST -2 ST -3 ST -4 Forest Type WP HH WII OH Acres 5 2 78 30 Landowner Objective ST ST ST ST Designation of Trees OT OT OT OT Type of Cut ST SE SE SE Source of Regeneration SE SE SE SE Landowner Signature The most important information on a cutting plan is the Landowner's objective, as this will determine which trees will be harvested and which will remain; this decision Nvill also determine the future condition of the forest for decades to come. After having read the Massachusetts Forest Cutting Plan Information Sheet on page one, indicate your objective by checking the appropriate box below. ❑ LT — Long -term Forest Management ® ST - Short -term Harvest Planned management of the forest to achieve one or more of the Harvest of trees with the main intention of producing following objectives: produce immediate and m aximiz e long -term short-term income with minimal consideration given to income, enhance wildlife habitat, improve recreational opportunities, improving the future forest condition, which often results protect soil and water quality, or produce forest specialty products. in a forest dominated by poor quality and low value. specie. I (we) have read the Massachusetts Cutting Plan Information Sheet, and am aware of my (our) management options. I (we) hereby certify that I (we) have the legal authority to carry out the operation described above. I (we) certify that I (we) have notified the Conservation Commission in the town in which the operation is to take place and the abutters of record within two hundred feet of the area to be harvested. I (we) understand that the volumes and values (Ch61 only) in this plan have not been independently verified by the service forester upon approval and will report final values and volumes to the Director or his/her agent if the final figures differ from those reported. of landowner(s) a1�� Date Determination and Status i / d3a 3 - Approved Disapproved Expires d Cutting Plan ❑�� U - Signature o eimce Fore ector's Agent Date Expires Ser. For. Ints. Extension 1 ❑ 2❑ App 1 Dis 1 App 2 Dis 2 Amendment ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ / Final Report and Comments I hereby certify that the afore described Forest Cutting Plan and all relevant statutes have been substantially complied with. Signature of Service Forester/Director's Agent Date Forest Types Designation of Trees ' Type of Cut Source of Regeneration WP White Pine HK Hemlock OM Mixed Oak CT Cut Tree SH Shelterwood Intermediate Harvests: AD Advanced WK WPM= HH Hem/Hdwd RM Red Maple LT Leave Tree ST Seed Tree CT Commercial Thin SE Natural Seed WH WP/Hdwd BC Blck Cherry BE Beech SB Stand Boundary CC Clear Cut NT Non Com Thin PL . Plant WO WP /Oak BB BeeBir/Map SF Spruce/Fk OT Other SE Selection Non - Standard Systems:* CO Coppice RP Red Pine OH Oak/Hdwd SM Sugar Maple Landowner Objective SA Salvage HG Highgrade* DS Direct Seed SR Red Spruce OR N Red Oak PP Pitch Pine LT Long -term Mgt. SN Sanitation DL Diameter Limit* OT Other , P4. Z vF Forest (Cutting (Plan Narrative Page ( Eff ect ive Date: 1/1/04) Use this page to provide further explanation or if Other (0T) was used in any category on pages 3 or 4. Landowner �ib'is.1 Town-I File Number Use this Section to provide further explanation or if Other (OT) was used in any category in the Best Management Practices Section on Page 3. See attached cutting standards Use this Section to describe how Chapter 132 requirements will be met if a non standard system (HG, DL, or OT) was used for the "Type of Cut" in the Cutting Standards Section on page 4. Stand No. Source of How will Regeneration be obtained/protected? Regeneration If using AD - Describe the species present and how the regeneration will be protected (ex. AD, SE ) If using SE - Describe the source of the seed and the number of seed trees/acre Stand No. Desired Future Condition Use this Section to describe the types of trees to be harvested and/or retained if Other (OT) was used for 'Designation of Trees" in the Stand Treatment Section on page 4, Stand No. Species to be Cut Size of Trees to be Cut Quality of Trees to be Cut % BA/Acre Removed 1 All See attached page All 50% 2 All see attached page All 40% 3 All see attached page All 40% 4 All see attached page All 40% Use this Section to describe how Chapter 132 requirements will be met if a non standard system (HG, DL, or OT) was used for the "Type of Cut" in the Cutting Standards Section on page 4. Stand No. Source