During most of 1987, the Shirley Conservation Commission functioned with only four members out of a full complement of seven. Three new commissioners were appointed in September.
Despite incomplete membership, the Commission held public hearings and issued Orders of Conditions (conditional permits) under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act for three industrial buildings, two agricultural projects, one highway project, three subdivisions, and fifteen individual lots. Two denials were issued of a wetland filling proposal and of a dredging proposal. In addition, the Commission made six additional delineations of wetland boundaries. One delineation, appealed by the applicant, was upheld by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Quality Engineering (DEQE). The Commission issued seven formal Enforcement Orders for wetland violations in 1987. Of these, one resulted in a court summons but was later settled out of court, four resulted in compliance, and two continue to be in violation and require further action.
An amendment to the Wetlands Protection Act added wildlife habitat as a ninth protected value of wetlands as of November 1, 1987. The new regulations increase the complexity of the permitting process for projects proposing activity in wetlands and in the 10-year floodplain of ponds and streams. Several Commission members attended workshops to learn more about the new wetland and wildlife regulations.
In the areas of land protection and acquisition, the Conservation Commission presented a land bank proposal to the Town for consideration at the 1987 Annual Town Meeting. The proposal was not received with enthusiasm by voters and was withdrawn. Efforts continued to contact owners of tax title land and to explore opportunities for acquisition of key parcels of open space. Following last spring's extensive flooding, the Commission and Building Inspector obtained information from state and federal officials about programs that would allow owners of frequently flooded properties to sell and relocate to higher ground. A major drive to negotiate purchase of Benjamin Hill for the Town resulted in a positive Town Meeting vote but was unsuccessful in funding the purchase.
The Commission continued to work with other Town boards on conservation issues, commenting on junkyard regulations with the Board of Selectmen and on groundwater protection issues with the Board of Health. The Commission reviewed all preliminary and final subdivision plans submitted to the Planning Board and appeals submitted to the Board of Appeals and, when appropriate, prepared comments relating to the projects' potential impacts on wetlands, water quality, drainage and groundwater.
Late in 1987 the Commission completed a successful search for a Conservation Assistant to help with administrative tasks and field review of projects. We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Shirley L. Griffin, who resigned at the end of the year after serving on the Shirley Conservation Commission since its establishment. Many of our open spaces and our environmentally-oriented bylaws and regulations are due to Dr. Griffin's efforts through the years on behalf of the Town for land acquisition and natural resource protection. She has set an example that future Commissioners should be proud to emulate. Thank you, Shirley!
Respectfully submitted,