A Regional Collaboration - Charles River Climate Compact (CRCC)

A Regional Collaboration

Charles River Climate Compact Municipal Member Since 2019

Did you know that Franklin has been a member of the Charles River Climate Compact (CRCC) since its creation in 2019? 

The CRCC is a regional collaborative effort to increase climate resilience for the people and natural ecosystems in the Charles River watershed by implementing climate adaption and mitigation solutions. 

We work monthly with our neighboring communities to achieve these goals. Participating communities include Arlington, Bellingham, Belmont, Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Dedham, Dover, Holliston, Hopkinton, Lincoln, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Natick, Needham, Newton, Norfolk, Sherborn, Somerville, Walpole, Waltham, Watertown, Wellesley, Weston, Westwood, and Wrentham. 

For more information on the work we do, visit https://www.crwa.org/climate-compact.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/regional-collaboration

Franklin has been a member of the Charles River Climate Compact (CRCC) since its creation in 2019

Did you know that there is a Conservation Commission Vacancy - Time to Apply is Now!

Conservation Commission Vacancy - Apply Now!

Do you have an interest in conservation, wildlife, wetlands, and the environment? 

Do you see yourself as a leader in Franklin for green initiatives and open space planning? 

Would you like to a part of decision making processes for the growth and development around Town? 

Then what are you waiting for? Apply to the Franklin Conservation Commission today!

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Land planning, environmental science, engineering, or construction experience a plus, but not required. 

Training and continued education provided upon appointment. Applications can be submitted online at https://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/newcaf.php. For more information about the vacancy, please contact Breeka Li Goodlander via email at bgoodlander@franklinma.gov or via phone at 508-520-4847.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/conservation-commission-vacancy-apply-now

Did you know that there is a Conservation Commission Vacancy - Time to Apply is Now!

Open Space & Recreation, and Natural, Cultural, and Historic Resources Master Plan Subcommittee - Sep 26

Open Space and Recreation, and Natural, Cultural, and Historic Resources

Master Plan Subcommittee

Agenda

September 26, 2023 - 7:00 PM 

(location will likely change, as this is the same location for the School Committee meeting)

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

Room 205, 2nd Floor

355 East Central Street

1. Introductions

2. Update on OSRP

a. Next steps

3. Review of 2013 Natural, Cultural, and Historic Resources Goal & Objectives

4. Minutes

a. August 8, 2023

5. Future meeting dates

Agenda doc with remote participation info ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/osrp_and_nchr_subcommittee_agenda_-_sept_26th_2023_2.pdf

Open Space & Recreation, and Natural, Cultural, and Historic Resources Master Plan Subcommittee - Sep 26

Notice of Intent - 230 Grove Street - Conservation

Notice of Intent - 230 Grove Street - Conservation

Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Ch. 131, s.40 (The Wetlands Protection Act), the Franklin Conservation Commission will hold a Hybrid Public Hearing on Thursday, September 21, 2023 at 7:13 PM on a Notice of Intent filed by Richard Goodreau of United Consultants, Inc., Wrentham, MA, on behalf of ISAR, LLC, Plainville, MA. Proposed work includes site redevelopment and the installation of a new stormwater outlet pipe.

 Approximately 531 square feet (sf) of work is proposed within the 200-foot Riverfront Area. The Project is located at 230 Grove Street, Map 311, Lot 3, within the Industrial Zone. The hearing will provide an open forum for the discussion. 

This meeting will be done remotely via the “ZOOM” platform and “In-person” in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street. Residents can visit the Town Website (www.franklinma.gov) and click on the Town Calendar for up to date information on how to access the meeting. 

All records and files for this project can be viewed at the Conservation Office located on the first floor of the Franklin Municipal Building. Any person or organization so wishing will be afforded an opportunity to be heard. 

The hearing location is accessible to persons with physical disabilities. If you require a translator or accommodations for a hearing impairment, contact the Conservation Department at the Municipal Building or by calling (508) 520-4929.

