Franklin DPW: Christmas tree pick up is scheduled for the week of Jan 9, 2023

Christmas tree collection will run the week of January 9, 2023.

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CmrWTlmN6GW/

Franklin DPW: Christmas tree pick up is scheduled for the week of Jan 9, 2023

Legal Notice: Conservation Commission - public Hearing July 21 concerning Mass Electric request for pole replacements/tree removal

Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Ch. 131, s.40 (The Wetlands Protection Act) Franklin Conservation Commission will hold a Hybrid Public Hearing on Thursday, July 21, 2022 at 7:03 PM on a Request for Determination of Applicability filed by BSC Group, Inc. on behalf of Massachusetts Electric Company for the installation of a stub pole and replacement of a utility pole, along with the removal of 15 trees within the 100-foot Buffer Zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetlands, as well as replacing a utility pole and removing a push brace within Bordering Vegetated Wetlands.

The Project is located along Maple Street, Map 242 between the intersections of Kimberlee Ave and Laurinda Lane, in the Rural Residential 2 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 the Town of Franklin page

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/ngrid_rda_public_hearing_notice.pdf

Legal Notice: Conservation Commission - public Hearing July 21

On the climate front: 2 articles remind us (1) unified approach required (2) time is running out

On the climate front, two articles reminding us (1) we need to tackle climate in a unified approach (we have one world to share with others) and (2) time to act is indeed running out.

"Deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon surged to record levels for the month of April, nearly doubling the area of forest removed in that month last year – the previous April record – preliminary government data has shown, alarming environmental campaigners.

In the first 29 days of April, deforestation in the region totaled 1,012.5 square km (390 square miles), according to data from national space research agency Inpe on Friday. The agency, which has compiled the monthly data series since 2015/2016, will report data for the final day of April next week.

April is the third monthly record this year, after new highs were also observed in January and February."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/may/07/record-after-record-brazils-amazon-deforestation-hits-april-high-nearly-double-previous-peak

An aerial view shows logs that were illegally cut from the Amazon rainforest in Anapu, Para state, Brazil, in 2019. Photograph: Nacho Doce/Reuters

"The world’s birds, described as the planet’s “canaries in the coalmine”, are disappearing in large numbers as the colossal impact of humanity on the Earth grows, a global review has found.

There are about 11,000 species of bird spanning the globe, but the populations of half of them are falling, while just 6% are increasing. Their flight and song make them easier to study than many animals, meaning they are the best studied large group.

Bird populations are also affected by all the damage caused by human activity, from the destruction of wild habitat, the climate crisis, and pesticides and other pollution, to over-hunting and impacts of alien species and disease. This makes them the best living indicators of global change, the scientists said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/may/05/canaries-in-the-coalmine-loss-of-birds-signals-changing-planet 

The most threatened families of birds are those which are larger and take longer to reproduce, including the Australian brushturkey. Photograph: thomasmales/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Town of Franklin, MA: Reminder that the tree collection will be held Jan 10 to Jan 14

Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) tweeted on Fri, Jan 07, 2022:

The Franklin Department of Public Works will commence Christmas Tree Collection Jan 10 - Jan 14 during normal trash collection hours https://t.co/UTgy7aDjaQ

 

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1479471398036856832

Reminder that the tree collection will be held Jan 10 to Jan 14

Christmas tree pickup is scheduled for week of Jan 10, 2022

While walking on Monday, I saw a Christmas tree already on the curbside. I checked with the DPW and confirmed that the tree pickup remains on schedule for the week of Jan 10, 2022. Thanks to them for responding so quickly!

Christmas tree pickup is scheduled for week of Jan 10, 2022

The curbside flyer can be found on the Town of Franklin page

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/franklin_program_guide_2021-2022_update.pdf

Franklin Annual Report - 2020: Franklin Conservation Commission

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Franklin Conservation Commission is responsible for promoting and protecting the Town of Franklin’s natural resources, and protecting the Town’s wetlands resources.

The Commission is comprised of seven volunteer residents appointed for three year terms by the Town Administrator. Current Commission members have diverse professional experience related to environmental science, biology, engineering, and project management. Because of their different backgrounds, each commissioner is able to offer a different perspective during the review of applications for a wetland permit that ultimately benefits Franklin.

Franklin has continuously been represented at the annual conference of the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions each March, with Commissioners attending classes and workshops and talking with other Commissioners from across the state as well as lawyers, ecologists and engineers active in conservation.

The Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) provides administrative and technical support to the Commission.

Permitting of Work Within or Adjacent to Wetlands Resources
The majority of the Commission’s attention is directed to administering Massachusetts and Franklin wetland protection laws and regulations. Those laws and regulations require Conservation Commission permits to work in or within 100 feet of a wetland, in the 100 year flood hazard zone, or within 200 feet of a perennial stream.

During the first quarter of FY20 the Commission voted to accept fast tracking NOI/ANRAD peer review consultant services as recommended by the Conservation Agent and DPCD. This change has helped move big projects along the permitting process more quickly.

During FY20 the Conservation Agent reviewed and administratively approved 15 minor buffer zone applications.

During FY20 the Conservation Commission received 46 permit applications to work within areas under their permitting jurisdiction. In addition the Commission issued Certificates of Compliance for previously permitted projects, and granted permit extensions to allow projects to finish. The table below is a summary of Conservation Commission activity during the 2020 Fiscal Year.

Some of the more interesting project applications before the Commission during FY20 include construction of a marijuana cultivation and production facility at 160 Grove Street and the Town’s projects off Meadowlark Lane and Griffin Road to improve water quality and reduce pollutant loading in the Chicken Brook-Charles River sub-watershed.

DelCarte Conservation Area 
The Commission continues to work on the DelCarte Area (aka the Franklin Reservoirs) off of Pleasant Street. There are a series of seven “structures” (six dams that had been originally used for cranberry farming and a stone wall that beavers had dammed) along Miller brook thru the 100+ acre DelCarte Area.
 

The Commission retained the services of ESS, Inc. to undertake an ecological study to ascertain the flora and fauna viability in the pond and develop a long term management plan. This study, completed in 2015-2016 has given the Town a comprehensive understanding of exactly “what is there” and includes a management plan to help keep the area viable as a true recreational jewel. The first two phases of the plan’s recommendations, the treatment of invasive plant species, was undertaken in the spring/summer of 2017-2019. The Town appropriated Capital Improvement funds to help implement the next phases of this study in 2019-2020. The pond’s invasive species were treated again throughout the summer of 2020.

In addition the funds are being used to implement the ADA recommendations under the master plan developed for DelCarte. This plan, developed for the Town by Mass Audubon was presented to the Commission in the fall of 2017. The Commission began to undertake improvements to the DelCarte Recreation Area in the late summer/early fall of 2018 to bring access to the trails and the water bodies up to ADA standards and improve the overall aesthetics of the area. This portion of the improvements was completed in the spring/summer 2019.

Continue reading the report from the Conservation Commission

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-franklin-annual-report-2020

Prior Annual Reports can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/annual-reports

Franklin Annual Report - 2020: Franklin Conservation Commission

Franklin Interfaith Council Celebrates Earth Day by Planting Trees

Thursday, April 22nd was an unseasonably cold morning, but members of St John’s Episcopal Church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints,  First Universalist Society of Franklin (FUSF), and Franklin Federated Church gathered to plant trees. “It was a wonderful way to celebrate God’s gift of Creation,” said The Rev. Kathy McAdams, Rector of St John’s and President of the Franklin Interfaith Council.

In preparation for Earth Day, McAdams led an online lesson with the St John’s Church School to discuss the many benefits that trees provide, such as erosion protection, filtering of the air we breathe and the water we drink, noise reduction, shade that reduces the need for air-conditioning, food and habitat for birds and other animals, food and raw materials for people, the fun of climbing them, and the beauty of looking at them.

The Interfaith group planted seven trees - maples, oak, cherry, and purple beech - at several sites in Franklin. The Department of Public Works chose the locations and dug the holes at Horace Mann Middle School, Franklin High School, Keller-Sullivan School, and the Community Garden at King Street Memorial Park. Participants, then, planted the trees, added compost, and have committed to continue watering the trees until they are well-established. McAdams added, “We give thanks for all that God gives us in Creation, and we show our gratitude by being good stewards.”

tree planted at King St Memorial Park, near the Community Garden

Tree collection possible delay; put trees out anyway for week of Jan 11

The DPW has been notified of a possible delay in pickup of the Christmas trees scheduled the week of Jan 11, 2021. 

 

Go ahead and put your tree on the sidewalk and it will get picked up eventually.

