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Public Meeting #7: Natural Resources/Open Space and RecreationJanuary 28, 2021

Notes on Virtual Participation This meeting is being broadcast live through M-PACT-TV (Channel 15) Questions and comments can be submitted during the event and after to:

Linda Leduc, Town Planner and Economic Development DirectorPhone: (413) 283-2605Email: lleduc@townofpalmer.com

A recording of the meeting will be posted to M-PACT-TV’s website – typically the following day after 1:00PM

Notes on Virtual Participation This meeting is being broadcast live and recorded through

Facebook Live– Comments are enabled and monitored

This meeting is being hosted on Zoom–https://tinyurl.com/palmermp-openspace– Comments can be submitted through the Q&A tool or through

audio/microphone by raising your virtual hand

https://tinyurl.com/palmermp-openspace

Agenda1. Welcome and Introductions (Dave Golden, MPSC Chairman) 6:30 – 6:352. Instant Polling Questions – Demographics (VHB) 6:35 – 6:403a. Baseline Conditions – Natural Resources (VHB) 6:40 – 7:003b. Baseline Conditions – Open Space and Recreation (VHB) 7:00 – 7:153c. Health Addendum Supplement (PVPC) 7:15 – 7:30 4. Participant Interaction (All) 7:30 – 8:20

Focus: GoalsFocus: Actions/Strategies

5. Next Steps (VHB, Dave Golden, MPSC Chairman) 8:20 – 8:306. Adjourn 8:30

Welcome and Introductions

What is a Master Plan? Guided by M.G.L. c. 41, §81D

Documents where a community comes from, what it is today, and what direction it has decided to go in the future.

Is a policy guide aligned with a community’s established future vision.

Provides a framework for future land use decision-making and the physical development of the municipality.

Covers a time frame of 10-15 years; shorter-term reviews will keep it current.

A Master Plan is NOT:

A zoning ordinance, a subdivision regulation, a

budget, a capital improvement program or other regulatory

document. It is meant to provide the framework for the

development of these implementation tools.

Palmer Master Plan Draft Vision StatementPalmer is a preeminent destination to live, work and play in Western Massachusetts. Our collective, small-town identity is defined by the unique qualities of our four villages - Depot Village, Thorndike, Three Rivers and Bondsville. This identity is continually built upon by residents and organizations with incredible spirit and who are deeply invested in and celebrate the Town and its history. Palmer is planning its future with sustainability in mind and with a focus on climate resilience so as to be a thriving and vibrant community both now and in the future.

Known as the “Town of Seven Railroads,” Palmer is a picturesque New England town boasting abundant open spaces, recreation areas and natural habitats - including lands along the Ware, Swift, Quaboag and Chicopee Rivers, which are all maintained and preserved for the enjoyment of all. These assets, along with housing accessibility and affordability, a top performing school system, high quality local health care facilities and convenient road and rail transportation access to points across the state and beyond, help to support and strengthen our existing residents and businesses as well as attract new ones that will be a part of our community for years to come.

Palmer Master Plan Draft Vision Statement

Instant Polling Exercise -Demographics

Notes on Virtual Participation

Notes on Virtual Participation

Note: Facebook Live was not active during this meeting.

Baseline Conditions –Natural Resources

Public Survey #1 - ResultsWhat are the most pressing natural resource protection needs? Please select two.

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%

50%

GroundwaterSupplies

Waterbodies Forested Areas Fields and OpenSpace Land

Active AgriculturalLands

Wildlife / Bio-diversity

Nature-basedSolutions to Climate

Change

Other

Natural Resources –Inventory Summary Water resources:

– Located within the Chicopee River Watershed– Rivers: Quaboag, Swift, Ware, Chicopee

• Impairment – E. Coli, Fecal Coliform– Lakes: Forest, Thompson, Crystal– Ponds: Round, Ice House, Allen’s, Knox, Lily*– Approx. 858 acres of wetlands– Flood Hazard Areas – Ware and Quaboag

• Flood Plain Overlay District

Vegetation:– Forest: Red Cedar, Pine, Hemlock, White Oak,

Red Oak, Sugar Maple, and Red Maple– Non-Forest: Fields, Open Marsh, Swamps,

Wet/Highland Meadows, agricultural areas– Shrub/Herbaceous: Flowering Dogwoods,

Choke Cherry, High/Low Bush Blueberry, etc.