Jeff Livingstone

Chairman

Shared from ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/230_grove_street_noi_public_hearing_notice.pdf

Notice of Intent - 230 Grove Street - Conservation

Notice of Intent - 3 Mount Street - Conservation - Sep 7 at 7:10 PM

Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Ch. 131, s.40 (The Wetlands Protection Act), the Franklin Conservation Commission will hold a Hybrid Public Hearing on Thursday, September 7, 2023 at 7:10 PM for a Notice of Intent filed by Amanda Cavaliere of Guerriere & Halnon, Inc., Franklin, MA on behalf of Sean and Amy Lanagan, Franklin, MA. The project proposes the construction single family house with an associated driveway, garage, private well and shared septic system.

Approximately 17,300 square feet (sf) of the work is proposed within the 100-foot Buffer Zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetlands (BVW), of which approximately 850 square feet is proposed within the 25- to 50-foot Buffer Zone, and 16,450 sf within the 50- to 100-foot Buffer Zone.

The Project is located at 3 Mount Street, Map 330 Lots 11.1; 11.2; 11.3 and 11.4, in the Rural Residential I Zone.

The hearing will provide an open forum for the discussion. This meeting will be done remotely via the “ZOOM” platform and “In-person” in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street. Residents can visit the Town Website (Franklinma.gov) and click on the Town Calendar for up to date information on how to access the meeting.

All records and files for this project can be viewed at the Conservation Office located on the first floor of the Franklin Municipal Building.

Any person or organization so wishing will be afforded an opportunity to be heard.

The hearing location is accessible to persons with physical disabilities. If you require

a translator or accommodations for a hearing impairment, contact the Conservation

Department at the Municipal Building or by calling (508) 520-4929.

Patrick Gallagher

Chairman

Notice of Intent - 3 Mount Street - Conservation

Conservation Commission Meeting RESCHEDULED from August 24 to August 22

FRANKLIN CONSERVATION COMMISSION

The August 24, 2023 Conservation Commission Meeting has been rescheduled to August 22, 2023 at 7:00 PM in the Room 326A (Third Floor Training Room) of the Town Hall at 355 East Central Street.  This decision was made at the August 10, 2023 Conservation Commission Meeting.

As such, there will be no meeting of the Franklin Conservation Commission held on August 24, 2023.

The next Conservation Commission Meeting following August 22, 2023 will be held on September 7, 2023 at 7:00 PM at the Franklin Town Hall Council Chambers at 355 East Central Street.  An Agenda for that meeting will be posted prior to the date it is scheduled for with more details, including a link to attend remotely.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/conservation-commission-meeting-rescheduled-august-24-august-22

Conservation Commission Meeting RESCHEDULED from August 24 to August 22

Conservation Commission: ANRAD - 124-126 Grove Street - Legal Notice

Town of Franklin

Conservation Commission

Legal Notice

Town of Franklin

Conservation Commission

Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Ch. 131, s.40 (The Wetlands Protection Act), the Franklin Conservation Commission will hold a Hybrid Public Hearing on Thursday, July 27, 2023 at 7:09 PM on an Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation filed by Goddard Consulting LLC, Northborough, MA, on behalf of New England Appliance Group, Franklin, MA. The delineation serves to determine the boundary of Bordering Vegetated Wetland, Bank, and potential areas of on-site stormwater basins; and their associated Buffer Zones.

The Project is located at 124 and 126 Grove Street, Map 259, Lot 3 and Lot 4, within the Industrial Zone.

The hearing will provide an open forum for the discussion. This meeting will be done remotely via the “ZOOM” platform and “In-person” in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street. Residents can visit the Town Website (www.franklinma.gov) and click on the Town Calendar for up to date information on how to access the meeting.

All records and files for this project can be viewed at the Conservation Office located on the first floor of the Franklin Municipal Building.

Any person or organization so wishing will be afforded an opportunity to be heard.

The hearing location is accessible to persons with physical disabilities. If you require a translator or accommodations for a hearing impairment, contact the Conservation Department at the Municipal Building or by calling (508) 520-4929. 

Patrick Gallagher

Chairman

Shared from ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/124_and_126_grove_street_anrad_public_hearing_notice.pdf

Conservation Commission: ANRAD - 124-126 Grove Street - Legal Notice

Why did the turtle cross the road?

Why did the turtle cross the road?

