Linking Landscape and Community: A Vision for Pittsfield’s Conservation Lands “What a country chooses to save is what a country chooses to say about itself.” - Mollie Beattie (Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1993-1996)
Corrin Meise-Munns & Miranda Feldmann March 4, 2016 | pittsfield2016@csld.edu
Project Overview Barkerville
Brattlebrook
Client: Pittsfield Conservation Commission Study Area: Four largest conservation parcels in Pittsfield, MA Client Criteria: Enhance access and passive recreational use Draw more people to the conservation areas Be a teaching model for ecologically sustainable management practices Offer budget conscious recommendations with high impact
Tierney
Wild Acres
Why Now? Pittsfield: post-industrial city in an era of economic & environmental revitalization Crossroads of the Berkshires Largest city in Berkshire County ~25% drop in population 1960’s - 2000’s General Electric: major employer & polluter
Pittsfield City limits
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“Successful communities no longer solely focus on creating a friendly business climate....[T]hey must devote some of their resources to creating the kind of environment that innovative people find interesting.” - Pittsfield Master Plan
West St
Elm St Williams St
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Railroads Study parcels
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Presentation Outline How can strategic preservation and management of conservation land make Pittsfield a more desirable place to live, work, and visit?
1) What do we have? Existing conditions 2) What do we want? Community feedback 3) How do we get there? Recommendations
What do we have? / A City in the Country
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Urban core surrounded by natural resources ~40 square miles in size Permanently protected open space ~20% of Pittsfield (includes public, private, municipal and state owned)
Stat e Fo res
Pitts
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As a city in the country, proper planning is necessary to maintain Pittsfield’s open space and to connect that space to natural resources in the surrounding region.
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October Mountain 0 0.5 1 2 3 State Forest
Miles 4
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River or Stream Pond or Lake
River or Stream
Open Space
0 0.5 1
Conservation; Recreation; Recreation and Conservation
Conservation and/or Recreation Historical/Cultural
Open Space Protected in Perpetuity
0 0.5 1
Pond or Lake
Agriculture
Water Supply
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0 0.25 0.5
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Miles 2
Agriculture Legend Legend Historical/Cultural; Scenic (Official Designation Only)
RiverSupply or Stream Water
River or Stream
2
2 3
3 Miles 4
Miles 4
Taconic Crest Trail Appalachian Trail
What do we Have? / Watershed & Drainage
Located at confluence of Housatonic River Water drains from all sites to the Housatonic River Conservation areas act as sponges, absorbing and cleaning water before it enters the river
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iver Housatonic R
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Sou d n a l s I ng
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Conservation area management practices affect the health of the river system downstream.
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Miles 1.6
Miles 1.6 0 0.2 0.4
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City Conservation Areas Under Study
Drainage Sub Basins
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West Branch Housatonic Sub Basin
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East Branch Housatonic Sub Basin0
0.2 0.4
Legend
City Conservation Areas Under Study City Conservation Areas Under Study
Drainage Sub Basins Drainage Sub Basins
West Branch Housatonic Sub Basin West Branch Housatonic Sub Basin East Branch Housatonic Sub Basin East Branch Housatonic Sub Basin
0.8
1.2
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Miles 1.6
What do we have? / Ecoregion
Ecoregion: areas in which geography and ecosystems are generally similar All 4 sites part of Marble Valley ecoregion Supports, rich, moist forestland with alkaline soil rare in New England Potential to harbor species otherwise rare in the region
The parcels are situated in a unique ecosystem setting that makes their habitat of regional interest.
Legend Legend Taconic Mtns. Marble/Berk/Hoos/Hous Valleys Berk. Highlands/S. Green Mtns.
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City Conservation Areas Under Study 0
12.5
25
50
75
Miles 100
Ecoregion Berkshire Highlands/Southern Green Mountains Taconic Mountains
Legend Western New England Marble Valley
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iver Housatonic R
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Miles 1.6
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What do we have? / Species of Concern
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37% of Pittsfield’s land area is designated as being critical to species of concern 89% of critical areas are aquatic >50% of each conservation area is identified as being critical to species of concern All species of concern across 4 parcels rely on aquatic features for part or all of lifecycle
Onota
Successful conservation area management plans will need to address water quality as part of stewardship to species of concern.
Legend River or Stream
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0 0.25 0.5
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1.5
Miles 2
Pond or Lake Wetland Core Habitat for Species of Concern Open Space Protected in Perpetuity Conservation Areas of Interest
Source: BioMap2 Legend
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River or Stream River or Stream Pond or Lake Pond or Lake Wetland Wetland
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0 0.25 0.5 0 0.25 0.5 1
1
1.5
Miles Miles 1.5 2 2
What do we have? / Ecological Connectivity
Connectivity provides space for wildlife movement and adaptation Corridors exist through waterways and connected wetlands; public and privately owned protected and developed open space Gaps exist in city center, eastern boundary Changing land cover, parcel fragmentation, and development a challenge
“A major vision is a network of open space that rings the city...it provides corridors for wildlife, protects biodiversity, and maintains the health of rivers and lakes.” -Pittsfield Master Plan
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Connectivity between conservation parcels is key for ecological health.
