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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-09-30-ConCom-min Meeting broadcasted by LexMedia PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES Conservation Commission ___________________________________________________________________________ AGENDA Monday, September 30th, 2024, 6:30 p.m. This Conservation Commission meeting was held remotely via Zoom, an online meeting platform. Public Participation via calling in or using your computer was encouraged. Commissioners Present: Duke Bitsko, Alexandra Dohan, Philip Hamilton (Chair), Ruth Ladd (Vice-Chair), Thomas Whelan; Not present: Kevin Beuttell, and Jason Hnatko Staff Present: Karen Mullins, Conservation Director, Megan Downer, Department Assistant 7:00PM Concord Avenue Ecological Management Plan Public Forum Mr. Bill Giezentanner, Mass Audubon, is the consultant the town hired to develop the Concord Avenue conservation area Land Management Plan and he presented the proposed land management plan during this public forum. Mr. Giezentanner stated that the parcel is located off of Concord Ave and connects to the Beaver Brook conservation area. The parcel is 32.6 acres with currently minimal usage and the proposed management plan includes the creation of a trail that would connect to a regional trail network. Mr. Giezentanner stated that he found that the majority of the left-hand (of the map) side – of the western parcel - of the site is wetlands and the right (eastern) side is a high point. Mr. Giezentanner also presented the types of vegetation and species found on site. This site has no history of management by the Conservation Commission. Mr. Giezentanner stated that the main objectives for the Concord Ave Conservation Area include: maintaining & improving forest & wetland habitats, evaluating access and restricting unofficial access, proposing a trail system and making connections, protecting scenic assets, protecting surface and groundwater assets, protecting cultural assets, developing a stewardship activities schedule, mitigating negative effects of dogs, and managing invasive species. Mr. Giezentanner stated that he recommends the town develop a forest management plan for the site. He stated there are no official trails that exist on the parcel and that the proposed trail would connect to the Western Greenway trail in Waltham, Belmont, and Lexington. Mr. Giezentanner presented the safest crossing point which is on Concord Ave and which was determined with the assistance of the town engineer. He presented two options for the proposed trail. Option 1 has a steep grade and requires switch-backs while option 2 does not and is preferred as it is considered safer than option 1. Mr. Giezentanner explained that other options for the trail were explored, however, these options are not recommended due to safety concerns and anticipated difficulty in construction. Mr. Giezentanner stated that an entrance sign with educational information is also recommended. Questions and Comments from the Public: - Is there a timeline in mind for this project? - Who provides the funding for this project? - Is the trail proposed to be wide enough for 3 people or will they be narrow? Will dog and/or bike usage be allowed on the trail? There is overall concern for the proposed width of the trail. - Could signs be posted at the trail entrance that state anything that is prohibited such as bikes? How would this be enforced? - What type of ramp access is anticipated and how are users able to cross the stone walls? - Option 2 is the preferred option as there are a lot of animals crossing in the option 1 trail area. Responses from the Representative, Staff, and the Commission: - There is no set timeline yet for this project. - The Conservation Stewards will assist in implementing this project. - At the moment, there are no plans on whether or not bike usage or dog usage will be restricted and will not be determined until future public hearings. - Signs would be posted if regulations such as no bikes are agreed upon. Conservation land is monitored by a ranger on the weekends and seasonal crew members who could help with enforcement as well. - One rock may need to be moved for access purposes, but it is a low rock that could possibly be stepped over for access as this is not proposed to be a universal access trail. Mr. Hamilton asked that a disclaimer be added to the map to state it has been included for illustration and orientation purposes. Ms. Ladd recommended reevaluating the generic recommendations in the report and removing all that do not seem realistic or specific to this site. Mr. Stephen Perkins, Greenways Corridor Committee Member, stated there is a very low spot in the stone wall where the proposed crossing would go and is able to be stepped over. The Commission will visit the site to review the conditions prior to any vote of approval. On a motion by Ms. Ladd and seconded by Ms. Dohan, the Commission voted 4-0 by roll call vote to adjourn the meeting. Record of Vote as Follows: Alexandra Dohan – Aye Philip Hamilton – Aye Ruth Ladd – Aye Tom Whelan – Aye 8:16pm Respectfully Submitted, Megan Downer LUHD Department Assistant Approved: 1/21/2025 Archived: 1/22/2025