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 …
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 …
‘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 & …
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 …
Update… Rescheduled to May 5th, 5:30pm Rare meeting of the Road Advisory Committee. The public are welcome attend & to comment. I’ve personally heard several complaints regarding the condition of Richmond’s gravel roads, I am concerned about their condition myself, and I hope for a robust discussion. The last Road Advisory committee agenda posted …
Bruce Garlow, who served 20 years as Richmond’s Town Administrator and as our first Conservation Agent for 15 years, passed away this past Friday. He was 72 years old. Holly Stover chaired the ConCom during those years and Bruce and Holly fought very hard to conserve Richmond’s character. For example, one huge battle was won …
“Restore the Earth!” That’s this year’s theme for Earth Day. Thinking back to the 1st Earth Day in 1970, many things were bleak. Our roadsides were full of litter. There was no EPA. No clean water act. No wetlands protection act. Corporations were spewing pollutants into our air and waters. Yet widespread optimism and activism …
In 1995, twin brothers, Millard and Frederic Pryor, gifted over 120 acres of forested land in West Stockbridge and Richmond to the Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC). The Richmond Land Trust (RLT) and BNRC jointly own a conservation restriction on the property. Interestingly, as a young economics student, Frederic Pryor was captured by the soviets …
All persons and organizations about to work in a wetlands resource area need to have permission. Aren’t sure if it is a regulated area?? Just ask the Concom! They can help. For example, if you are looking at a stream from the seat of an excavator…you might pause for a second and not just start …
This morning Dan Scorpa and I accompanied several DCR staff and Tom Lautzenheiser from MassAudubon on a site visit up the steep western slopes of Lenox Mountain. It was a breezy and sunny spring day, perfect for a walk. Late May and into mid-June of last year, un-permitted activity by contractors working for DCR, damaged …