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Miles 2
Pond or Lake Perennial Stream Conservation Areas of Interest Open Space Protected in Perpetuity
Hydrological and Terrestrial Connectivity Between Open Space
Land Cover Early Successional Herbaceous Emergent Herbaceuous Wetlands Forested Areas (Including Woody Wetlands) Agricultural Open Space
Existing Corridors
Hydrological Connections Terrestrial Connections
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Miles 2
What do we have? / Human Connectivity
Car-centric city Major roads act as barriers for pedestrians Study parcel visitors live close or drive
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“Enhance the walkability of the community as whole.” “Provide opportunities, resources, accessibility, and quality facilities for both recreation and conservation areas to all citizens.” -Pittsfield Master Plan
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Conservation areas are not equally accessible to all of Pittsfield’s citizens.
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Public entrance to conservation area
Existing Human Connectivity 0
0.5
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2
Miles
Tierney Conservation Area
60 acres: 43% wetlands (19% wooded); 60% canopy cover Historically drained as a wheat field; reverted to wetlands Southern boundary along railroad track; private property on all other sides Informal trail from entrance Attractions: visible beaver activity, waterfowl watching, views of the wetlands
Tierney’s management plan will need to focus on protecting its wetlands and stewarding its various woodland communities.
10,000’
Public Entrance
Mixed Forest
Trail
Open Water
Deciduous Forest
Firm Boundary
Scrub/Shrub
Coniferous Forest
Shrub Swamp
Herbaceous Wetland
Porous Boundary
Tierney Conservation Area / Challenges
Top Challenges: Unmarked entrance: uninviting and anonymity breeds misuse Misuse: dumping, partying, illegal hunting Abutters’ property management affects site Informal trails lead to ecological disturbance Tierney’s management plan will need to define appropriate use within its fragile ecology.
Unmarked entrance
Illicit fire pit
Aggressive ornamental Pachysandra
Barkerville Conservation Area
Historical Mill
74 acres: 6% wooded wetlands; 89% canopy cover; >2 mi Housatonic River frontage Site of 1.5 ac electric substation; WMECO maintains easement over gravel road access point Attractions: wildlife activity, hunting, historical wool mill foundation, river frontage
WMEC O Roa
d
Barkerville has access historical features and the Housatonic River.
WMECO G
ate
10,000’
Public Entrance
Point of Interest
Road
Scrub/Shrub
Deciduous Forest
Firm Boundary
Shrub Swamp
Coniferous Forest
Porous Boundary
Mixed Forest
Herbaceous Wetland
Barkerville Conservation Area / Challenges
Top Challenges: Contamination from petroleum spills and coal ash Misuse: ATVs, illegal dumping WMECO substation
Historic Mill
WME
With contaminated sites and the presence of an electric substation, a management plan for Barkerville will need to focus on highlighting its character as an area of historical and ecological value.
Coal ash
Litter and dumping
CO R oad
WMECO G
ate
WMECO substation
Wild Acres
112.5 acres: 44% wetlands (26% wooded); 60% canopy cover Long history of human use: visitor programming and amenities Forested entrance and popular dam-impounded ponds Attractions: 2 mi of trails; stocked fishing pond and fishing derby; wildlife pond; observation tower; heron rookery
Wild Acres offers a variety recreational opportunities and gathering spaces.
Public Entrance Scrub/Shrub Shrub Swamp Deciduous Forest Herbaceous Wetland Shallow Marsh Meadow or Fen Open Water Road Firm Boundary Porous Boundary Trail
10,000’
Wild Acres / Challenges
Top Challenges: Being “loved to death” Cost of ongoing maintenance for dams and vandalized facilities Emerald ash borer Wild Acres’ management plan will need to consider how to balance human activity and ecological health.
Pet cemetery
Vandalism
Brattlebrook Farm
258 acres: 64% wetlands (54% wooded); 55% canopy cover, and 23% herbaceous Edge habitat between fields, wetlands, and forest Historically a dairy farm; some acreage still in hay. Public access via Longview Terrace Ext Attractions: Goodrich Pond, mature American elm, waterfowl and bird watching, edge habitat, hobby groups
Brattlebrook Farm is prized for its field/meadow and edge habitat, which is otherwise underrepresented in the four conservation parcels under study.
11,500’
Public Entrance Open Water
Deciduous Forest
Road
Shrub Swamp
Coniferous Forest
Firm Boundary
Mixed Forest
Herbaceous Wetland
Porous Boundary
Brattlebrook Farm / Challenges
Top Challenges: Dispute over dirt road bisecting property (traffic speed, dust) PCB contamination of Goodrich Pond Misuse by visitors and abutters: illicit partying, backyard encroachment Lack of clear vision for use (i.e. playing fields) Brattlebrook Farm’s management plan will need to balance uses of a dense residential neighborhood with conservation values.
Illegal fires and backyard extension
Longview Terrace Extension
What do we want? / Community Values “My family moved to Pittsfield because of the abundance of public green space both in the surrounding area and, most importantly, in Pittsfield itself.”
