Showing posts with label conservation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label conservation. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 4, 2017

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/
https://www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org/

Sunday, March 26, 2017

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

Thursday, March 2, 2017

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
one of several photos of the meadowlands in snowy winter


Tuesday, February 21, 2017

“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
one of several photos of the meadowlands in snowy winter

Tuesday, January 31, 2017

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
image from Charles River Meadowlands webpage



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



Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Charles River Meadowlands & #GivingTuesday

Season's Greetings to All,

We have some great news to report. I recently had a follow-up meeting with the Board of Metacomet Land Trust. They have been supportive of the Meadowlands initiative from the start, particularly Susan Speers and Larry Rettman, who have attended all of our meetings and provided much valuable advice. Since we are not a registered 501 (c) 3 it is not really appropriate for us to raise funds to help with the Charles River Meadowlands initiative. 

However, Metacomet has indicated a willingness to continue to work with us. So, if anyone is willing or able to put a few dollars behind their commitment to the Charles River Meadowlands vision, the best way to support us is by either joining Metacomet or by sending along a donation and indicating that your gift should be applied to the Charles River Meadowlands project.

Today, "Giving Tuesday," is an especially appropriate day for taking action. Metacomet Land Trust joins with charities around the country to encourage giving through the #GivingTuesday campaign. Metacomet will be able to set up an earmarked account to support the endeavor. At the very least you will be helping the most active, independent voice for land protection in our area. Please go to metacometlandtrust.org for more information or simply donate here.

In other news, we had a very useful "workshop" in September at the First Universalist Society in Franklin. This meeting brought together town officials, planners, and others and generated useful input for a "vision" document. In early November I also met with the board of the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee to apprise them of our efforts and to open the door to coordinating our efforts in the future.

Last but not least, our legislators, Jeff Roy and Kevin Kuros are continuing to monitor the funds earmarked for this project in the state budget in an effort to get them moved toward the right people.

We will resume meeting monthly in the new year, at 6:30 PM, Dean Rm, First Universalist Soc. 262 Chestnut St, Franklin, MA.

The dates we have lined up are:
  • Tues. Jan 10
  • Tues. Feb 7
  • Tues Mar 7
  • Tues Apr 4
  • Tues May 2
In the event of inclement weather, feel free to call my cell phone – 508 560 3786.

Sincerely,

Alan Earls
Charles River Meadowlands initiative
www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org

Charles River Meadowlands
Charles River Meadowlands

The Metacomet Land Trust website can be found  http://metacometlandtrust.org/

Friday, September 23, 2016

REMINDER -- You are invited to the Charles River Meadowlands Workshop, 9/27 6:30 pm

Don't miss the upcoming Charles River Meadowlands workshop on Sept 27 starting at 6:30 at the First Universalist Society, Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street. 

The event will provide an overview of the 500 acres of land protected by the Army Corps of Engineers in Franklin, Bellingham, and Medway and the nearby and contiguous town parcels that help make this one of the great land preservation and management opportunities in our region. 

A brief panel discussion will highlight models and opportunities for collaboration between towns and federal, state, and local government. The evening will then include a workshop section, where everyone will have an opportunity to air and share ideas, concerns, etc. 

For more information, please visit www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org or contact Alan Earls, alan.r.earls@gmail.com, 508 528 6930. Metacomet Land Trust has provided technical assistance in helping this initiative get off the ground.

http://www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org/
http://www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org/

Sunday, August 28, 2016

News and upcoming events for Charles River Meadowlands

We have two important upcoming events to mention and we would also like to continue to offer kudos to Rep. Roy, Rep. Kuros, and Rep. Fernandes for passing our $25,000 line item!

The long summer included all kinds of action on Beacon Hill. First, the effort to get the line item through both chambers and then, the equally difficult effort to restore it to the budget after Governor Baker removed it. Our friends in the House managed it all!

At present, Franklin Town Manager Jeff Nutting is working with the Department of Fish and Game to try to move forward and ensure that the money is used appropriately.

