“The goal is basically to create a few access points, and a couple of trails off of them”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Another step has been taken in the plans to open a trail system on the Charles River Meadowlands property when representatives from BETA Group Inc. came last week to survey the land. 

Alan Earls, director of the Charles River Meadowlands Initiative, said the survey work marks the beginning of an effort to flesh out what is possible with a $25,000 grant awarded by the state last year. 

“We’re looking for an assessment by a professional, so we can figure out what is practical in this idea of linking these parcels across three towns,” Earls said of the work being done by BETA, a Norwood-based planning, engineering, design, asset management and construction services company. 

The approximately 900-acre parcel is spread over Franklin, Bellingham and Medway, though the group’s trip into the woods last week only covered a small portion. About 465 acres of the affected land is in Franklin, near the Pond Street area."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181218/survey-work-begins-for-meadowlands-trail-proposal

For more about the Charles River Meadowlands
https://www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org/

Mine Brook seen looking toward i495

In the News: few contested elections for State primary; Charles River Meadowlands survey

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"With less than a month to go before primary elections, contested races are heating up across Massachusetts. 

The primary, scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 4, will decide which Democratic and Republican candidates will go on to run against one another in the general election scheduled for Nov. 6. 

This year, the primary is scheduled for the day after Labor Day, which could complicate voting for some people, such as families with school-age children and college students, who might be leaving the state. 

“Voting on the day after Labor Day will prove challenging for voters in the commonwealth, especially for families preparing children for the start of school, and for candidates who are eager to get their message out to voters,” the League of Women Voters Massachusetts wrote in a statement earlier this year."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180813/few-contested-races-could-impact-voter-turnout-for-sept-4-primary

http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/news/elections-2018

"The Charles River Meadowlands Initiative will survey approximately 500 acres of protected land in Franklin, Bellingham and Medway after finding a consulting firm. 

The purpose of the study will be to help “assess conservation and passive recreation opportunities available on those lands and adjacent town lands,” according to a press release from the organization. 

“We want to make sure to look at all potential stakeholders, look at the conservation value of the land and find ways to ensure it’s properly protected,” said Alan Earls, founder of the Charles River Meadowlands Initiative."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180813/survey-of-local-protected-lands-planned

Town of Franklin kicks off study of Charles River Meadowlands with funding from DCR

Charles River Meadowland Initiative has announced an effort to secure the services of a consulting firm to undertake a study of more than 500 acres of lands in the towns of Franklin, Bellingham, and Medway currently under the jurisdiction of the US Army Corps of Engineers. The purpose of the study is to assess conservation and passive recreation opportunities available on those lands and adjacent town lands.

The $25,000 grant made available through the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) was facilitated by state representative Jeffrey Roy, representing Franklin and Medway, state representative Kevin Kuros, representing Bellingham, as well as former state representative John V. Fernandes of Milford.

According to Franklin Director of Planning, Bryan Taberner, the immediate goal is to identify a qualified firm and work to a timeline that will produce a report by the first half of 2019. “We expect that process should identify a few key areas for focus as well as general long-term goals,” he said. The work will be managed by a Working Group consisting of volunteers from the three communities, he added.

As part of the process, the Meadowlands Initiative Working Group and the consultant will be planning and hosting public hearings in Franklin, Bellingham, and Medway to identify ideas and concerns from townspeople, abutters, local officials, and others interested in the project. Feedback from that process will eventually become part of the report.

“This is a great step forward for the Charles River Meadowlands Initiative and is a credit to the many volunteers, our dedicated local legislators, and our local officials who have generously shared their time and ideas,” said Alan Earls, founder of the organization.

About the Charles River Meadowlands Initiative

The towns of Bellingham, Franklin, and Medway play host to more than 500 acres of land protected by the US Army Corps of Engineers as part of the Charles River Natural Valley flood control project. Organized in 2015 with guidance from Metacomet Land Trust, Charles River Meadowlands Initiative is an effort among citizens and local officials to work together and to work with Federal and State officials, to improve access to and management of this beautiful natural resource. 

For more information visit www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org

For questions about the Meadowland Initiative, please contact Alan Earls: alan.r.earls@gmail.com

For questions about the specific project parameters and requirements, contact Byran Taberner: btaberner@franklinma.gov

Oct. 28. 2017, 20 walkers explored between Oak St. Extension and White Ave in Franklin. (courtesy photo)

Charles River Meadowlands Initiative Walk/Cleanup - Apr 28

Several people interested in the Charles River Meadowlands Initiative participated in a walk and cleanup on Saturday from noon to 1:30 in conjunction with Town ‘Earth Day’ cleanup on April 28. 