of How will Regeneration be obtained/protected? Regeneration If using AD - Describe the species present and how the regeneration will be protected (ex. AD, SE ) If using SE - Describe the source of the seed and the number of seed trees/acre Stand No. Desired Future Condition Cutting Standards John Sarafin Lot Northampton/We sthampton Stand 1 Is a white pine type. This abandoned field area is primarily composed of poor quality open grown white pine. Those white pines under 18 "DBH that are single stemmed, have minimal crooks or sweep will be left. All other merchantable trees will be harvested. Stand 2 This wetland hemlock hardwood stand will be treated with a selective harvest. Trees of all species will be removed if they are crooked, forked, diseased, suppressed or mature. White pine and red oak will be considered mature at 20" DBH all other species will be considered mature at 16" DBH. Special care will be taken not to exceed 50% basal area removed within wetland areas. Stand 3 This white pine hardwood stand will be treated with a selective harvest. Trees of all species will be removed if they are crooked, forked, diseased, suppressed or mature. White pine and red oak will be considered mature at 20" DBH all other species will be considered mature at 16" DBH. This stand contains large amounts of poor quality hardwoods. These trees may be girdled if not felled and removed. Stand 4 This oak hardwood stand will be treated with a selective harvest. Trees of all species will be removed if they are crooked, forked, diseased, suppressed or mature. White pine and red oak will be considered mature at 20" DBH all other species will be considered mature at 16" DBH. This stand contains large amounts of poor quality hardwoods. These trees may be girdled if not felled and removed. Special care will be taken not to exceed 50% basal area removed within wetland areas. k'Agl 0 Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife MassWifdfife Wayne F. MacCallum, Director Carmine L. Angeloni Department of Environmental Management Division of Forests & Parks, Region 4 P.O. Box 484 Amherst, MA 01004 Cutting Plan No. 214 - 2323 -6 NHESP Tracking No. 06- 19285 Town Northampton /Westhampton Road North West Road Date February 28, 2006 Dear Carmine, The Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program (NHESP) has reviewed your request for a determination of the potential adverse effects of the proposed forest harvesting activity on the Estimated and Priority habitats of state - protected. wildlife. Based on a review of the information that was provided and the information.that is currently in our. database, the NHESP has determined that Stands 1, 2 and wetland harvesting area 1, occur within actual habitat for the Wood Turtle (Glyptemys insculpta). This species is state = protected as a species of "Special Concern" pursuant to the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MGL c.131A) and its implementing regulations (321 CMR 10.00). The Wood Turtle hibernates in streams and brooks and centers its activity along the bordering land. The area of concern for this forest cutting plan is the land running alongside Roberts Meadow Brook, specifically. within 600 feet of the brook. In order to avoid adverse impacts on the Wood Turtle and the associated habitat, the NHESP recommends that timber harvesting on this parcel proceed as follows: For the area indicated by "A" on the enclosed map, which lies within 300 ft of Roberts Meadow Brook, please avoid any timber harvesting and motorized vehicle use between April 1st and October 31", of any given year. For the area indicated by `B" on the enclosed map, which lies within 300ft to 600ft of Roberts Meadow Brook, please avoid any timber harvesting and motorized vehicles use between May 15` and October 15'', of any given year. Please copy us on any amendments to this plan and the approved plan for this site. If you have any questions about this letter please contact Leslie Bol at ext 302. Sinc ly, . 7.,2 Th6mas,W.:'French, TH D A's'sistant Director. co Conservation Com mission. Westhampton Conservation Commission www. masswildl ife. org Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Field Headquarters, One Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581 (508) 792 -7270 Fax (508) 792 -7275 An Azencv of the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife & Environmental Law Enforcement • • Chesterfield Road Northampton, MA 01060 -IL tit/ 31oh Tr f jE �-u g14-d3d3-& P MY Q P I �Y ? o ra " e r El 'rth j 1 W q;', M y J/ clon I O ws";- r MY, v A I sty Ij HIT j f'; W-2 51 A Iii ti t l I ! f a E I tiFy�` 1v 5a ii '� I - ' S yr � ' a v - "7 e -0 it kj i�7 �: i �. :r i 1 i .