Locally, we have spent much time meeting (back in July) and planning for our Charles River Meadowlands Workshop, scheduled for Sept. 27 at 6 pm at the First Universalist Society, 262 Chestnut St, Franklin, MA 02038. (Thanks to Sue Bencuya for helping with that!). 

The event will include a brief intro and overview for those new to "the Meadowlands" and will then have some presentations about how other similar efforts have been organized in the past. Then we are looking to tap into the "wisdom of the crowd" by engaging everyone present in a lively conversation about what and where to focus, how to move ahead, etc. Please come and bring a friend!

We also have a meeting schedule for Aug. 30, 6:30 pm at the Arcand room of the Bellingham Town Hall. This will mostly focus on planning for the September 27 event. But, as always, everyone is welcome and we are anxious to hear from you.

Finally, kudos for Marjorie Turner Holman, who has helped us get some good visibility in local media, including the Milford Daily News!

Keep in touch. Alan Earls can be reached at 508 528 6930 or via email at alan.r.earls@gmail.com and our Website is updated from time to time, as well: www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org​

http://www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org/
image from http://www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org/

Thursday, August 18, 2016

In the News: Charles River Meadowlands meeting, last day to register for state primary

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"The Charles River Meadowlands workshop will take place 6-9 p.m. Sept. 27 at the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut St. 
Community activists have been meeting for the past six months as they work to raise awareness of the Charles River Meadowlands in the Franklin/Bellingham/Medway area. 
Led by Franklin resident Alan Earls, the group has gained support from state and local officials, and the Army Corps of Engineers, which oversees the Charles River Meadowlands. The open space, designed to provide a natural buffer in times of flooding, also offers opportunities for outside recreation."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160817/charles-river-meadowlands-workshop-announced


image from Charles River MEadowlands webpage
image from Charles River MEadowlands webpage


"Friday is the deadline to register to vote in the Sept. 8 state primary. 

Clerk’s offices at city and town halls will be open from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19, for voter registration. Voters can also register on line at sec.state.ma.us/OVR, in person at Registry of Motor Vehicles offices or by mail by downloading a form available on the secretary of state’s website and sending it to or dropping it off at the local city or town hall. Mail-in forms must be postmarked by Friday for a voter to be eligible for the primary. Some town halls may close voter registration at 5 p.m. Friday - please contact your town for details."


Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160814/friday-last-day-to-register-to-vote-in-state-primary

Saturday, July 23, 2016

Next Meeting of Charles River Meadowlands initiative, Tuesday, July 26

We have made significant progress since we began meeting in January and now we want to engage key stakeholders and decision makers who can help us move this forward.

Specifically, we are planning a workshop for the evening of Sept. 27. This will be "all invited" but we are targeting members of various town boards, selectman, town council members and town managers, as well as representatives of federal and state agencies.

The evening will kick off with an overview and slide show about the Charles River Meadowlands and then move into a panel discussion/presentation from various experts who have helped to create and manage resources such as the Charles River Meadowlands and this type of public access and shared use effort. The concluding portion of the evening will be the workshop where we will field and propose questions such as:

  • What are the legal and regulatory barriers and enablers?
  • What do towns, and federal/state agencies need to do to move ahead?
  • What are the likely up-front and ongoing costs?
  • What are the benefits to various stakeholders?


Please come this coming Tuesday evening to help us shape and refine this plan and get Charles River Meadowlands truly "on the map" with local decision makers.

TIME AND LOCATION: The next meeting of the Charles River Meadowlands group will be on Tuesday, July 26, 2016 6:30 - 8 at the first floor Arcand meeting room at 10 Mechanic Street, Bellingham, MA

--
Alan R. Earls

Charles River Meadowlands
Charles River Meadowlands


For additional info visit http://www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org/

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

REMINDER -- Charles River Meadowlands Meeting TUESDAY evening

REMINDER

The next meeting of the Charles River Meadowlands group will be on Tuesday, June 28, 2016 6:30 -8 at the first floor Arcand meeting room at 10 Mechanic street (Bellingham Town Planner Jim Kupfer has offered to host us!).

