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ARTICLE 10 (1) Project: Cotton Farm Conservation Area Improvements CPA Category: Open Space Amount Requested: $301,300 Amount Recommended: $301,300 CPC Vote: (9-0) Project Description: The 2010 Annual Town Meeting authorized the purchase of a portion of the Cotton Farm, a 10.2 acre parcel located on the north side of Marrett Road. $3,857,000 was approved and allowed the Town to acquire 4.2 acres of this land. The property was acquired for its passive recreation value, its pastoral views along Marrett Road and the link it provides between two larger conservation areas: Upper Vine Brook and Dunback Meadow. Additional CPA funds were subsequently approved to prepare a long-term land management and design plan for the property which included both short and long-term goals. The Conservation Commission and Lexington Conservation Stewards have made great progress addressing the needs identified by the land management plan. This FY18 request seeks design and construction funds to address several long-term goals including removal and naturalization of a major portion of the existing driveway and parking area, relocation and construction of a new expanded parking area and installation of an ADA accessible trail and pond viewing platform along the edge of the pond and wetlands on the property. Project Goals and Objectives: • Remove a portion of the driveway to significantly increase the amount of land on the property considered to be in an open and natural condition while improving visitor safety through the reduction of vehicle access across the property; • Relocate and construct an expanded parking area to improve public access and increase safety; and • Install an ADA accessible trail and viewing platform to allow all visitors the opportunity to safely experience the pond and wildlife. Project Benefit: The improvements proposed as part of this project will enhance the area's safety and accessibility while creating a more welcoming atmosphere. Funding Request: $301,300 is requested to fund these improvements. Annual maintenance activities will be covered by the operating budget and Conservation Staff and Steward volunteers. 15