Natural Resources –BioMap2 Conservation plan to protect the

state’s biodiversity Core Habitat

– Areas necessary to promote the long-term persistence of Species of Conservation Concern, exemplary natural communities, and intact ecosystems

– Palmer: 2,514 acres (27.1% protected)

Critical Natural Landscape – Intact landscapes that are better able to

support ecological processes– Palmer: 1,617 acres (16.3% protected)

Natural Resources – BioMap2 (Continued)

Core Habitat– Nine Exemplary or Priority Natural Community Cores

• For example, Kettlehole Level Bog, Oak - Hickory Forest– Two Wetland Cores– Five Aquatic Cores– Seven Specific of Conservation Concern Cores

• Three amphibians (e.g., Blue-spotted Salamander), one fish (Bridle Shiner), three mussels (e.g., Triangle Floater), and three plants (e.g., Lion’s Foot)

Critical Natural Landscape – One Landscape Block– Three Wetland Core Buffers– Five Aquatic Core Buffers

Sources: 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan, MVP Planning Grant Report (map)

Natural Resources –Rare Species

No federally listed endangered plant species

State/NHESP – Endangered, Threatened, or Special Concern Status– Adlumia fungosa/Climbing Fumitory (SC)– Arceuthobium pusillum/Dwarf Misletoe (SC)– Boechera missouriensis/Green Rock-cress (T)– Elatine americana/American Waterwort (E)– Nabalus serpentarius/Lion’s Foot (E)– Ranunculus mircranthus/Tiny-flowered

Buttercup (E)

Environmental Challenges

Hazardous Waste and Brownfields:– 172 sites registered (e.g., Thorndike Mills)

Landfills and Trash:– Landfill closed in 1997– Implemented a Seven-Year Action Plan to address

illegal dumping, trash disposal and littering

Erosion and sedimentation affect all ponds and waterways

Chronic flooding:– Aged stormwater system, inadequate capacity – Many low-lying properties developed on the flood

plains

Sources: 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan, MVP Planning Grant Report (map)

Environmental Challenges (Cont.)

Ground and Surface Water Pollution:– Risk to both surface and ground water due to poor drainage, excessive

drainage, and/or developments bordering wetlands– Nonpoint sources of pollution (esp. stormwater runoff) impacting rivers,

ponds, and wetlands

The Chicopee River Basin is classified “high vulnerability” Invasive plant species (i.e., Japanese knotweed, glossy buckhorn, etc.) Fragile ecosystems (Core Habitat, etc.) at risk for fragmentation and

destruction

Source: 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan

Nature-Based Solutions – Vulnerability Reduction

Nature-Based Solutions use or mimic natural systems (e.g., wetlands) to address natural hazards (e.g., flooding, erosion, drought, and heat islands).–Solutions: Open Space

Preservation, Ecosystem Restoration, Low Impact Development

–Benefits: Avoided Costs, Enhanced Safety, Environmental Services

MVP Action Grant Program Prioritizes Projects That:– Propose Nature Based Solutions– Rely on Green Infrastructure– Rely on Conservation and

Enhancement of NaturalSystems

Example Projects:– Belchertown – Road Stream

Crossing Assessment and Climate Adaptation Plan

Baseline Conditions –Open Space and Recreation

Public Survey #1 - ResultsPlease rank open space preservation relative to the challenge of improving quality of life in Palmer.

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50%

Very Challenging

Not Challenging

Somewhat Challenging

Very Challenging

Public Survey #1 - ResultsIn terms of future development, how important is the protection of open spaces?

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

Not Important

Somewhat Important

Important

Very Important

Public Survey #1 - ResultsPlease rank the Town’s recreation facilities and services in terms of their performance/ condition.

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%

Excellent Good Fair Poor Do Not Know

Public Survey #1 - Results

Which recreation assets do you think the town needs the most? Please select five.

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

Open Space and Recreation – Open Space/Protection

4.6%8.9%

86.3%

0.2%0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Limited None In Perpetuity Term limited

Open Space without Protection– Camp Ramah in New England– New England Beagle Club– Camp Stanica– Nenameseck Sportsmans Club– Bondsville Playground– Bondsville Grammar Park

Source: Masslive, 2019

Open Space and Recreation – Chapter 61 Programs

1,070.82

1,590.72

240.7208

0%

20000%

40000%

60000%

80000%

100000%

120000%

140000%

160000%

180000%

Chapter 61 Chapter 61A Chapter 61B

• Chapter 61 (Forestry) and Chapter 61A (Agriculture) make up a greater percentage of Palmer’s unprotected open space

• Chapter 61B Land (Open Space and Recreation) is a significantly smaller portion of Palmer’s unprotected land