Please try to attend and consider ways you might be able to help. A major focus of the meeting will be organizing an information session and workshop for early September to get the political leadership of all three towns and other important players in one room and to define ways to move ahead.

Marjorie Turner Hollman has volunteered to help with communications (and Susan Speers has been doing much of this on her own).

Additional roles could include:

  • Establishing fundraising mechanisms
  • Maintaining liaison with towns and key community groups
  • Helping to line up experts for the September event
  • Helping to research more about the Charles River Meadowlands and similar "model" projects in other areas
  • Considering uses for seed money (assuming $25k comes through the legislature and the governor)


Please RSVP if you can...

See you there!

Alan Earls
alan.r.earls@gmail.com

image from the Charles River Meadowlands webpage
image from the Charles River Meadowlands webpage
Visit the website for Charles River Meadowlands

Thursday, June 16, 2016

SAVE THE DATE: Charles River Meadowlands Meeting - June 28


The next meeting of the Charles River Meadowlands Initiative will be on Tuesday, June 28, 2016 6:30 -8 at the  first floor Arcand meeting room at 10 Mechanic street in Bellingham (Bellingham Town Planner Jim Kupfer has offered to host us!). 

Details and agenda will follow soon!

photo from Charles River Meadowlands webpage
photo from Charles River Meadowlands webpage
Visit the website for Charles River Meadowlands

Saturday, May 14, 2016

2016 Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) - draft for review and comment

"Enclosed please find a copy of the Town of Franklin’s draft 2016 Open Space and Recreation Plan for your review, comment. The official comment period is 5/16/16 through 6/16/16 and a public hearing on the Draft Plan has been scheduled by the Conservation Commission on May 26, 2016 at 7:20 in the Town Council Chambers. 

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or require any additional information."

George Russell, AICP
Conservation Agent


To submits comments contact the Conservation Commission at:
Town of Franklin 
Attn: Conservation Commission 
355 East Central Street 
Franklin, MA 02038 
508-520-4929

conservation@franklin.ma.us




SECTION 1: PLAN SUMMARY

This 2016 Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) is an update of the Town of Franklin’s 2001 and 2008 Open Space and Recreation Plans. The 2001 Plan was prepared for Franklin as well as two other communities, Bellingham and Blackstone, and addressed the region as well as each community. The 2008 OSRP document addressed only the open space and recreation issues and resources relevant to the Town of Franklin. The 2016 OSRP continues with a detailed a practical approach to preservation of public and privately owned open space through growth management techniques, public awareness, management of existing Town owned open space, enhancement of existing and development of new recreation resources and the continued protection of natural resources.

In fall 2015, the Franklin Conservation Commission assumed the task of overseeing and preparing the update of the OSRP. Assisted by Franklin’s Department of Planning and Community Development, Park and Recreation Department and Public Works Department, the Commission assessed the Town’s open space preservation and recreation needs; gathered input from residents regarding personal priorities, desires, and perceived needs; developed the OSRP’s goals, objectives, and five year action plan; and reviewed and edited draft versions of the OSRP. In addition, a re-evaluation of the accessibility of the Town's open space and recreation facilities was conducted (see Appendix C), an inventory of the Town's open space, recreation, and conservation properties (see Appendix B) was updated, and descriptions of the Town's substantial resources were compiled, updated and included in the OSRP.