 

Possible delay: https://www.facebook.com/931498886934582/posts/3778235738927535/

 

DPW Put trees out notification for Jan 11 https://www.facebook.com/FranklinDPW/posts/3773160866101689

Tree collection possible delay; put trees out anyway for week of Jan 11

Christmas Tree pick up schedule = Week of Jan 11

From the current Solid Waste flyer

"Christmas Tree Collection Days 

Week of January 11, 2021"

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/franklin_program_guide_2020-2021.pdf

Christmas Tree pick up schedule = Week of Jan 11

Lyon Landscape and Nursery - Christmas Tree go on sale Nov 27

"The holidays will be here before we know it. Escape the long lines this holiday season and stop by Lyon Landscape Nursery for a fresh cut Christmas tree. We have plenty of Fraser firs to choose from; starting at 5’. We will also be selling fresh wreaths made on site. Sales start on Friday, November 27 and will continue during the weekends in December."

For more info visit the Facebook posting 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/permalink/2761443574125651/

 

Visit Lyon Landscape and Nursery on the internet
https://www.lyonlandscapenursery.com/

Lyon Landscape and Nursery - Christmas Tree go on sale Nov 27

Franklin Residents: Tree work scheduled for NationalGrid's powerlines

"ABC Tree will be doing routine 5-year cycle tree maintenance on National Grid's power lines. The work is expected to start on June 25 and continue through Sept. 30.

If you have any questions, contact ABC Tree representative Saul Gaona at (#832-506-5049) s.gaonaabctree@gmail.com."

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1275473296453181440?s=09

Franklin Residents: Tree work scheduled for NationalGrid's powerlines

Reporting by Walking around: Photos around Franklin

Trees are blossoming

before the trees get leaves, their skeletons are shown

In the heavy rain this past week, the rain garden did its thing

Even from rough stuff comes new life, keep the hope alive

Additional photos can be found in the album shared here:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/5dZCcVMZk1jQPXCg6

Christmas Tree Collection Days = Week of January 13, 2020

Christmas Tree Collection Days scheduled for the day of your normal pickup during the Week of January 13, 2020

One tree, two trees
Big trees, little trees
Pick up time is your
Trash day this week!

Without the pseudo poetic treatment, confirmed with the Town of Franklin newsletter
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/tof_e-newsletter_jan_2020_final_linked.pdf

and the Solid Waste Flyer
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/franklin_2019_2020_mailer.pdf

One tree

two trees

Choose and cut your own Christmas tree at Lyon Landscape Nursery

"Looking for a Christmas tree this year?

Come on over to Lyon Landscape Nursery located on 250 Bent street starting Friday (11/29) at 8 AM to get your own locally grown tree. Trees under 8’ are $55, over 8’ $75."

We stopped by on Saturday to walk the rows of tree to pick out a nice one for our house.

Choose and cut your own Christmas tree at Lyon Landscape Nursery (Lyon Nursery Facebook photo)

Info shared from Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2793680260645052&set=gm.2461858754084136&type=3&theater

Town Council Recap -Sep 18, 2019

Due to a work commitment for a 9 PM meeting, I did 'real time' reporting for the Town Council meeting of Wednesday, Sep 18, 2019. From the comfort of my home office, I reported on the meeting capturing notes and photos from the broadcast on my laptop. Fortunately, the meeting ended just before 9 and I was able to swivel my seat to my 'work from home desk' and dial into the conference call on schedule.

• Franklin Police Department had two new hires sworn in: John Godino and David Ricci. Nick Palmieri was recognized with a promotion to Detective. Daniel McGlynn was recognized for his 27 years of service on the force. 
• Franklin Fire Department EMS Lieutenant William Blanchard was sworn in.

John Godino and David Ricci being sworn in

Nick Palmieri congratulated by Capt Lynch on promotion

 

Daniel McGlynn presented with a plaque in recognition of his 27 years of service

William Blanchard being sworn in as a new Lieutenant

The often rescheduled public hearing for the Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-837: Zoning Map Changes From General Residential V to Single Family Residential IV an Area on or Near West Central Street was closed at this meeting.It appeared that the Council simply wanted to close the public hearing without doing anything. A couple of people did speak on the record. Including the individual with the proposal currently involved in a law suit over his proposal for this location with the Planning Board. 

One of the draw backs of being remote for the meeting was that I could not talk with anyone to really find out what was going on. So there will likely be more to come on this item.

A set of presentations on the Historical Museum (document shared) and on the DPW 'tree warden' as well as the new textile recycling program beginning in November were shared. The presentation documents are included in the links below. 

