Lenox Conservation Commission
Landuse Meeting Room
July 2, 2015
Minutes
Members present: Chair Neal Carpenter, (NC); Vince Ammendola, (VA); Tim Flanagan, (TF); Joe Strauch, (JS); Dick Ferren, (DF); David Lane, DL
Staff present: Peggy Ammendola, (PA)
Also present was Town Manager Chris Ketchen.
7:30 PM Richard Moche and Heidi Brown, Request for Determination of Applicability 57 Bramble Ln., Map 1 Parcel 43. The proposal is exterior work on the westerly side of the existing house to install a deck and platform leading to the main entrance of the house and new stairs off the deck and stairs off the platform.
There was a site visit on July 1st and was attended by Attorney Donahue and Commissioners JS, VA, TF and NC.
Making the presentation was Attorney Vicki Donahue who represents the property owner. At the site visit, the Commission noted that in the vicinity of the deck there was a concrete pad about 6 feet square and 4 inches thick. Nick Disantis, the contractor, said that he would put Technometal Posts at either end and bridge it rather than disturb it.
As requested by TF, Attorney Donahue provided a scale for the drawings. She will send a copy to DEP.
At the site visit it was noted that the dock was on the surface of the water. At tonight’s meeting Attorney Donahue agreed to inform the owners that the dock should be raised.
When the work is completed, the Conservation Commission is to be notified. Additionally, if there is any digging, the Commission would have to approve.
Today the CC received a copy of the dock permit that was issued by the state.
VA made a motion to issue a Negative III with the condition that if there was any digging other than that for the Techno Metal Post of Connecticut, the Conservation Commission would have to be notified. DL seconded the motion and the Commission voted to approve 7-0.
Emerald Ash Borer Research Project-Informal discussion with Roy Van Driesche of UMASS, retired Professor of Entomology. Professor Van Driesche gave a brief history of the background of the infestation of the Emerald Ash Borer which was first discovered in Michigan and later found in Massachusetts in 2012-2013. According to him experience since 2002 in the central United States has demonstrated that if left unchecked the populations of the borer increase over 2.5 years and destroy a high percentage of ash in infested forests. They have been found in low levels near Woolsey Trail along the Bridal Trail in Kennedy Park. Professor Van Driesche proposes to use Kennedy Park as one of the network of 8 sites, two in MA, two in CT and 4 in NY along the Hudson River. The plan is to release biological agents, two
parasitoids, and evaluate their impacts over time. Biological agents have been used in research plots in Michigan since 2007 and have been strongly associated with a 90% decrease in the borers attack rates on trees in the research plots. The parasitoids are known to be nearly specific to the emerald ash borer, with only minor impacts on some additional borers and they have been approved for release throughout the US by the federal government. Cooperating in the project are scientists from the USDA and Forest Service.
Professor Van Driesche would also like to get approval to use a pesticide known as emamectin benzoate that would be injected into a percentage of the ash trees to determine if it increases the forest protection or enhances parasitism. The Commission wanted to know if an MSDS was available. RFC, expressing concern about the use of pesticide, asked if the pesticide would be harmful to animals that might eat the leaves. Professor Van Driesche did not think a mammal would climb the tree and eat the foliage, but didn’t know. Others were concerned about how long the pesticide would remain active.
The proposed program raised several questions as to the location of the affected trees in relationship to the nearby wetland area and stream bank. The Commission would like to have dimensional drawings of the area of the proposed study area. The Commission informed Professor Van Driesche that work within 100 feet of a resource area will require an Request for Determination of Applicability or Notice of Intent.
At this time it was agreed that a file would be established that would include the document Proposal to Conduct Research on Emerald Ash Borer in Kennedy Park. Mr. Ketchen will inform both the Kennedy Park Committee and the Board of Selectmen, and should the project be permitted, an informational sign would be posted at the study site to inform the public. The study would be conducted over a period of 5-10 years and annual reports should be filed on the status of the study. Professor Van Driesche said that it was expected that they would be ready to appear before the Commission in September.
Approve Minutes-June 18, 2015 DF made a motion to approve the minutes and JS seconded the motion. The Commission voted to approve 6-0-1. RFC abstained as she was not present at the meeting.
RFC made a motion to adjourn and DL seconded the motion. The Commission voted to adjourn 7-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Peggy Ammendola
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