Since the 2008 Plan was approved, progress has been made on the Goals and Objectives included in that Plan. Among them are:

  • Through a student project working with the Conservation and Engineering Departments, installed informational signage at the DelCarte Recreation Area (Goal 1, objective 1.1)
  • Created a map of the entire Town’s recreation and park areas. (Goal 1 objective 1.2) (Also objective 4.4a in the 2013 Master Plan)
  • A butterfly park was constructed in the King Street Memorial Park in 2014 as a school project and it has been well received and highly successful. (Goal 1, objective 1.2)
  • DCR and the Franklin Conservation Commission have permitted improvements to the SNETT trail from Prospect Street in Franklin into Bellingham. (Goal 3, objectives 3.4 & 3.5)
  • A major dam renovation project, canoe launches, a boardwalk over portions of a pond and a 5-12 age appropriate playground were completed in the DelCarte Recreation area all of which increase access to all sections of the area. (Goal 2, objective 2.1, Goal 3, objectives 3.1 and 3.2) 
  • Developed a 2-12 age appropriate playground at Fletcher Field (Goal 3, objectives 3.1 and 3.2)
  • Developed an ADA compliant sculpture park, with walking areas and benches adjacent to the Franklin Police station (Goal 3, objectives 3.1 and 3.2)
  • Erected a bridge via an Eagle Scout Project in conjunction with the Town Conservation and Engineering Departments over a stream crossing in the Town’s disk gold course. (Goal 2, objective 2.1, Goal 3, objectives 3.1 and 3.2)
  • Developed a dog park at the Dacey Recreation Area. (Goal 3, objective 3.2)


The 2016 OSRP includes numerous goals, objectives and proposed actions that were the result of input from a large number of Town residents. This input was provided at two public hearings, during regular committee meetings, in letters and emails, during meetings with Town personnel and non-profit organizations, and through two citizen participation questionnaires (see Appendix F). Based on this input, it was determined that there is a desire to develop additional passive recreation areas within the Town and to improve existing recreational facilities. Specifically, Franklin’s residents’ wish for the Town to provide new bike trails, obtain and increase management of conservation lands, and provide community based areas such as bike trails, hiking trails, a youth center and swimming pools.

The open space and recreation planning process resulted in four main goals and related objectives and a five-year action plan that outlines specific tasks to meet the Town's open space and recreation goals. The goals within the updated 2016 OSRP were developed based on public input and the Conservation Commission believes these goals reflect the priorities of the Town’s residents. In general, the goals of the community should be to obtain (as needed), improve, and make fully accessible, the proper balance of active and passive recreational and conservation resources, while maintaining the community as a suburban center with a rural quality. The Town’s primary open space and recreation goals are as follows: 

GOAL 1: Increase public awareness of open space and recreation opportunities in Franklin
GOAL 2: Preserve and enhance existing Town open space resources.
GOAL 3: Maximize recreational opportunities to meet the community’s evolving needs by maintaining current inventory of facilities and programs and by providing new facilities and programs for both active and passive recreation.
GOAL 4: Protect natural, historical and cultural resources and maintain Franklin's New England character.
GOAL 5: Preserve and Protect the Town’s Water Resources.


The OSRP’s implementation, and achievement of the above goals, will require the
commitment of a broad variety of organizations and individuals, including non-profit
organizations, state agencies, resident volunteers, and Town departments, boards,
commissions, and committees. Through the combined efforts of all parties mentioned
above the Town feels confident that the OSRP can be implemented to meet the prescribed goals over the five-year planning period.

overflow parking lot at Wachusetts St for Fletcher Field
overflow parking lot at Wachusetts St for Fletcher Field



The full report can be found here or on the Town of Franklin webpage



Monday, February 15, 2016

Ecological and Management Study of the DelCarte Ponds

You may recall that a study was being done on the ecology of the DelCarte Open Space to help determine what to do about improving the fishing opportunity. 

Invasive plant species were reported to be spreading their impact. Over time the species could make the pond less habitable for fish. Why bother stocking the ponds if the fish weren't going to last? 