I'll create an audio file of the tree warden presentation to share soon. In the meantime, the Franklin TV recording is available for replay.
https://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?&PGD=franknma&eID=683


The Town of Franklin "Actions Taken" document
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/town_council_actions_taken_for_september_18_2019.pdf

Additional details can be found in my notes captured during the 'real time reporting' session for this meeting

• Real-time Reporting: Legislation for action through Closing

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/09/live-reporting-legislation-for-action.html

• Real-time Reporting: DPW Presentation

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/09/live-reporting-dpw-presentation.html

• Real-time reporting: Historical Museum presentation .

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/09/live-reporting-historical-museum.html

• Real-time Reporting: Public Hearing - Zoning Bylaw...

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/09/live-reporting-public-hearing-zoning.html

• Real-time Reporting: Town Council - Sep 18, 2019

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/09/live-reporting-town-council-sep-18-2019.html

Real-time Reporting: DPW Presentation

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

DPW Presentation 
Brutus Cantoreggi, Director

Clothing Recycling Program
with Chris White


it is another option to recycle, folks can still use the other non-profit recyclers. The other benefit we can get is removing it from the waste stream and our recycle contamination rates.

it makes it easier for folks to help us remove from the waste stream, for those who want to call or deliver themselves to the other non-profits, they can do so. For those who wouldn't use it should help remove these items from the waste stream which will also save us.

it is a weekly program,  bags will be coming via mail.

everything can go in the same bag for convenience

Brutus Cantoreggi, DPW Director with Chris White on the Clothing Recycling Program

Tree Removal Update 
(presentation doc to be added) 

The drought a couple of year ago and the gypsy moth (2 years in a row) both helped to reduce the health of the trees in our area

trees covered in only the 'public right of way', does not cover trees on Town property or school property

trees overhanging a sidewalk can be addressed because they are blocking a public way
Bushes on a corner blocking the sight line are part of the building inspector role (not tree warden)

what is a public way? not only where the road is, depending upon when the development was built it is either clear or tricky. Partridge St was built along stone walls and private property.  If tree grows in the berm between the curb and the sidewalk it is town owned; if on the other side of the sidewalk closer to the residence, it is private property

Put your Christmas trees out for pickup this week

According to the Fall/Winter Solid Waste Mailer, the Christmas Tree collection days will be during the week of January 14, 2019. 

Your tree will be picked up during the week of January 14 on the day of your normal trash/recycling.

Need a new copy of the solid waste mailer? Get one here:
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/franklin_2018_2019.pdf

When do they pick up my Christmas tree?

When is the Christmas Tree pickup?

According to the Fall/Winter Solid Waste Mailer, the Christmas Tree collection days will be during the week of January 14, 2019. 

Your tree will be picked up during the week of January 14 on the day of your normal trash/recycling.


Need a new copy of the solid waste mailer? Get one here:
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/franklin_2018_2019.pdf

When do they pick up my Christmas tree?

Lyon Landscape and Nursery: pick and cut your Christmas tree

"I would like to say thank you to all the folks who came to the first annual Xmas tree sale at our farm. The sale exceeded my expectations. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday. Unfortunately, we have sold out of all our trees for this year.
Next year we will have a larger selection of taller and fuller trees. Best of luck in the New Year."
-Alex Lyon, Lyon Landscape Nursery Inc.

updated Dec 2, 2018

"After 7 years of planting, watering, fertilizing, and mowing, our first crop of Frasier Fir Christmas trees are ready for harvest. I invite all friends, family, and valued customers who have supported my Landscape Contracting business over the years to stop by for a locally grown organic Christmas tree. 

We will be open the next (3) weekends 10 AM - 4 PM starting today. We are located at 250 Bent Street, Franklin MA. 

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and all the best in 2019!"

Lyon Landscape and Nursery: pick and cut your Christmas tree (courtesy photo)

Visit Lyon Landscape and Nursery on the internet
https://www.lyonlandscapenursery.com/

Shared via Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2215154692098617&set=p.2215154692098617&type=3&theater

What is Franklin's most majestic tree?

This is the time of year, post snow, just before the trees bud and fill out with their leaf cover to really view a tree. They are amazing in their structure.

In your walk around Franklin, what tree amazes you?

You can send me an email with your photo, or share it via the Facebook group.
https://www.facebook.com/franklinmatters

Here are a couple from my walk on Saturday.

At the Charter School, former St Mary's school grounds.

Along King St near Peck St