The Conservation Commission's primary responsibility is the protection of wetlands. During FY95, administration of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection regulations required the Conservation Commission to review/issue the following permits at 31 public meetings:
| Requests for Determination of Applicability | 31 |
| Positive | 1 |
| Negative | 30 |
| Notice of Intent | 9 |
| Orders of Condition | 9 |
| Extension Permits | 5 |
| Certificates of Compliance | 6 |
| Violations | 18 |
| Amendments | 5 |
Property owners are reminded that projects ( including sheds, tree removal, pools, etc.) within 100 feet of a wetland (brook, pond, swamp, etc.) or in the flood plain must be reviewed by the Conservation Commission. Call the office at 425-2618 if you have questions regarding wetland issues or if you are uncertain whether you should file. We encourage residents to be responsible wetland neighbors and retain native vegetative borders between their lawns and adjacent wetland buffer areas.
The Conservation Commission also has responsibilities related to the maintenance and acquisition of Open Space for the Town of Shirley. Open space is valuable to town residents as recreational land, and adds to the overall desirability of living in our community. During this time period the Conservation Commission initiated the update of the Town's Open Space & Recreation Plan. This plan must be updated every 5 years in order for the Town to remain eligible for State funding. A $250 grant was received to help with this process. The Commission also updated open space data for Shirley on the State's GIS database system.
During 1994-95, the Commission has finalized the acquisition of four properties. First, through the efforts of the Greenway Committee, the Commission obtained an island and adjacent riverbank on the Squannacook River that will provide additional access to the river. Secondly, a parcel near Holden and Center Roads, known as the "Triangle," is a key to the continuation of a wildlife corridor. In addition, Leon and Katherine Hurd generously donated 20 acres of prime wildlife habitat off Garrison Road.
The Spruce Swamp Brook trail system through the Holden Road Conservation Area and portions of Valley Farm was completed and formerly opened in October with the First Annual Fall Foliage Hike. Many thanks to Hermann and Kate Field for making this trail system possible, and the Greenway Committee for bringing the project to the Conservation Commission. Trail improvements continued throughout the year with the help of volunteers of the Greenway Committee and the Boy Scouts.
Other items of interest for the year are as follows:
The Conservation Commission lost some valuable members: Ron Farnsworth, Linda Vickery, and Robin Brown. The Commission appreciates their dedication. Elizabeth Martin joined the Conservation Commission. Laurie Bellamy left her position as the Conservation Administrator and was replaced by Dorothy Wilbur. Anne Gagnon recently took on this position.
Respectfully submitted,
E. Heidi Roddis, Chair
Steve Shollenberger, Vice-Chair
Bob Burkhardt
Elizabeth Martin
Paul Leaman