The study has just been published on the Franklin webpage. A copy of the report has been posted here for your convenience:





You can also find this report on the Franklin page
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/02328F4E-000F8513


fall color along the north pond at DelCarte, Oct 2015
fall color along the north pond at DelCarte, Oct 2015


  • Video from Dec 2012

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/delcarte-property-video.html


  • Video from Oct 2013

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/delcarte-property-video.html


  • Video from Mar 2014

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/03/delcarte-property-winter-wonderland.html


  • The 'phantom ecologist' can do better

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/the-phantom-ecologist-can-do-better.html

Saturday, January 17, 2015

"This land must be preserved in perpetuity"

The 'radar' found this well written letter on the Pond St issue:
Thanks for your coverage of the recent Pond Street (Franklin) zoning hearing. As a former member of the town’s industrial development commission, open space committee, public land use committee, and historic commission I am baffled that the town is still attempting to sell this land. 
Pond St lot - Mine Brook and Charles River seen along left of photo
Pond St lot - Mine Brook and Charles River seen along left of photo
Anyone who looks at a map, and one would like to hope that the town’s administrative officials and elected officials would have done so, can see that the town’s Pond Street parcel is the only good access to hundreds of acres of the Army Corps of Engineers conservation land along Mine Brook and the Charles River. This land must be preserved in perpetuity as part of a flood control system, but it is available for many kinds of “passive” recreation such as walking, jogging, cross country skiing, canoeing, etc. However, because it is almost entirely “land locked” by privately owned parcels, this beautiful meadowland that attracted settlers here in the 1600s, is unknown to most residents. 
In the past, both as an individual and through my position with the Open Space Committee, I have advocated for any development of this land to include parking for residents to use if they wish to reach the Army Corps land. Despite verbal assurances, it is my understanding that little if any requirement to this effect has survived into RFPs. 
It is past time for the town to put aside the idea of squandering this keystone property in a short-sighted effort to pad town coffers. Instead, the town should invest. Set aside this land for conservation and recreation, provide the modest improvements needed to make it safe for the public, and work with the very willing officials of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (with whom I met recently) to open up this treasure in our midst.

ALAN EARLS

- See more at: http://franklin.wickedlocal.com/article/20150114/OPINION/150117987/12457/OPINION#sthash.8dcKYch6.dpuf

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

DelCarte Recreation in the rain

Even in the rain, the DelCarte Recreation area is glorious on an autumn morning. The geese were busy about their business and no one else was around.

trees along the water line
trees along the water line

DelCarte Recreation and Conservation Area sign
DelCarte Recreation and Conservation Area sign


A 360 view of DelCarte on a rainy Saturday morning




For additional posts on DelCarte, you can follow this link
https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#newwindow=1&q=franklinmatters.org%3A+Delcarte%2C+recreation

Saturday, April 26, 2014

Indian Rock (video)

On my walk I diverged to explore what I believe is Indian Rock. It is supposed to be located off Jordan Road and off Indian Lane. Further off Indian Lane, there is another side street that according to Google maps is called King Phillip Road. (There is no street sign on the corner however.) At the end of this cul-de-sac, there are well worn trails to the rock.

looking down from Indian Rock
looking down from Indian Rock


looking up to Indian Rock
looking up to Indian Rock








Warren Reynolds posted about his visit to Indian Rock here
http://www.02038.com/2008/12/indian-rock-franklin-ma/


Saturday, August 31, 2013

"If we didn't remove the weed, it would take over"

The trapa natans found in one of the DelCarte ponds is not unique to Franklin. According to Milford Daily News Mendon found it in one of their ponds and has been working to control it.