Across Massachusetts, spring is the season of movement. Hibernating animals emerge from their winter resting areas in search of food and mates. Turtles are no exception. >From mid-May to early July, thousands of turtles throughout Massachusetts travel to new areas to find food and nest. You may see turtles on roadways, in your backyard, or other unexpected locations as they move across the landscape to find resources they need to survive. Even if it's not apparent to you where they're headed, turtles have a keen sense of direction and may be on their way to wetlands or open, upland sites such as lawns, gravel pits, or roadsides for nesting. If you find a turtle, do not move it far away.

Why did the turtle cross the road?

Protecting adult turtles during this vulnerable time can make a big difference. "Adult turtles can live past 80 years. Young turtles and eggs, on the other hand, have a variety of predators and a low chance of reaching adulthood," says Dr. Mike Jones, MassWildlife State Herpetologist. "This is why it's especially important to protect older adult turtles from cars, especially during this time of year when turtles are crossing roads more frequently." Losing any adult turtles, particularly adult females, is a serious problem that can lead to the eventual local extinction of a population.

What to do if you see a turtle in or near a road:

Be safe. Do not risk getting hurt or causing harm to others by unsafely pulling off the road or trying to dodge traffic. If the opportunity to safely move a turtle from the road occurs, move it in the direction it was heading and off the edge of the road. The turtle is trying to get to habitats and resources it needs and knows. Do not take turtles home or move them to a "better" location; turtles should not be moved more than 100 yards from where they are found.

Handle with care. Most turtles should be grasped gently along the shell edge near the mid-point of the body. However, snapping turtles are fast and have very powerful jaws that can inflict a bad bite. A snapping turtle can reach your hands if you lift it by the sides of its shell. If you must move a snapping turtle, use a broom to coax it into a plastic tub or box. Never lift a snapping turtle only by the tail; this can injure their spine.

Slow down, be observant. Watch for turtles on roadways bordered by wetlands on both sides. These areas are commonly used as crossing points. If you see one turtle crossing, there's a chance that others will be crossing soon as well.

Report busy crossing locations. Let the Town of Franklin - Conservation and MassWildlife know If you see multiple turtles crossing the road or if you see multiple turtles that have been hit by cars. Email location information to natural.heritage@mass.gov and bgoodlander@franklinma.gov. 

Spread the word and help protect our native turtles. In addition to five species of sea turtles that frequent our coastal areas, Massachusetts is home to ten native species of terrestrial and aquatic turtles. Six of the 10 species are protected under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act. Learn more in our native turtles here.

MassWildlife's Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program. "Why did the turtle cross the road?" Mass.gov, 05/03/2023, https://www.mass.gov/news/why-did-the-turtle-cross-the-road

Shared from ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/why-did-turtle-cross-road

Request for Determination - Grove Street Well 6 - Conservation Commission - May 18

Request for Determination - Grove Street Well 6 - Conservation

Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Ch. 131, s.40 (The Wetlands Protection Act) Franklin Conservation Commission will hold a Hybrid Public Hearing on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at 7:07 PM on a Request for Determination filed by the Franklin Water Department for the cutting of any standing dead trees that pose a threat of falling and damaging the Well 6 well field area, with work taking place within Bordering Vegetated Wetlands (BVW), the 100-foot Buffer Zone to BVW and the 200-foot Riverfront Area.

The Project is located at 340 Grove Street, Map 312 Lot 21, within the Industrial Zone.

The hearing will provide an open forum for the discussion. This meeting will be done remotely via the “ZOOM” platform and “In-person” in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street. Residents can visit the Town Website (Franklinma.gov) and click on the Town Calendar for up to date information on how to access the meeting.

All records and files for this project can be viewed at the Conservation Office located on the first floor of the Franklin Municipal Building.

Any person or organization so wishing will be afforded an opportunity to be heard. The hearing location is accessible to persons with physical disabilities. If you require a translator or accommodations for a hearing impairment, contact the Conservation Department at the Municipal Building or by calling (508) 520-4929.

