Report of the Conservation Commission
The Southwick Conservation Commission’s mission continues to be to serve as the conservation conscience of the Town of Southwick, providing leadership for natural resources planning. The Commission works to protect and, where possible, enhance plant and wildlife habitat to maintain Southwick’s natural resources.
We have seven dedicated Commissioners. Christopher J. Pratt, and Seth Kellogg, served for their seventh year as Chair and Vice-chair. 2010 appointments to the commission include: James Parent, an advanced degreed structural engineer, provides significant relevant construction experience. Robert Baribeau, also an advance degreed engineer, has years of experience in environmental and engineering management. Jeremy Cigal, raised in Southwick, is a Registered Professional Engineer knowledgeable in aspects of Civil Engineering relevant to Committee purview. Also serving are: Mehmet Mizanoglu, PHD, who consistently provides solid input and guidance on all matters before the Commission. David Stansbury, a professional photographer, provides photo services and objective appraisal of Commission considerations. The Commission longest serving member, Seth Kellogg, continues to enlighten using his vast knowledge of wildlife and practical field experience. Christopher J. Pratt, an environmental science teacher, encourages a scientific approach to proceedings while efficiently running meetings.
The year of 2010 has been a busy year for the Commission. The Local Permitting Program (LPP) has been implemented and administered under the Commission’s jurisdiction as authorized by the MA Department of Environmental Protection. The Commission lost office support in 2010, requiring its Coordinator, Dennis Clark, to identify a replacement technical alternative. The Commission subsequently enlisted the services of Sabrina Pooler, a Summer Intern from UMass. Sabrina greatly aided in implementing the LPP, which achieved nearly universal compliance from Southwick lakefront residents in its roll-out year
The Commission continues to work closely with the Lake Management Committee in monitoring the perennially successful treatment of Congamond Lakes to control exotic invasive plant species. In 2010, chemical treatment for weeds was scaled back; and, the focus was directed at treatment for algae bloom that has been occurring in South and Middle Ponds in recent years.
In 2010 the Commission helped with the placement and removal of buoys, continuing support for the program to protect valuable ecological areas. Information was also provided to boaters to highlight the areas indicated by the buoys are ecologically sensitive.
The Commission worked again this year with Pioneer Valley Planning Commission and the Southwick DPW, utilizing 319 Grant funding to rectify road stormwater related runoff that had been a major source of pollutants to the Lakes for many years. The 319 Grant was used to remedy the North Pond siltation and erosion problem areas and was completed in 2010.
During 2010, the 20 Depot Square Condominium project was begun. At the outset, it was observed that the contractor was in non-compliance with the Commission’s Order of Conditions. The Commission collaborated with the developer, contractor, DEP, and EPA to move this project site towards compliance. Massachusetts G.L. Ch. 44 §53G was utilized to require the developer to fund the Commission’s hiring an Erosion Control Monitor to independently report to the Commission the level of stormwater management control that that had not been implemented according to the plan approved for the project.
The Commission continues to oversee a nine member Open Space Planning Committee (OSPC). The OSPC, under the Chair of John Stadnicki, continues to apply for grant monies to manage Conservation Commission properties.
The Commission continued to work with the Community Preservation Committee in acquiring Agricultural Preservation Restrictions (APR) used to preserve farmland in Southwick. In 2010, APR's for the Fox Farm on Davis Road and the Jaydub Farm on Granville Road were approved at Town Meeting, ensuring that these parcels remain as farmlands or open space in perpetuity.
Respectfully submitted,
Christopher J. Pratt, Chairman
Seth Kellogg, Vice Chair
Dennis Clark, Coordinator
Mehmet Mizanoglu
David Stansbury
James Parent
Robert Baribeau
Jeremy Cigal