The Franklin Story
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/the-phantom-ecologist-can-do-better.html

The Mendon Story

The cleanup is part of an ongoing effort to clear the weed from the water. Over the past four years, the town has used Community Preservation money to clear the pond by mechanical means. 
The eventual hope is to get the weed to such a level where it can be controlled by volunteers, working by hand.
Community Preservation Committee Chairwoman Anne Mazar said the work done by the town has begun to bear fruit. 
"It's much, much, improved," she said. "It will probably need one more year of mechanical removal, though we haven't gotten the environmental report yet."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1580235022/Mendon-pond-cleanup-targets-water-chestnut#ixzz2dXeqvD3N

Sunday, August 25, 2013

The 'phantom ecologist' can do better

A loyal reader found this note posted on one of the information kiosks at the DelCarte property last weekend and shared the photo with me. A series of emails with Michele Grenier, the Franklin Conservation Agent, and Jeff Nutting, the Town Administrator,  confirmed the following.
  • Trapa natans is an invasive species, it is not legally sold in MA.
  • Franklin will put a plan together to remove the plant from the pond
  • The 'phantom ecologist' should come forward with anything else they find and reach out to the Conservation Agent.

The contact information for Michele (email and phone) can be found on the official Franklin webpage
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Conservation/index

Additional info on the trapa natans can be found on the National Park Service page here
http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/pubs/midatlantic/trna.htm 
or wikipedia here  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_caltrop

What does the trapa natans look like?

From Evernote:

Water Chestnut (Trapa natans)

Clipped from: http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/pubs/midatlantic/trna.htm
trapa natnas



Photo of 'phantom ecologist' note
Photo of 'phantom ecologist' note
In case the text is hard to read, it has been recopied here:
Water chestnut (Trapa natans) has been observed in DelCarte Pond #4, the pond immediately behind this kiosk. The plant has not previously been observed in Franklin. 
This is a highly invasive non-native plant most probably introduced by geese and/or swans. If not controlled the pond is expected to be completely controlled by the plants' floating mats in just a couple of years, reducing sunlight and dissolved oxygen to the extent that fish kills can be expected, severely limiting the potential for fishing and bating at DelCarte. 
Currently there are dozens of colonies, composed of a few hundred individuals. This population has grown in just a single season (it was not observed in 2012) giving an idea of how it quickly it multiple geometrically.  
It is still feasible to control this plant by manually pulling the plants, although it may take several years to completely eradicate it. The plants have dropped their seeds in July, so no control measures are planned until next spring and summer.  
If allowed to grow for another year or two, removing the plants manually will be impractical. There are mechanical and chemical controls that can be applied for established infestations, but are prohibitively expensive. next summer is our best chance to control this plant and maintain the ability to fish and boat at DelCarte. 
Information will be posted here next spring regarding an attempt in May/June 2014 to manually pull the plant using canoes and kayaks. 
- the phantom ecologist - 8/16/2013

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Nick Alfieri will be missed

I was fortunate to have met and talked with Nick Alfieri at a number of meetings over the years. He was always helpful and took time to explain the details and the impact of the issue at hand. My tour of the Del Carte property with Nick and Jeff Livingstone is all the more memorable due to the insights he shared along the way.
Alfieri, who lived in Franklin for 17 years, holding multiple positions in town government, including town planner and geographic information system administrator, died in his sleep of a heart attack Sunday. He was 53. 
“Nick played a very large role in turning around and fixing the relationship between the town and the Conservation Commission,” said Commissioner Jeff Livingstone. “He really did change the entire town’s perception of obtaining the right permits as a hassle-filled process to one that was more of partnership driven.” 
And Livingstone said yesterday he expects Alfieri’s passing to affect the commission for a long time. 
“Franklin has become a poster child for how to do things and a highly rated town in terms of its ability to promote conversation initiatives,” he said. “We have relied extremely heavily on Nick’s perception, his feedback and his knowledge of the town.”

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1052258710/Franklin-Conservation-Agent-Nick-Alfieri-dies-at-53#ixzz20J09rA3J

As part of the outreach by the Conservation Commission, Nick submitted this article in January
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/01/nick-alfieri-why-conservation.html

The obituary can be found here:
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/milforddailynews/obituary.aspx?n=nicholas-alfieri&pid=158473884
(services will be private and burial will be in PA).

The Adult Congenital Heart Association website can be found http://www.achaheart.org/

Related post on the the Del Carte property visit
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/09/fm-72-week-ending-91210.html