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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-10-22 Town Forest Committee Minutes DISCUSSION SUMMARY, READING TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE MEEiIYNG, 10/22/12. [12/341 H&A for 1. Diverse nature of Reading Town Forest(RTF)users Common to the Survey presentation,the Audobon report,and the respondents' commentary [summarized below] is that diversity of user demand reflects the inherent diversity of the resource itself. Although{{{40%}}} of survey respondents are dog walkers (which two attendees challenged as an underestimate), the meeting attendees referred to their RTF demands and experiences in contexts of youth group leadership,bird watching, recreational hiking,camping,composting,picnicking,mountain-biking and cross-country skiing. 2. The relationship between Reading Town Forest(RTF) &Mass Audobon Will Mass Audobon be assuming control of RTF? No,instead,Mass Audobon's role is as a consultant,retained to prepare a report for consideration by the Town(including public commentary on the consultant's findings). it was clarified that the Forest will remain under Town control and that the Town would continue to be very much engaged with overseeing RTF. 3. How will the Town pay for this consultancy? Although agreeing with many of the report's findings,one questioner asked where the funds will come from to pay Mass Audobon. RTF Committee Chair Patrice Todisco explained the revolving fund which had been already established via a conservation forest source. {{{needs clarification?}}} 4. RTF seems more undisturbed than comparable recreation areas in other towns One participant who walks extensively in RTF noted that it seemed"more natural"than Horn Pond(Woburn)and Lake Quannapowit(Wakefield) and other high density recreation sites. • Responding to the question"How is RTF doing—what shape is it in overall?"Liz reported that it's in"great shape,thanks to roads having been built to minimize erosion and also because users take good care of it." She added two ecological recommendations:a)diversifying the mono-cultural nature of the pine forest over time, to enable co-occurrence of more tree species and age-classes,and b) managing wetland areas to minimize invasive species presence,including Phragmites and purple loosestrife. • One participant asked about reducing culverts and a second individual--whose boys had fallen several times on trails--wondered whether trails might be better groomed. Liz agreed that,while there are some culverts,the issue is readily manageable on an as- needed basis. S. To what extent can preserving"naturalness"co-occur with adequate parldng? Ms Newland elaborated on the challenge of designing access into a park long after its paths, roads,compost,tree nursery,recreational and ecological (wetland,forest) features were 1 already in place. "Were we to start designing land-use from scratch,we'd have a freer hand." The result would have better served RTF's huge array of current users,including bird watchers,campers,dog walkers. Liz stated that balancing access while being mindful of the different users will require considerable vision. A key example of balancing diverse(and conflicting)demands involves potential parking near Strout Avenue,where compost area traffic converges with the gas line. • This was addressed by one attendee,whose diverse involvements (RTF dog-walker, cross-country skier;member of Stream Team,Walkable Reading,and Climate Committee) reflect the challenges of multiple resource use. Beyond juggling pedestrian safety with parking,she pointed out that salamanders inhabiting the vernal pool in this vicinity also use upland habitat across the street. She asked whether the consultant had considered recommending a path parallel to Strout Ave. This would allow people access without having their cars disrupt salamander presence. • Liz<<<Newland?»»>replied that,while this particular route had not been considered,overall habitat mapping--used to minimize environmental impact--had taken into account the recommendations of a professor at UMass-Amherst who is an expert on salamander ecology. • Identifying the Town Forest as"Heaven in Reading,"a further respondent suggested moving the compost operation over to the former nursery area,to enable parking where the loam and wood chips are presently sited. Unlike the cul-de-sac alternative (sometimes inundated with 2 feet of water, "it's a nice flat surface,doesn't ever flood, users could walk right to field easily and cars wouldn't have to park on Strout Ave." A boardwalk could be installed from parking to the field. 6. How much parking Is actually necessary?An additional questioner asked: "Do we even need more parking?Wouldn't this result in increased visitor use?And who votes on this issue?" • Liz noted that there are only 10 designated parking spaces. • A respondent added that significant available parking near Wood End School receives little use. • Patrice responded that,while the Town Planner and Town Forest Committee vote on the issue,"we are [still] in information-collecting mode." • A Town Meeting member suggested starting with total number of parking spots desired,then dispersing these among RTFs ends [i.e.boundaries]. • Patrice added that this is"a question of access besides simply parking."On days when the compost area is active,"getting people,dogs,kids and strollers in and out of the area safely is a big problem-and can be dangerous." 2 7. What patterns of use pose risk to RTF's viability—and what initiatives can preserve this?Asking"shouldn't RTF use the national park model of "carry in/ carry out?"a questioner opened discussion regarding use by youth groups,particularly Boy Scouts. • Twice a year,a large influx of vehicles arrives bearing scouts,parents and leaders,plus considerable gear and food (e.g.to host a turkey roast for many people). A concern was raised that hiking in from cars parked along Grove Street would put undue burden on participants and risk their safety. One scout leader added that readily available car access is needed in the potential event that an injury requiring immediate evacuation. • Serving a younger group of kids than the Boy Scouts,a Friends of Reading Recreation spokesperson added"we definitely need to be able to get cars in and out"for their events. • Further commentary from both groups suggested that they may be leaving the camping areas cleaner upon departing then encountered. One respondent,whose son is an Eagle Scout,observed"lovely interaction"between the Boy Scouts and RTF and RTF's other users. • The case was also made that,since RTF camping provides many with their first opportunity to sleep outdoors,efforts should be made to ensure that the experience (including meals)is successful. • One respondent added that any parking lot added should include a gate which would be closed in order to limit after-hours access and potential refuse dumping. 8. Given significant community interest,could the RTF committee publicize its meetings? Noting the hearing's full house,a respondent proposed greater citizen involvement via opening attendance by the public at future RTF committee meetings. • Patrice replied that<<double check this>>any Reading resident is welcome to attend the committee's meetings,and that these are listed on the Town website. With sufficient interest,advance notices placed in the local newspapers. 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