Open Space and Recreation – Open Space/Purpose

60.97 30.08

2,325.40

86.04

611.51

322.16

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

Agriculture Recreation andConservation

Conservation (non-facilitybased)

Historical/Cultural Recreation (facility based) Water Supply Protection

Open Space and Recreation – Facilities and Programs

Facilities– Burleigh Park and Trails– Chase Memorial Park – Converse Middle School – Depot Village Park– Endelson Playground – Forest Lake – Hryniewicz Park – Midura Area Trails– Swift River Greenbelt

Trails– Pattaquattic Trails

Sources: Masslive, 2019

– Nick Laviolette Field – Pulaski Park – Thorndike Park – Water Street Field– Palmer Public Schools

Campus

Programs– Pickleball– Zumba

Baseline Conditions: Regional ContextRegional Open Space Opportunities

Colonels Mountain Wildlife Management Area• Area of open space shared between

Palmer and Ware

• Located in the northeast portion of Palmer

Red Bridge State Park• Work is underway to expand the trail

system along the Chicopee River

• Trails are not currently accessible from Palmer Source: www.mapcarta.com

Source: OSRP (2014), Mass Dept of State Parks and Recreation

Baseline Conditions: Regional ContextRegional Open Space Opportunities

Titanic Rail Trail/Grand Trunk Trail• Proposed 60 – 80-mile non-motorized

trail system linking the Blackstone with the Pioneer Valley.

• Begins in Franklin, MA and currently terminates in east Brimfield.

Mass Central Rail Trail (MCRT)• 104-mile off-road shared use trail

connecting Northampton to Boston.

• Approximately 51 miles of rail trail have been fully developed.

• Segment 2 Feasibility Study – Oct 2020

Source: OSRP (2014), Mass Central Rail Trail Org.

Source: Mass Central Rail Trail Interactive Google Map

Baseline Conditions –Health Addendum Supplement

Health Benefits of Natural Resources, Parks and Open Space

Clean drinking water Farmland soils for locally grown fresh

produce, eggs, meat, dairy Active lifestyles reduce risk of chronic

disease, obesity Areas with more vegetation show lower

levels of psychological stress Vegetation filters air pollution and allows

infiltration of stormwater runoff Indoor and outdoor spaces provide places

for social interaction and engagement

2019 Park Access Project Mapping project that reviewed public

parks in relation to population density and demographics

Community Health Inclusion Index (CHII) assessments of accommodations for people with disabilities Accessibility of paths in and around the

site for walking and rolling

Playgrounds with ground material that can be traversed using a mobility device, elevated playground equipment, ground level play components

Restrooms, ADA parking, access to transit

Endelson Playground

Park Access Project - % of Population by Age

% Under 18

% Over 65

What Draws People to Parks?“Active Parks, Healthy Cities” findings (City Parks Alliance)

Observed park design and behaviors in 174 neighborhood parks in 25 cities over a 2-year period

Findings:

1) Programming – 48% increase in park use, 37% increase in physical activity

2) Design – Parks with walking loops had 80% more users, twice as many seniors, 90% higher moderate to vigorous physical activity. For every playground element, use increases by 50%

3) Marketing and Outreach – banners, posters, signs, social media – increase by 62% in park users, 63% in physical activity

Indoor Recreation Facilities/GymsPrivate Asylum Fitness – 280

Wilbraham Street Yoga & fitness classes,

personal training, online fitness classes

Crossfit Ardor – 1007 Church Street Fitness classes, weights

Oxygen Power Yoga

Lords of Discipline Conditioning, fitness classes

Senior Center

Palmer SchoolsPathfinder School

Options for Winter Recreation

Indoor Private Gyms Public buildings – shared use agreement to use school gyms after

hours

Outdoor Snowshoe & ski trails Paths or walking loops that are cleared of snow and sanded for ice Fire pits with benches Skating rinks or ponds cleared of snow

Next Steps

Contact Becky Basch at bbasch@pvpc.org to send comments, get updates or participate in review of the draft Health Addendum

DRAFT Health Addendum – Will be available for review on the Town Website (est. March 2021)

mailto:bbasch@pvpc.org

Participant Interaction

Participant Interaction

Key Outcomes• Define Palmer’s GOALS• Define ACTIONS for realizing

these goals

• Enhance the protection and preservation of sensitive natural resource areas that contribute to the health and well-being of the community, as well as offer critical habitat to wildlife and provide important ecological functions.

• Capitalize on the Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge and Assabet River by encouraging the respectful use of these important natural resources for community enjoyment as well as to promote the Town as an eco-tourism destination.