Tom Betts, site supervisor at the Montage condominium project under construction on Pond Street, kindly gave permission to the group to park and access the adjacent town lands. The Montage project will eventually include a public access component and parking for reaching town and federal land. 

During the Saturday walk, attendees filled two bags with trash, explored existing trails, and assessed federal and state signage on the property borders. 

The Meadowlands Initiative is meeting next week with the town administration and representatives of the Army Corps of Engineers, which is in charge of some 400 acres of land in Franklin, to explore ways to improve public access and improve conservation.

For more about the Charles River Meadowlands Initiative visit their page
charlesrivermeadowlands.org

L-R Paul Sager, Alan Earls, Juanita Urban

“We control the money that’s spent at that plant”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The Charles River Pollution Control Board is seeking Franklin volunteers to take the place of long-time member Eugene Guidi, who is taking his leave after 19 years. 

“We need members there,” he said. “It’s hard to get people to join.” 

The Charles River Pollution Control District includes a regional wastewater treatment plant located in Medway that treats up to 5.7 million gallons a day.
The board is designed to have three Franklin members, but hasn’t had a third member for quite some time, Guidi said. With him and his nearly two-decades experience also on the way out, the town is seeking interested volunteers in a multitude of relatable fields. 

“People on the board have been finance people, insurance people, construction people, engineering people,” he said. “We’re really overseeing and auditing the operation of a business.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180430/franklin-residents-asked-to-help-oversee-charles-river-pollution-control-district

Posted earlier on Franklin Matters:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/04/franklin-residents-charles-river.html

VACANCY- Charles River Pollution Control District 

The Town of Franklin encourages residents who are interested in volunteering to apply now. If you have been curious or interested in giving your time, expertise or perspective on behalf of your community, now is an excellent time to get involved. 

For more information on the Charles River Pollution Control District please visit the Boards page here:  http://www.franklinma.gov/charles-river-pollution-control 

To apply please visit the Town's website and fill out the online volunteer form at: http://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/newcaf.php

Franklin Residents: Charles River Pollution Control District - Volunteer Opportunity

Franklin Residents: Charles River Pollution Control District - Volunteer Opportunity

VACANCY- Charles River Pollution Control District

The Town of Franklin encourages residents who are interested in volunteering to apply now. If you have been curious or interested in giving your time, expertise or perspective on behalf of your community, now is an excellent time to get involved.

For more information on the Charles River Pollution Control District please visit the Boards page here: http://www.franklinma.gov/charles-river-pollution-control

To apply please visit the Town's website and fill out the online volunteer form at: http://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/newcaf.php

Franklin Residents: Charles River Pollution Control District - Volunteer Opportunity

Charles River Meadowlands Initiative: Information and Children's Reading - Feb 2

To kick of 2018, the Charles River Meadowlands Initiative will be holding an information session on Feb. 2, International Wetlands Day AND Groundhog Day. We will be offering literature, information and a slideshow from 3-6 PM at the Franklin Public Library in the ground floor meeting room. Feel free to stop by and encourage anyone who might be interested to come, too. 

In ADDITION, we are co-sponsoring a reading of meteorologist Mish Michael's book, Ms. G. and Her Shadowy Road to Fame -- a children's book loosely based on the state's real life "official" Groundhog! Franklin Town Councilor Melanie Hamblen will be the guest reader at 3:30 in the Children's Room at the Library. For further information about the Ms. G. program, contact Children's Librarian Calleigh Keating (ckeating@minlib.net).

http://www.mastategroundhog.com/ms-g/ms-gs-shadowy-road-to-fame

For more about the Ms. G. book
http://www.mastategroundhog.com/ms-g/ms-gs-shadowy-road-to-fame

For more about the Charles River Meadowlands Initiative
https://www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org/ 

Review of Meadowlands Initiative in 2017; Events for your 2018 Calendar

The Charles River Meadowlands Initiative looks back on a busy 2017 and forward to a promising new year. During the course of the year we met several times as a group to discuss plans and opportunities. The First Universalist Society of Franklin was a generous host and Sue Bencuya and Paul Sager provided coordination and opened the premises for us. We have continued to receive guidance from the Metacomet Land Trust and active participation from Metacomet Treasurer Susan Speers.

