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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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61 — Not just a number

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 in East Germany, charged with espionage and held prisoner for several months. Eventually his release was gained as part of a prisoner swap involving U2 pilot Francis Gary Powers. The story of this was told in book form, later made into a Steven Spielberg film, …

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Passing Along some Gifts from Richmond’s Past

For me, the absolutely best part of this 01254.org project has been the privilege of getting to know more and more great people around town. And, of course, the gift packages full of treasures arriving via mail, email, texts, and special hand delivery. All of this experience is a mixture of archeology, cultural anthropology, history, exploration and fun. For example, among the ‘treasures of antiquity’ which I have been gifted is a 45 rpm record produced by Lon O. Nordeen in 1974 which I recently digitized. Lon Nordeen was one of the earliest advocates for cleaning up the Housatonic River …

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