• Maintain and improve the accessibility and connectivity of open spaces and recreational areas within and surrounding the Town.

EXAMPLES FROM OTHER MASTER PLANS

Participant Interaction

Key Outcomes• Define Palmer’s GOALS• Define ACTIONS for realizing

these goals

EXAMPLES FROM OTHER MASTER PLANS

• Identify priority parcels that contain sensitive natural resources, adjoin existing open space and scenic resource areas, or function as wildlife corridors for Community Preservation Committee action.

• Encourage conservation practices by private landowners utilizing various incentive programs such as Conservation Restriction, Agricultural Preservation, or Chapter 61 programs.

• Centralize information on the Town’s open space and recreational resources for easy public access.

• Develop and periodically review a public park maintenance and improvements program.

• Explore regionalization opportunities for recreation programs.

Participant Input – Natural ResourcesJohn Sasur - 50-100 shade trees have been cut down - what is the plan the maintain, replace? Trees are important for the health of people - aesthetic value, reduction of noise, reduction in air pollution. Streets look bare. Economically it enhances property.

Angela - Working to pursue Tree City USA status, missing an updated ordinance. A goal was to hire a qualified by the state tree warden (recent hire). Declaration by town council. Did have one arbor day celebration - conservation commission. Apply to the program next December. Once you have that status, it opens up more grants - e.g., have your own nursey.

GML - Towns conduct tree inventories, have a database to develop strategic planting plans. Community access to information.

Linda Leduc - A private entity who is proposing to remove trees, require them to submit a remediation plan - onsite or elsewhere in town replacement.

Participant Input – Natural ResourcesRobert Haveles - Echos John S.'s comment. Trees also support energy conservation. Infrastructure issues. Quaboag River - create a recreation land in the location of the DPW. Impaired status a limitation.

Angela - Quaboag impaired for ecoli and fecal coliform. The area at the DPW tests higher than allowed for boating/recreation. Main objectives of MS4 permit is to decrease the TMDLs of ecoli and fecal coliform. Updating infrastructure in Depot Village would support improvement. Potential of illicit discharges - need to trace/solve these problems.

Linda Leduc - Depot Village - more denser areas - is within the water supply protection district. A more important reason to look at updating that infrastructure - zoning in place, but this oversees new development - what about existing? Kings Brook protection area - have done measures to protect: transfer of development rights ordinance - could be sent down to centers, denser development in the centers; solar ordinance does not allow development in this area.

Tmpike (Tina Pike) - Forest Lake area - state protected - undergoing changes, dept. fish game/wildlife - awarding demolition of abandoned buildings - beginning next month. Once demo is completed, planning design for public fishing and access improvements. Design and permitting phase - 12-18 months. Requires local state support. Lots of use - ice fishing. Concern for exceeding use capacity of the lake - idea of a public use short, percentage of residential preferred parking spaces.

Participant Input – Open Space and RecreationJohn Sasur - Emphasis on rail trails - typically connect adjoining towns, but people like loops. The Town should look at accessible properties that could create these loops.

Michael Swiatlowski (Bondsville) - Lives close to the proposed Mass Central Rail Trail. See it as a springboard to connect local trails - plenty of trails within the town. Involved with youth sports that utilize Burleigh Park - plug for updating and continuing to update the park.

Sean O'Donnell - Crossing of the Swift and Ware diffcult - 1.5 mile section of Central Mass Rail Trail could be completed without the need for bridge crossings from Griffin Street in Bondsville east to Emery Street.

Dave Golden - State is looking for comments from residents. Look for it on the MassDOT/MassTrails website

Bob Haveles - BB Chase Memorial Park/Shaw Street - had promise, did not get use. No irrigation, sand base - drains well (history of the high school) - would constantly dry out. Make this park viable once again. Recreational facilities - Converse Middle School (former) - many rooms here that could provide for indoor recreational uses, use for youth basketball program.

Participant Input – Open Space and RecreationNancy Roy - Land that owns borders the fish hatchery. Interested in how the state plans to utilize their holdings. Walking flat areas around the hatchery - open it open to the public to make walking trails.

Angela - Because it is owned by dept. fish/game - will not put trails on it - not compatible with hunting.

Angela - One of the main things that came up during the OSR (2014) was the CPA - tried mult. times and it failed - because it didn't have a grassroots community movement. Need CPA to fund rec/open space initiatives - provide matching funds for grants.

