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Date: 4/18/2023
SOUTHWICK — The town-owned conservation land on the shore of North Pond “needs to be treated with respect,” Select Board Chair Russell Fox said recently.
In the past few years, there has been increased activity in the conservation area, with some visitors leaving behind feces, trash, discarded camping equipment, and others operating ATVs or dirt bikes, which are strictly prohibited in the Conservation Commission property, town officials say.
The land, the last undeveloped parcel on the pond, is supposed to be used for passive recreation only. That is not only town policy, but also part of a restriction placed on it by the state government, which partially funded the $5 million acquisition in 2019. The land adjoins the Southwick Wildlife Management Area.
Fox said patrols by local and state law enforcement agencies, including the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office and the state’s Environmental Police, will be increased this spring and summer.
“Officers will be taking a firm stand,” he said about the increased presence of law enforcement on and around the lake and pond.
Trail cameras will also be installed to monitor the area for potential violations, and a porta-potty will be placed in the parking area near Granaudo Circle where visitors can hike in to access the conservation area, he said.
Visitors will also see some areas closed off with orange silt fencing to protect natural flora and fauna, and reduce erosion caused by human activity.
“These are mitigation efforts to help the environment return to its natural state,” Fox said, stressing the fencing will be temporary. “We’re hoping that people will respect this piece of property. Use it, but keep it clean.”
Fox credited the Conservation Commission, Board of Health, local police and Department of Public Works for their efforts to discourage lawbreaking and clean up messes left at the conservation land. In addition to state funds, the 2019 purchase included donations from individuals and the Franklin Land Trust, and a $1.7 million expenditure from town taxpayers.