We also had a chance to provide written input and suggestions to the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in its periodic review of its Master Plan for the Charles River Natural Valley Storage Area, the land holdings of which are the focus of our efforts in Bellingham, Franklin, and Medway. Significantly, this document outlines the tripartite mission of the Corps relative to the CRNVSA – namely flood control, conservation, and recreation. During a public hearing held in Millis on April 19 by the USACE, a large contingent of Meadowlands people participated – offering comments and suggestions and strongly emphasizing the expectation that the Corps will do more in the future to support the recreation aspect of its mission through helping to develop access points, launching sites, etc.

We presume that concerns expressed at the hearing have been acknowledged and recognized in the document. At this writing, the finalized Master Plan is working its way through the USACE as it awaits final approval. When that occurs, we expect that the local Corps officials will be able to meet again and, in particular, will respond to a pending meeting request to discuss the Meadowlands, made by the Town of Franklin.

At the request of a Meadowlands participant from Bellingham we also shared the "message" about the desirability of preserving the lands surrounding the CRNVSA holdings as the town prepared to approve the economic development of a large land parcel. While we were pleased to have this opportunity, in fact the town had been working with the developer of the site along High Street in Bellingham, to reserve a buffer area close to the Charles for walking trails and to minimize disturbance to the land. This now appears to be "baked in" to the process – a real boon for a beautiful and now more accessible area.

State Representative Jeff Roy is continuing to monitor the fate of the earmark he proposed and passed along with Rep. Kevin Kuros and former Rep. John V. Fernandes on behalf of the Initiative. As is often the case with state spending, authorized funds are used subject to the discretion of the administration; so, whether this money will eventually turn into action at the relevant state agency is still anybody's guess.

In October, the Initiative held an ambitious walk – and slog – between Oak Street Extension in Franklin and White Ave in Franklin. The event attracted about 20 local residents. Although there is a narrow margin of dry Federal land, we initially opted for the wetter route to avoid brambles and private property. However, the route eventually emerged into beautiful upland fields and tall stands of evergreens rarely visited by people. Two Franklin town council candidates attended the event. The event showed that the long-term possibility of connecting multiple points along the eastern side of Mine Brook, though the route nearest Oak Street Extension will clearly require more engineering. [We have also been reminded by the Franklin Conservation Agent that ConCom restrictions will loom large.]

Finally, in December, we provided a short document – requested earlier in the year by the Franklin Town Administrator -- describing the most achievable near-term actions that the town could take to enhance access to the Meadowlands via town land. These suggestions included working closely with the developer of the Montage condominiums on Pond Street to link their planned trails to existing marked trails in town lands extending to White Avenue. At present, the developer is committed to providing a small public parking lot with access to a loop trail around the property and a spur directly to Mine Brook to permit launching small watercraft. [NOTE: Parallel discussions with the Town Planner have this action under study – with plans to get a town GPS team on site early in 2018 to make the proposal more concrete and specific.] Potential key additions to town lands were also outlined as well as a suggestion that signage be provided at trail heads and that the town investigate the feasibility of adding downstream access to Mine Brook. Lastly, we suggested a "second look" at a canoe launch to the Charles River proposed many years ago from Plain Street and put off due to site conditions. With the removal of the dam upstream of this location (Pearl St. Bellingham), the site may have new relevance.

Review of Meadowlands Initiative in 2017

Looking ahead to 2018 we hope to continue meeting periodically as needed for planning purposes but the year will be kicked off on Feb. 2 (Groundhog Day and World Wetlands Day) with an information session for the general public at the Franklin Public Library from 3-6 pm. We are also "sponsoring" a related activity in the Children's Room – a reading of "Ms. G's Shadowy Road to Fame" (a fictionalized treatment of the story of our official State Groundhog!) with Town Councilor Melanie Hamblen as volunteer reader.

On April 22 (Earth Day), we will lead a walk into the Franklin section of the Meadowlands – time and location to be announced.

Other suggestions for 2018 are welcome. Please send them along!

Sincerely,

Alan Earls​
www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org

Charles River Meadowlands hike recap

The Oct. 28 Charles River Meadowlands hike attracted a total of 20 people. The group made it through the rugged, wet, and overgrown terrain south of Oak Street Extension, eventually emerging in beautiful upland fields and tall stands of evergreens, ultimately exiting via White Avenue. 