John Cipora - Previous meetings, Palmer might be envisioned as a regional model - e.g., newton mass the garden city - how can Palmer be a centerpiece - big picture? UMass has a school of landscape architecture - would they partner to center projects in Palmer - e.g., parks, trails. Isenberg School of Management - Grant writing assistance?

Robert Haveles - Worked on CPA-funded projects. CPA of Springfield is doing an online "how-to" of CPA. State has a coalition to promote/support CPA adoption.

Jack Alexander - It would be nice to see some better fishing access at Laviolette field. There is an area that people already use on the backside of the field where the willow tree was but getting down to it can be tricky. It would be very easy to make the access a lot better.

Participant Input – Additional InputLinda - Quabog has potential for a river walk. Only about 4-5 properties owners south of the rail line - area not developable - if the Town could look at these properties - basis for a good riverwalk - bridge street to where 181/s main street (about a mile).

Town will be updating its OSR this year - looking for volunteers to dive into the topic.

Dave Golden - CPA needs to be a joint effort - grassroots supported by the government. Education part needs to come through the government - phone blast, email, etc. Palmer is a river city - goldmine for tourism, but there is limited access - needs an action plan. Need to take advantage of these assets. 173 towns that have already passed this - resources available online.

Linda Leduc - Town is ready to support any campaign. Community involvement has been missing. More education also necessary.

Nancy Roy - Help at the high school level, a conservation club? Get the youth to support CPA adoption.

Next Steps

Project Schedule

Next Steps

Finalizing Baseline Conditions (February/March) Finalizing Goals and Actions (February/March) Public Survey #2 – Prioritizing Actions for Implementation (April) “Pulling It All Together” – Preparing the Plan (May) Presentation to the Planning Board/Town Council (June)

Adjourn

Notes on Virtual Participation This meeting is being broadcast live through M-PACT-TV (Channel 15) Questions and comments can be submitted during the event and after to:

Linda Leduc, Town Planner and Economic Development DirectorPhone: (413) 283-2605Email: lleduc@townofpalmer.com

A recording of the meeting will be posted to M-PACT-TV’s website – typically the following day after 1:00PM

Thank You!Linda Leduc, Town Planner and Economic Development DirectorLleduc@townofpalmer.com - 413.283.2605

Geoffrey Morrison-Logan, Principal-in-ChargeGLogan@VHB.com - 617.607.6134

Donny Goris-Kolb, Project ManagerDGoris-Kolb@vhb.com - 617.607.2140

www.palmermasterplan.com

Slide Number 1Slide Number 2Slide Number 3AgendaSlide Number 5What is a Master Plan? Palmer Master Plan Draft Vision StatementPalmer Master Plan Draft Vision StatementSlide Number 9Slide Number 10Slide Number 11Slide Number 12Slide Number 13Slide Number 14Slide Number 15Public Survey #1 - ResultsNatural Resources – Inventory SummarySlide Number 18Natural Resources – BioMap2Natural Resources – BioMap2 (Continued)Natural Resources – Rare SpeciesEnvironmental ChallengesEnvironmental Challenges (Cont.)Nature-Based Solutions – Vulnerability ReductionSlide Number 25Public Survey #1 - ResultsPublic Survey #1 - ResultsPublic Survey #1 - ResultsPublic Survey #1 - ResultsSlide Number 30Open Space and Recreation – Open Space/ProtectionOpen Space and Recreation – Chapter 61 ProgramsOpen Space and Recreation – Open Space/PurposeOpen Space and Recreation – Facilities and ProgramsBaseline Conditions: Regional ContextBaseline Conditions: Regional ContextSlide Number 37Health Benefits of Natural Resources, Parks and Open Space2019 Park Access ProjectEndelson PlaygroundPark Access Project - % of Population by AgeSlide Number 42Slide Number 43Slide Number 44What Draws People to Parks?Slide Number 46Indoor Recreation Facilities/GymsOptions for Winter RecreationNext StepsSlide Number 50Slide Number 51Slide Number 52Participant Input – Natural ResourcesParticipant Input – Natural ResourcesParticipant Input – Open Space and RecreationParticipant Input – Open Space and RecreationParticipant Input – Additional InputSlide Number 58Project ScheduleNext StepsSlide Number 61Slide Number 62Thank You!��Linda Leduc, Town Planner and Economic Development Director�Lleduc@townofpalmer.com - 413.283.2605��Geoffrey Morrison-Logan, Principal-in-Charge�GLogan@VHB.com - 617.607.6134 ��Donny Goris-Kolb, Project Manager�DGoris-Kolb@vhb.com - 617.607.2140