Patrick Gallagher 

Chairman

Shared from ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/grove_street_well_6_rda_public_hearing_notice.pdf

Request for Determination - Grove Street Well 6 - Conservation Commission - May 18 

Open Space and Recreation Plan public hearing - 04/25/23 (#2 in series of 3 hearings) (video)

Instead of the School Committee meeting, Franklinites could have participated in the second public hearing scheduled for the Open Space and Recreation Plan on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at the Senior Center.  If you missed the meeting, the video replay is available here thanks to Franklin TV

Video link ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/MFMkGHXoj64?feature=share

Agenda & info for this 2nd of three public hearings ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/2023-open-space-and-recreation-plan-second-public-hearing-tonight

Additional info on the Open Space and Recreation Plan can be found on their main page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/pages/2023-open-space-and-recreation-plan-update

2023 OSRP Focus Group Meeting - Forests, Trees, Green Space, and other Conservation Lands - Thursday April 20

2023 OSRP Focus Group Meeting - Forests, Trees, Green Space, and other Conservation Lands - Thursday April 20

The Conservation Commission will hold its Seventh Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) focus group meeting this Thursday, April 20 from 6 - 7 PM in Town Hall Council Chambers.

This meeting will also be available via Zoom. Zoom login information can be found here. In case you'll miss the Thursday meeting or would like further discussion, you are also invited to attend OSRP Office Hours Friday, April 21 between 10 and 11 am in the third floor training room (Room 326A) at Town Hall or via Zoom. 

Bring your ideas and see you there! 

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/2023-osrp-focus-group-meeting-forests-trees-green-space-and-other-conservation

2023 OSRP Focus Group Meeting - Forests, Trees, Green Space, and other Conservation Lands - Thursday April 20

Town of Franklin - DelCarte Conservation Area and Beaver Pond - 2023 OSRP Update

2023 OSRP Update

This email is a reminder that the OSRP focus group meeting for the DelCarte Conservation Area and Beaver Pond is tomorrow, Thursday, April 6 at 6 PM in Council Chambers at Town Hall, on Zoom, and FranklinTV. Can't make it tomorrow? No worries! We will also be hosting OSRP office hours on Friday, April 7 at 10a in Room 326A to recap what was discussed at tomorrow's meeting. 

Looking toward the horizon, the next focus group meeting is on Forests, Trees, Greenspace, and Other Conservation Lands. 

DelCarte Conservation Area and Beaver Pond - 2023 OSRP Update

We look forward to seeing you tomorrow and, as always, don't forget to take and share this OSRP survey - now available until April 30!

Until next time,

Breeka LÍ Goodlander, CWS, PWS, CERPIT

Conservation Agent/Natural Resource Protection Manager

Town of Franklin

Office: 508.520.4929

bgoodlander@franklinma.gov

Vernal Pools - An Important Part of the Franklin Landscape

Vernal Pools - An Important Part of the Franklin Landscape

Vernal pools play an integral part in the function of our Franklin ecosystem and are commonly found throughout the entirety of the landscape. In fact, it is quite hard to travel around Town without being at most one mile away from a vernal pool. Many vernal pools are found in wooden areas near our homes, schools, and businesses; and can be found during the spring months by following the calls of spring peepers (Pseudacris crucifer) and wood frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus). Keep reading for more vernal pool information and remember - due to the delicate nature of the vernal pool egg masses and wildlife, please do not contain, pick up, carry, or remove them. It is unlawful and causes undue harm and stress to the egg masses and animals. 

What are Vernal Pools?
(excerpted from www.mass.gov)

Vernal pools are temporary bodies of fresh water that provide important habitat for many vertebrate and invertebrate species. "Vernal", meaning spring, are filled by spring rains and snowmelt, after which they dry during the summer months. Spring aside, many vernal pools are also filled by autumn rains (i.e, "autumnal pools") and persist throughout the winter. These autumnal pools are semi-permanent and do not dry every year.

Vernal pools are often very small and shallow; in fact, many vernal pools that support rich communities of vertebrate and invertebrate animals may measure only a few yards across! However, vernal pools of several acres also occur throughout Massachusetts.

Where are Vernal Pools found?
(excerpted from www.mass.gov)

Vernal pools are common throughout Massachusetts and occur in almost every town in the state. Vernal pools are found across the landscape where small woodland depressions, swales, or "kettle holes" collect spring runoff or intercept seasonally high groundwater tables. Although it's common to associate vernal pools with dry woodland areas, vernal pools also occur in meadows, river floodplains, interdunal swales, and large vegetated wetland complexes. Vernal pool habitat can occur where water is contained more than two months in the spring and summer of most years, and where no reproducing fish populations are present. Can you guess why this is?

