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

Saturday, June 9, 2018

"now we qualify for grants for up to $250,000 a year"

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

"Saving the world, one light bulb at a time, are the newest communities that were welcomed as Massachusetts Green Communities on Thursday at the Franklin municipal building. 
Judith Judson, commissioner of the state Department of Energy Resources, said 210 towns and cities in Massachusetts are now considered “Green Communities.” They encompass more than 72 percent of the state’s population. 
“It’s providing a lot of benefits for our commonwealth,” she said. “It enables energy savings for the cities and towns that become Green Communities, and we provide grant funding in order to make energy improvements.” 
These efforts, she said, are visible to residents who see reductions in their towns’ energy use, emissions and their associated costs. The money saved, she said, might find its way into the schools or into public safety, strengthening those services."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180608/franklin-named-green-community

Many Thanks to MassDOER Commissioner Judith Judson for coming to Franklin today to officially declare Franklin A “Green Community” and give us our grant award! A huge thank you to our Town staff for a great job well done!
Many Thanks to MassDOER Commissioner Judith Judson for coming to Franklin today to officially declare Franklin A “Green Community” and give us our grant award! A huge thank you to our Town staff for a great job well done!

Sunday, May 13, 2018

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
L-R Paul Sager, Alan Earls, Juanita Urban

Tuesday, March 13, 2018

“It’s a matter of people willing to think about this"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Awareness group Franklin in Focus will be holding a forum called “Where’s the Green” Saturday to discuss the future of open space in town. 
The forum will take place at the Franklin Senior Center from 10 a.m. to noon. Coordinator Alan Earls said that multiple town officials have been invited as well as a representative from Metacomet Land Trust to discuss conservation options. 
Franklin in Focus was formed by Franklin residents Earls and Monique Doyle in 2017 soon after election time in November. 
“I think we both felt that there was and is a need for change,” he said. “There are a lot of things in Franklin that aren’t as good, or effective, or efficient, or responsive, or transparent as they should be.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180312/franklin-in-focus-to-discuss-open-space


Where’s the Green?  - Mar 17
Where’s the Green?  - Mar 17

Saturday, March 10, 2018

Where’s the Green? - Mar 17

A look at prospects for open space, agriculture, and recreational space in Franklin and a discussion about the town’s continued growth

On Saturday, March 17 Franklin in Focus is inviting all interested people to gather for a look at the past, present, and future of Franklin’s open space and continued growth with an eye to preserving town character, enhancing recreation and conservation, and encouraging agricultural activities.

We are inviting representatives from the Town Council, Town Conservation Commission and Planning Board, Metacomet Land Trust, Charles River Meadowlands Initiative, Franklin State Forest, and Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail, Agricultural Commission, and Community Garden and other to join us.

The event will be held at the Franklin Senior Center from 10 - noon.


For more information, contact franklininfocus@gmx.com

Where’s the Green?  - Mar 17
Where’s the Green?  - Mar 17

Saturday, November 11, 2017

In the News: schools wrestle with hate crimes; wild turkeys return

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

"As schools across Massachusetts grapple with a recent surge in racist graffiti and anti-Semitic incidents, many educators say they are working to build programs into their curriculum to combat hate. 
As schools across Massachusetts grapple with a recent surge in racist graffiti and anti-Semitic incidents, many educators say they are working to build programs into their curriculum to combat hate. 
“We are trying to focus proactively on creating an inclusive culture and climate in a preventative way,” said Sara Ahern, superintendent of schools in Franklin, where swastikas were scrawled on school buildings and playground equipment three times last year and again earlier this month."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171110/massachusetts-schools-wrestle-with-hate-incidents


"For more than 100 years, there were no wild turkeys in Massachusetts. 
Hunting and increased development completely wiped out the wild turkeys, but in the past few decades, the large birds have rebounded in a big way. Turkeys are increasingly popping up in urban and residential areas. 
“It is a great success story we were able to get them re-established,” said Wayne Petersen, director of important bird areas for Mass Audubon. 
The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife tried in 1911, then in the 1950s and ’60s, to bring wild turkeys back to the Bay State, but the attempts didn’t find success until the late-1970s. That is when adult turkeys trapped in upstate New York were moved into the Berkshires. The initial group of 37 turkeys took hold and thrived. As the wild turkey population grew, MassWildlife caught some of the birds and brought them to other parts of the state and turkeys soon became a re-established species."


Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171110/turkeys-conservation-success-story-in-massachusetts

part of the flock of wild turkeys seen in the Four Corners area
part of the flock of wild turkeys seen in the Four Corners area

Wednesday, November 1, 2017

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
Charles River Meadowlands hike recap

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Green Infrastructure in Parks: A Guide to Collaboration, Funding, and Community Engagement

INTRODUCTION 
"This guide is intended to encourage partnerships between park agencies and stormwater agencies aimed at promoting the use of green infrastructure on park lands. Green infrastructure can help to maximize the environmental, economic, and social benefits of parks. By building strong partnerships, agencies can improve park lands and access to parks, better manage stormwater, increase community resiliency to shifting weather patterns, and provide funding to implement and maintain park enhancements that benefit the community. 
The guide offers information on why partnerships between stormwater managers and parks managers can be beneficial and how you can create such partnerships. The guide presents an overview of green infrastructure and describes practices that can be used to manage stormwater in parks. In addition, you will find information on factors that influence the selection of appropriate green infrastructure practices, such as maintenance requirements. 
The guide is designed to provide you with a stepwise approach for building relationships with potential partners, and includes information on how to identify and engage partners, build relationships, involve the community, leverage funding opportunities, and identify green infrastructure opportunities. It includes recommendations on the types of projects that are most likely to attract positive attention and funding, and which provide a wide range of benefits. Case studies are included to illustrate the approaches presented in the guide. These real-life examples portray how partnerships between municipal stormwater agencies and parks departments have improved recreational resources in the community, enhanced environmental protection, and reduced risks and burdens. 
For those who wish to go deeper into a topic, the guide includes short descriptions and links to external resources that provide more detail on the material presented within."
You can find the full EPA document here



Or on the Town of  Franklin webpage (PDF)
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/epa_parks_book.pdf

Sculpture Park on Panther Way in Franklin
Sculpture Park on Panther Way in Franklin

Sunday, May 14, 2017

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
Charles River Meadowlands

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

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/


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


Sunday, April 9, 2017

Land Use Workshop - Thursday, April 13

Land Use Workshop 
April 13, 2017 at 6:30 PM
355 East Central Street 
Council Chambers


Topics for Workshop


• COMMUNITY APPROACH TO HOUSING and Economic Development
1. Current Growth spurt? - see attached Memo
2. Residential VII ?
3. Commercial I
4. Commercial II
5. Height of issues in Cl, C2, Downtown and RS
6. Affordable housing
• lnclusionary Zoning - for affordable/or open space?
7. Open Space Acquisition Plan?


History
Master Plan Adopted by the Town Council in 2013 

Changes as a result of the Master Plan
• Change Industrial to R 5 at the end of Dean Ave (Thompson Press)
• Allow surface parking lots as primary use in Downtown
• Clean up zone lines in the Downtown
• Rural business (was Neighborhood Commercial) - Washington Street and Spring Street
• Change R4 to RS on West Central near Beaver Street

Zoning in Master Plan not addressed to date
• C-1 issues/options/location

Recent proposed changes not included in the Master Plan
1. Residential VII East Central Street - Citizen/Developer petition
2. Storage Facility moved from CII to industrial - In process
3. Medical Marijuana - State law passed - adopted
4. Recreation Marijuana - State law passed - adopted


Thompson Press building on Dean Ave - future site of 200+ condos
Thompson Press building on Dean Ave - future site of 200+ condos

The original agenda document for the Land Use Workshop




The Master Plan can be found on the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/planning-community-development/pages/master-plan

The 5 part Special Report on the development of the Residential VII zoning proposal can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/part-5-full-residential-vii-timeline.html



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/