Northborough,
MAssachusetts
Conservation Commission
December, 1997
The Conservation Commission administers and enforces the Wetlands
Protection Act and Northborough's Wetlands Bylaw. The Commission generally meets twice
monthly to consider applications to work within areas protected by the Act. In 1997, the
Commission held 20 public meetings, conducted 63 public hearings, considered 52 Notices of
Intent, 7 requests for Determinations of Applicability, 2 requests for Extension Permits
and 2 requests for Amended Orders of Conditions. The Commission issued 44 Orders of
Conditions, 41 Certificates of Compliance, 2 Extension Permits, and 2 Amended Orders of
Conditions. Revenues collected from filing fees totaled $8,090.
During the year, the Commissioners participated in workshops involving open
space planning, administration of the wetland regulations including the Riverfront area
and Stormwater Management Policy. Open communications have been established with other
Town boards and commissions.
The Conservation Commission administers four open space/recreation areas:
Watson Park on Bartlett Pond, Bartlett Pond, Mount Pisgah and Edmund Hill Woods. We
encourage everyone to visit these areas and enjoy their natural beauty.
WATSON PARK AT BARTLETT POND - The entrance to Watson Park is located on Lyman
Street and is defined with fencing and a gate. The park is open from sunrise to sunset.
Paved parking is available at the edge of the Pond and a boat ramp provides access to the
pond. Watson Park is a good place to canoe, picnic and bird watch. It continues to see
high usage by the lunch crowd because it is a delightful area to enjoy peace and quiet
during a busy day. Plans for additional improvement to this area are under consideration.
BARTLETT POND - Public access to the pond is through Watson Park. The pond is
enjoyed throughout the year by those wishing to canoe, fish, ice skate, or just enjoy the
scenery. The commission continues to explore various possibilities for improving the
quality of this resource. As always input from residents of the Town are appreciated and
encouraged.
MOUNT PISGAH CONSERVATION AREA - Located off of Smith Road, Mount Pisgah
provides a perfect area for hiking and enjoying the outdoors. The trail starts at the
parking lot and winds throughout the area. This is a wonderful spot to get some exercise
and enjoy the natural beauty. Several spots provide excellent views. Hikers have the
chance of possibly seeing deer, wild turkeys, as well as a multitude of song birds. This
is a great place to spend an afternoon.
EDMUND HILL WOODS is located off Rice Avenue at the intersection with the
Aqueduct Bridge. It is identified by a sign and a small parking area is provided for
access to the hiking trails.
The Commission would like to recognize the dedication of Joe Hamilton and
Steve Banahan, who resigned as members this year. Thanks to both of them for their
unstinting service to the community.
The Commission appreciates the support and encouragement given to us by the
Assistant Town Engineer, Sue Brackett and the Engineering Secretary, Debbie Grampietro. We
realize our work is a team effort which involves the assistance of other boards,
commissions, members of the Town Hall community and the residents of Northborough. We
thank them for their support and help.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,
JEFF AMBERSON, CHAIRMAN;
BARBARA VOLKIE, VICE CHAIRMAN;
DIANE GULDNER, CLERK;
WAYNE BALDELLI, BRIAN MCMANUS, MAURICE TOUGAS,
GUY DIANTONIO
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