News and Views
Along Beach Road
Dear Harley- As mentioned, I am sending photos and writing about a turtle casualty and some research supporting restoration of habitat, work to educate the public and at certain times of the year, installing signage along part of Town Beach Road. I have been looking for turtle species and nesting activity and found a crushed turtle at about 7 pm, on 06/16/2021, along Town Beach Road, a few inches into the roadbed, on the pond side of the road. The site was between the back entrance to Richmond Shores, and the boat ramp parking lot- closer to the Shores gate. It …
Turtle crossings. Or “We care about turtles, but do turtles care about humans?”
Tessa, Hannah, and Ellie, three Richmond Consolidated School 8th grade social studies students are leading the way on an effort to protect Richmond’s turtles as they cross our roads. It’s part of their civics lessons and it is a great opportunity to learn the levers of local government and protect wildlife. The ConCom, the DPW, the Selectboard are all pitching in to make their project a success. Tomorrow, Suzie Fowle, one of Massachusetts’ leading experts on turtles will be leading a discussion at RCS, that our intrepid students and their teacher have organized. I’m excited to attend and hear all …
Turtle crossings. Or “We care about turtles, but do turtles care about humans?” Read More »
Wetlands Emergency Process
All sorts of ’emergencies’ may occur. That’s just the way of the world. And, no matter what definition of emergency is being used, there will always be a need to judge if the particular facts of a situation fit the definition, e.g., is this situation actually an immediate threat to life? Often, the authority/responsibility to make that judgment is delegated to a specific governmental agency, division, body, or office holder. And deciding ‘whether or not an emergency exists’ is a separate/different matter from the authority/process of ‘deciding what may be done to abate the emergency’. In certain specific situations, the …
Annual Town Meeting
UPDATE: The biggest ticket item, the new municipal building (which will include a new town hall, new library, new community space) needed a 2/3rds vote and passed with room to spare. My attempt to amend the $500 dollars for the land conservation fund up to $5,000, failed on a technicality. All other warrants were passed. May 19th, 7:30pm at RCS Richmond will come together to decide on its town warrant including $6M+ for the new municipal building and $500 for the land conservation fund. I think those priorities are backwards — but maybe that’s just me. Nonetheless, I would urge residents …
Hollow arguments.
At the meeting, there are a number of other documents that have been submitted by attorney’s for each side. I’ll try to post those soon. This evening, at 6:30pm there will be a site visit to the parking lot of the Hollow Fields BNRC preserve followed by a meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA). A few of the neighbors ( Jeffrey and Linda Caligari, Jeffrey and Jennifer Morse, and Ira and Jami Grossman) regarding the use of land by the Berkshire Natural Resources, Inc. off of Perry’s Peak Road.) on Perry’s Peak Road are appealing a decision …
ConCom’s Busy 5/11 Agenda
It’s definitely now what my friend and Chair of the Dalton ConCom, Cheryl Rose, calls “ConCom Season” and our busy agenda sure does show it. Join in Tuesday 5/11/21 at 7pm Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84984508619?pwd=YmZhS3RSamZBbGM1aHVOVmhpaFJCQT09 Or at Zoom.us Meeting ID: 849 8450 8619 Passcode 425669 Or dial in by Phone +1 646 558 8656 Richmond Consolidated School Students will present their case/request for protection of turtle crossings to the Commission. We will have 3 Notice of Intent (NOI) hearings (NOIs are detailed requests for permitting under Wetlands and/or Scenic Mountain laws/regs/bylaws). A continued hearing for a project is on the north side …
Stewardship
As a relatively new commissioner, it is a very steep learning curve. I take my duties and responsibilities very seriously and always have in mind all the great work by the current and past members of the ConCom. I think it crucial to the future of Richmond’s natural resources. During the past several months I have been working to complete the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions’ fundamental training program and, yesterday, I got my certificate in the mail! The MACC fundamentals training program for conservation commissioners and staff (and anyone else) who want a solid grounding in the MA Wetlands …
Read all about it….2020 Annual Report is Here
Richmond’s 2020 Annual Report is now available. Online here and also in paper version at the Library, Town Hall, Bartlett’s and the Post Office.
Road Advisory Committee Meets Tonight
A timely reminder that the first meeting of Richmond’s Road Advisory Committee — in close to two years — will be tonight. Wednesday, May 5th at 5:30pm It is extraordinarily important that the committee members hear from YOU! Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85605194911?pwd=eGY0c1k0TEZkczZqeEdUTzBSOUFkUT09 Meeting ID: 856 0519 4911 Passcode: 256740 Phone: 1 646 558 8656 AGENDA 1. Discussion of this year’s Road Maintenance Plan and Budgetary discussion 2. Public Comment 3. Topics not reasonably anticipated by the Chair 48 hours in advance of the meeting
Turtle Spotting and Reporting
‘Tis the season to watch for turtles like the wood turtle shown above. Wood turtles are a species of special concern in Massachusetts and it is super important to report if you’ve been lucky enough to spot one. You can now report observations of animals plants natural communities vernal pools in MassWildlife Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program’s new Heritage Hub! Heritage Hub replaces #MassWildlife’s old VPRS System with a new, user-friendly solution. Register for an account today!
MACC’s Wetlands Photo Contest
May is Wetlands Month and MACC is sponsoring their annual Wetlands Photo Contest to celebrate. During Wetlands Month, we take time to recognize the vital importance of wetlands to our Nation’s ecological, economic, and social health. Massachusetts has incredible wetlands in all regions of the state, from the Atlantic coast to the Connecticut River to the Berkshires to your own backyard! Here are some specifics about MACC’s contest: First Place winner will receive a $300 cash prize! Second Place winner will receive a $200 cash prize! Third Place winner will receive a $100 cash prize! • Submit up …
ConCom Conservation Timeline
(Under construction but adding items each day!