Two town council candidates attended the event: Eamon McCarthy Earls and Andy Bissanti. 

“It was great to have so many people exploring this area,” said Meadowlands organizer, Alan Earls. “We got to see the challenges for trail development in the wetter areas as well as the enormous potential in the extensive field and forest sections,” he added.

Charles River Meadowlands hike recap

Take a walk in the "Meadowlands" - October 28

Saturday, October 28, at 10:30 AM, Alan Earls will be leading a walk through the fields and wetlands along Mine Brook in Franklin to assess potential public access points and existing trails on behalf of the Charles River Meadowlands Initiative.

We will meet at the end of Oak Street Extension (please park carefully so as not to impact neighbors) and depart, rain or shine, heading roughly south toward the former town sewage treatment facilities (now being redeveloped).

Depending on conditions we will either retrace our route or exit via White Ave., returning to our cars on foot. This is an opportunity to see this hidden open space gem and to contribute to efforts with town and federal authorities to improve access. Plan on a duration of approximately two hours.

PLEASE BE AWARE THERE ARE NO DEVELOPED TRAILS IN MOST PARTS OF THE PROPERTY. EXPECT MUD, WATER, BRAMBLES AND BRUSH AND USE TICK REPELLENT

image shared from the Charles River Meadowlands webpage

Volunteer Needed for the Charles River Pollution Control District Board

The Charles River Pollution Control is in need of a new member! The Board usually meets the 3rd Thursday of the month at 3 PM. If you are interested please apply.

To apply please fill out the online volunteer form

For more information on the Charles River Pollution Control please visit: http://www.franklinma.gov/charles-river-pollution-control


This was shared from the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/volunteer-needed-charles-river-pollution-control

"The Charles River Pollution Control District is a regional wastewater treatment plant located in Medway, Massachusetts. The facility provides tertiary treatment of wastewater and septage from domestic, commercial, and industrial sources from the Towns of Medway, Franklin, Bellingham, and Millis. Septage is also accepted from the Towns of Norfolk, Sherborn, Dover, Wrentham, Weston, Holliston, and Sharon. The treated effluent discharges into the Upper Charles River and is regulated by a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit which is jointly enforced by the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). The facility is designed to treat 5.7 million gallons per day (mgd). 

The Charles River Pollution Control District treats the communities' wastewater by performing several physical, chemical and biological processes before discharging the environmentally safe water into the Charles River. The wastewater is treated to meet the EPA's discharge permit limitations. 

The collection system consists of Town and District owned sewer pipes. The system has over 238 miles of sewer pipes and 37 pump stations, including approximately 13 miles of District owned interceptors and one District owned pump station. 

The District manages a Geographic Information System (GIS) that is used to support the operation and maintenance activities of the Sewer Collection System."

screen image from https://www.charlesriverpcd.org/

Charles River Meadowlands Update

Don't Forget to Send Your Comments to Army Corps of Engineers!

* We had a great turnout at the recent US Army Corps of Engineers meeting in Millis on the 19th of April -- about 35 people in total. Among attendees were local legislators from Franklin (Judy Pfeffer) and Bellingham, as well as the Medfield Town Manager and Franklin's Assistant Town Manager Jamie Hellen.

The Corps expressed a clear willingness to work with the towns and the Initiative on access and signage issues. As always, there are many details to be worked out but we had access to several Corps officials and they clearly heard our concerns...

NOTE: The final deadline for receipt of written comments on the US Army Corps Draft Master Plan for the Meadowlands must be received by June 15. Please go to our home page to download copies of both the master plan and the USACE comment form. (www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org).

* We will not be meeting in June and when we resume meeting in July. It will be on a Wednesday night schedule to accommodate those of you unable to make Tuesday evening events. For details, check the website.

Sincerely,

Alan Earls
Charles River Meadowlands

Charles River Meadowlands

ICYMI - Charles River PCD webpage, Grateful Farm plant sale, FHS All Night Party

In case you missed it (ICYMI) from the world of social media, here are some things that caught my eye this week as 'share worthy'

The Charles River Pollution Control District just got a new website! Whether you are on the municipal system or a septic hauler pumps your system, this is where all of your sewage ends up for treatment. Check it out to learn more about what your sewer bill pays for! http://www.charlesriverpcd.org/

Opening day plant sale. Get everything ready for your home gardens. We will be selling vegetable seedlings and herbs. There will be ready to plant seedlings as well as decorative potted plants and hanging planters.
All plants are grown with organic methods so your garden starts chemical free.
Also make great Mother's Day Gifts!

