Conservation Commission
PRINCETON CONSERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES
DATE: July 20, 2021
TIME: 7:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Town Hall Annex
Note: this public meeting and public hearing were conducted in person at the Annex, with a remote teleconferencing option available for public participation. Public participation details were posted with the agenda.
Members in attendance: Brian Keevan, Bonnie Hirsh, Victoria Taft and Rachael Catlow
Members in attendance remotely: none
Applicants and others in attendance: Rick Gardner
Applicants and others in attendance remotely: Chris McClure of McClure Engineering
Brian Keevan called the meeting to order at 7:18 PM.
Votes taken in the following actions are “all in favor” unless noted otherwise.
Approve Minutes
Minutes from the May 18, 2021 and June 15, 2021 meetings were approved with minor amendments.
Item 1: 7:26 – 7:47PM – (DEP File# 267-0433) Notice of Intent (NOI) for work at Red Fox Farm at 263 Worcester Road. Installation of a trail and bridge with replication due to wetland impacts. Brian recused himself since he is a member of the Princeton Land Trust and Bonnie was designated as Commission Chair for this item. Rick Gardner presented an updated replication area for 47 square feet from the previous amount submitted of 17 square feet. The project scope did not increase, it was just an oversight on the bridge area.
An Order of Conditions was granted at 7:46 pm with special conditions including: 48-hour notice of project start, 75% coverage of the replication area before a COC can be considered and a wetland scientist to approve the replication plan by Bonnie, Rachael and Victoria.
Item 2: CHCA – Wetland Replication Update. John Vieira will be aiding with the wetland replication work. The Commission will work on identifying the replication area and will plan on doing the work in the fall 2021 or in the spring of 2022.
Item 3: Four Corners Kiosk Update – Rick Gardner presented the updated map for the kiosk and stated that a new kiosk is being donated by the Stimson’s. The Commissioners provided minor feedback.
Item 4: Coal Kiln Road update – Chris McClure of McClure Engineering attended by remote connection. McClure was looking for guidance on resurfacing work and the wetland requirements. The Commission recommended filing an RDA since work will only be performed in the buffer zone (all other drainage improvements were approved in an earlier Order of Conditions).
Item 5: Ratification of Enforcement Order for Providence and Worcester Railroad. On June 30th Brian issued an enforcement order for the stream dredging wetland violation. DCR and City of Worcester were also notified of the activity. DCR has issued a Notice of Non-Compliance letter with several requirements to be completed by August 15th; a copy was forwarded to the Commission. The Commission decided to amend the Enforcement Order by updating the date to comply to August 15th to coincide with DCR’s date and included a requirement that P&W submit copies of all materials requested by DCR to the Commission.
The commission voted to ratify the updated Enforcement Order at 8:40 pm.
Item 6: 264 Mirick Road Update. Bonnie and Brian visited the site where the violation and restoration work occurred. The owner has removed the footbridge, culvert and excess fill material. The restoration of the stream channel looks good, and the vegetation is growing well. Bonnie will draft a letter to Bill Eicholzer stating that the Commission is satisfied with the restoration work and that no further action is needed.
Item 7: 93 Main Street. The Commission is awaiting further information from MA DEP.
Item 8: Invasive Plants at the Route 140 drainage basins in East Princeton. Greg Oswitt of Lynch will be contracting a final spraying of Japanese Hops and Japanese Knotweed by the end of July. Brian surveyed the site earlier in the month and removed a couple dozen remaining Scotch thistle plants. The Commission will likely be monitoring this site for the next few years to ensure invasive plants have been eradicated.
Commission Other Business, Mail, Procedures, etc.:
MACC – handbook subscription update. Everyone wants electronic access.
Jennifer Caswell – 6-acre parcel on Grow Lane – The commission will recommend to the Select Board that the Town waive their right of first refusal to purchase this parcel.
Raymond LaPorte on Merriam Road – ANR likely coming on this parcel. The Commission received a copy of a decision from DCR regarding WsPA jurisdiction on the parcel.
Commission reviewed ANR lots in watershed.
Forest Cutting Plan(s): None
Meeting ended at 9:10 pm
Respectfully submitted, Rachael Catlow