How the Community Values Pittsfield Conservation Areas
Natural Setting
“They provide easily accessible wild spaces.” “Wild Acres is a nice walk especially with my dog, I use it most every morning.”
Community Resource
“Unspoiled beauty. Peacefulness.”
The community wants to maintain and enhance these assets.
Assets
Easy to Access
Ecological Values
Recreation
Peace & Quiet
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10
20
30
Percent of Respondents
40
50
60
What do we want? / Community Suggestions Community Recommendations to Improve Conservation Areas
“Get rid of invasive species, do better at keeping out destructive practices like vandalism and 4 wheeler driving.”
Restriction & Enforcement
“More outreach that they exist, insuring that all can use them, people with disabilities.”
Maintenance
“Better public awareness and access.” Public Awareness
“No athletic fields.” Areas of Improvement
The community wants defined rules and up to date information on the conservation parcels.
Safety Allow other Activities Access More Land Other
0
10
20
30
Percent of Respondents
40
50
What do we want? / Opportunities for Improvement Patterns across all four sites: Active
Recreation & Unguided Use Active uses (ATV use, organized sports) and informal trails damage fragile ecology
Contamination Issues
& Illegal Dumping Ecology and human health may be impacted by historical industrial waste Illegal dumping compromises aesthetic and ecological integrity of Access Permeable borders and unmonitored entrances encourage misuse Location of parcels and public entrances limit access People with disabilities cannot access most conservation areas
ATV Use
Contamination
Illegal fires
Littering & Dumping
Vandalism
How do we get there? / Criteria for Recommendations
Client Criteria: Enhance access and passive recreational use Draw more people to the conservation areas Be a teaching model for ecological management practices Offer budget conscious recommendations with high impact
Recommendations:
Community Feedback
3) Promote educational opportunities.
Input from the Master Plan
4) Prioritize communication.
Site Analysis
5) Make partnerships part of the culture of conservation.
1) Increase opportunities for ecological and human connectivity. 2) Clarify intended uses at each site.
How do we get there? / Broad Recommendations
#1 Increase opportunities for ecological and human connectivity. Identify areas with tactical importance to linking established open space Identify areas that feature habitat that is underrepresented in existing conservation areas or of local concern Determine links for multi-modal transportation expansion Ensure points of interest in conservation areas are accessible to visitors of all ability levels Next steps: Identify locations of priority acquisitions for future conservation land Determine criteria for funding and implementation of ADA accessible path to the fishing pond at Wild Acres
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How do we get there? / Broad Recommendations
#2 Clarify intended uses at each site. Identify unique characteristics of the site and from that, develop the proper pattern of use. Next steps: Develop alternatives along gradient of interventions Tierney:
Wild Acres:
Wetlands are a key, yet fragile, feature.
A beloved gathering place with facilities to host groups.
Incorporate a floating boardwalk to increase human access while limiting impact from use and development.
Concentrate areas of heaviest use to minimize ecological impact while maximizing recreation.
Barkerville:
Brattlebrook Farm:
Historical use and river frontage were key elements in acquisition.
Meadow and edge habitats are priorities.
Site trails to maximize views of river and mill features, while avoiding WMECO substation.
Prioritize meadow management over access. Phase out active recreational uses.
How do we get there? / Broad Recommendations
#3 Promote educational opportunities. Provide ecological interpretation of the landscape Provide interpretive signs communicating management choices and values Encourage environmental programming Next steps: Identify opportunities and management practices of educational value Environmental education at Wild Acres
Example of an interpretive sign
How do we get there? / Broad Recommendations #4 Prioritize communication. Ensure that each conservation parcel has consistent and cohesive signage Indicate the name and status of the property Post rules and accepted uses Post contact information to report misuse or unsafe conditions Clearly communicate potentially hazardous areas Communicate with abutters on how their management practices affect the conservation area Next steps: Design and install appropriate signage across all conservation areas Perform appropriate environmental contamination assessments to quantify potential hazards
Graphic sign at Quabbin, labeling encouraged uses before prohibited uses
Sign at Brattlebrook Farm, labeling prohibited uses
Sign at Barkerville, announcing arrival
How do we get there? / Broad Recommendations
#5 Make partnerships part of the culture of conservation. Identify local, state, and federal partners to help make it a reality Next steps: Continue identifying local organizations for viable, useful partnerships in conservation area management
A City in the Country
“What a country chooses to save is what a country chooses to say about itself.” - Mollie Beattie (Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1993-1996) “Successful communities no longer solely focus on creating a friendly business climate....[T]hey must devote some of their resources to creating the kind of environment that innovative people find interesting.” - Pittsfield Master Plan
Thank You
Recommendations: 1) Increase opportunities for ecological and human connectivity 2) Clarify intended uses at each site 3) Promote educational opportunities 4) Prioritize communication 5) Make partnerships part of the culture of conservation
Miranda Feldmann and Corrin Meise-Munns Contact us: pittsfield2016@csld.edu