FHS Senior Parents - We are only at 60% paid for the All Night Party. Letters went out on Friday to parents who have not paid yet.
This is NOT a pay it forward event. Lack of family participation directly affects this year's entertainment, prizes and decorations.
Please visit our website at www.fhsallnightparty.com to submit your payment.
You can also send a check to FHS ANP, PO Box 15, Franklin, MA or drop off a check in our box at the high school's main office.
We need to receive all payments by May 19th.
If you have any questions, please send an email to fhsanp@yahoo.com.
Thank you for your attention to this post!

www.fhsallnightparty.com

Shared from a Facebook post

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/permalink/1883024045300946/

Charles River Meadowlands Army Corps meeting reminder - Weds - Apr 19

​The public meeting scheduled by the Army Corps of Engineers to discuss their Master Plan for the Charles River Natural Valley Storage Area (a.k.a. the Charles River Meadowlands) will be held on Wednesday, April 19 from 5-8 pm at the Millis Town Library, 961 Main St, Millis…This is a unique opportunity to share concerns and views with decision makers at the Army. Please try to be there!

In OTHER NEWS, things are not aligning this year for an EarthDay Walk. SO, we are not doing a walk, cleanup, or paddle on either the 22nd or the29th. Maybe we can pull together something later in the year.​


For more info on the Charles River Meadowlands
https://www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org/

For more info on the Charles River Meadowlands

Related posts
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/04/important-news-from-charles-river.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/03/news-and-upcoming-charles-river.html

Important NEWS from Charles River Meadowlands Initiative

Greetings to all ...

Please note ​

-- We are NOT meeting this week. INSTEAD, we are encouraging EVERYONE with an interest in the Charles River Meadowlands Initiative to ATTEND the Army Corps Master Plan input/review session. This event will be a discussion of the document that will guide the future of these large landholdings in Bellingham, Franklin, and Medway. Let your voice be heard AND show your interest. In the 40 years since the Army Corps got involved, citizen involvement has been almost ZERO…This is your chance.

The event will be held on April 19 from 5-8 pm at the Millis Town Library, 961 Main St, Millis… If you plan to attend, please email alan.r.earls@gmail.com so we have a rough headcount. If we have any updates about this we will post them to the website.

OTHER NEWS:

* Our March Meeting 
We had a very constructive meeting in March and agreed on some specific outreach efforts. One of those efforts was a meeting with Bellingham Town Administrator Denis Fraine. He was broadly supportive and asked us to suggest some first steps and priorities relating to signage or possible parking and access points. We hope to have a similar meeting with other towns soon.

* EarthDay Walk 
Sue and Paul Sager have graciously offered to lead a trail walk (and cleanup) on Earthday in Franklin. We will probably schedule this for Saturday morning, April 22, leaving from the end of White Avenue with a rain date of April 29. No "paddle" event has been scheduled yet but we are working to get a waterborne activity of some kind.

* The May 2 Meeting will be held at First Universalist Society, Franklin, at 6:30

Question, comments, suggestions? 

Please contact Alan Earls, alan.r.earls@gmail.com or visit www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org

https://www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org/

ANNOUNCEMENT OF PUBLIC MEETING FOR PUBLIC COMMENTS TO THE MASTER PLAN CHARLES RIVER NATURAL VALLEY STORAGE AREA

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District, is updating the existing Master Plan at its Charles River Natural Valley Storage Area flood risk reduction project. The project is located along parts of the Charles River and its tributaries in eastern Massachusetts, and is an element of the Thames River Basin comprehensive flood risk reduction plan. As shown on the attached map, the Charles River Natural Valley Storage Area is located in Middlesex, Norfolk and Suffolk counties.

The purpose of the study is to assess natural resources of the project, determine regional needs and public desires, and develop an overall land and water management plan for the project.

