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Date: 12/15/2022
HAMPDEN – The town of Hampden may partner with Massachusetts Audubon Society (Mass Audubon) to monitor a land parcel off Chapin Road as the conservation organization purchases the property to protect indigenous plant and animal species inhabiting the area.
Kate Buttolph and Nicole Marcotte with Mass Audubon addressed the Dec. 5 Board of Selectmen meeting to outline a proposed conservation restriction (CR) for 64 acres of land that Mass Audubon is currently in contract to purchase.
Two weeks earlier, the Conservation Commission had heard the request to hold restrictions on the parcel south of Laughing Brook Wildlife Sanctuary. The property is crossed in parts with the Scantic River. Two federal grants applied for in order to purchase the land require the CR as a condition of acceptance. The Conservation Commission would be the holder of the CR as Mass Audubon cannot on a parcel they own.
“The CR holder is sort of an enforcement person, they monitor the land …and make sure you’re not putting up a swimming pool or a tennis court on land that’s supposed to be protected.” Buttolph said.
Mass Audubon has no plans for or to allow development and no trails would be cut or marked into the property. Hiking and walking in the area would be permitted as would what is considered, “passive recreation” but activities including hunting, fishing and all-terrain vehicle operation would be prohibited.
A second conservation restriction will be held by Mass Audubon on an adjacent parcel owned by the residential developer building housing lots closer to Chapin Road.
Annual monitoring of the property would be the responsibility of the town with assistance from Mass Audubon financially and through staff support.
Marcotte said, “The encroaching properties will also be monitored for their impact on the conservation area, “We will have eyes on the ground.”
The working agreement between the town of Hampden and Mass. Audubon will undergo review for approval by the town.