Why Are Vernal Pools Valuable?
(excerpted from www.mass.gov)

Vernal pools constitute a unique and increasingly vulnerable type of wetland. Vernal pools are inhabited by many species of wildlife, some of which are totally dependent on vernal pools for their survival. Vernal pools do not support fish because they dry out annually or at least periodically. Some may contain water year round, but are free of fish as a result of significant drawdowns that result in extremely low dissolved oxygen levels. The wood frog (Lithobates sylvaticus) and the four local species of mole salamander (Ambystoma spp.) have evolved breeding strategies intolerant of fish predation on their eggs and larvae; the lack of established reproducing fish populations is essential to the breeding success of these species. Other amphibian species, including the American toad (Anaxyrus americanus), spring peeper (P. crucifer), and gray treefrog (Hyla versicolor), often exploit the fish-free waters of vernal pools but use a variety of different wetland types. Vernal pools also support rich and diverse invertebrate faunas. Some invertebrates, such as the fairy shrimp (Eubranchipus spp.), are also dependent upon vernal pools. Invertebrates are both important predators and prey in vernal pool ecosystems. Vernal pools are an important habitat resource for many birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, including many species listed under the MA Endangered Species Act (M.G.L c.131A).

The Vernal Pool Boundary
(excerpted from www.mass.gov)

The shallow edges of vernal pool habitat represent one of the most ecologically valuable portions of these habitats. These areas are generally the first to thaw in the spring and provide access to the pool for the earliest breeding species. These shallow water zones also tend to be significantly warmer than the deeper portions of a vernal pool throughout the spring. Egg masses of early breeding amphibians benefit from the warmer water temperatures at the pool edges that promote rapid egg development.

For more information on Vernal Pools, please see here: https://www.mass.gov/doc/guidelines-for-the-certification-of-vernal-pool-habitat/download

To report a Vernal Pool near you, please contact the Conservation Agent via email at bgoodlander@franklinma.gov or via phone at (508) 520-4847.

Shared from Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/vernal-pools-important-part-franklin-landscape

Vernal Pools - An Important Part of the Franklin Landscape

Town of Franklin: Franklin land owners are encouraged to attend our Converse and Conserve workshop - Mar 29

"Franklin land owners are encouraged to attend our Converse and Conserve workshop on 3/29/23 from 4 PM - 6 PM at Town Hall. Come learn more about applicable tax incentive programs for your land, resource management and endowment!

Learn more and RSVP here: https://t.co/jz4DeI9egH"

Shared from Twitter -> https://t.co/tkVsFuFKLu

Town of Franklin: Franklin land owners are encouraged to attend our Converse and Conserve workshop - Mar 29

Save the Date! Earth Day Celebration at the DelCarte Conservation Area - Apr 23, 2023

Sunday, April 23, 2023 from 9am to 1pm

An event for children and families! Come join the Franklin Conservation Commission, Department of Public Works, Department of Conservation and Recreation, Agricultural Commission, and others to celebrate our shared Earth on Sunday, April 23, 2023 from 9 AM to 1 PM at the DelCarte Conservation Area at 459 Pleasant Street. 

Celebrate with us by signing up for compost bins, learning about stormwater and rain gardens, enjoying a woods walk, exploring vernal pools, and more!

Overflow parking is available at 337 Pleasant Street and other side streets. Service Hours validated upon request and stewardship. See you there!

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/save-date-earth-day-celebration-delcarte-conservation-area

Save the Date! Earth Day Celebration at the DelCarte Conservation Area - Apr 23, 2023

Converse and Conserve Workshop - Come Learn About Programs That Allow Your Property to Work for You and Create a Family Legacy

Converse and Conserve Workshop - Come Learn About Programs That Allow Your Property to Work for You and Create a Family Legacy

Tax Incentives | Resource Management | Land Endowment

Your land is a part of your legacy. Deciding what will happen to your land after you are gone is the next critical step of being a good land steward and furthering that legacy. Who will own your land and how will it be used? What will your legacy continue to be? These are questions that the "Converse and Conserve" workshop on Wednesday, March 29 from 4p-6p at Town Hall, Room 326A can answer for you.