The Master Plan draft proposal can be viewed at the Charles River Natural Valley Storage Area website: http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Flood-Risk­-Management/Massachusetts/Charles-River-NVS/

A public meeting to discuss proposed updates to the Master Plan and to provide public officials and concerned individuals the opportunity to give input to the process will be held beginning at 5 pm. on April 19, 2017. The meeting will be held at the Town of Millis Public Library, 961 Main Street, Millis, Massachusetts. If you are unable to attend the meeting, information or assistance in updating this Master Plan can be provided through the Project Manager, Joseph Zanca, at (978) 318-8419, by email at: joseph.l.zanca@usace.army.mil or at the following address:

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District West Hill Dam,  WFD and CRNVSA 

Attn: Joseph Zanca, Project Manager

518 East Hartford Ave. 

Uxbridge, MA 01569

All comments must be received by close of business on Thursday, June 15, 2017.

the Charles River Natural Valley Storage Area is located in Middlesex, Norfolk and Suffolk counties

News and Upcoming Charles River Meadowlands Initiative Meetings

We have four news items to share:

#1 

The Boston Globe's Hattie Bernstein recently profiled the Initiative: http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/west/2017/02/17/this-land-protected-but-can-people-reach/uh2PYr2vBlI2nuaj4FwkfO/story.html

#2

Our next meeting will focus on continued outreach across Bellingham, Franklin, and Medway as well as the US Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan draft (see more below). The meeting will be held Tues Mar 7, 6:30 PM, Dean Rm, First Universalist Soc. 262 Chestnut St, Franklin, MA. RSVP if you can -- but come even if it is a last minute decision.

#3

The Army Corps of Engineers requested a written response to their draft Master Plan for the Charles River Valley Natural Storage Area (which includes the large land parcels in Bellingham, Franklin, and Medway.) 

A summary of the response follows:

Those of us who are involved with the initiative deeply value the presence of the Corps and its efforts to preserve and maintain these lands for flood control, conservation, and recreation. We are anxious to encourage the governments of Franklin, Bellingham, and Medway to work together with each other and with the Corps to protect and manage these lands and adjacent areas while taking steps to improve public access. Our primary focus is on Area M and Area S as described in the Master Plan. More information about our efforts is available at www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org.

Regarding the draft Master Plan, we would like to offer the following comments:

* We note that Section 1.1 states the CRNVS Project was authorized as "a multi-purpose project for flood control, recreation, and natural resource management under the Water Resources Development Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-251).

* The importance of the recreational component to the CRNVS Project is touched upon at many points in the Master Plan but, in general, with few specific actions defined. The primary exception to this is with regard to hunting and fishing; for which purposes management responsibilities of fee simple properties have long been ceded primarily to the Massachusetts Fish & Wildlife Department (sic) [recently renamed Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game, we have been informed]. Section 3.2, Natural Resource Objectives, ties this trend to natural resource management goals, noted above, stating, a primary aim as being to "Promote the public's use of the project for both consumptive (hunting) and non-consumptive (bird-watching) uses."

* We note that a broader treatment of "recreation" is to be conditioned by the other two foundational goals (flood control and natural resource management).

* Regarding section 2.4; we agree that the sections of CRNVSA lack adequate parking as well as signage and trail access.

Therefore, we would like to request that the Master Plan incorporate recognition of the following needs.

* Since the establishment of the CRNVSA, the communities closest to the source of the Charles have undergone dramatic growth. Franklin, for instance, has approximately quadrupled in population. This growth has been accompanied by a dramatic loss of open space and passive recreation opportunities.

* In keeping with the three part mission of the CRNVSA, we believe it would be appropriate for the Master Plan to include more specific goals and actions related to enhancing public access to Corps fee simple lands, including:

* More and better signage. There is no visible indication of the Corps' presence on either the Bellingham or the Franklin side of I-495 for passing motorists. This is the most visible and substantial presence the Corps has in this general area. Making the CRNVSA visible here would be strategically beneficial because it would inform citizens and influence land use and planning in the three towns about which the Charles River Meadowlands concerns itself.

* Create goals in cooperation with local communities, specifically Bellingham, Franklin, and Medway, to provide access to and through CRNVSA lands, linking whenever possible with trails and access points on town owned lands.

* Provide leadership in connection with utilities utilizing rights of way on or adjacent to CRNVSA properties so as to encourage the developments of Right of Way (ROW) trails and paths.

* Ensure that USACE personnel have a clear mandate through the Master Plan to balance the three goals of CRNVSA, namely flood control, recreation, and management of the natural environment.