- f' ._ rff{��,i � r ,�'�� .�, 4 52 � f �� Y': : -(,T ,rrt �� ,�„�..� —. t , ��` r a� '�,'�`�k a, :.gg. Z Y4 A A It N . . . . . . ..... ? � 5 l �'f $� � i � �_ t {.+� '� i y � � `� �. � ' d �!`� I E,t r `�:. � (�O _ !37 A-" si 1, , c r -+ r { fard+ � V. �� } ` " r {� rtr ( {�l �� '" �„ UL ;e 7— 11 ffiN% " _ =, � — . 11 iA.. �.✓ �}h S h ♦ �f 5 "`7r �i r' � ��C ''3M1+. �� .•''f,+ _qty f's^r � 5 1 1. 1 \ � 5 � lM1llli', � " , " c \� I i �1��1�\ '^"�ti.`''�w . -'��* �. -i i . ,� l..ti l � ��.I I y ' • ��LfS, Y 51,1 u x ! � �., � P i i r l�''a'ti'ys.- � 4�..��;¢ limt, A U 0. YJ pp K Y ' 1� At; II X71 MAN% �'• + � � I tk ,+Il �' lli ,.. I i t1II '.55 p l - I I 1 i I v kt /zo AN� M,%v 4 pp�' L� • '4 '" � r –... �, + !r �lk� ON IMA It" I, 0� m I 77, Ym I " , I 04 tom' � �. P4 . 91 gvv Commonwealth of Massachusetts DiVisoon of w PiFisheries 'Wildlife Wayne F. MacCallum, Director Carmine L. Angeloni Department of Conservation and Recreation 40 Cold Storage.Drive P.O. Box 484. Amherst, MA 01004 Cutting Plan No. 214 - 3722 -8 NHESP Tracking No. 06- 19285a Town Northampton/Westhampton Road Chesterfield & Montague roads Landowner John Sarafm P epay„r Tom Jenkins Date June 11.2008 Dear Carmine, The Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) has reviewed Forest Cutting Plan 214 - 3722 -8 (hereinafter "the Plan ") pursuant to the special approval procedures of the Forest Cutting Practices Regulations (304 CMR 11.04(6)). Based on details of the Plan, information in the NHESP database, and information acquired during a site visit on.4 June 2008, the NHESP has determined that there is potential for activities proposed in the Plan to result in "Take" (as defined in 321 CMR 10.02) of Wood Turtle (Glyptemys insculpta), a species listed. as Special Concern pursuant to the Massachusetts Endangered Species. Act (MESA) (M.G.L. c. 131A) and its implementing regulations (321 CMR 10.00). The NHESP is concerned that harvesting activities conducted at the property will cause direct mortality of individual turtles (e.g., as a result of crushing by motorized vehicles). In particular, the NHESP. is concerned about . operation of heavy equipment in the vicinity of Roberts Meadow Brook, especially. in the old field where the landing is proposed. The old field .resembles desirable foraging habitat and, possibly, nesting habitat for this species; therefore, special precautions should be taken to minimize the likelihood of turtles being run -over by heavy equipment in the area. To avoid prohibited Take of Wood Turtle, the NHESP requests that the following language be added to the Plan prior to its approval: • The landing shall cover an area as small as possible and, prior to harvesting, be established by brush= hogging all vegetation down to the ground such that (a) the landing is clearly distinguishable from surrounding vegetated areas, and (b) any turtles that enter the landing will not be obscured by vegetation during early stages of the harvest. The landing shall be encircled with sy r� bolic fencing (e.g., snow-i.encing) to ensure that the operators(s). do not encroach upon other parts of the field. The fencing shall be staked into the ground such that there is a gap of at least 6 inches between the bottom of the fence and the ground, so that any turtles that happen to enter the landing area may be allowed to exit the area unimpeded. • The main skid road from the landing to the harvest area shall be established immediately adjacent to the southern edge of the field as depicted in the Supplemental Map provided by the NHESP. The road shall be kept as narrow as possible and, prior to harvesting, be established by brush- hogging all vegetation down to the ground such that (a) the roadway is clearly distinguishable from vegetated areas to either side, and (b) any turtles that happen to enter the roadway will not be obscured by vegetation during early stages of the harvest. + The landing; main skid road, and areas within 10 meters of each shall be searched and cleared of turtles by an approved wildlife biologist immediately prior to the landing and main -skid road being brush- ho22ed The wildlife biologist chosen for this "turtle sweep" must apply for and be granted a Scientific Collection Permit by the NHESP prior to the turtle sweep and establishment of the landing and road www. nhesp.org . Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program North Drive, Route 135, Westborough, MA 01581 Tel: (508) 389 -6360 Fax: (508) 389 -7891 • In Stands 1 and 2, off -road operation of motorized vehicles within 300 feet of Roberts. Meadow Brook shall occur only during the time period beginning November 1 and ending March 31. • In Stands 1 and 2, off -road operation of motorized vehicles in the area 300 -600 feet from Roberts Meadow Brook shall occur only during the time period beginning October 15 and ending May 15. Enclosed with this letter is a partial list of wildlife biologists that may be considered to conduct the turtle sweep described in the third bullet above. Other biologists may be proposed by the landowner, provided that the proposal includes a resume, curriculum vita, or other summary of qualifications pertinent to Wood Turtle inventory work. Brush - hogging of any portion of the landing or main skid road should be completed within 20 minutes of the portion being searched and cleared of turtles by the approved biologist Also enclosed with this letter is a Supplemental Map depicting the locations of the main skid road to be brush - hogged, the 300 -foot buffer, and the 600 -foot buffer; the property boundary depicted in the map is approximate, based on details provided in the Plan. Where the 300 -foot and 600 -foot buffers coincide with the harvest area the NHESP requests that the buffer boundaries be marked (e =g with paint or flagging) and inspected prior to approval of the Plan, except under the following conditions (1) The 600 -foot boundary need not be marked if off -road operation of motorized vehicles in all parts of Stands 1 and 2 (plus adjacent field) located beyond the 300 -foot boundary shall occur only during the time period October 15 — May 15. (2) Neither boundary need be marked if off -road operation of motorized vehicles in all parts of Stands 1 and 2 (plus adjacent field) shall occur only during the time period November 1— March 3 L Please note that establishment of the landing and main skid road, and operation of motorized vehicles in the landing and on the road, are permitted to occur at any time of year (i.e., they are not subject to seasonal restrictions). Lastly, please encourage the operator(s) to watch for turtles that might enter the landing or main skid road during the harvest, and to avoid advancing with heavy equipment until the turtles move out of harm's way. Please copy the NHESP on any proposed amendments to the Plan and on the approved plan for the site. If you have any questions about this letter, please contact Jacob Kubel at (508) 389 -6373. Sincerely, Thomas W. French, Ph.D Assistant Director Cc: 'Northampton Conservation Commission Westhampton Conservation Commission Enclosures: Partial list of potential "turtle- sweep" biologists (1 page) Supplemental Map — main skid road and buffers (1 page) Examples of Massachusetts Hernetolnical Specialists Hyla Ecological Services r PO Box 1482 Concord, MA. 01742 JUN 7 7 2008 . (978) 371 -1222 e� littp://wNw.liyla-ecological.com/index.1 ItI I �oRru_�io_ l 01060 Mike Jones Department of Biology 221 Morrill Science Center University 6fMassach4setts Amherst, MA 01003 mtjones@fism.umass.edu Oxbow Associates, Inc. PO Box 971 Acton, MA 01720 (978). http:// www .oxbowassodiates.com /index.php Alan Richmond Department of Biology 221 Morrill Science Center University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA 01003 (413) 545 -5386 alanr@bio.umass.edu *The listed biologists and/or consultants are not officially endorsed by the NHESP and do not represent a comprehensive list of qualified individuals; however, they are recognized experts in Wood Turtle ecology and /or have been approved previously by the NHESP to conduct "sweeps" for Wood Turtles during MESA - reviewed projects. Other individuals may be proposed and approved following review of qualifications. V 7 A-6-A tV, 1. ar '��. d a`��"' ,�.r � ,�... .� . K t '` � tl3 '� t t rsr ��""�><,ykr t`"a:{w, 1 A , 1 1*1 0 _5 I f wo n"Zh 6 • WWI 14 Rs a• b � �' dF,' q+�,�'.;5 ��' :.. � ` � .Ts to '.R.FT g 4 al Y,. 41, le, ul . I A, 1, 44 e g 1k, , fo— . . . . . . k J� fi M—` m y 71� 6V - Rt 4 41 JA S F s 1Y IT *t, Mk v r7 1C x � 41 A`f* a Y x t A .39 A If— F. 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