Join the Franklin Conservation Department, Franklin Assessor's Office, Franklin Agricultural Commission, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, Metacomet Land Trust, and DDCRW Law in learning about your options. Come learn about applicable tax incentive programs for forestland, agricultural land, and open space; learn about resource management for your natural environment; and even learn how to endow your land to ensure its lifelong protection. Estate planning, whether for now or for the future, is not just for the wealthy or for those who own "estates" – if you own land, then estate planning is a necessary and valuable step to ensure that the legacy of your land is a positive one!

Food and beverages will be provided by Birchwood Bakery & Kitchen.

RSVP for a free gift. 

For more information or to RSVP contact bgoodlander@franklinma.gov/(508) 520-4847.

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/converse-and-conserve-workshop-come-learn-about-programs-allow-your-property-work

Come Learn About Programs That Allow Your Property to Work for You and Create a Family Legacy

DATE AND LOCATION CLARIFICATION - SPRUCE POND NOTICE OF INTENT - APRIL 6 CONSERVATION COMMISSION MEETING

Public Hearing for Notice of Intent filed for Spruce Pond will be on April 6, not March 22

The Conservation Commission Public Hearing for a Notice of Intent filed by SOLitude Lake Management will first begin at the April 6, 2023 Conservation Commission meeting at 7:00pm.  It is NOT on the agenda for the March 22 Conservation Commission meeting, which the March 23 meeting has been rescheduled to. 

Copies of the Notice of Intent can be emailed to anyone who makes a request, and can also be viewed at the Conservation Department in the Municipal Building on 355 East Central Street.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/date-and-location-clarification-spruce-pond-notice-intent-april-6-conservation

SPRUCE POND NOTICE OF INTENT - APRIL 6 CONSERVATION COMMISSION MEETING

DATE AND LOCATION CHANGE: March 23, 2023 Conservation Commission Meeting

New Date and Location: Wednesday, March 22, 2023 

at 7 PM in Room 326A at Town Hall

The Conservation Commissioner meeting scheduled for March 23, 2023 will now be held on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at 7pm in Room 326A at Town Hall. See you there!

Read more

DATE AND LOCATION CHANGE: March 23, 2023 Conservation Commission Meeting

2023 OSRP Focus Group Meeting - Maple Hill - Wednesday, March 22

2023 OSRP Focus Group Meeting - Maple Hill - Wednesday March 22

The Conservation Commission will hold its sixth Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) focus group meeting this Wednesday, March 22 from 6-7 PM in the Third Floor Training Room (Room 326A) of the Town Hall. 

This meeting will also be available via Zoom. Zoom login information can be found here. In case you'll miss the Wednesday meeting or would like further discussion, you are also invited to attend OSRP Office Hours Friday, March 24 between 10 and 11 AM in the third floor training room (Room 326A) at Town Hall or via Zoom. 

Bring your ideas and see you there! 

Read more

2023 OSRP Focus Group Meeting - Maple Hill - Wednesday, March 22

Spruce Pond Aquatic Management Program - Notice of Intent - Conservation

Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Ch. 131, s.40 (The Wetlands Protection Act) Franklin Conservation Commission will hold a Hybrid Public Hearing on Thursday, April 6, 2023 at 7:01 PM on a Notice of Intent filed by Shawn McCarthy, SŌLitude Lake Management, Shrewsbury, MA on behalf of Paul Langley, Spruce Pond Village Association, Franklin, MA for an Aquatic Management Program to control invasive/nuisance plants and algae growth. The work will impact Land Under Water Bodies and Waterways, Bordering Vegetated Wetlands (BVW), a Perennial Stream, the 100-foot Buffer Zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetlands and the 200-foot Buffer Zone to a Perennial Stream.

The Project is located at Spruce Pond, Map 303 Lot 45, in the Residential VI Zone. The hearing will provide an open forum for the  discussion. This meeting will be done remotely via the “ZOOM” platform and “In-person” in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street. Residents can visit the Town Website (Franklinma.gov) and click on the Town Calendar for up to date information on how to access the meeting.

All records and files for this project can be viewed at the Conservation Office located on the first floor of the Franklin Municipal Building.

Any person or organization so wishing will be afforded an opportunity to be heard.

The hearing location is accessible to persons with physical disabilities. If you require a translator or accommodations for a hearing impairment, contact the Conservation Department at the Municipal Building or by calling (508) 520-4929.

Patrick Gallagher

Chairman

Spruce Pond