East Longmeadow Conservation Commission

Annual Report 2004

 

To the Board of Selectmen:

 

In 2004 the Conservation Commission received and acted on 24 Notices of Intent and numerous Requests for Determination of Applicability for projects under the jurisdiction of the Massachusetts Wetlands and Rivers Acts.   In addition, the Commission held many on-site inspections of various properties in town.  The Commission continues to find that the Rivers Act, which extends the zone of jurisdiction out to 200 feet from any perennial stream, is impacting a growing number of proposed projects in town, especially in the heavily built up areas along Pecousic Brook and its tributaries, and it urges anyone contemplating a project in the vicinity of any perennial stream to consult with the Commission early in the planning stages to avoid delays later.

 

The Commission continues to sponsor the Arbor Day celebrations in two of  the Town's elementary schools, donating a tree or shrub to each school.  The Commission is also working with the state Riverways program to develop demonstration gardens and educational materials for homeowners whose property contains or abuts a stream or river.

 

The Commission meets in the town hall on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 7 pm.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

George Kingston, Chairman                                                Michael Salvon

Steven Niec, Vice Chair                                                       Walter Siefert

Thomas Stevens, Treasurer                                                Mary Swords

Martha Hamilton