* Ensure that local communities and stakeholders are informed of and involved with future planning and management initiatives involving the CRNVSA.

We appreciate the opportunity to share our concerns and voice in this process and look forward to working with the US Army Corps of Engineers to bring about the most beneficial operation of the CRNVSA in coming years.

******************************************

#4

IMPORTANT - April 19 from 4-8 at Millis Town Library, the Army Corps of Engineers is holding a public meeting to discuss the master plan...PLEASE TRY TO ATTEND.


--
Alan R. ​Earls
Charles River Meadowlands Initiative​

Office: 508 528 6930
Cell Phone: 508 560 3786
Email: alan.r.earls@gmail.com

one of several photos of the meadowlands in snowy winter

“There were several hundred acres and few access points"

"Like the majority of his constituents in Franklin and Medway, state Representative Jeffrey Roy is a frequent traveler on Interstate 495, the heavily traveled highway that bisects his district. 

But it wasn’t until two years ago, when Roy and another lawmaker met with Franklin resident Alan Earls, that he came to appreciate a stretch of woods and waterways between Exit 17 in Franklin and Exit 18 in Bellingham that spans both towns and a section of Medway. 

“I never knew some of the richness of the land, the history, how the trolleys traveled between Franklin and Bellingham 100 years ago,” said Roy, a Democrat who has lived in Franklin for 31 years. 

A year after their tour, Earls launched the Charles River Meadowlands Initiative, a grass-roots group formed to draw attention to the tracts of land — more than 400 acres in Franklin, about 350 acres in Bellingham, and another 50 in Medway — that are protected by the Army Corps of Engineers and open to the public."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/west/2017/02/17/this-land-protected-but-can-people-reach/uh2PYr2vBlI2nuaj4FwkfO/story.html

For more about the Charles River Meadowlands project follow the news as I can share it here. 

Visit them at their website  https://www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org/

Come to a future planning meeting to help the effort:

* Tues Mar 7, 6:30 PM, Dean Rm, First Universalist Soc. 262 Chestnut St, Franklin, MA
​*  Tues Apr 4, 6:30 PM, Dean Rm, First Universalist Soc. 262 Chestnut St, Franklin, MA
​*  Tues May 2, 6:30 PM, Dean Rm, First Universalist Soc. 262 Chestnut St, Franklin, MA

one of several photos of the meadowlands in snowy winter

Exploring the Charles River Meadowlands

On Jan. 31, the Charles River Meadowlands Initiative (www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org) led a group of activists, local officials from Bellingham, and legislators Jeff Roy and Kevin Kuros to discuss plans for 2017 as well as a long term vision for the area. 

The group started on Pearl Street in Bellingham where the town recently demolished an industrial facility and removed a mill dam, opening up access to a section of the Charles River. Later, the group visited two sites in Franklin that provide direct access to the Charles River Meadowlands and could become starting points for trails and bike paths in the future.

"The crucial thing we focused on today was the ways in which each of these areas along the Charles or its Mine Brook tributary can be linked, bringing our communities closer together, providing recreation, and even offering alternative transportation routes to shopping and entertainment," said Alan Earls, founder of the Initiative.

The next meeting of the Charles River Meadowlands initiative will be in the Dean Room of the First Universalist Society, Franklin at 262 Chestnut St, Franklin at 6:30 PM on Feb. 7. We will discuss these goals and we will be looking for help identifying access points and existing trails and planning more meetings with officials.

​For further information, contact Alan Earls (alan.r.earls@gmail.com)

Members of the Charles River Meadowlands Initiative met with officials from Bellingham and state legislators on Tuesday (Photo courtesy of Marjorie Turner-Holman)

Charles River Meadowlands Meeting - Feb 7, 2017

Greetings to All:

Please mark your calendar for Feb 7 – our next meeting. 

We have now posted our 2017 Planning Document at the home page (www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org). 

The document looks at achievable activities for the year ahead including signage, trail mapping, etc. as well as meeting with relevant officials. 

At our meeting (6:30 PM, Dean Rm, First Universalist Soc. 262 Chestnut St, Franklin, MA) we will discuss these goals and we will be looking for help, for example, identifying access points and existing trails and planning meetings with officials. Please try to attend.

​For further information, contact Alan Earls (alan.r.earls@gmail.com, 508 528 6930)​

image from Charles River Meadowlands webpage

For easy reference, the 2017 Planing document can also be found here